Pride...Matthew 5:25

"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.

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House on Sand...Matthew 7:26

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?

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Too Hard?...Malachi 1:13

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?

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Encourage Each other...1 Thess 5:11

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

While encouraging others is part of following God, how you receive those encouraging words is just as important. Instead of responding with a negative reaction that promotes lack of confidence, accept it gracefully with a simple thank you or one with sincere gratitude. God made you in his image and values your every thought and presence.

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Be Patient...Romans 12:12

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.

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Don't Give Up...Psalm 69:3

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.

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Prayer...Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Colossians 4:2

When you focus on the things you don't have you begin to undervalue the blessings God has given you.  Then feelings of resentment and shortchanged start to build up.  It can happen in our prayers when we only make requests.  Take a moment and think through the ways you are blessed and thank God for them.  When you truly realize the amount of blessings in your life you truly feel loved by God.

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Listen to Correction...Proverbs 15:32

If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Proverbs 15:32

Discipline can be a hard thing to take, especially as an adult when we are so used to getting everything our way. But isn't it true that when you fight discipline it only makes things worse? Those who fight it end up feeling the pain much harsher. Public figures who deny scandals and later turn out to be true are disciplined much harsher. Don't fight it and grow.

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Lift Each other up...Philemon 1:7

Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God's people. Philemon 1:7

When friends get together each encounter promises to hold a time of connection.  Sometimes we need to vent and release emotions but if we aren't careful we can leave them feeling burdened and drained.  When you connect with your friends, do they walk away refreshed and thankful for your love?  What act of kindness could you do for a friend today to lift them up?

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Relationship with God...1John 2:4

If someone claims, "I know God," but doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 1 John 2:4

Having a relationship with Jesus will keep you grounded and leaning into a growing faith. A growing faith is a good sign. In a relationship, truth is spoken, conviction is felt, and confidence in God strengthens. Walk in the truth and obey God's commandments.  Was there a time in your life when you weren't living in the truth?  What were the circumstances?

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What drives you? Ecclesiastes 4:4

Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors.  But this, too, is meaningless - like chasing the wind. NLT Ecclesiastes 4:4

What drives you and your purpose in being successful?  Do you resent your neighbor because of what they have?  The wrong motives for success can keep you from actually enjoying success.  Otherwise, you will never become successful in your own eyes.  There will always be someone more successful to come along.  As Solomon says, keeping up with the Jones' is fruitless.

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Owe Nothing...Romans 13:8

Owe nothing to anyone - except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. (NLT) ( Romans 13:8 ) 

If you don't show your love for someone, it may appear to others that they are not loved.  Are you sidetracked by your busy day that you're forgetting the little things?  Those little things add up and become powerful enough to send the wrong message.  Overcome this and send a loving message.  What speaks to your loved one?  If it's confidence, encourage them.  If it's feeling pretty, compliment them.  If it's strength, support them.  Fulfilling this law will honor God.

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Watch Your Tongue...Proverbs 21:23

Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. Proverbs 21:23

Sometimes emotions can get the best of us and cause us to say words we don't truly mean. Or we are charged with emotions and choose words with different implications than we intended. When you get in this state do your best to stabilize and then try to communicate emotions when you can better watch your tongue.

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Eye of a Needle...Mark 10:25

In fact, it is easer for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God! (NLT) ( Mark 10:25 ) 

No one ever really thinks of themselves as being rich and we often characterize our wants as needs. When you look around and see those who have less it's easy to let your heart harden over time and ignore them. We even go so far as to tell ourselves "I can't give to this hungry man, because I have to pay for my 'need.'" Don't allow your wants to be stumbling blocks to the Kingdom of God.

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Hardened hearts...Ephesians 4:18

Their minds are full of darkness; they wandered far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. Ephesians 4:18

Our heart becomes hardened when we choose to ignore that inner feeling inside which nudges us to do or say something. When this feeling is ignored too many times the heart becomes insensitive to conviction and it becomes hardened. It's important to realize the impact of our actions or inactions.  Have you declined your compassion to others with a hard heart?

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Your Word...Psalm 119:105

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 

When you find yourself in sticky situations, it's important to arm yourself with God's word. The way it translates into real life is through memorizing scripture. You will find that the word of God comes to mind when you need it most. Go ahead and prepare yourself by choosing a verse each week to tuck into your heart.

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Alive with Christ

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Colossians 2:13

Do you behave like someone who has been forgiven of their sinful nature? Do you dance with joy, sing out loud, or forgive those who wrong you?  Those are only a few qualities of a forgiven person. If not, focus on the undeserved grace you've been given, then you can experience the joy. God has wiped away our sins, so let's act like it.

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All you need...2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Do you ever find you keep running into your failures or weaknesses?  When you are faced with the reality of your own weaknesses, it's humbling and cathartic.  Change your attitude towards weakness and see it as an opportunity to look to God to meet the need. Ask God to step in where you falter. He is sufficient.

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Don't give up...Galatians 6:9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Some days are simply overwhelming and as such bring feelings of just wanting to quit. God desires us to be persistent in what we do for when we do good. Maybe you’re trying to mend a broken relationship with a family member but some days are very tough. Sometimes work can become hectic and unforgiving. And sometimes it’s a dream of yours to work on something that you’re passionate about and are gifted in. There are peaks and valleys for all of these journeys but remember to be strong, be hopeful and believe in your heavenly father.

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Share your burdens...Galatians 6:2

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Do you know how much burden your spouse is carrying? It’s easier to connect and grow together when hardships and stress is balanced between you and your spouse. Don’t let this tilt too much. Make an effort to check in and help where you can. If the heavier load is on your end, be mindful of how the imbalance is affecting your love and patience. Then work towards the middle and you will please God. 

The Way if Truth...Psalm 119:30

I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws.

—Psalm 119:30 (NIV)

Yesterday we made a commitment to follow the Lord Jesus whole-heartedly. Let's not forget it and slip back into old habits and bad patterns. Let's choose the way of truth again today, and tomorrow, and...

Lost Sheep...Zechariah 10:2

...So my people are wandering like lost sheep; they are attacked because they have no shepherd. Zechariah 10:2

Ever feel like you are wandering through life? Without a shepherd in our lives, we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack. Both attack from others and even attack from ourselves can come our way. Make room in your life for God to guide you for purpose and direction in your life.

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Carry it two miles...Matthew 5:41

If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Matthew 5:41

Sometimes in life we are asked to do certain tasks.  It may be easy to take the path of least resistance, even if the task gets accomplished.  However, the easiest is not always the course of action God would have you take. As Christians, we are called to go above and beyond the task at hand, to go the extra mile, and demonstrate the love we have for others.

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Replenish Yourself...1 Kings 19:7-8

Then the angel of the Lord came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:7-8 

Replenishing our bodies for a new day cannot be stressed enough. God has given us tremendous and personalized talents but without energy to perform them, we would not be able to do our best. This can affect your work, home and spiritual growth. If you've been working hard on a long project at work or home, don't forget to schedule an extended break at the end of your project or even in the middle so that you can replenish yourself. 

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Don't Judge...1 Samuel 16:7

But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

Isn't it refreshing God doesn't judge us by our appearance but rather purity of heart? Instead, He looks at our motivations and thoughts to judge each one of us. Take it one step further, do we hold others to the same standard God holds to?  Or, do we instead judge others according to the ways of this world, which is only skin deep? Let's make an effort to not be hypocritical - wanting ourselves to be judged on heart issues and then turning around to judge others based on appearance. 

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Be an example...1 Timothy 4:12

Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Don't be fooled in thinking that only mature godly people can spread God's message. God works through people of all ages. The best way to spread his message is to live it so others can learn by example. Pick one thing that honors God such as being truthful, ethical at work, caring for those less fortunate, and loving others more than yourself. Then take action on the one that's missing in your life and others will see God's work through you.

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Snakes & Doves...Matthew 10:16

Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. Matthew 10:16

As much as we should desire to be kind and giving, sometimes it can be difficult to do so in our current culture. We want to be good but don't want to be taken advantage of. Like many things in life, this requires a delicate balance of assertiveness and servitude. If you are heavy on assertiveness, try being a bit more subservient today by allowing others to express themselves more. If you are in need of more assertiveness, try speaking up today, either by asking questions or praising someone.

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Counted as Righteous...Romans 4:5

But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. Romans 4:5

We earn many things in life, such as money, respect, recognition and love.  However, this is not the case with salvation. We cannot perform enough good deeds or say a magic number of prayers in order to be welcomed into Heaven. Salvation alone comes through faith and recognition that God alone is the only and true God.

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Glorious Miracles...Psalm 106:2

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? Psalm 106:2

Is there any one of us who can detail each of the miracles God has performed for us? No! God provides a miracle with every breath we take. Though we may deserve death for our sins, God allows us to live another day. We can never give Him enough praise for all He has done, but that should not stop us from giving Him the glory He deserves.

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Psalm 106:2

Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord? Who can ever praise him enough? Psalm 106:2

Is there any one of us who can detail each of the miracles God has performed for us? No! God provides a miracle with every breath we take. Though we may deserve death for our sins, God allows us to live another day. We can never give Him enough praise for all He has done, but that should not stop us from giving Him the glory He deserves.

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Why should I be afraid?...Psalm 56:11

I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 56:11

Trusting in God puts your heart at ease because you no longer have to worry. Placing your faith in Him relieves all doubt and uncertainty about the future. Do not be afraid of what other people may do. The effects of their actions are temporary in comparison to spending eternity with God.

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Who Serves...Luke 22:27

Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves? The one who sits at the table, of course. But not here! For I am among you as one who serves. Luke 22:27

Just when you think you have life figured out, God has a way of flipping things upside down. A company may flip their organizational chart upside down, putting customers at the top and the CEO at the bottom, armed and ready to serve. Leadership books state that the highest level is one that shows humility. Above all, God loves it when we serve those less fortunate than ourselves. If you feel called today, take the time and help someone out, serving and honoring them in doing so.

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Upside Down...Matthew 10:39

If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:39

The emphasis here is not on losing your life and all of your possessions, but rather on turning your focus away from those possessions. We sometimes lose sight of the important things in life such as strengthening the bond with your parents or mending wounds with friends. Maybe it has been a long time since you shared a special moment with your brothers or sisters. We become so busy in life that our priorities can be flipped upside down. We must change our way of thinking and prioritize in a healthy and Godly way by putting God, our spouse and family first.

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Selfish Ambition (James 3:13-14)

If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. James 3:13-14

We all possess some degree of selfishness. The important thing is to acknowledge it and let others know of your intentions. People will be more understanding if you reveal it rather than hide it. If you feel strong enough to mirror God's ways, change your direction by giving time and money to those less fortunate than yourself. If you don't feel strong enough, ask God for the strength.

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Don't use abusive language...Ephesians 4:29

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

Go one step beyond not using abusive language. Instead of trying to just stay neutral in difficult situations, provide words of encouragement. There are many situations in which anger can creep up, such as when your spouse forgets to take out the trash, pay a bill, or pick up eggs from the store. Remember to be patient, understanding and forgiving, and then let your spouse know how much you appreciate them.

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Crooked Bow - Hosea 7:16

They look everywhere except to the Most High. They are as useless as a crooked bow. Hosea 7:16

When you take a crooked path, the journey is longer and requires more effort. Even worse, it can lead you in the wrong direction. Relying on our own worldly understanding is like taking a crooked path. Why take chances when you can take the straight route by thinking and doing as God would. He will guide you and always be there for you. Look for His wisdom in the Bible and from Godly people around you.

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Proverbs 21:26

Some people are always greedy for more, but the Godly love to give! (NLT) ( Proverbs 21:26 )