Mt. Olives Baptist Church Youth

ON PURPOSE "Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." Matthew 6:8 KJV... God's purpose for your life is not a destination to be reached; it is a path to be traveled, a journey that unfolds every day of your life. And that's exactly how often you should seek direction from your Creator: one day at a time, each day followed by the next, without exception. Daily prayer and mediation is a matter of will and habit. We must willingly organize our time by carving out quiet moments with God, and we must form the habit of daily worship. When we do, we'll discover that no time is more precious than the silent moments we spend in the company of our heavenly Father. In fact, the quality of our spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the quality of our prayer life. Today and every day, God is listening; He wants to hear from you; and if you want to live according to His good purpose for your life, you'll need to hear from Him. God insists that we ask, not because He needs to know our situation, but because we need the spiritual discipline of asking. -Catherine Marshall References: Hugs Daily Inspirations: Words of Promise, Howard Books, 2007.

INCLUDING GOD IN YOUR PLANS "Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established." Proverbs 16:3 KJV... Would you like a formula for successful living that never fails? Here it is: include God in every aspect of your life's journey, including all the plans you make and each step you take. But beware: as you make plans for the days and weeks ahead, it's all too easy to become sidetracked by the chores of everyday living. If you allow the world to establish your priorities, you'll eventually become discouraged, disappointed, or both. But if you genuinely seek God's will for every important decision you make, your loving, heavenly Father will guide your steps and enrich your life. So as you plan your work, remember that every good plan should start with God. God has a plan for your life...do you? -Marie T. Freeman References: Hugs Daily Inspirations: Words of Promise, Howard Books, 2007.

UNCHANGING LAWS "For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matthew 5:18 KJV... God's law are eternal and unchanging, and obeying them leads to abundance and joy. God has given us a guidebook for righteous living called the Bible. If we trust God's Word and live by it, we'll be blessed. Life is a series of choices. Each day we make countless decisions, and it seems we're always faced with some new dilemma. In a world of whirlwind change, you can find sure, steady ground on which to stand when you stand on the promises and obey the instructions in God's Word. Do you seek God's peace and His blessings?Then live by [GOD'S] Law. When you're faced with a difficult choice or a powerful temptation, seek direction and wisdom from His Word--God's Law never changes, and you can trust the counsel it gives. Believe and do what God says. The life-changing consequences will be limitless, and the results will be confidence and peace of mind. -Franklin Graham References: Hugs Daily Inspirations: Words of Promise, Howard Books, 2007.

POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND A HAPPY HEART "Blessed [are] they that keep his testimonies, [and that] seek him with the whole heart." Psalm 119:2 KJV... Happiness depends less upon our circumstances than upon our own thoughts and actions. When we thank God for His gifts and rejoice in His glorious creation, those positive thoughts bring their own rewards. But when we focus on the negative aspects of life, we invite needless suffering into our lives and those around us. The Roman poet Horace noted, "You traverse the world in search of happiness, which is within reach of every person--a contented mind confers it all." These words remind us that happiness is closely connected with our thought life. Nobody can make you happy--you have to choose it for yourself. When you turn your thoughts toward God and meditate on His wonderful promises, you'll know the joy of a happy heart. Happiness is not a matter of events; it depends on the tides of the mind. -Alice Meynell References: Hugs Daily Inspirations: Words of Promise, Howard Books, 2007.

FEAR OF REJECTION "And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do [it]: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, [even] my God, [will be] with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD." I Chronicles 28:20 KJV... The fear of rejection and the fear of failure are roadblocks on the way to happiness. When we try to please everyone, we set for ourselves a goal that is unsatisfying and unworthy of our efforts. Remember, your worth comes from God. Sure, there are a few people you should seek to please, like your family, close friends, and the person who signs your paycheck. But trying to please everyone is impossible, and it's not even what God expects--especially when it comes to choosing between people-pleasing and keeping the faith. Your top priority should be to please your heavenly Father. Then, even if others reject you, He will accept you and reward you with eternal life. Never allow anyone to rain on your parade and thus cast a pall of gloom and defeat on the entire day. Remember that no talent, no self-denial, no brains, no character, are required to set up in the fault-finding business. Nothing external can have an power over you unless you permit it. -Og Mandino References: Hugs Daily Inspirations: Words of Promise, Howard Books, 2007.