Don't let go...

He Never Fails

John 10:27-30

[27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
[28] And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
[29] My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
[30] I and my Father are one.

Light Lamp

No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
Matthew 5:15

You have a light inside of yourself. You have the capability to spread light to many people. Do you hide your talents, gifts, and abilities? Put your light on a stand and let everyone benefit from the light you give off. You sure can make a difference in the world by lighting up for everyone else.

Righteous Man

The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.
Proverbs 20:7

Modeling integrity to your children provides a two-fold gift. They witness and learn how to live with integrity. In addition, they are blessed through your integrity because they don't suffer from the consequences of dishonor. What lasting gift are you giving to the next generation?

Evening Bible Trivia

Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus is the author and the perfecter of what? 
A. Our life 
B. Our faith 
C. Our love 
D. Our honor 

MY COMMAND

This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:17

Do you need to make amends with a friend? Take the time to express yourself and share your feelings. Once you've done this, then begin to work at building the relationship back. Be careful not to linger on the hurts. Be graceful and extend honor to the other person by giving them the benefit of the doubt. Care for your friend out of love.

SILVER COINS

However, we don't want to offend them, so go down to the lake and throw in a line. Open the mouth of the first fish you catch, and you will find a large silver coin. Take it and pay the tax for both of us.
Matthew 17:27

Would you be surprised to find a silver coin in a mouth of a fish? Well, these "silver coins" come to us in many forms each day. While we may work to earn it on earth by "throwing in a line", it is really a blessing from God to provide us with our daily bread. Let's live and work each day with passion and leave the "tax payment" worries to God.

Evening Bible Trivia

Why did Elimelech move his family to Moab? 
A. Marriage 
B. Famine 
C. Join family 
D. Fortune 

All Your Needs

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19

Do you look towards luck or superstition to have an impact on your circumstances? Don't you want more than a random chance of good fortune? God has a purpose in our lives and everything happens for a reason. It's always to draw your heart closer to Him. Work on uncrossing your fingers and instead say a prayer. There's more power in purpose than random chance!

Like A Mustard Seed

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed planted in a field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of garden plants; it grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches."
Matthew 13:31-32

Are you nurturing your seed of faith? Do you regularly water, weed, and fertilize it for optimum growth? Steady plotting of spending time reading, praying and praising God will result in a beautiful tree of faith. Pretty soon your strong faith will be attractive to all who surround you. Start today with putting 15 minutes of your focus on God.

Greater Blessings

Today's Bible Trivia

In Genesis, God cursed which animal more than any other wild animal? 
A. Scorpion 
B. Horse 
C. Serpent 
D. Cow 

Comfort Others

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:4

Do you have a personal ministry? A personal ministry will develop your faith as you minister to other people. If you do have a personal ministry, what is your goal you want to accomplish this year? If you don't have one, think about what calls to your heart. What if it is connecting with your neighbors to walk with them in their trials or perhaps it's showing love to an estranged family member? What do you want to focus on this year that will grow God's kingdom?

History

History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.
Ecclesiastes 1:9

When we gain meaning from anything apart from God we are never completely satisfied. It is only when we seek God that we are truly content in ourselves, our circumstances, and our relationships. While there may be nothing new under the sun, you certainly can count on a relationship with God that is refreshing and satisfying. What are you thankful for that God has been showing you lately?

Today's Bible Trivia

What miracle guided the wise men to Bethlehem? 
A. Full moon 
B. Cloud of smoke 
C. Bright star 
D. None of these 

Share Gifts

And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!"
Nehemiah 8:10

Have you ever thought about giving to others when you celebrate. Do you incorporate generosity into celebration? Isn't that a way to invite God into your celebration as well? The next time you get consumed with an event like throwing a party or Valentine's Day try to incorporate blessing those less fortunate as a way of honoring the celebration. 

One Who Shaped The Mountains

For the LORD is the one who shaped the mountains, stirs up the winds, and reveals his thoughts to mankind. He turns the light of dawn into darkness and treads on the heights of the earth. The LORD God of Heaven's Armies is his name!
Amos 4:13

If you haven't noticed lately, we are surrounded by beauty every day. From deep blue oceans to chipper birds full of songs, all of it was created by God for His glory. With all of the earth singing His praises, He still shares Himself with us and pursues us. Let's give glory to God for all of the blessings He bestowed on us.

Today's Bible Trivia

Apollos, Paul's friend, was a Christian preacher from which city? 
A. Alexandria 
B. Patmos 
C. Athens 
D. Corinth 

Bring Healing

Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
Proverbs 12:18

Whether you recognize it or not, you are not the only one walking around with hurts, scars and open wounds. If you are able to look beyond your hurts for a moment, you can then truly see how much power you have. You actually have the power to build someone up! As a result you will find healing in watching your powerful words become fuel for empowerment to the person you speak into.

Off Every Branch...

He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn't produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more.
John 15:2

Isn't it painful when God cuts off one of your branches? We begin to turn on the Pruner and develop anger towards Him. Would it help to know God did it because the branch wouldn't produce any fruit? Are there other areas that would be nice if God could have cut sooner before you put in blood, sweat, and tears? Like perhaps a failed business or a dead end job. Be encouraged to know He will stop you if it's not fruitful and He prunes to keep you working harder resulting in fruitfulness.

Such A Time As This

"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?"
Esther 4:14

God has given you influence, power, and authority for a reason. No matter if you are waiting tables, raising children, or leading an organization, God's given you authority, even if you don't recognize it. You can use your position for your benefit or you can declare it to God. He gave you your influence for a reason. Are you willing to give it back to Him? When a need presents itself today, look for ways you can fulfill the need using your power.

Today's Bible Trivia

Where is this in the Bible? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 
A. Matthew 5:3 
B. Proverbs 3:16 
C. Luke 6:18 
D. Acts 2:11 

Prayerful Church

Jus As Christ Has Accepted You

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Romans 15:7

Everyone is walking around seeking to be accepted and when it is found, that's where influence makes a real impact on their lives. Skin color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, intelligence, political beliefs, financial status, are often reasons why we refuse to reach out. Remember this, acceptance is not synonymous with approval, but we are called to love everyone. Does Jesus accept you even though you do things He doesn't approve of? Absolutely!!! So why would we expect others to change before we can accept them?

Accept Each Other

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.
Romans 15:7

When someone is different than you, a lot of times we avoid them because of their differences. What if their differences are something we disagree with? We should accept them anyway. Often, we confuse acceptance and approval but the two are not the same. Everyone wants to be accepted and if others don't feel that from us, how could we ever show them that Jesus Christ accepts them? Think of one person you know you will encounter today who is different from you and find ways to help them feel your acceptance of them.

Today's Bible Trivia

After Israel and Judah split, which capital city did Omri establish? 
A. Samaria 
B. Jerusalem 
C. Capernaum 
D. Bethsaida 

Six Days

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest.
Exodus 34:21

Even God Himself recognized the Sabbath when He created the earth. So too must we recognize the seventh day. This verse even includes seasons where the work is plentiful and demands more of our time. We should still be vigilant in honoring God whether it be tax season, Christmas season, or cleaning season.

Passed Him

A Jewish man was traveling on a trip from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by.
Luke 10:30-31

When you see someone in need, do you secretly pout and groan inside? Being a Christian we are responsible to help others. However, sometimes we turn the other way and cross to the other side of the road. A lot of times we just don't want to get involved, lose time, or hear a sob story. Be generous with your mercy.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which animal is not found in the Bible? 
A. Tiger 
B. Hawk 
C. Gnat 
D. Leech 

Like Dew

Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants.
Deuteronomy 32:2

When dew comes, it permeates everything and there's nothing it doesn't touch. Wouldn't it be neat if we allow God's words to do the same in our lives? If we allowed it to permeate all areas of our lives, where would you see God working in you? Maybe it's facing your fear of failure, reconnecting with your estranged brother, or treating your girlfriend with respect. In any case, invite God to shower you with His teachings and be courageous enough to take them to heart and make a change.