Sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master is. Genesis 4:7
Todays challenge is to master the sin. And no, that does not mean become sin free. It means to avoid the big obvious sins. Like drugs. Or smoking. Or even disobeying your parents when you know you shouldn't. Listen to God instead of the Devil. The Devil does no good to us, he just makes the day worse. So choose God instead of sin.
The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way? Proverbs 20:24
Todays challenge is to try not to understand. You know when your mom tells you to do something, and you ask "why do I have to do that." Then she tells you, "Don't ask why, just do what I said." That same rule goes with God. I know, it's sad. But someday everything will make sense to us. If we know everything now, then what is there to learn?
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Todays challenge is to truly love someone. You say you love God, but do you truly love God? Talk to Him today and take away that fear in your love. "Because perfect love drives out fear."
When you talk, do not say harmful things. But say what people need- words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will help those who listen to you. Ephesians 4:29
Todays challenge is to say what people need to hear. Say something to someone just so you can see them smile. But be honest about it. Say something you truly mean. Tell a friend that she is amazing. Tell your mother that she is beautiful. Tell your father that you love him. Then thank God that He made smiles.
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:37-38
Todays challenge is for you not to judge anyone anymore. I know you do it, even I stumble and fall into the temptation sometimes. Actually, a lot of times. I know I am not perfect. But being the body of Christ I am to reach out to others and lend them a hand. Because this is God's will for all His children. Give and you will get. And that is my goal with this challenge. So please, no more judging.
I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garment of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10
Todays challenge is to delight in the Lord, greatly. He loves you and shows you that everyday. But you are blind to those Blessings. Count every moment, every smile on a strangers face. And Thank God for the little things. His Blessings to you.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our Faith, who for the joy set before him endure the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
Todays challenge is-if you haven't already or if you have but aren't still doing it- fix your eyes upon Jesus. He loves you and can't take His mind off of you, and that's what you need to be doing to Him. Because that will make our God happy, and our goal in this life should always be to make Him happy.
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by Faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Romans 5:1
Todays challenge is to read a chapter in the book of Matthew. This will take longer than some of the challenges, but just like some are harder than other, this ones longer. Have fun reading!
Enjoy serving the Lord, and he will give you what you want. Wait and trust the Lord. Don't be upset when others get rich or when someone else's plans succeed. Don't get angry. Don't be upset; it only leads to trouble. Evil people will be sent away, but those who trust the Lord will inherit the land. Psalms 37:4, 7-9
Todays challenge is to enjoy serving the Lord. This far into the challenge you should know by now that you are a servant of the Lord, and now you must remember to enjoy every second of it. God has great plans for you, so thank Him for that even if others have more and you have less, soon you will see His reasons for all this. But for now, thank Him.
Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to him. So do not get tired and stop trying. Hebrews 12:3
Todays challenge is to start a new habit. A good habit. But this time I have a habit in mind for you. My family and I use it 24/7. When you see three numbers in a row (example; 3:33; 555) remind yourself of the Lord. Say a quiet (or loud) prayer, and thank Him for today. You'd be surprised how often you see three numbers in a row like that!
When I am afraid, I will trust you. I praise God for His word. I trust God, so I am not afraid. What can man do to me? Psalms 56:3-4
Todays challenge is to trust Jesus. Trust Him with all your heart and soul. Open your heart to Him. Want to be changed. Want to be loved. No matter what you do, no matter what you say, always remember you are loved.
I am in Christ, and I am telling you the truth; I do not lie. My conscience is ruled by the Holy Spirit, and it tells me I am not lying. I have great sorrow and always feel much sadness.
Romans 9:1-2
Todays challenge is to inhale the love Jesus has for you. Enjoy every moment. And be a happy person because God lovesYOU!!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
These picture are not mine. I got them off google images. I only edited them by putting the verses in them.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Todays Challenge is to love. Be a blessing in some ones life. Don't be the person everyone dislikes and can't wait until they leave. Be happy and people will see that change in you. I promise.
Today is the last day to enter for Brittney's Bible Verse Editing Contest! Brittney has a beautiful blog and I think you should check it out, even if your not going to enter for the contest.
Even children become tired and need to rest, and young people trip and fall. But the people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired.
Isaiah 40:30-31
Today's challenge is to compliment three different people. It doesn't matter what you compliment them on, just be honest.
Example:
Me: "I just love your shoes today, Katy. Where'd you get them at?" (I said this because I really do like them)
Katy: "Really? Thanks! I got them at Kohl's just yesterday, I bet they still have that sale going today." (I don't actually know if there is a sale or not, this is just an example)
Me: "I'll have to check it out after work/school."
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:13
Todays Challenge is to call on the name of The Lord. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins. Ask Him to take control over this year. Then go back to your new years resolutions and add Him to it. It's never to late to ask for forgiveness.
Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.
1 Timothy 4:12
Todays Challenge is to set an example for others. Show them how God wants them to live by living that way yourself. And the only way to know how God wants you to live is by reading His Word.
Why am I so sad? Why am I so upset? I should put my hope in God and keep praising him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:11
God has really blessed the Casting Crowns crew with the power to understand His word. Todays Challenge is to listen to this song by them, understand it, and live by it.
Be careful little eyes what you see It's the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings Be careful little feet where you go For it's the little feet behind you that are sure to follow
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day It's a slow fade, it's a slow fade
Be careful little ears what you hear When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near Be careful little lips what you say For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day
The journey from your mind to your hands Is shorter than you're thinking Be careful if you think you stand You just might be sinking
It's a slow fade when you give yourself away It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid When you give yourself away People never crumble in a day Daddies never crumble in a day Families never crumble in a day
Oh be careful little eyes what you see Oh be careful little eyes what you see For the Father up above is looking down in love Oh be careful little eyes what you see
To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an excample, that you should follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21
The other day I was eating chips and pico de gallo (my personal favorite snack). And just as I was dipping another chip into the pico bowl, my younger brother fell from the chair. I quickly dropped my chip and ran to help him. And, though it only took a few seconds to comfort him (he's a tuff boy), I came back to my chip and it was already soggy. Now, the reason I gave you this (strange) example is because Todays Challenge is to make a soggy chip. In other words, help a friend in need. Follow Christ's way of doing things.
"I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid. You heard me say to you 'I am going, but I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you should be happy that I am going back to the Father, because he is greater than I am." John 14:27-28
Often times I find my self in a pickle (not literally). I am stuck in the troubles of this world, and I try to find peace in electronics, books, computer time. But that's not what's going to help me. I can only find true, everlasting peace in one place. In Christ. And sometimes, if I lose that peace, I blame the Lord for not keeping His peace in my heart. But it's not His fault. It's mine. After I was full of enough peace, I decided I didn't need Him anymore. But that wasn't true. I will always need my God. Forever and ever! Todays Challenge is to find Gods Peace, and not let go of it.
Forget about the wrong things people do to you, and do not try to get even. Love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:18
Todays Challenge is to stick a note in your neighbors door. Give them a note that says something that you would want to hear, something that would make your day special.
But I am always with you; you have held my hand. You guide me with your advice, and later you will receive me in honor. I have no one in heaven but you; I want nothing on earth besides you. My body and my mind may become weak, but God is my strength. He is mine forever. Psalm 73:23-26
Todays challenge is to trust the Lord. Trust him to make changes in your life. Physically and spiritually. Say loud and proud, "I trust you, Jesus. And I am not ashamed of you." And surely He will change you for the good!
"You must not do wrong just because everyone else is doing it. If you are a witness in court, you must not ruin a fair trial. You must not tell lies just because everyone else is."
Exodus 23:2
Todays challenge is to do things your own way. Don't do what others do, don't say what others say. Try doing things your own way, the way the Holy Spirit inside you says to do. But don't get confused on the devil voice and God's voice. Believe it or not, a lot of people get confused on the two. Choose the Godly way to live, not the evil way.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14
Todays challenge is to forgive someone as the Lord forgave you. God put all His love together and forgave you, and He wants you to do the same.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But be brave! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
Todays challenge is to "Be Brave!" You know the Lord has already overcome the battle. And you just have to let the truth remain the truth. God knows the plans of you life because he was the one that made them. Don't be afraid because your never alone, He is always right besides you, helping you fight todays challenges.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Todays challenge is to keep your cool. If someone makes you angry, don't let that get the best of you. Sometimes when you don't blow up on a person when they made you angry, you hold it up to them, never letting that anger go, and always being mad at that person for something. "Love... it keeps no record of wrongs." Are you the type of person that holds on to the things people say to you, things that people do to you? Then todays challenge is to let it all go. Talk to God today and make that change in your life, it will make an enormous difference, and people will see that change in you too. Become the man/woman that God created you to be. It's never to late to change.
"The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Isaiah 40:8
Todays challenge is pretty easy, remind yourself and others around you that God loves you, and He is like your best friend. He stays by your side and never leaves you, His love is so enormous, there is no word in the dictionary that can describe how large His love is for you. Remind yourself that you are loved, and your not alone in this battle. Friends will leave you, and forget about you, but God is the type of friend that will never leave your side, no matter what the situation is. Remind yourself today of His Unfailing Love.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.
Proverbs 10:12
Todays challenge is to be happy. Remember that God doesn't like it when you are angry, or even hatred toward someone. Also, tell someone you wouldn't normally tell that you love them (which should probably be a family member), or if that is awkward remind them of God's love for them.
"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into a fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given to you.
John 15:5-7
Todays challenge is to read one extra bible verse from the book of Romans, share it in the comments, and tell us how it helped you in your challenges of today.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Joshua 1:9
Todays challenge is to do something different from your normal schedule. Something you wouldn't normally do. Surprise someone with your kind actions and your good deeds.
The Lord takes care of his people like a Shepard. He gathers them and carries them like lambs in his arms. He carries them close to him. He gently leads the mothers of the lambs.
Isaiah 40:11
Todays challenge is to tell/remind someone, anyone, that God loves them, and that He's got amazing plans for them.
"For I know the plans I have for you." Declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Today's Challenge is to calm down. Remember that God is in control of this year, and not you. So give God the control of your future and stop worrying about tomorrow. Because you can't stop it from coming, you can only enjoy the moments of today.
