Happy Halloween!

Have a fun and safe Halloween! Remember, we as Christians are salt and light in this world!

A little snip...

Cut something out of your daily routine that does not have any value.

Halloween prep

Consider some way to spread Christ's love to trick-or-treaters who come by your residence this Saturday (the American Halloween holiday): perhaps handing out tracts or Bibles with candy or a kind word to show Christ's love in you. Often the Bible tells of "what was intended for evil God turned to good!"

Our daily bread

Memorize the Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. If you already know it, ponder its meaning.

Ambassador for Christ

Pray for someone you know who does not know Christ as his or her savior. Consider strengthening your relationship with that person to be an ambassador for Christ!

Mmm...

Think and act on several small ways to improve your diet and eat healthier food. Remember that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit! "The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works. So let people see God in and through your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, the Message

Time well spent

Spend some intentional time with the Lord today, especially if you haven't lately.

(No a-risk-a-day tomorrow in honor of the day of rest!)

Do good work

Whatever you go to do today, do it well, as if you were doing it for the Lord directly. (see Colossians 3:23)

Hey there, neighborino!

If you don't know your neighbors, introduce yourself to them. Try bringing baked goods or something small to give them, and see where God leads the conversation.

All that ... for a chicken?

A year ago, my wife and I "randomly" went to units in an apartment building to see who God might have us give dinners to. We packed up four chicken dinners, added some sides and for $40 set off to have some interesting conversations.

We fed people "for a day", but one gentlemen we met and befriended is now a key leader in our former church body! While he maintains that we were skilled and wise in evangelism, we really were just handing out chickens and seeing what God would do.

We were blessed to see the fruit of this small seed planted - a man who has grown greatly in Christ and is daily a blessing to hundreds of children at the small church's children center.

WOW! If my wife and I, young and inexperienced evangelists, could pray & give away a chicken that changed a man's life, how much more you can do in your neighborhood and community!

Be bold! Don't wait to be fully skilled, or for someone else to do it. "...Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry" 2 Timothy 4:5, NKJV

Mind your words

OK, this risk is an ongoing challenge, but is worth every bit of effort you pour into it:

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it." Ephesians 4:29, the Amplified Bible

What would happen if the A Risk A Day community only said what was good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others?

First importance

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures..." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NIV

This week, remember your friends who do not know or have the hope of Christ, and recall and share with them what Paul passed on as "first importance" - that Christ died on the cross.

Something small

Think of something small you can do for someone in your life who is going through a rough time or has something to celebrate. Be there for that person! "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." Romans 12:15, NIV

Day of rest

Enjoy rest from work today - or whatever day you rest, remembering that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27

Counting the cost

"Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'" Luke 14:28-30, The Message

It is wise to count the cost of new purchases, investments and other plans. As Christians, let us lead the way by being prudent and shrewd with our finances!

Work that land!

"Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense." Proverbs 12:11, ESV

Are you following worthless pursuits? Does what you spend the primary amount of time on provide value, or are you chasing the wind in some areas of your life?

Dear God...

Take time to praise God and talk with Him on a commute to work, school or a walk today.

Taking time out

As a community, let's remember to take time out for the important things today. Pray for and act on something in your life that God has been hinting you should be active in. Perhaps it is caring for a grandparent, helping a struggling marriage, encouraging or rebuking a friend with their good in mind - knowing that the work that we do for the Lord is "not done in vain"! (1 Corinthians 15:58)

Community feedback

Thanks for your comments so far - it is encouraging to me to see lives being impacted by A Risk a Day! That's why we operate this site!

Steve said...
"The daily Risk A Day challenges are just that, and as I take time to do several them (wish daily, but at least frequently), I am always more blessed in doing the daily risk than I would think I would be. In fact, the ones I have done that I have thought this would never work, have been the most rewarding risks. Thanks for the daily challenges."
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~sw said in reference to a decision-making post:
"Seems like a bop on the head to me. If I have something to do before I can be given the next thing and I am willing to "get it done" why is it taking so long? This really hit me right where I have been stuck for the last few weeks. Now to listen for God's direction on my next steps, where I am or where I am supposed to go."

Let's pray for sw as this person seeks the Lord's direction - to understand the Lord's will and to grow in wisdom.

Decision-making 101 follow-up: Peace

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7, NIV

Peace is a wonderful thing in a decision-making process. Prepare your heart, pray to God, fast to quiet the flesh and become better able to hear His voice, and present your requests to God. He is the Good Father who gives good gifts. Trust in Him and His sovereignty, and be at peace in this.