Evening Bible Trivia

Which woman divorced her husband, Philip, to marry king Herod? 
A. Deborah 
B. Jezebel 
C. Herodias 
D. Abigail 

Your Worries

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7

Pride can be a dangerous attribute because it holds you back from reaching out for help and admitting you need Him. God loves you and wants the best for you but He wants you to invite Him in by sharing what's on your mind. Are you having a hard time finding work, feeling the burden of caregiving for a loved one, or walking through a rough patch with your spouse? God wants you to put aside your pride and come to Him in prayer.

On A Cloud

Then everyone will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:27

Christ left us with a promise that one day He will come back with glory. While times may only get tougher we know a sweet, beautiful reward is being fulfilled. Because of these hard times we know we get closer to the return of the Lord. As you walk through today, remember the cloud is coming and everyone will see it too.

Today's Bible Trivia

Who was not a fellow missionary with Paul? 

A. Barabbas 
B. Timothy 
C. Silas 
D. John 

Hold Firmly

So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.
Hebrews 4:14

Through Christ's resurrection we are assured of our salvation from sin by His blood on the cross. He has entered heaven and by believing in Him we receive eternal life. We must cling to these truths and put our full weight on them as we walk through this life. What habits of faith do you hold firmly to?

Children Of God

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26

Is this a hall pass where we get to do whatever pleases us because of our faith in Christ? No way! But if you are feeling unworthy of God's love because of what you have done lately, take heart. God loves you still. This is just a reminder we can easily get out of balance between performing good works and believing those good works will make us right with God. Reflecting back, have you ever become out of balance between the two?

Afternoon Bible Trivia

How was Timothy related to Lois? 
A. Mother 
B. Grandmother 
C. Aunt 
D. Sister 

Through Faith

For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26

It's easy to get carried away thinking good works and acts of kindness will make us right with God. Sometimes we put so much faith in our our own abilities that we lose the need for God. However, the Bible is very clear we cannot do enough good deeds to enter heaven. Be comforted in knowing our faith in Jesus will cover us. Yet, even if we believe, it is still easy to slip into performance based thinking where we must accomplish X,Y, and Z in order for God to love us.

Your Favor

Send me a sign of your favor. Then those who hate me will be put to shame, for you, O LORD, help and comfort me.
Psalm 86:17

We all need signs from God every now and then to get through life. It's not just a sign for ourselves, but for other people to recognize. This, in turn, speaks to those who may not have a relationship with Him. When you turn to God for comfort in desperate times it strengthens your relationship with God. Remember, He cares.

Evening Bible Trivia

Which animal brought Elijah meat when he was hiding from King Ahab? 
A. Seagull 
B. Partridge 
C. Deer 
D. Raven 

Longing To Be Rich

But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
Timothy 6:9

Ask around and everyone will tell you they wish they had more money. But yet, more than likely, there is food on the table and clothes on their backs. We must be diligent in our thoughts to avoid longing to be rich. This greediness leaves us vulnerable to take risks that lead to ruin all for the sake of being rich. Seek out contentment in the Lord and you will receive many blessings.

TRAINING

"Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come."
1 Timothy 4:8

Do you have a regular exercise routine that you follow? We all know the benefits of strengthening our muscles, burning off fat, and building up our heart. Do you also have a regular faith routine you follow? The benefits of strengthening our faith are much greater than anything else because the effects are eternal. If you find yourself without a routine or have fallen out of schedule, start one. Pick out some reading plans in the Bible, write daily in a prayer journal, visit your local Christian bookstore. Whatever you choose, make sure you train for godliness.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which of these is not in the New Testament? 
A. Psalms 
B. Titus 
C. Acts 
D. John 

ACTS OF LOVE

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
Hebrews 10:24

Do you ever find yourself conversing with someone and you walk away very drained? While it's never fun to be in that situation, it is a good reminder to make sure our own words do not drain others.  How can we be uplifting in our words? Use encouragement, reveal your concern for the other person, or ask questions to encourage a two-sided conversation. Try this and you will find you have made a positive impact on someone's day. This positive impact will motivate them to be open to doing acts of love.

Not By Seeing

For we live by believing and not by seeing.
2 Corinthians 5:7

A wise man once said, when you step off the cliff in faith God will either give you wings to fly or catch you if you fall. As a believer, when we die we don't have anything to be fearful for because we will join the Lord in heaven. That's where faith steps in. In an act of good faith, God gave us the Holy Spirit for reassurance to His promise of heaven. As you go through today, enjoy the gift of life you've been given in a way that is pleasing to God by embracing and valuing your life.

Evening Bible Trivia

The prodigal son found work feeding what kind of animal? 
A. Pigs 
B. Goats 
C. Horses 
D. Sheep 

Not Only Your Own

Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
Philippians 2:4

What are you doing to raise up and grow the faiths of others? Are you investing back into the community of your church from which you receive much yourself? Be intentional about taking an interest in someone else's faith. Leverage the relationship with your children's friends to bring them to church. Mentor someone and help them grow to be a better person. Tap into your connections to help a friend find work. This week identify someone you want to reach out to, strategize how you can assist them, make an action plan, then follow through.

Tongue Depressor

And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.
James 3:6

While you can delete a tweet, spoken words are heard immediately and remembered forever. You may be in an awkward relationship at the moment because of this. Remember those tongue depressors at the doctor's office? It's difficult to talk and equally difficult to hear with one in your mouth. Before you speak discouraging or criticizing words, put a "tongue depressor" in your mouth and remember that God loves them.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which disciple was the first to die for his faith? 
A. James 
B. John 
C. Matthew 
D. Mark 

He Sustained Them

For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell!
Nehemiah 9:21

Do you feel like you are walking in the wilderness? Are you directionless and not feeling equipped to handle the journey? Reflect back on your life and recall times when God provided for you. There's always a pattern. God will give you exactly what you need at exactly the right time you need it. Remembering this truth will give you strength on your wilderness walk. If you feel exhausted, inadequate, or helpless today, look for God's sustenance. Sometimes it comes in the smallest way.

BOW TO...

So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel 3:7

Are you a people pleaser and is it more important to gain the acceptance of others at any cost? Could it be possible you would bow down because you were told to? These days we don't have gold statues for idols, but we do have corporate cultures, politics, and celebrities all demanding your worship. Pay attention to the pressure you feel and work on standing firm in God. A time will come when it's up to you to decide for yourself if you will bow down.

Today's Bible Trivia

What does the name Immanuel mean? 
A. God on Earth 
B. God is with us 
C. Son of God 
D. From above 

Not Slander & Avoid Quarreling

They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentle and show true humility to everyone.
Titus 3:2

When mistreated, do you speak badly about that person to others? How you portray that person gives great insight into your integrity. If you are willing to humble yourself to protect that person's image, that shows humility! This is truly a mark of integrity. After all, isn't it a reflection of ourselves in how we characterize others when walking in conflict? The next time a friend wrongs you, choose your words carefully when you speak about them.

WE BLOOM & DIE

Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
Psalm 103:15

You are growing into a beautiful blossom that God has lovingly planted and nurtured. Learn your strengths and use them to give glory to God. Use your blossom for God's purposes and leverage your beauty for His kingdom. After all, you were planted for a reason.

Evening Bible Trivia

How many offspring did Abraham have? 
A. 2 
B. 4 
C. 6 
D. 8 

TO RUIN

He [King Ahaz] offered sacrifices to the gods of Damascus who had defeated him, for he said, "Since these gods helped the kings of Aram, they will help me, too, if I sacrifice to them." But instead, they led to his ruin and the ruin of all Judah.
2 Chronicles 28:23

It's easy to look around and compare ourselves to others and desire the same thing others have. King Ahaz did the same thing in this passage and was quick to choose the greener grass on the other side. However, little did he know, following others would bring his downfall. God has an exciting plan for you, will you choose to follow it or get distracted today and chase after "greener" grass?

Evening Bible Trivia

Who did David spy sunbathing on a rooftop? 
A. Bathsheba 
B. Delilah 
C. Mary 
D. Esther 

You Will Have Peace

Submit to God, and you will have peace; then things will go well for you.
Job 22:21

Do you ever put your hopes into plans and goals? When things don't work out, you end up grieving over the death of a dream. God wants to give us the desires of our hearts, but we first need to turn them over to Him. Only after submitting to Him can He help you rebuild that dream. Then the fun begins!

Laziness...

As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.
Proverbs 26:14

Ouch! We're all guilty of hitting the snooze button and turning over. Of course, we take shortcuts in life. But do we ever filter through our behaviors pointing out traits of laziness? Are you cheating yourself out of God's best for you by taking an easy route?

Evening Bible Trivia

What is the Roman centurion's name who is described as fearing God? 
A. Pilate 
B. Claudius 
C. Cornelius 
D. Felix 

Seasoning

Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.
Mark 9:50

Have you watched the news lately? It's pretty scary out there! We could use more salt here on the earth. Salt is used to preserve foods from decaying. As believers, we can be salt by flavoring this world with peace and truly make a difference. Let's use peace to preserve the lives of many!

A Place of Quiet Rest

God has told his people, "Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest." But they would not listen.
Isaiah 28:12

It's important to take God's cue for rest. He is well aware of the journey ahead and it would be wise to heed His prompting. To some, it may mean paying closer attention to your body by caring for it. To others, it could be taking a day of rest from work. However it may look to you, be sure to rest when God picks out your spot to rest.

Endurance Is...

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.
Hebrews 10:36

How do you handle unsolicited criticism? Does your pride get hurt after you've done your best and still are scoffed at? How do you handle criticism from other Christians for doing the will of God? Yes, it's difficult. But you need to carry on with a patient endurance. This endurance you can surely draw from your faith to overcome any criticism.

Announce To Them

Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near.
Matthew 10:7

Do you serve as a reminder to others about the Kingdom of Heaven? It doesn't necessarily mean by word, but it can be done through action. The Kingdom of Heaven works differently than the earthly kingdom. Be a light for others through uncommon justice, love, and peace. We live in a temporal world and it is unwise to count on tomorrow to share this news. Since, for some, tomorrow may never come.

Evening Bible Trivia

What is the last word in the Bible? 
A. Forever 
B. Jesus Christ 
C. Risen 
D. Amen 

Peace, Joy and Love...

Stilled The Waves

He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves.
Psalm 107:29

Are the waves overcoming you? Never fear, for the Lord has the power to calm the storm to a mere whisper. All you need is to seek Him. If you are not dedicated in seeking His face regularly, set up safeguards. Get involved in a weekly Bible study, there you will learn and grow with other people who will keep you grounded. Read faith books or listen to worship music. Make a conscious effort to make time for the Lord. The most important thing is to seek the Lord to calm your storm.

The Brook Dried Up

But after a while the brook dried up, for there was no rainfall anywhere in the land.
1 Kings 17:7

God blesses us with provisions daily, whether we recognize them or not. Sometimes the provisions God gives us dry up. Maybe a car breaks down, a job is lost, or a tree falls on your house. The important thing to remember is to not panic. God will make a new way. This is not the time to question God's goodness because the brook dried up. It is the time to trust that God will show you His love for you by preparing a new source of provision.

Evening Bible Trivia

Who were the first two disciples Jesus called to follow him? 
A. Peter, Andrew 
B. Paul, Peter 
C. Matthew, Mark 
D. John, and Luke 

The Gardener

"I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener."
John 15:1

Don't we all occasionally feel like we've just had a good pruning? As a gardener, our heavenly Father will mold and shape us to be a beautiful masterpiece. At times it hurts. In the end we are fruitful because of His skillful hands. Stay open to the work God is doing in your life. In which area of your life would you like to be fruitful? Invite the gardener in.

Today's Bible Trivia

The Lord's victory over Sisera was credited to which woman? 
A. Jael 
B. Barak 
C. Dinah 
D. Eve 

Let's Settle This

"Come now, let's settle this," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool."
Isaiah 1:18

Everyone is walking around stained with sins. God has the power to settle it once and for all. No matter how hard we try to fix, ignore, or run away, He alone can wash away the red stains. What sins are you still holding onto? Ask God to cleanse you of your sins today. Then enjoy His grace.

Rise Up

Rise up! Help us! Ransom us because of your unfailing love.
(NLT) -Psalm 44:26

Is God answering your prayer today? We often pray for safety, recovery and blessings. Sometimes it appears that God is working on your prayers and sometimes you just want to scream "Rise up!" The truth is that God works in many ways and your way may not be His way. Whether the outcome is an apparent miracle or a cry for mercy, God's love is unfailing. Learn to trust in Him completely and you will understand the reason for the outcome.

Evening Bible Trivia

Who was the first woman to discover Jesus had risen? 
A. Delilah 
B. Mary Magdalene 
C. Martha 
D. Lydia 

Merely Listening

For merely listening to the law doesn't make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.
Romans 2:13

We can all sit in church and hear God's word. However, just listening to listen doesn't make a difference. It is the application into your life of the words you hear. Going to church is not about walking out and feeling good. It is about putting your knowledge into use. This is what makes us right in His eyes. How can you put into practice what God is teaching you lately?

Over The Edge

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.
James 1:19

Notice how the word "all" is used? No one is immune. It just takes the perfect storm for a personal situation to put you over the edge. Before you feel justified to say something damaging, remember this verse. And if you're on the receiving end, be "quick" to forgive and "slow" to resent.

Evening Bible Trivia

Which day of creation did God make man? 
A. Third Day 
B. Fifth Day 
C. Sixth Day 
D. Seventh Day

Your Heart

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.
Luke 6:45

Why do we disconnect our hearts from our mouths? In actuality, the words we say are a reflection of our heart. If your mind focuses on picky details, comparisons and judgments then, of course, your mouth will pour out words of criticism. But if you revere someone with honor and reverence then naturally, words of respect will follow. Try monitoring your words to get a glimpse into your heart.

Don't Envy

Don't envy violent people or copy their ways.
Proverbs 3:31

Have you ever had someone blow up at you for small reasons? Be cautious not to model after this behavior. Believe it or not, over time violence and short tempers begin to seep into our ways. We then carry forward this type of behavior even when we know it is unacceptable. Try to limit the influence of violence in your life.

Afternoon Bible Trivia

Which book begins with: After the death of Joshua... 

A. Judges 
B. 2 Chronicles 
C. 1 Kings 
D. 2 Samuel 

Shadow of Shame

Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
Psalm 34:5

Shadows of shame certainly do darken our face. There's nothing like shame that makes you want to hide. We all have things in our past where we are filled with regret. The power of God's grace can overcome anything we have done. We must first look to God and He will help give us radiant faces.

Remember your Creator

Ecclesiastes 12:1

1 Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,
before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say,
“I find no pleasure in them”—

New Strength

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles.  They will run and not grow weary.  They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Come one, come all, everyone who is tired. If you are exhausted and feel heavy like you've been hit by a truck, there is hope. You will once again soar. It is time to look to the Lord and trust Him to rejuvenate you. Give rest to your body and He will give you the endurance you need to continue.

Today's Bible Trivia

Daniel was thrown into a den of... 
A. Bears 
B. Tigers 
C. Lions 
D. Serpents 

Freed From My Fears

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4

Do you ever feel the weight of your burdens and fears pressing down on your shoulders? Do you carry it around all day with you? Turn your heart to God and pray to Him. Hand Him your stressful thoughts and worries, He will carry your burden for you. After you've prayed, stop worrying and release them. Your Heavenly Father will watch over you.

Small Successes

The master was full of praise. "Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!"
Matthew 25:21

We hear about many instant huge success stories, but don't be fooled. Almost always, they start out from one small success. The beauty of small is that it gives you the encouragement and one additional bit of experience to create the next small success. These successes build on top of one another and over time, gives you an advantage and skill set to do great things. Take the "small" that God has trusted you with and make it a success. Is there a big goal that you desire to tackle but just can't seem to start? Trust in God and take the first small step with a giant leap of faith.

Today's Bible Trivia

What animal carcass did Samson find honey inside? 
A. Bear 
B. Lion 
C. Gazelle 
D. Sheep 

Those He Loves

For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.
Hebrews 12:6

Do you feel like God is disciplining you? Take comfort and know that He is not attacking you. Your discipline is a result of His love for you. It will make you a better person and in hindsight the lesson will be valuable. Take each day as it comes and accept His love for you.

Folly and Shame

Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
Proverbs 18:13

Have you ever accused someone based upon limited knowledge? It's always embarrassing being set straight with the facts after you just revealed yourself to be a fool. Let's not forget that shameful feeling. Instead, let's use it as fuel to probe out the truth with an open heart instead of spouting off on half-based truth.

Today's Bible Trivia

Where was David's birthplace? 
A. Capernaum 
B. Bethlehem 
C. Nazareth 
D. Samaria 

A Fool Repeats His Foolishness

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.
Proverbs 26:11

Our body vomits when it rejects food. There are habits and behaviors that we form that are not healthy. Even after recognizing the unhealthiness, we still return to those behaviors. A faith with Christ requires us to continually renew and better ourselves. Are there any foolish behaviors you continue to return to even when you have already rejected it?

Evening Bible Trivia

Where was Elijah from? 
A. Meholah 
B. Gob 
C. Gath 
D. Tishbe 

Worldly Wealth

And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?
Luke 16:11

Yes, we are being interviewed. God has riches in heaven that need looking after, will He trust you with them? The best way to predict future behavior is to examine past experiences and project forward. Have you been wise in your handling of your wealth? If not, it's never too late to start.

Confessed Sin

If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.
Psalm 66:18

Have you confessed to God lately? Maybe it's important you confessed about your attitude and less important about your actions. Sin can sometimes be an action based on a false belief or attitude. Example: "I don't believe God will fulfill my need, therefore I must steal it from my sister." When we sin it creates a distance between us and God. Do you have any recurring sins that are because of a false belief?

Will you trust in God?

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, You Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."
Daniel 3:17-18

A lot of times we have our faith backwards. If God does XYZ, then I will believe. But these men had a powerful faith. Even if God didn't save them from death, they still stood their ground. Why must we have conditions met before we will stick our neck out for God? It comes down to trust. Will you still trust in God even if it appears God didn't come through?

Today's Bible Trivia

Which of Jacob's wives was his favorite? 
A. Rachel 
B. Leah 
C. Mary 
D. Sarah 

Stewardship

Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip.  He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone.
Matthew 25:14

Have you ever loaned out a tool, your car, or serving platter only to find the item broken, dented, or chipped when it was returned?  This is a reflection of the stewardship of the other person.  If you think about it, God has made us stewards too.  He blesses us with food, shelter, and even relationships.  One day we will have to account for the things God blessed us with.  Are you the person who will return an item in better condition than when you received it?

Compassionate and Merciful

The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
Psalm 103:8

The key to battling anger is fighting it away with unfailing love for others.  If you really love someone you will put yourself in the other persons shoes.  They too are a son or daughter of Christ and should be treated as such.  How long can you endure before you get angry? Challenge yourself to increase your tolerance for your anger.

Today's Bible Trivia

Onesimus, a slave, ran away from which city? 
A. Colosse 
B. Malta 
C. Philipi 
D. Rome 

Overflow With Thankfulness

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

Expectations, deserve. Beware of entitled thoughts. If you fall into the trap of thinking you deserve something, then how can you be grateful for what you have? Besides, aren't your much happier when you are blessed with something you weren't expecting? Falling into the pit of deserving thoughts does not lead to a path of happiness.  Let your "deserving" thoughts be replaced with rooted, "thankful" thoughts.

Shadowboxing

So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
1 Corinthians 9:26

Do you have a purpose in life? It's important to have a purpose you are working toward otherwise the busyness of life will overcome you. Does your vision honor God first, others second, and then yourself? If you find your self wandering, floating, or even getting by, remember that the Lord has a greater plan for you. Take the time today to seek out your purpose.

Today's Bible Trivia

Jesus prevented a woman from being stoned to death for doing what? 
A. Stealing 
B. Adultery 
C. Running away 
D. Cursing God 

Quietness and Confidence

And this righteousness will bring peace.  Yes, it will bring quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:17

There will be a day when the Lord will bring everlasting peace. Though that time hasn't come, yet, we can still have temporary peace. Call on the Holy Spirit to bring quietness to your soul. Take time to meditate on an uplifting scripture. Get some fresh air to ease your body. Be at rest with the Lord.

Love

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
1 Corinthians 13:7

The love Paul is referring to is different than puppy love or our favorite ice cream. This type of love is self-sacrificial, never ending, and unconditional. We are called to love prickly relatives, ostracized neighbors, and hurtful enemies in this way. This love for others defines and gives purpose to our lives on earth. How are you sharing your love with others?

Today's Bible Trivia

What did king Belshazzar see on the wall that frightened him? 
A. Painting 
B. Writing 
C. Angel 
D. Fire 

You Will Know The Truth

Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:31-32

A disciple is a student. We are constantly learning and growing as a disciple of Jesus. We must put into practice the knowledge we learn through our studies in the Bible and remain faithful. As we delve deeper, the truth of Jesus Christ will be revealed to us and in this truth we will gain freedom from sin. As sinners we are slaves to sin, but if we are dedicated disciples we can choose to overcome this slavery.

Warn Each Other

You must warn each other every day, while it is still "today," so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.
(NLT) -Hebrews 3:13

Have you ever seen anyone deceived by sin? It's easy to recognize from a distance, but it demonstrates just how vulnerable everyone is to deception. We talk ourselves into believing lies. Our hearts become hardened when we no longer care about respected opinions and shut out Godly influences. This is how a highly respected person can soon live a disgraceful life. Let's warn each other. And be wise enough to receive such warnings with openness.

Today's Bible Trivia

I can do everything through him who gives me _______. 
A. Bread 
B. Love 
C. Life 
D. Strength 

Much Talk

Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.
(NLT) -Proverbs 10:19

Over sharing too much information, failing to consider others' feelings, dominating the conversation, demanding tone, boasting about ourselves, etc. Oh how to count the ways our words can lead to sin! Solomon gives wise advice to anyone who closes their mouths long enough to listen. Be sensible, enough said.

With Endurance

...and let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1

We all get frustrated and lose our drive for perseverance which ultimately affects our race. How is it that we lose our endurance? It's when we take our eyes off of Christ and start focusing on our own circumstances that we begin to slow down. When it comes to running, the key to keeping up endurance is pacing yourself. Let's pace ourselves with Christ.

Today's Bible Trivia

Which city was Jesus crucified in? 
A. Nazareth 
B. Golgotha 
C. Shiloh 
D. Gethsemane

The Gift

But God gives to some the gift of marriage, and to others the gift of singleness.
(NLT) -1 Corinthians 7:7

Singleness is a gift. Marriage is a gift. Paul writes that both of these statuses are gifts. Don't buy into the cultural belief that you need to be married to be happy. Nor should you view marriage as a ball and chain. If you are dissatisfied with the gift God has given you, then ask God to change your view on your status. Whether you recognize it or not, you are blessed with a gift.

Green Meadows

He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.
Psalm 23:2

You are right, there is a lot of work to be done. However, it will always be there when you come back. Allow the Lord to guide you to rest. He has just the perfect little spot picked out for you, it's full of luscious green plants and is filled with tranquil noises. Take a break. You can't keep God waiting on you forever to lead you to peace. You will come to realize after a rest you will be more productive.

The Scriptures Say

As the Scriptures say, "No one is righteous - not even one."
Romans 3:10

Do you look around at others who may not be as faithful as you and get angry? Do you wonder how they could behave the way they do and hope God punishes them for what they deserve? After all, you've always gone to church. Unfortunately, that kind of thinking has a self-righteous tone when we compare ourselves to others. Don't get sucked into thinking that way because it will hold you captive to anger. Apart from Jesus, everyone is a sinner.

Today's Bible Trivia

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the ______. 
A. Mind 
B. Flesh 
C. Heart 
D. Body 

Teach Me

Teach me to do your will for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.
Psalm 143:10

Have you ever wondered what is God's will in your life? Don't you wish He would just send it in the mail to eliminate any confusion? It's worth pointing out that David didn't ask the same thing. Instead, he asks for God to teach him to do His will. Imagine if you learned to do God's will how the uncertainty would be eliminated. Let's allow the Spirit to lead us on solid ground by asking God to teach us.

Our 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 routine, you will find lots of support.

Daring to Hope

Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.
Lamentations 3:21-22

Have you stopped daring to hope? At times, our hope in our dreams and plans on this earth to do great things diminish when we don't see a sliver of success. But don't let that stop you from believing in yourself. Remember, even though we may not see God, our hope in His love and grace is always there. Keep hoping no matter what.

Today's Bible Trivia

God first revealed his name to whom? 
A. Jacob 
B. Isaac 
C. Abraham 
D. Moses 

Brevity of Life

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.
Psalm 90:12

It's easy to push aside the knowledge that life is short. That is, until we hear of a loved one who passes. When we really come to value our life, it becomes less important to have additional time and more important to have quality time. We grow in wisdom with our choices of how we spend our time. Let's stay sensitive to how we spend our time, where we spend our time, and with whom we spend our time.

Happy new year 2016