Tuesday May 31 , 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can't give away kindness, it always comes back-

2-You can't start a fire if your wood is wet-

3-You do not have to be everlasting to be eternal-

4-Desperation is the breeding ground for miracles-

5-If Satan has convinced you to come down off your cross, he has talked you out of your crown-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How many mimes have died because no one believed they were choking?

I'VE LEARNED-Life has depths which only time explores-

DID YOU KNOW-The most widely eaten fruit eaten in America is the banana-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How could the sin of rebellion happen in a sinless heaven?

2-How long before creation did satan become a fallen angel?

3-Do all angels have free will?

4-What does the concept of satan teach us about sin?

5-Has satan always existed?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is the first female barber mentioned in the Bible?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel Ezekiel 8:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Philippians 2:5-11

Be Unselfish Like Christ

⁵ In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus.
⁶ Christ himself was like God in everything.
But he did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for his own benefit.
⁷ But he gave up his place with God and made himself nothing.
He was born as a man
And became like a servant.
⁸ And when he was living as a man,
He humbled himself and was fully obedient to God,
Even when that caused his death—death on a cross.
⁹ So God raised him to the highest place.
God made his name greater than every other name
¹⁰ so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus—
Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.
¹¹ And everyone will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord
And bring glory to God the Father.

PRAYER FOR TODAY-

O HEAVENLY Father, who has filled the world with beauty; Open my eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that rejoicing in your whole creation, I may learn to serve you with gladness, faithfully managing your bounty; for the sake of him by whom all things were made, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Monday May 30, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Mature love says I will change-

2-It is in trusting, not in trying, in resting, not in running that we find the strength of the Lord-

3-A moral wrong can never be politically correct-

4-A man can look at his wife and not see her, a wife can see through her husband without looking at him-

5-Your spouse is God's sandpaper in your life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-My short term memory is not as good as it used to be, and my short term memory is not as good as it use to be-

I'VE LEARNED-Most of us are the load we are carrying-

DID YOU KNOW-The avocado has the most calories of any fruit-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did King Saul know that the shepherd boy David had been anointed king to replace him?

2-Why did King David not have control over his sons?

3-What was King David's greatest strength and his greatest weakness?

4-Why was King David not able to overcome the sexual temptation toward Bathsheba?

5-How many wives and concubines did King David have?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet pictures women weeping for the god Tammuz?

Yesterday's answer-The wise woman of Abel 2 Samuel 20:16-22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Philippians 2:1-4

¹ Does your life in Christ give you strength? Does his love comfort you? Do we share together in the spirit? Do you have mercy and kindness?² If so, make me very happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and having one mind and purpose.³ When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.⁴ Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, who has given us the gift of thy law, so that we might know our sin, and thy Son, that we might be forgiven where we fall short. Give me the grace to remember your holy Word, when my surroundings tempt me to confusion and weakness, that I might more nearly approach true obedience to your will. Help me to resist the arguments of the ungodly; let me not be deceived by false beauty; and let me never replace the truth which you have put into my heart with the clever words of men. Through Christ I pray,

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Sunday May 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give-

2-Contentment is freedom from frustration and worry over unfulfilled desires-

3-You can't have a relationship with someone you don't know-

4-Confidence comes from not fearing to be wrong, not from always being right-

5-It takes a lifetime to build a reputation and only a few seconds to ruin it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A sharp tongue is the quickest way to cut your throat-

I'VE LEARNED-if we don't pay attention we pay latter-

DID YOU KNOW-Fresh apples float in water because 25% of their volume is air-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God ever withhold his blessings-if so when?

2-God gives, but does he also take away?

3-How do you speak the truth in love?

4-What is "circumcision of the heart"?

5-Why did David run when he heard that King Saul was going to kill him if he knew he would be king someday?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman saved her city by negotiating peacefully with Joab?

Yesterday's answer-The Bahurim woman 2 Samuel 20:17:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Philippians 1:27-30

²⁷ Only one thing concerns me: Be sure that you live in a way that brings honor to the Good News of Christ. Then whether I come and visit you or am away from you, I will hear that you are standing strong with one purpose, that you work together as one for the faith of the Good News,²⁸ and that you are not afraid of those who are against you. All of this is proof that your enemies will be destroyed but that you will be saved by God.²⁹ God gave you the honor not only of believing in Christ but also of suffering for him, both of which bring glory to Christ.³⁰ When I was with you, you saw the struggles I had, and you hear about the struggles I am having now. You yourselves are having the same kind of struggles.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Saturday May 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Little sins add up to big trouble-

2-A loser is a winner if he conquers himself, a winner is a loser if he loses the battle with himself-

3-Grace is love given when it is not deserved, and forgiveness given when it is not earned-

4-Later often has a habit of coming sooner than you think-

5-Circumstances should not change our values-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I didn't say it was your fault, I said I was going to blame you-

I'VE LEARNED-To know the value of a friend, lose one-

DID YOU KNOW-Apples, not caffeine, are more effective for waking you up in the morning-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do the Jews today take their Rabbi's from "the tribe of Levi" as were the priests in the old testament?

2-How do the Jews today atone for their sins since they don't offer blood sacrifices anymore?

3-What did Aaron do before being chosen as a spokesman for Moses?

4-When do you become accountable for your own actions (age of accountability)?

5-From what does the word witness come from?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who helped David by hiding two of his messengers in her cistern?

Yesterday's answer-The woman of En-rogel who acted as a liaison between David and the high priest 2 Samuel 17:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Philippians 1:12-26

Paul's Troubles Help the Work

¹² I want you brothers and sisters to know that what has happened to me has helped to spread the Good News. ¹³ All the palace guards and everyone else knows that I am in prison because I am a believer in Christ.¹⁴ Because I am in prison, most of the believers have become more bold in Christ and are not afraid to speak the word of God.

¹⁵ It is true that some preach about Christ because they are jealous and ambitious, but others preach about Christ because they want to help.¹⁶ They preach because they have love, and they know that God gave me the work of defending the Good News.¹⁷ But the others preach about Christ for selfish and wrong reasons, wanting to make trouble for me in prison.

¹⁸ But it doesn't matter. The important thing is that in every way, whether for right or wrong reasons, they are preaching about Christ. So I am happy, and I will continue to be happy.¹⁹ Because you are praying for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ is helping me, I know this trouble will bring my freedom.²⁰ I expect and hope that I will not fail Christ in anything but that I will have the courage now, as always, to show the greatness of Christ in my life here on earth, whether I live or die.²¹ To me the only important thing about living is Christ, and dying would be profit for me.²² If I continue living in my body, I will be able to work for the Lord. I do not know what to choose—living or dying.²³ It is hard to choose between the two. I want to leave this life and be with Christ, which is much better,²⁴ but you need me here in my body.²⁵ Since I am sure of this, I know I will stay with you to help you grow and have joy in your faith.²⁶ You will be very happy in Christ Jesus when I am with you again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O HEAVENLY Father, you understand all your children; through your gift of faith we bring our perplexities to the light of your wisdom, and receive the blessed encouragement of your sympathy, and a clearer knowledge of your will. Glory be to you for all your gracious gifts.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Friday May 27, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Conflict is the price you pay for a deeper level of intimacy-

2-You are not stuck where you are unless you decide to be-

3-America is great because America is good. If America ever ceases to be good it will cease to be great-

4-We need to look at the goal not the going, see the prize not the process, the treasure not the trial, the joy not the journey-

5-God has not called us to a ministry of success, he had called us to a ministry of mercy and kindness-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am nobody, nobody is perfect, therefore I am perfect-

I'VE LEARNED-Your problem is not that someone said something that made you mad. Your problem is that you got mad at something someone said.

DID YOU KNOW-Tomatoes and cucumbers are fruits-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Moses able to get God to change his mind?

2-Can we as humans get God to change his mind today?

3-Is there a price to pay for being a Christian today?

4-What should be the reaction of Christian people when things don't go their way?

5-Why did God choose Moses as the Jews deliverer when Aaron was the diplomatic peacemaker?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is the only woman in the bible described as a "wench"?

Yesterday's answer-Samson Judges 16:1-3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Philippians 1:1-11

Serve Others with Joy

¹ From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus.

To all of God's holy people in Christ Jesus who live in Philippi, including your overseers and deacons:

² Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's Prayer

³ I thank my God every time I remember you,⁴ always praying with joy for all of you.⁵ I thank God for the help you gave me while I preached the Good News—help you gave from the first day you believed until now.⁶ God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

⁷ And I know that I am right to think like this about all of you, because I have you in my heart. All of you share in God's grace with me while I am in prison and while I am defending and proving the truth of the Good News.⁸ God knows that I want to see you very much, because I love all of you with the love of Christ Jesus.

⁹ This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love;¹⁰ that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; ¹¹ that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O Lord God of Israel and God of the nations, you are the only God in heaven above or the earth below. I walk before you with all my heart. I bless your name in the morning when I rise and in the evening when I sleep, and all the day when your creation fills my eye. Bless me to remember you this day; when I see and hear the thousand miracles of your creation, let me see them anew, recalling that you have made them, and no other; that I may live in your presence among the common miracles I take for granted. Through Christ I pray,

Amen.

Thursday May 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Being is more important than doing-

2-Sometimes it is the struggles in life that strengthen our faith the most-

3-I believe in the sun even when it is not shining,

I believe in love even when I don't feel like it,

I believe in God even when he is silent-

4-Don't do something about your life, do something with it-

5-My good shepherd will not lead me any place he does not want me to follow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Life is easier when you accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, bear the intolerable and smile at anything-

I'VE LEARNED-No matter how good a friend is, they are going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that-

DID YOU KNOW-Pomology is the study of fruit-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What are the blessings of obedience?

2-If Christians have the Spirit of God in their lives, why don't they live like it?

3-Does God put a timer on our prayers?

4-Could Jacob have gotten out of the tricked marriage to Leah?

5-Does God ever change his mind?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who tricked his enemies by leaving a harlot's house earlier than expected?

Yesterday's answer-Abimelech Judges 9:53

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

The Duty to Work

⁶ Brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ we command you to stay away from any believer who refuses to work and does not follow the teaching we gave you.⁷ You yourselves know that you should live as we live. We were not lazy when we were with you.⁸ And when we ate another person's food, we always paid for it. We worked very hard night and day so we would not be an expense to any of you.⁹ We had the right to ask you to help us, but we worked to take care of ourselves so we would be an example for you to follow.¹⁰ When we were with you, we gave you this rule: "Anyone who refuses to work should not eat."

¹¹ We hear that some people in your group refuse to work. They do nothing but busy themselves in other people's lives.¹² We command those people and beg them in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and earn their own food.¹³ But you, brothers and sisters, never become tired of doing good.

¹⁴ If some people do not obey what we tell you in this letter, then take note of them. Have nothing to do with them so they will feel ashamed.¹⁵ But do not treat them as enemies. Warn them as fellow believers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O Master and holy God, who is beyond my understanding: at your word, light came forth out of darkness. In your mercy, you gave me rest through sleep, and let me awake to the light of your glory out of the darkness of night.

Now, in your own tender love, accept me and all who adore you and give thanks to you with all of their heart. In the abundance of your mercies, O Lord, remember all your people; all those who pray with me; all my brethren on land, at sea, or in the air, in every place of your domain, who call upon your love for mankind. Upon all of us who pray to you this morning, pour down your great mercy, that we, saved in body and in soul, may persevere unfailingly; and that, in our confidence, we may extol your exalted and blessed name, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, always, now and forever.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Wednesday May 25, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAYH-

1-If you want to know God's will, read his word-

2-Miracles come by faith in God's power, not by a formula or a ritual we perform-

3-Faith does not make life easy, it helps you make it through the hard times-

4-God grades on the cross not on the curve-

5-Peace is in the midst of a tribulation or fear and you are still calm in your heart-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If American mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks, what do Chinese mothers use--toothpicks?

I'VE LEARNED-Honesty is the best policy but insanity is the best defense-

DID YOU KNOW-Turnips turn green when sunburned-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference between discipline and punishment-

2-What is the "mercy seat" of God?

3-Does God meet our needs without us asking?

4-How do we wait patiently on God?

5-Should Christians ever be discontent?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What violent son of Gideon was killed by a woman who dropped a millstone on his skull?

Yesterday's answer-Rome Romans 16:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Pray for Us

¹ And now, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the Lord's teaching will continue to spread quickly and that people will give honor to that teaching, just as happened with you.² And pray that we will be protected from stubborn and evil people, because not all people believe.

³ But the Lord is faithful and will give you strength and will protect you from the Evil One.⁴ The Lord makes us feel sure that you are doing and will continue to do the things we told you.⁵ May the Lord lead your hearts into God's love and Christ's patience.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I bless you for the day you have made, Mighty Lord God, and pray that I may spend this day rejoicing in your creation. I pray for your Holy Spirit to fill me with the joy of my salvation, so that your light may shine through me into the world, that your honor and glory may be known to all people.

Remind me of your blessings, I pray, with every tribulation I may face, so that I may act with energy, forgiveness and love, ever mindful of the grace You have shown to me. Through Christ I pray,

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Tuesday May 24 , 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Faith is a supernatural ability to trust in God without doubt-

2-For many people an excuse is better than achievement-

3-Progress is not created by people who are satisfied-

4-To pray is to work in concert with God, not to use him as we wish-

5-Prayer is not manipulating God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-What hair color is put on the driver's license of bald men?

I'VE LEARNED-Your mind is like a parachute, it functions only when it is open-

DID YOU KNOW-The color of a chili is no indication of its spiciness, but size usually is--the smaller the pepper, the hotter it is-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is anything too hard for God?

2-Is "taking up your cross daily" a blessing?

3-Does God only give blessings to believers?

4-How can we believe the Bible is the "word of God" to us?

5-Why do we equate money to "treasures"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did the faithful mother of Rufus live?

Yesterday's answer-Job's wife Job 19:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

You Are Chosen for Salvation

¹³ Brothers and sisters, whom the Lord loves, God chose you from the beginning to be saved. So we must always thank God for you. You are saved by the Spirit that makes you holy and by your faith in the truth. ¹⁴ God used the Good News that we preached to call you to be saved so you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.¹⁵ So, brothers and sisters, stand strong and continue to believe the teachings we gave you in our speaking and in our letter.

^16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father encourage you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say. God loved us, and through his grace he gave us a good hope and encouragement that continues forever.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O MOST loving Father, who wills us to give thanks for all things, to dread nothing but the loss of you, and to cast all our care on you, who cares for us; Preserve me from faithless fears and worldly anxieties, and grant that no clouds of this mortal life may hide from me the light of that love which is immortal, and which you manifested unto us in your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Monday May 23, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Sitting in McDonalds doesn't make you a happy meal-

2-Wisdom is the wealth of the wise-

3-It is hard to remember things that never happened-

4-We are not called to be the Holy Spirit in someone else's life-

5-Faith is not presumption-presumption assumes God will answer in the way I want-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If Fed Ex and UPS merged, would the new company be called Fed Up?

I'VE LEARNED-You can't recycle wasted time-

DID YOU KNOW-The heat of peppers is rated on theScoville scale-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can God really use anyone?

2-What kind of person can God use?

3-Does or did God ever hate anyone?

4-Why is God still blessing the Jewish people since they rejected Jesus as their messiah?

5-Can God do anything?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What grief stricken woman turned away from her diseased husband because his breath was so offensive?

Yesterday's answer-Proverbs chapter 8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Evil Things Will Happen

¹ Brothers and sisters, we have something to say about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and the time when we will meet together with him. ² Do not become easily upset in your thinking or afraid if you hear that the day of the Lord has already come. Someone may have said this in a prophecy or in a message or in a letter as if it came from us. ³ Do not let anyone fool you in any way. That day of the Lord will not come until the turning away from God happens and the Man of Evil, who is on his way to hell, appears. ⁴ He will be against and put himself above any so-called god or anything that people worship. And that Man of Evil will even go into God's Temple and sit there and say that he is God.

⁵ I told you when I was with you that all this would happen. Do you not remember?⁶ And now you know what is stopping that Man of Evil so he will appear at the right time.⁷ The secret power of evil is already working in the world, but there is one who is stopping that power. And he will continue to stop it until he is taken out of the way.⁸ Then that Man of Evil will appear, and the Lord Jesus will kill him with the breath that comes from his mouth and will destroy him with the glory of his coming.⁹ The Man of Evil will come by the power of Satan. He will have great power, and he will do many different false miracles, signs, and wonders.¹⁰ He will use every kind of evil to trick those who are lost. They will die, because they refused to love the truth. (If they loved the truth, they would be saved.)¹¹ For this reason God sends them something powerful that leads them away from the truth so they will believe a lie.¹² So all those will be judged guilty who did not believe the truth, but enjoyed doing evil.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Lord, you have brought me to the beginning of a new day. As the world is renewed fresh and clean, so I ask you to renew my heart with your strength and purpose. Forgive me the errors of yesterday and bless me to walk closer in your way today. This is the day I begin my life anew; shine through me so that every person I meet may feel your presence in my soul. Take my hand, precious Lord, for I cannot make it by myself. Through Christ I pray and live,

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Sunday May 22, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love always wins-

2-God will give you a second chance to put him first-

3-As long as there is life and love, there is no such thing as "too late"-

4-If you want to please the father, praise and worship the Son-

5-Today is yesterday's tomorrow and tomorrow's yesterday-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If people from Poland are called Poles, then why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

I'VE LEARNED-Times change. The modern house is full of plants and the garden is full of furniture-

DID YOU KNOW-The most popular sweet pepper is the bell pepper-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can things ever make you happy?

2-Can you have God without having Jesus his son?

3-Are we "born again" into God's family or are we adopted into it?
4-Does redemption cover future sin?

5-How do we come to God as "little children "?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book portrays Wisdom as a woman?

Yesterday's answer-King Lemuel's mother Proverbs 31:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

The Problems of New Christians

¹ From Paul, Silas, and Timothy.

To the church in Thessalonica in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul Talks About God's Judgment

³ We must always thank God for you, brothers and sisters. This is only right, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing. ⁴ So we brag about you to the other churches of God. We tell them about the way you continue to be strong and have faith even though you are being treated badly and are suffering many troubles.

⁵ This is proof that God is right in his judgment. He wants you to be counted worthy of his kingdom for which you are suffering.⁶ God will do what is right. He will give trouble to those who trouble you.⁷ And he will give rest to you who are troubled and to us also when the Lord Jesus appears with burning fire from heaven with his powerful angels.⁸ Then he will punish those who do not know God and who do not obey the Good News about our Lord Jesus Christ.⁹ Those people will be punished with a destruction that continues forever. They will be kept away from the Lord and from his great power.¹⁰ This will happen on the day when the Lord Jesus comes to receive glory because of his holy people. And all the people who have believed will be amazed at Jesus. You will be in that group, because you believed what we told you.

¹¹ That is why we always pray for you, asking our God to help you live the kind of life he called you to live. We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith.¹² We pray all this so that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ will have glory in you, and you will have glory in him. That glory comes from the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord God, I pray that you will fill my heart with the blessing of your Holy Spirit. Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities. For the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Saturday May 21, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Triumphant suffering is a wonderful catalyst for a beautiful character-

2-Jesus does not always take away all pain, nor always explain it but he will always go through it with us-

3-If we want to be close to God, we need to stop struggling and start snuggling-

4-The hope of the world rests on the shoulders of a homeless man-

5-If the going is easy, you're probably not climbing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?

I'VE LEARNED-Life is about using the whole box of crayons-

DID YOU KNOW-The oldest known vegetable is the pea-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is being meek a learned process?

2-Do you know when you are hypercritical?

3-In God's sight, are there differences in sin?

4-Could it be that our definition of sin is not how God calls it?

5-Does love really conquer all?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman is mentioned in Proverbs as having taught wise sayings to her son?

Yesterday's answer-Samaria 2 Kings 6:20, 26-30

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Final Instructions and Greetings

¹² Now, brothers and sisters, we ask you to appreciate those who work hard among you, who lead you in the Lord and teach you.¹³ Respect them with a very special love because of the work they do.

Live in peace with each other.¹⁴ We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who do not work. Encourage the people who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.¹⁵ Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.

¹⁶ Always be joyful.¹⁷ Pray continually,¹⁸ and give thanks whatever happens. That is what God wants for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not hold back the work of the Holy Spirit.²⁰ Do not treat prophecy as if it were unimportant.²¹ But test everything. Keep what is good,²² and stay away from everything that is evil.

²³ Now may God himself, the God of peace, make you pure, belonging only to him. May your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—be kept safe and without fault when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.²⁴ You can trust the One who calls you to do that for you.

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

²⁶ Give each other a holy kiss when you meet.²⁷ I tell you by the authority of the Lord to read this letter to all the believers.

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Friday May 20, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Who you are in Christ has nothing to do with you and everything to do with him-

2-Satan will try to confuse you between your feelings and your faith-

3-God's justice and mercy meet at the cross-

4-God created us not to be but to belong-

5-God's pruning is never for punishment but always for development of our character-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Basic unit of laryngitis=1 hoarse power-

I'VE LEARNED-If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished-

DID YOU KNOW-Onions get their distinctive smell by soaking up sulfur from the soil-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where does our free will and God's purpose intersect?

2-Why couldn't Isaac have negated his blessing on Jacob since it was based on a lie?

3-Does obedience to God bring prosperity?

4-Are you always happy when you are blessed of God?

5-What is being rich-wealthy, prosperous, successful?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What city suffered such a terrible famine that two women agreed to eat their sons for dinner?

Yesterday's answer-Harlots 1 Kings 3:16-28

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Be Ready for the Lord's Coming

¹ Now, brothers and sisters, we do not need to write you about times and dates.² You know very well that the day the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief that comes in the night.³ While people are saying, "We have peace and we are safe," they will be destroyed quickly. It is like pains that come quickly to a woman having a baby. Those people will not escape.⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not living in darkness, and so that day will not surprise you like a thief.⁵ You are all people who belong to the light and to the day. We do not belong to the night or to darkness.⁶ So we should not be like other people who are sleeping, but we should be alert and have self-control.⁷ Those who sleep, sleep at night. Those who get drunk, get drunk at night.⁸ But we belong to the day, so we should control ourselves. We should wear faith and love to protect us, and the hope of salvation should be our helmet.⁹ God did not choose us to suffer his anger but to have salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.¹⁰ Jesus died for us so that we can live together with him, whether we are alive or dead when he comes.¹¹ So encourage each other and give each other strength, just as you are doing now.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord, teach me to number my days aright, that I may gain wisdom of heart. Help me do today the things that matter, not to waste the time I have.The moments I have are precious, Lord, see that I count them dear. Teach me to number my days aright. Fill me this day with your kindness, that I may be glad and rejoice all the days of my life. Through Christ I pray,

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Thursday May 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Like it or not, we all dance to the tunes we know-

2-There is nothing wrong with making money, it is how you make it and what you do with it-

3-We are to be examples not judges-

4-The quickest way to make someone "bad" is try to make them "good"-

5-The great constant in the Christian life is God's faithfulness-

STRANGE THOUGHT-1,000,000 aches=1 megahurtz-

I'VE LEARNED-If you want your dreams to come true, you must not oversleep-

DID YOU KNOW-Onions are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and fiber. They also help circulation-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Abraham tell Sarah what he was going to do with Isaac?

2-Why did God bless "Jacob the deceiver"?

3-Why did God reject Esau?

4-Are Christians today "children of the promise"?

5-Are today's Jews "children of the promise"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the occupation of the two women who disputed over a child and asked Solomon for a decision?

Yesterday's answer-The wise woman of Tekoa 2 Samuel 14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

The Lord's Coming

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about those Christians who have died so you will not be sad, as others who have no hope.¹⁴ We believe that Jesus died and that he rose again. So, because of him, God will raise with Jesus those who have died.¹⁵ What we tell you now is the Lord's own message. We who are living when the Lord comes again will not go before those who have already died.¹⁶ The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And those who have died believing in Christ will rise first.¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive will be gathered up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.¹⁸ So encourage each other with these words.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Wednesday may 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-They who anger you controls you-

2-God allows us to start fresh at any point in our lives-

3-Like a gardner, God must at times prune us to develop our character and faith-

4-Falling in love with love is like falling in love with make believe-

5-We tend to worship our work, work at our play, and play at our worship-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Half a large intestine=1 semi colon-

I'VE LEARNED-A sharp tongue can cut your own throat-

DID YOU KNOW-Eating raw onions is good for unblocking a stuffed nose-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does sanctification come from the Holy Spirit or the death and resurrection of Jesus?

2-What is the "power" that comes from the Holy Spirit?

3-Is the spirit that came upon Jesus the Holy Spirit that comes in our life today?

4-Is God persecuted when his children suffer persecution?

5-Does obedience always bring blessing?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman put on an act to convince David to recall Absalom from exile?

Yesterday's answer-David's 1 Samuel 22:3-4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

A Life that Pleases God

¹ Brothers and sisters, we taught you how to live in a way that will please God, and you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way even more.² You know what we told you to do by the authority of the Lord Jesus.³ God wants you to be holy and to stay away from sexual sins.⁴ He wants each of you to learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable.⁵ Don't use your body for sexual sin like the people who do not know God.⁶ Also, do not wrong or cheat another Christian in this way. The Lord will punish people who do those things as we have already told you and warned you.⁷ God called us to be holy and does not want us to live in sin.⁸ So the person who refuses to obey this teaching is disobeying God, not simply a human teaching. And God is the One who gives us his Holy Spirit.

⁹ We do not need to write you about having love for your Christian family, because God has already taught you to love each other.¹⁰ And truly you do love the Christians in all of Macedonia. Brothers and sisters, now we encourage you to love them even more.

¹¹ Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Take care of your own business, and do your own work as we have already told you.¹² If you do, then people who are not believers will respect you, and you will not have to depend on others for what you need.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I call upon you, O Lord. In the morning you hear me; in the morning I offer you my prayer, watching and waiting.

I lift my heart to you, O Lord, to be strengthened for this day. Be with me in all I do, my God; guide me in all my ways.

I will carry some burdens today; some trials will be mine. So I wait for your help, Lord, lest I stumble and fall.

I will do my work, Father, the work begun by your Son. He lives in me and I in him; may his work today be done.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Tuesday May 17 , 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you see what others don't, you will find what others missed-

2-The ripple of today's lie is tomorrows wave and next weeks flood-

3-The tragedy of the second lie is that it is always easier to tell than the first-

4-Lies are termites in the trunk of the family tree-

5-Every older person is a younger person wondering what happened-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The time it takes to sail 220 yards at 1 nautical mile per hour=knot furlong

I'VE LEARNED-It is better to tell your money where to go than to ask where it went-

DID YOU KNOW-Eggplant is a member of the thistle family-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Should we pray to the Holy Spirit?

2-Should we worship the Holy Spirit?

3-Does the Holy Spirit have human characteristics?

4-Is the Holy Spirit of the New Testament the spirit of God of the Old Testament?

5-How much of the Holy Spirit do we receive when we are "saved"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose mother took refuge in Moab while her son was fleeing the wrath of Israel's king?

Yesterday's answer-Micah's mother Judges 17:2-4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 3

¹ When we could not wait any longer, we decided it was best to stay in Athens alone² and send Timothy to you. Timothy, our brother, works with us for God and helps us tell people the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen and encourage you in your faith³ so none of you would be upset by these troubles. You yourselves know that we must face these troubles.⁴ Even when we were with you, we told you we all would have to suffer, and you know it has happened. ⁵ Because of this, when I could wait no longer, I sent Timothy to you so I could learn about your faith. I was afraid the devil had tempted you, and perhaps our hard work would have been wasted.

⁶ But Timothy now has come back to us from you and has brought us good news about your faith and love. He told us that you always remember us in a good way and that you want to see us just as much as we want to see you.⁷ So, brothers and sisters, while we have much trouble and suffering, we are encouraged about you because of your faith.⁸ Our life is really full if you stand strong in the Lord.⁹ We have so much joy before our God because of you. We cannot thank him enough for all the joy we feel.¹⁰ Night and day we continue praying with all our heart that we can see you again and give you all the things you need to make your faith strong.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way for us to come to you.¹² May the Lord make your love grow more and multiply for each other and for all people so that you will love others as we love you.¹³ May your hearts be made strong so that you will be holy and without fault before our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I give thanks to you, heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ your dear Son, that you have protected me through the night from all danger and harm. I ask you to preserve and keep me, this day also, from all sin and evil, that in all my thoughts, words, and deeds I may serve and please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all that is mine. Let your holy angels have charge of me, that the wicked one have no power over me.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Monday May 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is living your life for the benefit of others-

2-Those who hate others really hate themselves-

3-They who master their time master their life-

4-No wonder angels rejoice when a sinner repents for they know another work of art is to grace the gallery of God-

5-How you look at life determines how you live life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Weight an evangelist carries with God-1 billigram-

I'VE LEARNED-Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the driveway while it is still snowing-

DID YOU KNOW-You use more calories eating celery than there are in celery itself-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why isn't it an insult to call Jesus the "lamb" of God.

2-If there had been no Pilate or angry Jewish leaders, would there still have been a crucifixion?

3-Do Christians allow their culture to define who they are?

4-If the Jewish people had not rejected Jesus as the messiah, would the Gentiles have had the opportunity to do so?

5-Is the Holy Spirit a person as we know a person to be?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman in the time of the judges had dedicated 1,100 shekels of silver to the making of idols?

Yesterday's answer-Sisera's mother Judges 5:28

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1Thessalonians 2:17-20

Paul Wants to Visit Them Again

¹⁷ Brothers and sisters, though we were separated from you for a short time, our thoughts were still with you. We wanted very much to see you and tried hard to do so.¹⁸ We wanted to come to you. I, Paul, tried to come more than once, but Satan stopped us.¹⁹ You are our hope, our joy, and the crown we will take pride in when our Lord Jesus Christ comes.²⁰ Truly you are our glory and our joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O GOD, who guides the meek in judgment and makes the light rise out of darkness for the godly; Grant me, in all my doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what you would have me do, that the Spirit of Wisdom may save me from all false choices, and that in your light I may see light, and in your straight path may not stumble; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Sunday May 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Stop looking where you have been and start looking where you want to go-

2-God never checks with your past to determine your future-

3-Never build your future on your past-

4-Agape love is unconditional love-

5-Listening to gossip is as wrong as repeating it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The time between slipping on a banana peel and smacking the pavement is 1 banana second-

I'VE LEARNED-Football is not a contact sport, it is a collision sport. Dancing is a contact sport.

DID YOU KNOW-Ninety percent of the vitamin C in Brussels sprouts is lost in cooking-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why don't Christians follow Old Testament dietary laws?

2-Does God's blessing on all of Abraham's descendents include those of Ishmael?

3-Could Joseph (the carpenter) have made wooden crosses for the Romans to use and if so could Jesus have helped him?

4-Could Jesus the teenager have had girls interested in him?

5-Could Jesus as a youngster have had a nick name?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What invading general had a loving mother who never saw her son return from battle?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel (24:16-18)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Thessalonians 2:10-16

¹⁰ When we were with you, we lived in a holy and honest way, without fault. You know this is true, and so does God.¹¹ You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.¹² We encouraged you, we urged you, and we insisted that you live good lives for God, who calls you to his glorious kingdom.

¹³ Also, we always thank God because when you heard his message from us, you accepted it as the word of God, not the words of humans. And it really is God's message which works in you who believe. ¹⁴ Brothers and sisters, your experiences have been like those of God's churches in Christ that are in Judea. You suffered from the people of your own country, as they suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and forced us to leave that country. They do not please God and are against all people.¹⁶ They try to stop us from teaching those who are not Jews so they may be saved. By doing this, they are increasing their sins to the limit. The anger of God has come to them at last.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Dear Lord, I give you my hands to do your work; I give you my feet to go your way; I give you my eyes to see as you see; I give you my tongue to speak your words; I give you my mind that you may think in me; I give you my spirit that you may pray in me. Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in me. I give you my whole self, Lord, that you may grow in me, so that it is you who lives, works and prays in me.

Friday May 13, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Those who caused yesterday's pain do not control tomorrow's potential-

2-What you repeatedly hear you eventually tend to believe-

3-No one is ever as they first appear-

4-Sometimes we must be willing to go through a time of pain for an eternity of gain-

5-God uses people with a willing attitude-

STRANGE THOUGHT-2000 pounds of Chinese soup=won ton-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines-

DID YOU KNOW-In summer, walnuts get a tan-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are there any undesirable people?

2-When is anger justified?

3-How and when has the church, that once was filled with common rough fishermen, prostitutes and stealing tax collectors, become the home of the spiritually elite?

4-Why does the unbeliever receive God's and our forgiveness of their sins but the believer is faulted and condemned when they sin?

5-Is salvation a one time experience or something on a daily basis?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle had a sister whose son informed soldiers of a murderous plot?

Yesterday's answer-Job's wife-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1THESSALONIANS 1

The Faith of the Thessalonians

² We always thank God for all of you and mention you when we pray.³ We continually recall before God our Father the things you have done because of your faith and the work you have done because of your love. And we thank him that you continue to be strong because of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ Brothers and sisters, God loves you, and we know he has chosen you, ⁵ because the Good News we brought to you came not only with words, but with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with sure knowledge that it is true. Also you know how we lived when we were with you in order to help you.⁶ And you became like us and like the Lord. You suffered much, but still you accepted the teaching with the joy that comes from the Holy Spirit.⁷ So you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Southern Greece.⁸ And the Lord's teaching spread from you not only into Macedonia and Southern Greece, but now your faith in God has become known everywhere. So we do not need to say anything about it.⁹ People everywhere are telling about the way you accepted us when we were there with you. They tell how you stopped worshiping idols and began serving the living and true God.¹⁰ And you wait for God's Son, whom God raised from the dead, to come from heaven. He is Jesus, who saves us from God's angry judgment that is sure to come.

PRAYER FOR TODAY--

Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Wednesday may 4, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There are some blessings if life we will never receive unless we are obedient to God-

2-The problem of error is that when we are in it we think we are right-

3-Our body is a wonderful servant but a very poor master-

4-Everything you are doing affects your future-

5-You are what you are becoming-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The ratio of an igloo's circumference to it's diameter= Eskimo pi-

I'VE LEARNED-Not only do I not know what is going on, I wouldn't know what to do about it if I did-

DID YOU KNOW-The only real food U S astronauts are allowed in space are pecan nuts-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do all Christians have blind spots in their faith?

2-Can Christians successfully live the Sermon on the Mount?

3-What are we going to do when we get to heaven and find someone there we didn't like here on earth?

4-Why do we try to build ourselves up by tearing someone else down?

5-Why do we live like we can earn our standing with God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who urged her husband to curse God and die?

Yesterday's answer-Naaman

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 TIMOTHY 4

¹ I give you a command in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, the One who will judge the living and the dead, and by his coming and his kingdom:² Preach the Good News. Be ready at all times, and tell people what they need to do. Tell them when they are wrong. Encourage them with great patience and careful teaching,³ because the time will come when people will not listen to the true teaching but will find many more teachers who please them by saying the things they want to hear.⁴ They will stop listening to the truth and will begin to follow false stories.⁵ But you should control yourself at all times, accept troubles, do the work of telling the Good News, and complete all the duties of a servant of God.

⁶ My life is being given as an offering to God, and the time has come for me to leave this life.⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ Now, a crown is being held for me—a crown for being right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give the crown to me on that day —not only to me but to all those who have waited with love for him to come again.

Personal Words

⁹ Do your best to come to me as soon as you can,¹⁰ because Demas, who loved this world, left me and went to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus went to Dalmatia.¹¹ Luke is the only one still with me. Get Mark and bring him with you when you come, because he can help me in my work here.¹² I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³ When I was in Troas, I left my coat there with Carpus. So when you come, bring it to me, along with my books, particularly the ones written on parchment.

¹⁴ Alexander the metalworker did many harmful things against me. The Lord will punish him for what he did. ¹⁵ You also should be careful that he does not hurt you, because he fought strongly against our teaching.

¹⁶ The first time I defended myself, no one helped me; everyone left me. May they be forgiven.¹⁷ But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength so I could fully tell the Good News to all those who are not Jews. So I was saved from the lion's mouth.¹⁸ The Lord will save me when anyone tries to hurt me, and he will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. Glory forever and ever be the Lord's. Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord God, I pray that you will fill my heart with the blessing of your Holy Spirit. Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities. For the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Tuesday May , 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is not what he has which directly express the worth of a man, but what he is-

2-Blame keeps a wound open, only forgiveness brings healing-

3-Who is God sending across your path today who needs you?-

4-You learn from listening not talking-

5-We are a composite of all that has happened to us-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Have you ever noticed that babies are nauseated by a clean shirt?

I'VE LEARNED-No one root is responsible for the existence of a tree-

DID YOU KNOW-Australian chemist John Macadamia discovered the macadamia nut-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is all kinds of sorrow blessed?

2-Did all the great people of the Bible have weaknesses in their lives or did they live "perfect" lives?

3-Who does God get more glory out of working through, sinful people or righteous people?

4-Are we ever free from our sinful tendencies?

5-Can Christians ever be completely victorious over sin?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had an Israelite servant girl who told him about a cure for leprosy?

Yesterday's answer-David's

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17

Obey the Teachings

¹⁰ But you have followed what I teach, the way I live, my goal, faith, patience, and love. You know I never give up.¹¹ You know how I have been hurt and have suffered, as in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I have suffered, but the Lord saved me from all those troubles. ¹² Everyone who wants to live as God desires, in Christ Jesus, will be persecuted. ¹³ But people who are evil and cheat others will go from bad to worse. They will fool others, but they will also be fooling themselves.

¹⁴ But you should continue following the teachings you learned. You know they are true, because you trust those who taught you.¹⁵ Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. ¹⁷ Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Now, oh heavenly Father, I ask to be called as a witness to your love by the love I extend to others; a precursor of your justice by my unfailing commitment to what is right and good; a lamp set on a hill, reflecting the light of Christ in my forgiveness, mercy and compassion; and a harvester of souls through my humble and dedicated servanthood. In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!