Daily Thought for Thursday, December 1st

December 1, 2011 

Spiritual Bravery

Today’s Thought:

“It takes vision and courage to create – it takes faith and courage to prove.” – Owen D. Young

Today’s Quote:

“True courage [bravery] is like a kite; a contrary wind raises it higher.” – J. Petit-Senn

Today’s Question:

“What would life be if we had no courage [bravery] to attempt anything?” – Vincent Van Gogh

Today’s Bible Verses:          Matthew 10:28, Luke 12:4-7 & 2 Chronicles 19:11

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him. Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

…Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Bravery and faith bring both material and spiritual rewards.” – Preston Bradley

Most women are willing to admit they are afraid of a few things like snakes and spiders: but the majority of men are not.

Yet when it comes to matters or things of a spiritual nature, by in large women are braver than men, though men are not readily willing to admit that, for the most part.

However, when it comes to our spiritual lives, there is nothing we need to be afraid of, unless you consider the ‘fear of the lord’ which is more akin to respect and awe, rather than shaking and trembling.

We need to all, as Christians be brave, bold and uninhibited about sharing our faith.

We need to be willing to live for God regardless of whether we are alone or with a group of fellow believers.

It is not enough to come to church on Sunday and sing and lift our hands and then do nothing more the rest of the week that demonstrates our faith.

Remember if we deny Him before men, He will deny us before His Father.

Bravery isn’t always easy, but it is like anything you work at: the more you do it the easier it gets.

And when all is said and done, isn’t fear, just the by-product of a weakness in our faith?

Be brave and be bold and let the world know whom you love, whom you stand for and what you believe in.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I see my fears that keep me from being brave as what they are: weaknesses in my faith; and then may I allow you to grow my faith so that I can be a brave and faithful servant to you.

“The test of courage [bravery] comes when we are in the minority.”

- Ralph W. Sockman

Daily Thought for Wednesday, November 30th

November 30, 2011 

Where Would You Like To Go

Today’s Thought:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you wind up somewhere else.” – Yogi Berra

Today’s Quote:

“A journey is like a marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” – John Steinbeck

Today’s Question:

“Do you know where you’re going to: Do you like the things that life is showing you: Where are you going to: Do you know?” – Gerry Goffin & Michael Masser (lyrics from ‘Theme from Mahogany’)

Today’s Bible Verses:          Matthew 7:13, Matthew 18:2-3 & Matthew 7:20-21

Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to

destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“This world is not my home I’m just a passing through….” – Albert E. Brumley (lyrics from ‘This World Is Not My Home’)

“This is my temporary home, it’s not where I belong: Windows and room that I’m passing through:  This is just a stop, on the way to where I’m going: I’m not afraid because I know, this is my temporary home.” – Zac Maloy, Luke Laird & Carrie Underwood (lyrics from ‘Temporary Home’)

Earth is no ones final destination.  When our life on earth ends, we each will arrive at our eternal home: it will be one of two places: either heaven or hell.

Hell is a place where the fire is never quenched and there will be perpetual torment, weeping and wailing.  On the other hand, Heaven, will be a place of beauty, peace and perfection.

When you think about it in those terms it would seem so logical where most would want to go: yet there is only one way to get there and sadly to many people aren’t willing to accept the terms and conditions necessary to ensure them a place there.

The only way to get to Heaven is to acknowledge and admit that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.  Then you must believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins and you must genuinely, and truthfully repent and ask Him to forgive your sins and come into your heart and be your Savior.  If you do this it will become obvious to all who know you there has been a change in your life.  For scripture says “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – The Bible (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 And if for some reason, you choose Hell as your final destination, you need not do anything you’re already on your way.

So where do you want to go?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, thank you that some day soon and very soon, I will be coming to see the King and will join you for all eternity in my Heavenly home, because the blood of your Son Jesus, has washed me white as snow.  Thank you!

“Remember wherever you go, there you are.”

- Earl  MacRauch

Daily Thought for Tuesday, November 29th

November 29, 2011 

Can I Have Some More, Please

Today’s Thought:

“If there is nothing left to desire, there is everything to fear.” – Baltasar Gracian

Today’s Quote:

“To much of a good thing can be wonderful.” – Mae West

Today’s Question:

When considering spiritual desires in our life; would it not be apropos to say; “Quality is not an act: It is a habit?” - Aristotle

Today’s Bible Verses:          Matthew 5:6 & 1 Peter 2:1-3

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Heaven always favors good desires.” – Cervantes

To desire is to ‘wish for with earnestness, according to Webster’s Dictionary.

When it comes to the things of God and spiritual virtues we should always be desirous of receiving another portion or a little bit more.   Personally, I don’t think is it possible to get too much of God.

The Christian Band, Petra had a song out many years ago that expresses what should be the desires of all of our hearts.

“Sometimes I feel I'm pulled in so many wrong directions
Sometimes I feel the world seducing my affections
It's not that I don't know the way
It's just a heart that's prone to stray
But with my weaknesses admitted
You will keep all that I've committed
So I commit my heart to You
My First Love
First Love - First Love
My soul longs after You
First Love - First Love
I want my heart to stay so true
Because You first loved me
Jesus You will always be
You will always be
My First Love
It's taken me some time to try to comprehend
A love that doesn't change - a love without an end
A love that keeps forgiving
A love of sacrifice and giving
I delight myself in You
My First Love” - John Elefante & Robert Harman (lyrics from ‘First Love’)

David said, “I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight.” – The Bible (Psalms 119:174)

May this be our desire too that we are always willing to come to the Lord and of His wisdom, love, power, word, anointing and presence in our lives, be willing to say, may I have a little more, please.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may my desire always be for more of you.

“On the brink of being satisfied, desire can still appear.”

- Jean Rostand

Daily Thought for Monday, November 28th

November 28, 2011 

What’s For Dinner

Today’s Thought:

“You become what you think.  You are what you eat.” – Barbara Cartland

Today’s Quote:

“A man may esteem himself happy when that which is his food is also his medicine.” – Henry David Thoreau

Today’s Question:

Is there any feeling more satisfying than to find oneself full from a meal of ones favorite foods?

Today’s Bible Verses:          Matthew 4:1-4, 1 Corinthians 10:31 & Psalms 34:8

Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.  And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“No man can be wise on an empty stomach.” – George Eliot

Least any of you might be thinking I have taken total leave of my senses, though some might not give it a second thought, my focus today on eating is not so much from the perspective of satisfying our natural hungers: but rather our spiritual.

If you read the quotes for today from a spiritual mind-set, they can have a different meaning.

Jesus said, “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” – The Bible (John 6:35)

As Christians we need to desire the meat of God’s word; we need to feast upon the bread of heaven; we need to quench our thirsts at the springs of His living water.

Mark Twain said, “Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out on the inside.”   From a spiritual point of view this can hold some real truth for us.  We need to consume what we like: and if we are truly committed to God we should like those tings that pertain to Him.  This will then enable our hearts and spirits to have the spiritual strength and nutrients needed to successfully fight the spiritual battles of this world that occur daily in our life.

So what’s for dinner at your house today?  It may be spaghetti and meatballs, meatloaf or even tacos for the body: but as you know I’m asking about what are you going to feed your spirit?

To grow strong in the Lord and in the power of His might you must eat right (read and meditate upon His Word): get plenty of exercise (prayer, praise and fellowship) and you must be committed to sticking to a sound spiritual dietary plan.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, you provide all I need to be well nourished and strong: may I be faithful to avail myself of them.

“A hungry man is not a free man.”

- Adlai Stevenson

Daily Thought for Friday, November 25th

November 25, 2011 

Don’t Stop

Today’s Thought:

“Cease not to give thanks...” – The Bible (from Ephesians 1:16)

Today’s Quote:

“The universal line of distinction between the strong and the weak is that one persists, the other hesitates, falters, trifles, and at last collapses.” – Edwin Percy Whipple

Today’s Question:

If something is good, right and worth doing; isn’t it worth doing again and again?

Today’s Bible Verses:          Hebrews 13:15, Ephesians 5:20 & 1 Thessalonians 2:13

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,…

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Paralyze resistance with persistence.” – Woody Hayes

Thanksgiving Day 2011 is now a fond memory.

However, the intent of Thanksgiving Day originally, way back with the pilgrims was a day set aside to celebrate and be thankful for what they had come through and where it had brought them.

As Christians every day should be a day of celebrating with thanksgiving where God has brought us from and what has been accomplished in our lives because of Him.

Don’t stop giving thanks just because the holiday is past.

Don’t stop celebrating His greatness until the next special holiday rolls around.

Don’t stop doing what works and obeying His instructions just because the set aside day for such things has past.

Every day that we wake up is a day that the Lord has given us to be thankful, to praise in songs and hymns: to worship in living a life of submission and service and to be about The Father’s business.

Just because the holiday is gone, don’t let the reason behind the holiday every die.

Every day is a day filled with reasons to give thanks and to bless His Holy Name.

“Don’t stop believin’

Hold on to that feelin’…”

– Neal Schon, Steve Perry & Jonathan Cain (lyrics from ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, Thank you again and again, over and over and may I continue to thank you even when I stand before you face to face.

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to sop me;”

- Ayn Rand

Daily Thought for Thursday, November 24th Happy Thanksgiving

November 24, 2011 (Happy Thanksgiving)

‘Thanks’ Is Such A Simple Word

Today’s Thought:

“If the only prayer you say in your whole life is ‘Thank You’, then make sure you say it often.” – Meister Eckhart

Today’s Quote:

“He who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness.” – Anonymous

Today’s Question:

Do you have your list of things to be thankful for?  If you are having trouble thinking of something; here is one that is sure to work for you.  “There’s one thing for which you should be deeply grateful: Only you and God have all the facts about you.” – Anonymous

Today’s Bible Verses:          Psalms 105:1-3, Psalms 107:1-2 & 2 Corinthians 9:15

O Give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.  Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the Lord.

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,

Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gifts.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.” – The Bible (Psalms 136:1-3)

“Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Give thanks to the Holy One.

Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His son.”  - Henry Smith (lyrics from ‘Give Thanks’)

“Some thank the Lord for friends and home,
For mercies sure and sweet;
But I would praise Him for His grace
In prayer I would repeat:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul,
Thank you, Lord, for making me whole;
Thank you, Lord, for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free.” – Mr. & Mrs. Seth Sykes (lyrics from ‘Thank You Lord’)

And for all those who give to the Lord in service I say thanks.

“Thank you for giving to the Lord.

I am a life that was changed

Thank you for giving to the Lord

I am so glad you gave.” – Ray Boltz (lyrics from ‘Thank You’)

‘Thanks’ is such a simple word; only one syllable long and so easy to say: may we never cease to say it to each other and to the Lord.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, Thanks!

“We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come;”

- The Bible (from Revelation 11:17)

Daily Thought for Wednesday, November 23rd

November 23, 2011

Having Gratitude In Abundance

Today’s Thought:

“Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy.” – Jacques Maritain

Today’s Quote:

“Gratitude is the heart’s memory.” – A French Proverb

Today’s Question:

Would you agree with this statement: “I would rather be able to appreciate things I can not have than to have things I am not able to appreciate?” – Elbert Hubbard

Today’s Bible Verses:          Psalms 100:4, Philippians 4:6 & 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“A thankful heart is the parent of all virtues.” – Cicero

Back in the day, when manners were taught before you could walk: it was customary for children to always say please and thank you.   It seems somewhere along the way this tradition has diminished greatly.

I’ve heard so many parents state that their children don’t seem to appreciate what they have or what is done for them: and at these times I wonder if God must feel the same way about His children.

How often do we stop and say thank you to Him?

Many a fine church folk have abandoned the blessing at mealtime and if they don’t give thanks then I wonder how frequently do they give thanks at other times.

When you consider what we deserve in relationship to what God actually gives us: we should be in a perpetual state of thankfulness.

Do you remember the last thing you actually said thank you to God for?

And since that time how many other blessings has He bestowed on you?

We look to God for an abundance of mercy; an abundance of grace; an abundance of forgiveness and we are always looking for an abundance of blessings.  But are we equally abundant with our expressions of appreciation, gratitude and thanksgiving?

Today’s Prayer:

Father may I have a perpetual attitude of gratitude and never fail to say thanks for all that you are and do.

“Gratitude is the sign of noble souls.”

- Aesop

Daily Thought for Tuesday, November 22md

November 22, 2011

Count Your Blessings

Today’s Thought:

Often blessings are like raindrops they: they fall from Heaven in quantities to great to be counted.

Today’s Quote:

“Count your blessings, name them one by one, Count your blessings, see what God hath done!” – Johnson Oatman, Jr. (lyrics from ‘Count Your Blessings’)

Today’s Question:

How often do you think you receive a blessing and you’re not even aware of it?

Today’s Bible Verses:          Matthew 5:3-12 & James 1:12

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“A thankful person is thankful under all circumstances.” – Baha’u’llah

When we think of blessings; generally we think of good things that have happened.  As Christians we think of the good things God has done for us, like sending His Son Jesus to die in our place, forgiving our sins, meeting our needs.  But we often forget to count the blessings that are ours in hard times and in the trials of life.

Do we count among our list of blessings the persecutions, the tests, the trials, the burdens that we carry?  Often we do not, but we should.

If we could but recognize the blessings in what we consider bad times – we might find it easier to endure, persevere and overcome.

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” - Johnson Oatman, Jr. (lyrics from ‘Count Your Blessings’)

In truth, as Christians, our blessings are so numerous it would boggle the mind if we tried to count them: so then let us be thankful in all things.

“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee:  The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.” - The Bible (Numbers 6:24-26)

Today’s Prayer:

Father, in the morning, in the evening, whether awake or asleep, whether in abundance or abasement; I am blessed.  Thank you for your blessings!

“And so Tiny Tim observed, ‘God Bless us Every One!”

- Charles Dickens

Daily Thought for Monday November 21st

November 21, 2011

Overcoming Apathy 

Today’s Thought:

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke

Today’s Quote:

“Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.” – Aldous Huxley

Today’s Question:

Is there any redeeming quality to being apathetic?  According to someone there is: “One good thing about apathy is you don’t have to exert yourself to show you’re sincere about it.”  – Anonymous

Today’s Bible Verses:          2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Peter 1:2-8 & 2 Peter 3:14

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“We shall have to repent in this generation not so much for the evil deeds of the wicked people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” – Martin Luther King

Apathy is not only prevalent in our society but it creeps up and down the halls of our churches and synagogues as well.

Apathy was well defined by Jack Kerouac when he wrote, “I don’t know.  I don’t care.  And it doesn’t make any difference.”  Simply put apathy is akin to indifference – and sadly when it comes to the will and workings of God to many Christians are indifferent.

It is easier to just move along from week to week and live in a little comfort zone of spiritual encouragement and uplifting sermons rather than to seek God and to be challenged by His word.  Scripture warns us that this will happen; “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” – The Bible (2 Timothy 4:3-4)

Being apathetic to God’s word, His will and His plans for our lives is a sin which some church folks don’t even seem to be aware they are committing.  What we need to be is diligent, rather than apathetic.

We need to be faithful to seek God’s presence; to hunger for His word; to thirst after His righteousness; and to actively serve and work for Him each and every day.

An apathetic attitude should be avoided for it will leave us dry and empty.  But a mindset of diligence will allow our spiritual cup to be filled to overflowing and will equip and enable us to do great things for God’s Kingdom.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, keep me from apathy and guide me towards diligence.

“To try maybe to die, but not to care is never to be born.”

- William Redfield

Daily Thought for Friday, November 18th

November 18, 2011

Live Worthy of Your Name 

Today’s Thought:

“Our names are labels, printed clearly on the bottled essence of our past.” – Logan Pearsall Smith

Today’s Quote:

“I would rather make my name than inherit it!” – William Thackeray

Today’s Question:

Have you ever heard the Roman saying, “Nomen est omen?” It means, “In name is destiny.”  – A Roman Saying

Today’s Bible Verses:          Revelation 2:17, Revelation 3:5 & Revelations 3:11-12

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.

Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“For every man there is something in the vocabulary that would stick to him like a second skin.” – Ambrose Bierce

William Shakespeare’s asked; “What is in a name?”

Names and labels may mean different things to different people.  Many of us have affectionate nicknames for our children or spouses based on characteristics or traits that may stand out to us.  Sometimes our friends at different stages of our life have nicknames by which they call us.  And of course we all have our given names, which, for the most part, our parents pondered over for months in choosing for one particular reason or another.  Often our names refer to our position and place in the lives of others; such as mother, farther, brother, etc.  And depending on that given relationship the meaning of that name can be different to varied individuals.   Then of course there are those names we are called that we will not talk about here.

But spiritually speaking, there is really only one name worthy, as a Christian, for us to aspire to live up to; and that is the name we are given by God.  His name, as we become adopted by blood through Christ Jesus and become heirs and joint heirs in His eternal Kingdom.

While I may attempt to live up to names given me by family or peers, the only name that will matter when I stand before God, face to face, is the one by which He calls me.

I don’t’ know about you but that is one name I would love to live worthy of.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to live worthily of the honor that having your name on my life brings.

“It ain’t what they call you, it’s what you answer to.”

- W, C. Fields

Daily Thought for Thursday, November 17th

November 17, 2011

Be Genuinely Real 

Today’s Thought:

“It may not always be pretty, but I’m content trying to be myself as much as possible.” – Mo Williams

Today’s Quote:

“You can succeed if nobody else believes it, but you will never succeed if you don’t believe in yourself.” – William J. H. Boetcker

Today’s Question:

“Do you know what you are?  You are what you is.  You are what you am.  A cow don’t make ham.”  – Frank Zappa

Today’s Bible Verses:          Psalms 139:13-17, Jeremiah 29:11-12 & Psalms 40:4-5

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.  My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.  Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“The struggle to listen to and respect our own intuitive inner promptings is the greatest challenge of all.” – Herb Goldberg

Far to many of us take William Shakespeare’s adage that states: “All the world is a stage and we are just actors on it:” way too literally.

We often spend so much time and energy trying to be whom we think the people we are with want us to be that we fail to become the treasure that God created us to be.

As Christians our objective in life is not to please men, but rather to please God.

God created each of us to be unique and special and He has a special plan for every one of us.  How sad, that we often miss becoming the real man or woman of God that He desires us to be because we are too busy being the person we think others think we should be.

If we would stop pretending to be what we aren’t and started allowing the Spirit of God within us to develop us into the masterpiece God has in mind for us we would realize that we are priceless genuine real works of art, wrought by the Master’s hand.

So are you currently a cheap knock off of the original you could be or are you getting closer to the genuine original God desires you to be?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, it is not the approval of others I should want, but rather your approval that I need.  Help me to become the real genuine masterpiece that will bring the greatest glory and honor to you.

“How you react to people and situations – is the best indicator of how deeply you know yourself.”

- Eckhart Tolle

Daily Thought for Wednesday, November 16th

November 16, 2011

Be Responsible

Today’s Thought:

“Responsibility is the price of greatness.” – Winston Churchill

Today’s Quote:

“I believe that every right implies a responsibility; every opportunity, an obligation; every possession, a duty.” – John D. Rockefeller

Today’s Question:

Would you agree that more often than not; “Responsibilities gravitate to the person who can shoulder them?” – Elbert Hubbard

Today’s Bible Verses:                    Luke 12:36-48

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken; The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.  But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“The great developer is responsibility.” – Louis D. Brandeis

By in large, society today is not big on embracing responsibility.  It seems the current trend in moral consciousness, at least from a secular perspective, is to blame something or someone else for why we act in a certain way, or why do the things we do.

However, this is not God’s way.

God is a staunch supporter of the concept of being held responsible.  Remember it is God who said, “The wages of sin is death…” - The Bible (Romans 6:23)   Yet His grace and love  allows for pardon for those who acknowledge and accept their sinful state and their need for a savior: “…but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – The Bible (Romans 6:23)

And for the Christian we need to bare in mind: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” – The Bible (Hebrews 9:27)

God expects His children to accept responsibility for the choices we make and He will call us into account for what we did and didn’t do.

So how then, can we strive to ensure that we are behaving in a responsible manner, so as to have a good account for which to give answer when we stand before Him?

As a Christian to be responsible it to:

“See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.  Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.  Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” – The Bible (1 Thessalonians 5:15-22)

The good news is this, or maybe it is not as good news as we would like it to be; but nonetheless, we will only have to answer to God for ourselves as will each of our brothers and sisters in the faith.  We may have to answer for how we treat each other but we won’t be held accountable for each individuals choices; only our own.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, being held accountable and accepting responsibility is not always pleasant but I know it is needful: so help me to submit to your searching of my heart each day and help me to embrace my responsibility for my deeds and be willing to change them wherever you show me I should.

“The buck stops here.”

- Harry S. Truman

Daily Thought for Tuesday, November 15th

November 15, 2011

Be Charitable

Today’s Thought:

“I don’t want you to give me your surplus.  I want you to give with personal deprivation.” – Mother Teresa

Today’s Quote:

“The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.” – J. S. Buckminster

Today’s Question:

When contemplating charity have you ever considered this; “He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything?” – Samuel Johnson

Today’s Bible Verses:         Proverbs 19:17, Acts 20:35  & 2 Peter 1:5-7

He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord;…

I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled.” – Victor Hugo

Most of us consider being charitable as being willing to give something to someone in need.

Often our acts of charity are not much more than an act of conscious soothing with minimal sacrifice or inconvenience on our part.  But as Christians this should not be so.

Charity is more than giving a shirt, a coat, a ride to an appointment or even a meal – charity from a spiritual perspective is the giving of love.

The word ‘charity’ often stands in for the word ‘love’ in scriptures.  For example: “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” – The Bible (1 Corinthians 13:13)

True charity is the giving of a part of our self, which often can require a sacrifice.

Consider the greatest benefactor of charitable kindness the next time you are in a situation when charity is called for.  Remember Jesus?  He gave His life and faces separation from His Father, so that He could bare our sins and offered himself as our supreme sacrifice.

In light of such a grand gesture of charity on His part – is any charitable act we perform not only warranted – but also inasmuch as we are to emulate Him – is it not needful, necessary and reasonable?

Today’s Prayer:

Father, help me to be a more giving person, not only of things; but also of myself.

“With malice toward none; with charity for all.”

- Abraham Lincoln

Daily Thought for Monday, November 14th

November 14, 2011

Be Courageous

Today’s Thought:

“The greatest form of courage is to act as if our lives made a difference.” – William Sullivan

Today’s Quote:

“Courage doesn’t always roar.  Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” – Mary Anne Radnacher

Today’s Question:

Have you ever stopped to consider that; “It is curious – curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare?” – Mark Twain

Today’s Bible Verses:         Proverbs 18:14, Proverbs 28:1  & 1 Corinthians 16:13-14

The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  Let all your things be done with charity.

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

“Perfect courage means doing unwitnessed what we would be capable of with the world looking on.” – La Rochefoucauld

What does it mean to be courageous?

Webster’s Dictionary defines it as; “having or exhibiting courage, bravery or daring in mind, heart and or spirit.”

And Webster defines courage as: “The attitude or response of facing and dealing with anything recognized as dangerous, difficult, or painful, instead of withdrawing from it.”

In a sense it is like being fearless.  As Christians we know we are not given a spirit of fear and we know if God is for us then there is really no one who can be against us.

Courage and courageousness are often required of us as we seek to serve the Lord.  For many times we face spiritual forces that would crush us if it were not for God.  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” – The Bible (Ephesians 6:12)

And often we walk through valleys with shadows and it may not seem clear to our minds eye what step to take next or what we should be doing; that is why we must be lead by God’s Spirit.  Remember, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – The Bible (Romans 8:37)

We, as Christians must remember we can do all things through Christ – and in Him we can dare to be courageous.

Today’s Prayer:

Father, may I be daring enough to be bold and courageous regardless of what I face: not because of my strength or power, but because of yours within me.

“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear – not absences of fear.”

- Mark Twain