Unwilling to Work

Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat."
2 Thessalonians 3:10

With so much going on in our lives today, the "unwillingness to work" doesn't appear applicable. If anything, we work way too much. However, being busy versus working on God's plan for you are two very different things. Are you willing to work on God's plan for you? There's more to His plan than just paying the bills. If you strive to work hard using the special talents He gave you, your work will be more effortless and purposeful.

Torn into Two

Then Jesus uttered another loud cry and breathed his last. And the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn in Two, from top to bottom.
Mark 15:37-38

A great way to think of Jesus is that He is a bridge. God on one side of the river and humans are on the other. Because God is so perfect, He can't stand the sight of sin. Therefore, He was unapproachable without bringing a sacrifice to cover the sins. When Jesus came, He took the place of the sacrifice. Because the curtain was separated in two after Jesus's death, we are now able to freely approach God using the bridge. Use this gift often and speak to God.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which book begins with: After the death of Saul, David returned... 
A. 1 Chronicles 
B. 1 Kings 
C. 2 Samuel 
D. Ezra 

Trust The Lord

They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
Psalm 112:7

Sometimes, your head is able to trust God but your heart gets in the way. You know God loves you and has an awesome plan for you, but still your heart isn't peaceful about it. We even try to control situations in life and we don't leave room for God to step in or we don't allow our hearts to step out in faith. If we are busy planning a failsafe, how will we ever notice God at work? Are you able to see the hand of God in your life because you have left room for Him to work?

Make Disciples of All

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19

Have you ever been a part of teaching someone about Jesus Christ? When you open someone's eyes to the message of Jesus dying on the cross for our sins, it is a momentous occasion. Just think how this person's life will be changed. Picture it now, the potential for all they can accomplish and the growth they will encounter through God. Impacting a life makes a mark on eternity. Are you making a difference?

I Could Boast

If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3

Sometimes on paper we can do all of the right things and appear to be righteous. However, this verse talks about taking the correct actions and still be incorrect because your heart is in the wrong place. The golden rule of loving others is key. Take a minute to thoroughly examine your motives. Are you motivated out of love or self-gain?

Today's Bible Trivia

As a _____ returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his folly. 
A. Cat 
B. Dog 
C. Lion 
D. Leopard 

Tough Decisions

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.
James 4:17

There are many tough decisions that we make everyday. A lot of times we simply weigh the pros and cons. However, the problem with that approach is the beneficiary is you. Shifting your thinking away from "how can I benefit?" will allow you to invite God into the choices you make. Remember, a good decision today that benefits others but cost you something will bring peace to you now with long-term benefits.

Crown of Glory

Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.
Proverbs 16:31

Do not be discouraged by your gray hair even when you are surrounded by a culture that values youth. Take pride in your years and refuse to be ashamed of your age. You have much to offer those around you, bestowing others with your wisdom. Stop plucking and dying your gray hairs! They are a gift from God, a crown of glory.

Today's Bible Trivia

Pride leads to disgrace, but with ______ comes wisdom. 
A. Humility 
B. Honor 
C. Common sense 
D. Mercy 

Pay Back

See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
1 Thessalonians 5:15

When we get offended our first reaction is to return the offense and exact punishment. As a believer in Christ, we know better than to lash out in anger and return the hurt, although we do it in other ways. Don't allow yourself to get sidetracked by focusing on payment for the offense; God will handle that. After all, there's more important work to be done, such as showing them God's love.

Remain in Me

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
John 15:4

In this passage Jesus is represented by the vine. He says, if you stay close to Him you will receive His nourishment to allow you to produce fruit. How can you remain in Him? Gather some friends on a regular basis and talk about your spiritual walk. Mentor some youth so when they come to you with questions, you rely on the Bible. Seek out and serve in your local food pantry. Above all, be spiritually fruitful!

Today's Bible Trivia

Who of the following was personally baptized by Paul? 
A. Aeneas 
B. Gaius 
C. Madai 
D. Shelah 

Lost Its Flavor

"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless."
Matthew 5:13

Salt is used as a preservative to keep food fresh longer. Once it loses its usefulness the salt will get tossed out with yesterday's trash. It's difficult to imagine how salt loses its saltiness but in the context of a Christian, it's easy to see how a Christian loses their flavor. When Christians try to blend in with the world we give away the essence of a Christian. Let's do our best to keep our flavor!

A Good Thing

And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life - this is indeed a gift from God.
Ecclesiastes 5:19

Isn't it true how fortunate we would be if we were happy with the blessings God has given us? Rather, we spend much of our time thinking about the newest car we want or count down the days until our contract ends to get a new cell phone. Be happy with the blessings you have received from God and enjoy it.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which Babylonian king ordered three men to be thrown into a fire? 
A. Hezekiah 
B. Asa 
C. Nebuchadnezzar 
D. Ahab 

There is a Season

For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Sometime's bad things happen to good people. But how do you make peace with this thought, especially when you are fighting back anger, hurt, betrayal, or loneliness? It's important to realize God has perfect timing, even when we can't understand it. Without placing your faith in His timing, you leave room for resentment, despair, and rebellion. When you can't see the work God is doing through tragedy, remain faithful in knowing God's timing is perfect.

Today's Bible Trivia

Where was Sarah buried? 
A. Hebron 
B. Moreh 
C. Siddim Valley 
D. Dan 

What are you dying for?

And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.
Revelation 12:11

What a powerful statement, to not be afraid of dying because you do not place a greater emphasis on your life over your faith. Everyone is dying for something, money, busyness, success, control, etc. However, the key question we need to ask ourselves is what are we dying for?

The Brokenhearted

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 34:18

Are you missing someone who is very dear to your heart? The pain may be very deep and even unbearable. And while you may think that no one can truly understand your pain, there is one. Relinquish your sadness to God, even if it's just for a moment and you will feel comforted. Remember, God loves you and will never give up on you.

Lukewarm...

"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!"
Revelation 3:15-16

What does it look like to be on fire for Christ? Does God see your faith as hot or cold, or worse, lukewarm? Are you thinking of ways you can impact God's kingdom? Is your day filled with busyness or is it filled with purposefulness? Maybe it's time to infuse some passion today.

Fruits of Labour

And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.
Ecclesiastes 3:13

Where are you putting your time? Each one of us decides where we want to use our time. Are you making the most of your time to something that really counts? Everyone of us gets 24 hours in a day, no more, no less. Are you waking up bursting to get out the door and make a difference? It's important to recognize the gifts God has blessed us with.

Today's Bible Trivia

King Jeroboam set up altars for Israel in which cities? 
A. Dan, Bethel 
B. Hebron, Bethlehem 
C. Galilee, Canaan 
D. Jerusalem, Horeb 

Beyond Your Imagination

"Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
Deuteronomy 31:8

The ups and downs in life bring beauty in unforeseen ways. There are life events that batter us down. However, your faith can determine the outcome. It's easy to stay beaten in a lonely place by focusing on yourself as a victim. Or, you can overcome this and recover by placing your faith in God. Even more, you can come out a better person and excel beyond your imagination. Remember, God has the power to make things we can't see appear. It just takes a little faith.

A Good Reputation

Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.
Hebrews 11:2

What do your neighbors say about you? Are you viewed as a person whose word is as good as gold? How valuable is your handshake? It is important to note a direct result of being faithful to God is the gift of a good reputation. When you are faithful to God it correlates that you are faithful to other people as well. Be careful though, it's easy to take pride in your reputation.

Iron Sharpens Iron

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.
Proverbs 27:17

God created us to be relational, not isolated. For some of us, our stubbornness or hubris can hurt us by making decisions in our own little world. But receiving Godly advice from a mentor could change the course of your life. Who is your mentor? If you don't know, actively take steps to seek someone out.

Today's Bible Trivia

Where were the followers of Christ first called Christians? 
A. Ephesus 
B. Corinth 
C. Antioch 
D. Babylon 

Settle Your Differences

"When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison."
Matthew 5:25

Pride can seep into a relationship when disagreements occur. The longer you sit and stew over your disagreement, the harder it is to reconcile. Pretty soon, days, weeks, and years pass by and you become accustomed to the way things have become in the relationship. Every passing moment without reconciliation makes it that much harder to turn around and say you are sorry. Don't let your pride get the better side of you. Make it a practice to hurry and settle your differences quickly.

Seek to Understand

Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Proverbs 18:2

Opinions are as numerous as raindrops in a hurricane. They shower down on you from out of the sky and are offered up for anyone to hear. Often times though, opinions are too quickly spoken and rarely does the person offering their viewpoint seek to the heart of the matter. It would be wise to follow this piece of advice, seek to understand.

Meeting Together

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:25

It's easy to get carried away with busy schedules and slip away from going to church. After all, there are only two days in the weekend. But don't let yourself forget the importance of church. Where will you go and who will you turn to in hard times? If you are already established in the church, you will find lots of support.

Today's Bible Trivia

Who was the wisest man in the Old Testament? 
A. Saul 
B. David 
C. Abraham 
D. Solomon 

Not Now...

So Peninnah would taunt Hannah and make fun of her because the Lord had kept her from having children.
1 Samuel 1:6

God's answer of "not now" to Hannah's prayers was difficult to bear while enduring the cutting, taunting words. God's timing may appear to be disconnected from your circumstances, but in hindsight His timing is timely. Weather through the storm, God will give you the strength. If you know of a fellow Christian going through such times, come alongside them and help lift them up.

Stay Calm

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm.
Exodus 14:14

When you find yourself full of despair and hopelessness, look to God. When everyone around you says it can't be done, it's not worth your energy, or you have too much to lose; Do not allow your obstacle to appear larger than what God can handle. Remember God is greater than the obstacle at hand. Have faith in Him and He will fight the battle for you.

Today's Bible Trivia

What kind of catastrophe does Joseph save Egypt from? 
A. Famine 
B. Flooding 
C. Invasion 
D. Plague 

Give Justice

"Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute."
Psalm 82:3

It is not enough to pray for God to send someone to rescue the oppressed when you are very capable. What if God has already chosen you and He's waiting on you to decide if you want to help? What if your impact could prevent even more people from being taken advantage of? Wouldn't that be a remarkable legacy if you could make a difference, even if it was only one person's life?

To Please Him

So whether we are here in this body or away from this body, our goal is to please him.
2 Corinthians 5:9

Whether we know it or not, our lives are moving in a direction. If we are not intentional about goals, achievements, or accomplishments, it is easy to get swept away in the business of life. It's important to remember the ultimate goal is to please God, which can be done through different avenues. What are you working towards in your life and is it pleasing to God?

Those Who Endure

We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy.
James 5:11

Sometimes a course in your life extends further than planned and leaves you with an empty tank. It can be exhausting even to the point of near tearful surrender. But remember what James says that you will be honored for your endurance. Keep on patiently enduring and remember to emphasize the treasures in life as those blessings will fill your empty tank.

Today's Bible Trivia

What book is this from: The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
A. John 
B. Hebrews 
C. Nehemiah 
D. Psalms 

Stronger than you think

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.
1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptations can range from seemingly harmless distractions to life threatening addictions and everything in between. Where does yours fit in? The irony is that this one thing that is so personal to you is a struggle for many others too. Remember that you are not alone in many ways. Trust in God and lean on Him for the strength to overcome them each day. Only He can make you stronger than you think.

Today's Bible Trivia

______ is made for mockers, and the backs of fools are made to be beaten. 
A. Revenge 
B. Punishment 
C. Trouble 
D. Gossip 

Know Everything

O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me.
Psalm 139:1

The Lord is very familiar with us and who we are. He knows our likes, disgraces, and even our triumphs. There's no use hiding from God. It's impossible to hide or deceive Him, He already knows our thoughts. Even if you are fearful of rejection, rest affirmed, He loves you too much. He still accepts you, no matter what you have buried deep in your heart.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which book is a set of love poems between a woman and a man? 
A. Revelation 
B. Psalm 
C. Song of Solomon 
D. Genesis 

Great Treasure

We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.
2 Corinthians 4:7

The light shining in our hearts is the news that Jesus Christ is our Lord. We are charged with the task of showing the world how Christ has changed us. However, when we show these great abilities over time, it is easy to get puffed up and think we are the ones who are responsible for the greatness. Rather, it is important to stay connected to God and always remember He is the ultimate source of power.

Today's Bible Trivia

Who was John the Baptist's mother? 
A. Mary 
B. Martha 
C. Abigail 
D. Elizabeth 

Eager to Control You

"You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master."
Genesis 4:7

In this verse God is warning Cain, the son of Adam and Eve, about the danger of sin. God characterized sin as something that can be tamed but with deliberate focus. Self-control is a muscle that needs to be exercised and with practice it gets easier and easier to do. What can you do to strengthen your self-control muscle?

The Lord made them both

The rich and poor have this in common: The Lord made them both.
Proverbs 22:2

This verse is very simple to understand. Essentially, everyone is created by God. But it is the application of this verse that is pivotal. The great divide between the have's and have not's is certainly not because God favors one person over the other. We should not discriminate or look down on one another because of a persons financial status. We are all made by God, in His image.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which book begins with: These are the words Moses spoke... 
A. Exodus 
B. Deuteronomy 
C. Genesis 
D. Numbers 

"Buy This Power"

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given when the apostles laid their hands on people, he offered them money to buy this power.
Acts 8:18

Poor Simon was too far from understanding the concept of faith. The Spirit lives within you through repentance of your sins and asking for forgiveness. Instead, Simon wanted to cut to the chase and receive the benefits of the power of the Holy Spirit. Today we do the same thing, attend church thinking it will make up for the time we didn't read our Bible or spend time with God. Stretch yourself beyond this type of thinking and reach for a relationship. Invest your time in God.

Everything you need

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

Do you have everything you need? Does what you need match up according to the Kingdom of God? Let God's Kingdom come in to your work, play, business, friendships, all areas of your life. Don't hold back. Align your life to be constantly seeking God and His Kingdom.

The Supreme Judge

You have seen the wrong they have done to me, Lord. Be my judge, and prove me right.
Lamentations 3:59

When someone treats us badly or takes what is rightfully ours, we want revenge. Often times we secretly hope bad things come their way. But is that really how we should react? Don't they still deserve our love? When we take charge and take revenge it's because we believe we can do a better job than God. Take heart in knowing God, the supreme judge, who reigns in Heaven also reigns on Earth.

Today's Bible Trivia

What does Immanuel mean? 
A. God is with us 
B. The Lord lives forever 
C. God is good 
D. Holy Spirit 

House on Sand

But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
Matthew 7:26

The Bible has a lot to say on how we should live our lives. If we know how we are supposed to live and disregard that knowledge it is foolish. As we build our lives, we should strive to build it on a solid foundation that will last forever, the Kingdom of God. What are you building your house on?

Today's Bible Trivia

Other than Jesus, who does the Bible say is the meekest man in the Bible? 
A. Elijah 
B. Methuselah 
C. John the Baptist 
D. Moses

Sing for Joy

I helped those without hope, and they blessed me. And I caused the widows' hearts to sing for joy.
Job 29:13

It's so easy to get consumed with our world and we often overlook other people. But we feel such encouragement when someone we admire takes an interest in us. Believe it or not, you are very powerful as well. You have the ability to make other peoples' hearts sing and flutter, especially to those without hope.

Hard Work

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5

What does your work ethic look like? Does your work ethic communicate the strength of your character? Do you ever hear anyone admit to having a bad work ethic? Those are some hard questions. But it is worthwhile in the end to grow and strengthen your character.

Punished for Sins

Then why should we, mere humans, complain when we are punished for our sins?
Lamentations 3:39

When we feel God is disciplining us we get angry and shake our fists at him. If you feel He has turned his back on you it is exactly the opposite. Because He loves you he wants to teach you. As parents we want our kids to learn the difference between right and wrong. How could our children say we don't love them because they receive discipline from us? Isn't that further from the truth?

Today's Bible Trivia

Those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like which animal? 
A. Owl 
B. Vulture 
C. Eagle 
D. Dove 

Will Not Fail You

No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.
Joshua 1:5

Think back to a time when an exciting, unbelievable event happened in your life. Then, put that event into context. What important events, conversations, or interactions happened to make the miracle possible? At first glance those precursors seem random, but in hindsight everything seemed to come together. That's the hand of God in your life. When you think He has abandoned you He is actually busy at work.

Trouble is Enough

So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.
Matthew 6:34

At the very root of worry is fear. Fear of the unknowns or what if's can erode away the security we find in God. Don't let this fear overtake you and allow the worry to creep in your thoughts. Place your confidence in Jesus that He will provide and comfort you. Then pray.

Today's Bible Trivia

Who brought a boy back to life by 'stretching himself' on the boy? 
A. Elijah 
B. Elisha 
C. Both 
D. Neither 

The Beauty of Rest

For all who have entered into God's rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world. So let us do our best to enter that rest. But if we disobey God, as the people of Israel did, we will fall.
Hebrews 4:10-11

Are you well rested? We can enter marathons of work, projects and even emotional hardships. You may feel invincible at times and take on more than your body can handle. But remember that God made us in His image and we should rest just like He did. Firmly set aside a day or two after any intense period of work to replenish yourself.

Today's Bible Trivia

What is the name of the city that priest-king Melchizedek ruled? 
A. Canaan 
B. Beersheba 
C. Salem 
D. Gerar 

God be Near

Do not stay so far from me, for trouble is near, and no one else can help me.
Psalm 22:11

When you know you are entering an intense period which challenges your strength, remember to invite your Heavenly Father to walk with you. Who better to walk with you? He is always there to listen, He will bring you blessings when they are most needed, and He has the power to change not only your attitude but others' as well.

Will Not Leave

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6

When you have children there is always an excess of people who want to advise you on how to raise them. The above verse is also a piece of advice as well. However, this is advice coming from God who created us and knows how we fit together. Why not accept advice from THE person who knows us the best and help them get familiar with God.

Today's Bible Trivia

Eve was tempted to eat forbiden fruit by which animal? 
A. Serpent 
B. Scorpion 
C. Bird 
D. Goat 

Wiser Than Elders

I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments.
Psalm 119:100

Think of someone who you believe to be wise. More often than not that person is older than you. With age comes wisdom, but that is not to say that wisdom only comes with age. When you are obedient to God and his teachings the Lord will bless you with insight. Have you noticed a growth of wisdom from walking with the Lord?

Think Differently

And don't grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death.
1 Corinthians 10:10

Complaining is contagious and can destroy the start of a beautiful day. As we return to work after a vacation, there's a tendency to complain when our mind has yet to accept our return back to work. It's an effortless state to be in; however, we have a choice to think differently. Honor God. Think positive. Maybe this feeling is a message for us to make some adjustments to bring passion and purpose back into your lives.

Too Hard

You say, 'It's too hard to serve the Lord,' and you turn up your noses at my commands," says the Lord of Heaven's Armies.
Malachi 1:13

Walking by faith in the Lord is not an easy path. It comes fraught with a journey of constantly recognizing we aren't perfect, seeking and maintaining peace around us, or even living with honor and integrity. But learning to grow and walk according to God's commands is part of a relationship with God. Don't turn up your nose, it's not too hard! Along the path you will be rewarded and blessed greatly. Are you regularly seeking to learn more of God's ways?

Today's Bible Trivia

What does Alpha and Omega refer to? 
A. Time 
B. Happiness 
C. Faith 
D. Christ 

To Care For

Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.
1 Timothy 5:3

Believe it or not, God has left instructions for us to take care of one another. One group of people we need to look out for are widows. We as the body of Christ need to extend ourselves to those who find themselves as widows. Anyone who protects and cares for widows will truly be blessed by God. Do you know of anyone God has placed in your life who is a widower for you to look after?

Today's Bible Trivia

Wearing sackcloth was a sign of what emotion? 

A. Grief 
B. Joy 
C. Envy 
D. Happiness 

In Trouble

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12

This verse is a helpful nugget of guidance to get us through dark times. As a believer in Christ we have hope and not just a random hope, but a confident hope. We can confidently believe in a time when hurt, pain, and sorrow will end. It's comforting to know amidst all of your despair and discouragement there is one thing you can be sure of which is that it will come to an end.

Today's Bible Trivia

What can separate us from the love of God according to Romans 8:39? 

A. Height 
B. Depth 
C. All of these 
D. None of these 

Gracious Gift

I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus.
Corinthians 1:4

It is such a joyful event when a friend or loved one accepts Jesus Christ into their lives. This is something we should celebrate and be thankful for. Because we love that person so much we want the best for them and walking in the light and love of God is a gift. While everyone may not accept this gift, it is our calling to share it.

Wisdom of Wise

Because of this, I will once again astound these hypocrites with amazing wonders. The wisdom of the wise will pass away, and the intelligence of the intelligent will disappear.
Isaiah 29:14

How heavily do you lean upon wisdom? Leaning on wisdom can be helpful but sometimes it can be harmful to our faith. Sure, it's logical to take out an insurance policy, but are you depending on that policy for security when trouble comes or are you looking to Christ to rescue you? Is the wise decision you're making today leading you to or away from God?

Today's Bible Trivia

In James it says the testing of your faith produces what? 
A. Patience 
B. Perseverance 
C. Endurance 
D. All of these 

Feeling, Tired

I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me.
Psalm 69:3

Do you ever feel tired? I mean tired of just trying so hard and yet just moving inches. Maybe you're trying to mend a relationship, advance your career, or just trying to gather yourself emotionally. Despite these valleys in your life, don't give up on hope. This hope is the purposefulness of your tribulations that God has planned to produce the most beautiful story about you. Be patient, strong and trust in Him. Do not give up.

Anything is Possible

"What do you mean, If I can?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes."
Mark 9:23

Some days can be a bit lackluster or uninspiring. If you're having too many of those days, maybe it's time to be inspired to do great things. It's possible if you believe. However, this belief is not in your capabilities but rather in God who can provide for you something far greater than what you're thinking now. Use your imagination then trust God!

Today's Bible Trivia

Who helped Paul regain his sight? 
A. Ananias 
B. Barnabas 
C. Timothy 
D. Peter 

Be Rooted

Don't team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?
2 Corinthians 6:14

It can be a challenge at times to work with unbelievers. Putting God first is a major paradigm shift that changes how many decisions are made. Because of this, it is very important to be strong and rooted so that you influence Godly ways onto others and not soak in the ways of an earthly mind. Remember to be a light to others by showing others how God always shines love and grace.

Naturing Relationships

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
Proverbs 17:17

It's almost expected for our friends to be loyal and our family to help but there is a precursor to this that we don't always think about. These relationships need to be nurtured. Have you reached out to a friend lately to offer some help or simply meet for lunch? Make an effort to engage in an activity together with a friend or family member. Building your relationships will not go unnoticed over time.

Today's Bible Trivia

Peter finds a coin in which animals mouth? 

A. Snake 
B. Crane 
C. Donkey 
D. Fish 

Considerate in all

Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.
Philippians 4:5

This verse isn't asking us to put on a show and make it obvious for everyone to see that we are considerate. Instead it is saying our consideration should be so well thought out it becomes obvious to the amount of thought involved. What does consideration look like? Anticipate others' needs, have empathy, tolerate personality differences, use basic manners or even being punctual. Focus on one area of consideration you can work on improving today.

Revelation 21:7

7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.

Hebrews 13:8

⁸Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.