Words of Wisdom

Over the years, I have gathered different sayings that really put into perspective what I want my kids to know.  I thought I would share them with you.

Words of Wisdom

• If nothing else, always be kind.  There is no better way to show good character and strength in who you are.
• Enjoy life and always live life to the fullest.  You only get one life, so live it up.
• Don’t lose sight of who you are to please others.
• Create the life you want.  You are responsible for what you end up doing.
• Live your dream no matter what other people may think.  Don’t be apologetic for it.
• No matter what other people say, as long as you did your best and can look yourself in the mirror, you’re doing better than most.
• Take a risk and go after your dreams.  You don’t want to look back and regret not taking advantage of those moments when you could have taken the leap.
• Be honest.  Lying gets you no where but miserable.
• Realize that everyone who walks through your life is there to teach you something.  It might be good or bad, but you will be wiser for seeing a lesson in the experience.
• When in a relationship, whether with a significant other or a friendship, don’t ever make excuses for someone’s bad treatment of you.  There is never a reason for someone to make you feel less than another. If anyone ever touches you in an inappropriate way, don’t second guess yourself.  Leave that relationship!!!
• Words have power.  Use them with care.
• You can have anything in life you want.  If you don’t get it, you didn’t want it badly enough to work hard enough for it.
• Forgive those who make a mistake, but not those who take advantage of your forgiving nature.
• Be the person you want people to think you are.  Do what you want to be remembered for.
• No matter how bad your life is, there is someone out there who has it worse.  Be thankful for what you do have.
• You can always reinvent yourself.  Age doesn’t matter, it’s only a number.

Day 30--- A Leader Who Serves

Day 30--- A Leader Who Serves
Read: Matthew 20:25-27; Philippians 2:5-11

Have you ever wondered... What it really means to be a servant? How to serve as Jesus did?

Jesus doesn't ask us to serve any differently than he served. He's been there--on earth, among grumpy, demanding people, feeling tired and worn thin. Paul explains in Philippians 2:5-11 that Jesus was the ultimate servant. Reading those passages may make you feel like Jesus is a tough act to follow. But Jesus made it clear in Matthew 20:25-27 that it is your attitude that matters most.
When you see life through Jesus' eyes, it's natural to spot opportunities to serve. Too often we miss them because we focus on ourselves. We can't see beyond the wall of our own problems and concerns. Only when we look beyond ourselves can we be the servants that Jesus desires us to be.
In Luke 22:24-27, Jesus tells his disciples that the leader among them would be a servant. By setting your heart on serving, you can follow in Jesus' footsteps.

This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as he did         (1 Peter 2:21).

Day 29---Spreading the Good New

Day 29---Spreading the Good News
Read: Acts 8:4-40; Colossians 4:5-6

Have you ever wondered... How to share the good news of salvation? With whom you can share your faith?

Spill your news. Shout your joy. Spread your announcement. After all, good news is meant to be shared. Why stifle the best message ever known to humanity? So you've met Jesus Christ? You know him personally? Then tell your friends and family all about your new friend.
When we are enjoying God's goodness, it's natural to want to talk about him. It's refreshing. Just as you'd share your latest announcement--a new car, a baby on the way, a broken relationship restored--the best news ever should always be on the tip of your tongue. Tell others about the person who has changed your life. Don't push away an opportunity to speak.
Jesus' disciples couldn't contain themselves. They heard. They believed. Then they told everybody. Can you identify with their energy and enthusiasm? Have you felt the undeniable urge to tell someone how Jesus changed your life?

"Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you." So the man left and began to tell the people in the Ten Towns about what Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed (Mark 5:19-20).

Day 28---Finding Comfort in the Dark

Day 28---Finding Comfort in the Dark
Read: Psalm 18:1-6; 34:19

Have you ever wondered... Why Christians suffer? Where to turn for comfort in tough times?

Christians are certainly not exempt from trouble, but when we feel as if we are buried in pain, God offers us comfort to carry us through. Life after conversion doesn't suddenly become a smooth, easy ride, but it is different. We have access to God's richest treasures. His comfort is one of them.
In difficult times, he pours comfort on our weary souls. When life seems good, it's easy to call on God. We casually toss prayers in his direction. We walk with a light step until pain stops us abruptly. Suddenly, God seems far away. We flounder in our pain, struggling to cry out, and all we can muster is a faint whisper.
With compassion, God hears. He sees you, fighting against despair. If we can only lift our eyes to him, we will see him rushing to share his comfort with us. He is our hero, our savior, our peace.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the father who is full of mercy and all comfort. He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

For a more in-depth study, read: Habakkuk 3:17-19

Day 27---Three in One

Day 27---Three in One
Read: Mark 1:10-11; Matthew 28:19

Have you ever wondered... About the Trinity? How to relate to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?

In two thousand years, biblical scholars have yet to explain the Trinity in fewer than five hundred words. The trinity is one of those beautiful, divine mysteries that we'll never fully understand--not until we stand in heaven and share God's wisdom. We can accept that God doesn't intend for us to understand everything in life. We can be satisfied that God understands, and he has revealed as much as our limited minds can contain.
These verses from Matthew and Mark shed some light on the Trinity. It's astounding to imagine a God who is everywhere all the time, and yet was also crucified on one cross thousands of years ago. This God is not a cold spirit, watching from atop a cloud. He is with you--right here, right now.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).

For a more in-depth study, read: John 14:16-17; Romans 5:5-6

Day 26---Believe and Be Baptized

Day 26---Believe and Be Baptized
Read: Matthew 3:11, 13-17; 1 Peter 3:21

Have you ever wondered... What baptism is? If you must be baptized in order to be a Christian?

John (a man), baptized Jesus (the Savior of humanity). Does that sound a bit ironic to you? It did to John the Baptist--and he told Jesus so. But Jesus wanted to stress the importance of baptism, and he wanted to leave us a model to follow, so he was baptized. Jesus didn't need forgiveness; he was perfect. But he followed the will of his Father, which included baptism.
A marriage commitment begins with a ring. The couple publicly commits to each other. At the ceremony, the couple declares, "I'm no longer my own--I'm married!" Baptism announces that you are no longer your former, independent self. You have chosen a relationship, and you take Jesus' name, "Christian."
Baptism is a blessing, not a burden; an honor, not a chore; a privilege, not a punishment. By obeying Jesus' command to be baptized, you symbolically die to sin and are reborn with Christ.

Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of changed hearts and lives. He told people to believe in the one who would come after him, and that one is Jesus." (Acts 19:4).

For a more in-depth study, read: Acts 2: 38-39

Day 25---Accountable to God

Day 25---Accountable to God
Read: Romans 14:10-12; Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Corinthians 9:16

Have you ever wondered... Once you're saved, are you accountable to God for your actions? What God requires from you?

Romans reminds us that it doesn't matter much what people on earth think about us. It's God who matters. It's a scary thought to realize that one day each of us will stand alone before the judgement seat of Christ. God sees our hearts. He knows our thoughts. He watches every move we make.
If you know Christ, then you don't have to fear him. Your eternity is secure. But, we are accountable to him for our choices. Someday we will stand before him and answer for our decisions.
Sometimes it's hard to hold ourselves to God's strict standards. Good friends can hold each other accountable. A close friend can ask how you're responding to a particular temptation that always seems to break you. A fellow believer can help you live up to God's standards. Remember, ultimately you're accountable only to him--but in the meantime, we can help each other.

The LORD knows what is happening in the world of the dead, so he surely knows the thoughts of the living. (Proverbs 15:11)

For a more in-depth study, read: Proverbs 15:2-3