Wednesday April 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A critical spirit comes from self righteousness-

2-The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others-

3-Old age is winter for many people, but for those who are wise and optimistic, it is the happy and fruitful time of harvest-

4-So long as we continue to be amazed, we can delay growing old-

5-Train beyond your ability, perform beyond your expectations and reach beyond your imagination-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk-

I'VE LEARNED-It is by growing older that you learn to remain young-

DID YOU KNOW-The Netherlands and the United States both have national anthems that do not mention their countries' names-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Jesus save John the Baptist from beheading?

2-What do we mean when we say "I love you with all my heart"?

3-Why didn't Jesus chose educated men for his disciples?

4-How do you know when you are serving God with "all your heart"?

5-Is there such a person as a selfish Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Babylon burned Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Samson Judges 15:4-5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:28-34

Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons

²⁸ When Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the area of the Gadarene^[a] people, two men who had demons in them met him. These men lived in the burial caves and were so dangerous that people could not use the road by those caves. ²⁹ They shouted, "What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to torture us before the right time?"

³⁰ Near that place there was a large herd of pigs feeding. ³¹ The demons begged Jesus, "If you make us leave these men, please send us into that herd of pigs."

³² Jesus said to them, "Go!" So the demons left the men and went into the pigs. Then the whole herd rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned. ³³ The herdsmen ran away and went into town, where they told about all of this and what had happened to the men who had demons.³⁴ Then the whole town went out to see Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their area.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are so many experiences or circumstances in life that instill fear in our hearts. But we don’t have to cringe in fear because You are with us. Your protection assures us that things will turn out for good in the end, whether in this life or the life to come. Though Jesus’ followers were devastated when He hung limp on the cross You had a powerful plan all along and it turned out for the good of all, even those responsible for His death. Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but He is alive forevermore, preparing a place for each of us who remain faithful. Father, we seek You because we know that You hear us and will deliver us from our unhealthy fears. We thank You for it in advance, through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

LIVE SIMPLY! LOVE GENEROUSLY! CARE DEEPLY! SPEAK KINDLY! LEAVE THE REST WITH GOD!!