Monday May 31, 2010 thought for the day

MEMORIAL DAY--LET US NEVER FORGET!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To become perfect, follow the advice you give to others-

2-All wise men share one thing in common--the ability to listen-

3-Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurs to God-

4-Born once to die twice, born twice to die once-

5-Sorrow is the price you pay for love-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The difference between a helping hand and an outstretched palm is a twist of the wrist-

I'VE LEARNED-We need to ask ourselves "is our attitude worth catching"?

DID YOU KNOW-Elvis Presley had a twin brother named Garon, who died at birth. Elvis's middle name was spelled Aron in honor of his brother-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does it seem that some people are born with an an attraction to evil and others toward doing good?

2-Does God draw all people to himself?

3-Did Judas ever follow Jesus for the right reason?

4-Was John the Baptist ever "saved" or "born again"?

5-Why are the words tax collectors and sinners used together in scripture?

BIBLE TRIVIA-WEho told Mary that her son was to be named Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Hosea

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 10:23-28

23 Then Jesus looked at this followers and said, "How hard it will be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!"

24 The followers were amazed at what Jesus said. But he said again, "My children, it is very hard to enter the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God!"

26 The followers were even more surprised and said to each other, "Then who can be saved?"

27 Jesus looked at them and said, "This is something people cannot do, but God can. God can do all things."

28 Peter said to Jesus, "Look, we have left everything and followed you."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Sunday May 30, 2010 thought for the day

LET US NEVER FORGET

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just sit there-

2-Love is a game that two can play and both can win-

3-Be careful of what you do with the best you have-

4-People will forget how fast you did a job but they will remember how well you did it-

5-The business of life is not business but living-

STRANGE THOUGHT-People look intelligent when they wear glasses but for some it is only an optical illusion-

I'VE LEARNED-The chains of habit are usually too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken-

DID YOU KNOW-"Happy Birthday to You" is the most often sung song in America-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it okay to bash Christians but not Jews or Muslims?

2-Does it matter why people come to church as long as they do come?

3-Why are we so critical of the people who Jesus spoke to in parables and who didn't understand him?

4-What does it mean when Jesus said, "All that the Father gives me will come to me"?

5-Do some people never have a "drawing" to God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told to name his first born son Jezreel?

Yesterday's answer-David

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 10:17-22

17 As Jesus started to leave, a man ran to him and fell on his knees before Jesus. The man asked, "Good teacher, what must I do to have life forever?"

18 Jesus answered "Why do you call me good? Only God is good.

19 You know the commands; 'You must not murder anyone. You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not steal. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. You must not cheat. Honor your father and mother.' "

20 The man said, "Teacher, I have obeyed all these things since I was a boy."

21 Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, "There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."

22 He was very sad to hear Jesus say this, and he left sorrowfully, because he was rich.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Saturday May 29, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Advice is more acceptable if it doesn't interfere with our plans-

2-Back seat drivers and dinner table cooks are one in the same-

3-It is not so much the load you carry as it is how you carry it-

4-Keep your words soft and sweet for you never know when you may have to eat them-

5-Life is like taking a shower, one wrong turn and you wind up in hot water-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Most trees take 5 years to produce nuts, but not so the family tree-

I'VE LEARNED-You know you are grown up when you no longer have things stored at your parent's home-

DID YOU KNOW-The best selling Christmas singe of all time is Bing Crosby's "White Christmas."

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Adam and Eve know why they were created?

2-Why are some people who are attracted to Jesus only temporary followers?

3-Is a backslider a traitor?

4-Why do some people seem so prone to falling away from God?

5-Is Christianity in danger when it becomes popular?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told to name his son Solomon?

Yesterday's answer-Sarah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 10:13-16

13 Some people brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them, but his followers told them to stop.

14 When Jesus saw this, he was upset and said to them, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children.

15 I tell you the truth, you must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it."

16 Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Frisday May 28, 2010 thought for the day

LET US NEVER FORGET

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The choices we make in life depend on what attitudes we take toward Jesus-

2-Toot your own horn and people will avoid you-

3-Happiness makes up in depth what it lacks in length-

4-The cost of living is as it has always been, 25% more than you earn-

5-A parent is someone who has given a lecture on nutrition to a child who has grown 6'4" by eating junk food-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I know that you believe that you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize what you heard is not what I meant-

I'VE LEARNED-Hindsight is always 20-20

DID YOU KNOW-The B-52's were named after a 1950s hairdo-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If your life ended tomorrow, what would you regret not doing?

2-Who could you be if you did the things you always wanted to do?

3-Do we ascribe too much or too little to what God wants?

4-Are the successful ever satisfied?

5-How will you know when you have success?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Sarai's name changed to?

Yesterday's answer-Lo-ruhamah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 10:1-9

1 Then Jesus left that place and went into the area of Judea and across the Jordan River. Again, crowds came to him, and he taught them as he usually did.

2 Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trick him. They asked, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?"

3 Jesus answered, "What did Moses command you to do?"

4 They said, "Moses allowed a man to write out divorce papers and send her away."

5 Jesus said, "Moses wrote that command for you because you were stubborn.

6 But when God made the world, he made them male and female.

7 So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife,

8 and the two will become one body. So there are not two, but one.

9 God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Thursday May 27, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Believe you can do it and you will-

2-Worship is giving God the best he has given you-

3-Never run ahead of God's guidance-

4-Never run from God's guidance-

5-When in doubt, don't-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Opportunity is another word for crises-

I'VE LEARNED--Truth doesn't hurt unless it ought to-

DID YOU KNOW-Mozart is buried in an unmarked pauper's grave-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does everything happen for a reason?

2-If our ancestors survived with so little, why can't we who have so much?

3-Do you have to love yourself first in order to love another person?

4-What would you do if you weren't afraid of making a mistake, feeling rejected, looking foolish, being alone or just plain failing?

5-Does true love ever hurt?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Hosea told to name his daughter?

Yesterday's answer-Peter

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:42-50

42 If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a large stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the sea.

43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to lose part of your body and live forever than to have two hands and go to hell, where the fire never goes out.

45 If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to lose part of your body and to live forever than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.

47 If your eye causes you to sin, take it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell.

48 In hell the worm does not die, the fire is never put out.

49 Every person will be salted with fire.

50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its salty taste, you cannot make it salty again. So, be full of salt, and have peace with each other."

I WISH YOU DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Wednesday May 26, 2010 thought for the day

LET'S NOT FORGET!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Fruit bearing is always the result of an intimate relationship with God-

2-When you truly love God, guilt is released-

3-When you really understand the truth, fear is removed-

4-God, help us to be as sensitive to one another as you are to us-

5-There is no force as perseverance-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never put both feet in your mouth at the same time, because then you won't have a leg to stand on-

I'VE LEARNED-You can change your life by changing your attitude-

DID YOU KNOW-Mozart wrote the nursery rhyme "Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star" at the age of five-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the crucifixion the ultimate act of forgiveness?

2-What happens to us when we don't forgive others?

3-Can we offer a cheap or false forgiveness?

4-Should we forgive even when one offends us knowing we will forgive them?

5-Should we be concerned how we look to other people?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What new name did Jesus give to Simon?

Yesterday's answer-Adam

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:38-41

38 Then John said, "Teacher, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of a person. We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group."

39 But Jesus said, "Don't stop him, because anyone who uses my name to do powerful things will not easily say evil things about me.

40 Whoever is not against us is with us.

41 I tell you the truth, whoever gives you a drink of water because you belong to the Christ will truly get his reward."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Tuesday May 25, 2010 thought for the day

LET US NEVER FORGET!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's limitless resources meet our endless needs-

2-Faith is a requirement of prayer-

3-Faith must act if it is to work-

4-Faith is more than a noun, it is primarily a verb-

5-True faith in God sees the invisable, believes the incredible and receives the impossible-

STRANGE THOUGHT-`Tomorrow is just a future yesterday-

I'VE LEARNED-No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated and disciplined-

DID YOU KNOW-Mozart's real name was Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you know if your forgiveness of others is real?

2-Can you demand forgiveness?

3-What does forgiveness do for the offended? The offender?

4-Does forgiveness mean that you and the offender are now friends?

5-Is forgiving the most God like thing you can do?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did God call his human creation?

Yesterday's answer-Jeremiah

SCRIPTDURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:33-37

33 Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. When they went into a house there, he asked them, "What were you arguing about on the road?"

34 But the followers did not answer, because their argument on the road was about which one of them was the greatest.

35 Jesus sat them down and called the twelve apostles to him. He said, "Whoever wants to be the most important must be last of all and servant of all."

36 Then Jesus took a small child and had him stand among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said, Whoever accepts a child like this in my name accepts me. And whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Monday May 24, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I love you not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you-

2-When I count my blessings, your name always comes up-

3-Beware of anything that competes with loyalty to God-

4-To be righteous demands obedience from the heart-

5-There is more to obedience than conforming to standards-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A "liberal" is someone who will give away everything they don't own-

I'VE LEARNED-Self discipline is the key to personal greatness-

DID YOU KNOW-Every time Beethoven sat down to write music, he poured ice water over his head-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Can Christians not forgive someone for their actions or behavior?

2-Can our sins remain forgiven if we are not forgiving of others?

3-Is forgiveness really divine mercy?

4-Can you be forced to forgive?

5-What point do you have to get to before you can forgive?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet told the priest Pashur that his new name was to be Magor-missabib?

Yesterday's answer-Zacharias

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:30-32

30 Then Jesus and his followers left that place and went through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know where he was,

31 because he was teaching his followers. He said to them, "The Son of Man will be handed over to people, and they will kill him. After three days, he will rise from the dead."

32 But the followers did not understand what Jesus meant, and they were afraid to ask him.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Sunday May 23, 2010 thought for the day

FUNNY

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Humility is such an elusive virtue, for once you think you have it you've lost it-

2-Jesus doesn't give us hope by changing our situation, He gives us hope by giving us himself-

3-The gap between advice and help is very wide-

4-Live in the joy of being loved-

5-"I have no greater joy than to know my children walk with the Lord"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If your mind goes blank, please turn off the sound-

I'VE LEARNED-Do what you should do, when you should do it, whether you feel like it or not-

DID YOU KNOW-Beethoven's Fifth Symphony was the first symphony to include trombones-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Were all tax collectors in Jesus' day evil people?

2-Does it always work out that when 2 of us agree on things, and we ask God for it, He does it?

3-Are you to forgive someone who continually and willfully does wrong to you?

4-When are you to hold someone accountable for their actions and not release them through your forgiveness?

5-Does forgiveness release the wrongdoer from the consequences of their actions?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told by an angel that his son was to be named John?

Yesterday's answer-Abraham

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- MARK 9:25-29

25 When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he ordered the evil spirit, saying, "You spirit that makes people unable to hear or speak, I command you to come out of this boy and never enter him again!"

26 The evil spirt screamed and caused the boy to fall on the ground again. Then the spirit came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and many people said, "He is dead!"

27 But Jesus took hold of the boy's hand and helped him to stand up.

28 When Jesus went into the house, his followers began asking him privately, "Why couldn't we force that evil spirt out?"

29 Jesus answered, "That kind of spirit can only be forced out by prayer."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Saturday May 22, 2010 thought for the day

OOPS!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you wish for others to speak well of you then never speak well of yourself-

2-Demanding respect is like chasing butterflies, chase it and you'll never catch it-

3-Ponder your success and count your money in a cemetery and remember neither is buried with you-

4-Humility isn't the same as low self esteem. It doesn't mean you think you have nothing to offer, it means you know exactly what you have to offer and no more-

5-Today's binge is tomorrows sorrow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are some people not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as all death row inmates are alive?

I'VE LEARNED-If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together-

DID YOU KNOW-When Beethoven was a child, he made such a poor impression on his music teachers that he was pronounced hopeless as a composer-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What would Peter's reaction be to finding the fish with a coin in it's mouth as Jesus said he would?

2-How do you humble yourself as a little child to get into the kingdom of heaven?

3-Are we to gouge out our eyes if they look at things we shouldn't?

4-Are we to cut off our hands or feet if they cause us to sin?

5-Do our eyes, hands and feet cause us to sin or is it our heart (desires)?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did God change Abram's name to?

Yesterday's answer-an angel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:20-24

20 So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.

21 Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has this been happening?" The father answered, "Since he was very young.

22 The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us."

23 Jesus said to the father, "You said, 'If you can!' All things are possible for the one who believes."

24 Immediately the father cried out, "I do believe! Help me to believe more!"

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Friday May 21, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your death never takes God by surprise for no one lives one day more or less than God intends-

2-Even though we don't understand God's actions we can trust his heart-

3-God knows the way to get you home and only God made a way for you to get there safely-

4-Every mountain has its valley-

5-If humility precedes an event, then confidence may follow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Freedom of speech is fine as long as no one is offended by it-

I'VE LEARNED-Yesterday ended last night-

DID YOU KNOW-More than one hundred descendents of Johann Sebastian Bach have been cathedral organists-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus said the man who found the lost sheep is happier about that one sheep than the 99 that didn't wander. Why? Wasn't he grateful that 99 were safe?

2-How are people lost when they don't know they are lost, religiously speaking?

3-Is there a difference in faith and believing?

4-Did Jesus mean we could move physical mountains with faith?

5-Did peter go fishing for the fish with a coin in it's mouth as Jesus instructed? Did he pay the tax with it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Hagar to name her son Ishmael?

Yesterday's answer-Hosea

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:14-19

14When Jesus, Peter, James and John came back to the other followers, they saw a great crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.

15 But as soon as he crowd saw Jesus, the people were surprised and ran to welcome him.

16 Jesus asked, "What are you arguing about?"

17 A man answered, "Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking.

18 When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn't".

19 Jesus answered, "You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Thursday May 20, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The success of the Christian life is not measured by the level of human effort applied-

2-We are not sent to battle for God but to be used of God in his battles-

3-Never ask the advice of another about anything God makes you decide before him-

4-We can't change the process of getting older but we can change our attitude about it-

5-On the days you don't feel close to God, trust your faith not your feelings-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't sanely deal with insane people-

I'VE LEARNED-You can have a lot to live on and still have nothing to live for-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1990 there were an estimated seventy five thousand accordionists in the United States-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does God do when we sin?

2-Do most Christians blindly accept their church's doctrine? Should we?

3-Whenever we do something wrong, is it sin?

4-Jesus said "Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin"? What causes people to sin?

5-In the parable of the lost sheep, Jesus referred to the children's angels in heaven. Are they guardian angels? Do adults have them also?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet was told by God to name his son Lo-ammi?

Yesterday's answer-An angel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- MARK 9:9-13

9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

10 So the followers obeyed Jesus, but they discussed what he meant about rising from the dead.

11 Then they asked Jesus, "Why do the teacher of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

12 Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah must come first and make everything the way it should be. But why does the Scripture say that the Son of Man will suffer much and that people will treat him as if he were nothing?

13 I tell you that Elijah has already come. And people did to him whatever they wanted to do, just as the Scriptures said it would happen."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Wednesday May 19, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Compassion is feeling the hurt of another person-

2-Obedience is not agreeing with God's will, it is doing it-

3-Living by faith is not substituting for facts-

4-To live by faith is to focus on God-

5-Living the life of faith is not a matter of trying harder, it is a matter of focus-

STRANGE THOUGHT-As soon as I get a grip on reality, I'm going to choke it-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't settle for achieving "the good life." because "the good life" is not good enough-

DID YOU KNOW-Glass flutes do not expand with humidity, so their owners are spared the nuisance of tuning them-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was the significance of the transfiguration?

2-What conversation did Moses and Elijah have with Jesus at the transfiguration?

3-Why didn't other people appear at Jesus' transfiguration?

4-When did the disciples get the faith to perform miracles?

5-Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Joseph what Jesus' name would be?

Yesterday's answer-Isaiah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 9:1-8

1 Then Jesus said to the people. "I tell you the truth, some people standing here will see the kingdom of God come with power before they die."

2 Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus' appearance was changed.

3 His clothes became shining white, whiter than any person could make them.

4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

5 Peter said to Jesus, "Teacher, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents-one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

6 Peter did not know what to say, because he and the others were so frightened.

7 Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!"

8 Suddenly Peter, James, and John looked around, but they saw only Jesus there alone with them.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Tuesday May 18, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Where your treasure is, there your heart is also-

2-Life in Christ is free but it is not cheap-

3-To witness is to "pass the salt"-

4-Get in the habit of saying "Speak Lord"-

5-Attitudes shape all the directions of our lives-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I know where I am for I've been lost here before-

I'VE LEARNED-A simple life in the fear of God is better than a rich life with a ton of heartaches-

DID YOU KNOW-A single violin is made of seventy separate pieces of wood-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we deny ourselves and take up our cross to follow Jesus?

2-What is the cross we must bear to follow Jesus?

3-What can a person give in exchange for his soul?

4-Are a Christians actions or deeds important?

5-Why did Jesus refer to John the Baptist as Elijah?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told by God to name his son Maher-shalal-hash-baz?

Yesterday's answer-Israel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:34-38

34 Then Jesus called the crowd to him, along with his followers. He said, "If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.

35 Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life.

36 It is worth nothing for them to have the whole world if they lose their souls.

37 They could never pay enough to buy back their souls.

38 The people who live now are living in a sinful and evil time. If people are ashamed of me and my teaching, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes with his Father's glory and with the holy angels."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Monday May 17, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY 1-None of us do great things for God but we can all do small things with great love- 2-Peace begins with a smile- 3-Do the things you fear and the death of fear is certain- 4-Wherever two hearts dwell together in love, that place is holy- 5-A child does not want to be in a cage but he does want to be on a leash- STRANGE THOUGHT-We rarely think people have good sense unless they agree with us- I'VE LEARNED-Opportunity is sometimes hard to recognize if you're only looking for a lucky break- DID YOU KNOW-There are more than 33,000 radio stations around the world- 5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW 1-Did the disciples ever sin after Jesus' ascension? 2-Why did Jesus tell the disciples before the transfiguration not to tell anyone he was the Christ? 3-Since the name Peter means rock, could it be that Jesus meant Peter would be the cornerstone on which he would build his church? 4-Did Jesus come to establish a "church"? 5-How could Peter be the "Rock" on which Jesus would build his church when a few verses later he spoke to Peter in rebuke calling him Satan? BIBLE TRIVIA-What did God change Jacob's name to? Yesterday's answer-James SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:27-33 27 Jesus and his followers went to the towns around Caesarea Philippi. While they were traveling, Jesus asked them, "Who do people say I am?" 28 They answered, "Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and others say you are one of the prophets. 29 Then Jesus asked, "But who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ." 30 Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone who he was. 31 Then Jesus began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and that he would be rejected by the older Jewish leaders, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law. He told them that the Son of Man must be killed and then rise from the dead after three days. 32 Jesus told them plainly what would happen. Then Peter took Jesus aside and began to tell him not to talk like that. 33 But Jesus turned and looked at his followers. Then he told Peter not to talk that way. He said, "Go away from me, Satan! You don't care about the things of God, but only about things people think are important." I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Sunday May 16, 2010 thought for the day

FRIEND

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Light a fire in another's heart and your own will be warmed-

2-Love turns service into a sacrament-

3-Love turns drudgery into delight-

4-If stewardship is a problem, it really is a problem of Lordship-

5-Anger is only one letter away from danger-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Man is the only animal that blushes, or needs to-

I'VE LEARNED-If you don't care about a task, it is unlikely you will excel at it-

DID YOU KNOW-The harmonica is the world's most popular instrument-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is scripture to be studied, analyzed, questioned or just accepted?

2-Does the mouth always speak what is in the heart?

3-What are the "careless words" that Jesus said we would have to give an account for?

4-Jesus said that the Son of Man would have to be 3 days and 3 nights in the heart of the earth just like Jonah was in the belly of the hugh fish. Was he?

5-When Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes when did they multiply, when they were blessed or when they were passed out?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible name meant "supplanter"?

Yesterday's answer-Mark

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:22-26

22 Jesus and his followers came to Bethsaida. There some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch the man.

23 So Jesus took the blind man's hand and led him out of the village. Then he spit on the man's eye and put his hands on the man and asked, "Can you see now?"

24 The man looked up and said, "Yes, I see people, but they look like trees walking around.

25 Again Jesus put his hands on the man's eyes. Then the man opened his eyes wide and they were healed, and he was able to see everything clearly.

26 Jesus told him to go home, saying, "Don't go into the town."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

memo from jasper

There will be no blog postings from me until May 16, 2010 when i return from a week vacation--jasper

Friday May 7, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Happiness and growth come not by clinging to the past but by looking to the future-

2-Jesus doesn't come to visit, he comes to abide-

3-Forgetting that God is the source of all I have throws my life completely out of balance-

4-The antidote for loving money too much is to love God more-

5-Godliness is not meant to be a means to financial gain but Godliness with contentment is great gain-

STRANGE THOUGHT-He who questions opinion is wise: he who quarrels with facts is a fool-

I'VE LEARNED-People rarely excel at tasks they don't feel passionate about-

DID YOU KNOW-A penny whistle has six finger holes

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How many people were healed by Jesus during his ministry?

2-Why are we so critical of Peter being afraid when trying to walk on the water to Jesus?

3-How do you blaspheme the Holy Spirit?

4-Why did Jesus say that any blasphemy against the Holy Spirit would not be forgiven?

5-Can blasphemy against Jesus or God himself be forgiven?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible person's name meant "polite"?

Yesterday's answer Joel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:14-21

14 His followers had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat; they had forgotten to bring more.

15 Jesus warned them, "Be careful! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod."

16 His followers discussed the meaning of this, saying "He said this because we have no bread."

17 Knowing what they were talking about, Jesus asked them, "Why are you talking about not having bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your minds closed?

18 You have eyes, but you don't really see. You have ears, but you don't really listen.

19 Remember when I divided five loaves of bread for the five thousand? How many baskets did you fill with leftover pieces of food?" They answered, "Twelve."

20 "And when I divided seven loaves of bread for the four thousand, how many baskets did you fill with leftover pieces of food?" they answered, "Seven."

21 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand yet?"

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Thursday May 6, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Tithing is a matter of obedience-

2-We do not do someone a favor by idolizing them-

3-It is amazing how much can be done when no one cares who gets the credit-

4-It is amazing how much damage a loving person can undo-

5-Change is simply God's purpose at work in your life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Your shin is a device for finding furniture in the dark-

I'VE LEARNED-Anyone without a since of humor is at the mercy of everybody else-

DID YOU KNOW-The bagpipe was originally made from the whole skin of a dead sheep-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you be a Christian and have secret sin in your life?

2-When does sin cause a disconnect in your relationship with God?

3-Is there preaching other than preaching the Gospel?

4-Why do we so often not appreciate members of our own family?

5-What reaction should we have when family members leave the faith for no faith or a false religion?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What bible person's name meant "the Lord is God"?

Yesterday's answer-Philemon

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:11-13

11 The Pharisees came to Jesus and began to ask him questions. Hoping to trap him, they asked Jesus for a miracle from God.

12 Jesus sighed deeply and said, "Why do you people ask for a miracle as a sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to you."

13 Then Jesus left the Pharisees and went in the boat to the other side of the lake.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Wednesday May 5, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Trust God to guide your actions and give you the strength to carry them out-

2-If we were all perfect, there would be no need for love in the world-

3-The gift of friendship may lie hidden in every new encounter-

4-Lord, help me to know the victory in surrender-

5-May we cherish the bread before there is none, discover each other before we leave and

enjoy each other for what we are while we have time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You have no right to receive happiness without giving it away-

I'VE LEARNED-Until a decision is made, nothing happens-

DID YOU KNOW-In high school, Robin Williams was voted the least likely to succeed-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What did Jesus mean when he said "my yoke is easy and my burden is light"?

2-Why did the Pharisees always ask Jesus for a sign when they had already seen or heard of his miracles?

3-Are we able to judge who is a real Christian and who is a pretend Christian?

4-Can you be a Christian and not agree with all of the church's doctrines?

5-Who is right when people disagree on certain scriptural interpretations?

BIBLE TRIVIA What Bible person's name meant "affectionate"?

Yesterday's answer-Nahum

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 8:1-10

1 Another time there was a great crowd with Jesus that had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his followers and said,

2 "I feel sorry for these people, because they have already been with me for three days, and they have nothing to eat.

3 If I send them home hungry, they will faint on the way. Some of them live a long way from here."

4 Jesus's followers answered, "How can we get enough bread to feed all these people? We are far away from any town."

5 Jesus asked, "How many loaves of bread do you have?" They answered, "Seven."

6 Jesus told the people to sit on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks to God, and divided the bread. He gave the pieces to his followers so give to the people, and they did so.

7 The followers also had a few small fish. After Jesus gave thanks for the fish, he told his followers to give them to the people also.

8 All the people ate and were satisfied. Then his followers filled seven baskets with the leftover pieces of food.

9 There were about four thousand people who ate. After they had eaten, Jesus sent them home.

10 Then right away he got into a boat with his followers and went to the area of Dalmanutha.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Tuesday May 4, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We should live so that there will be no real regrets about what we could have done, if we'd only have had more time-

2-Shadows are proof that the sun is shinning-

3-When you receive God's grace, boasting stops and gratitude starts-

4-When God gives you a promise, you can depend on it-

5-Don't allow fear to mold you into a "Yes but.." Christian-

STRANGE THOUGHT-In order to understand mankind, we must look at the word itself, "mank" and "ind". What do these word mean? Maybe we'll never know!

I'VE LEARNED-This would be a wonderful world if we showed as much patience in all things as we do in waiting for fish to bite-

DID YOU KNOW-Howdy Doody had forty eight freckles. His twin brother was named Double Doody-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did all the disciples heal the sick?

2-Did all the disciples "speak in tongues" after Pentecost?

3-After Jesus ascension, did any of the disciples go back to their means of earning a living?

4-Did Jesus speak more than one language? If so, how many?

5-Did the disciples totally leave their livelihood while following Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What bible name meant "compassionate"?

Yesterday's answer-Micah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 7:31-37

31 Then Jesus left the area around Tyre and went through Sidon to Lake Galilee, to the area of the Ten Towns.

32 While he was there, some people brought a man to him who was deaf and could not talk plainly. The people begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him.

33 Jesus led the man away from the crowd, by himself. He put his fingers in the man's ears and then spit and touched the man's tongue.

34 Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to the man, "Ephphatha!" (This means, "Be opened"

35 Instantly the man was able to hear and to use his tongue so that he spoke clearly.

36 Jesus commanded the people not to tell anyone about what happened. But the more he commanded then, the more they told about it.

37 They were completely amazed and said, "Jesus does everything well. He makes the deaf hear! And those who can't talk he makes able to speak."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Monday May 3, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Everyone needs to know they are loved, especially those closest to us-

2-We have choices in our actions but not in our consequences-

3-There are no birthright Christians-

4-The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulations, but because of it-

5-Face the sunlight and the shadows will fall behind you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A conclusion is a place where you get tired of thinking-

I'VE LEARNED-Life is like a mirror, we get the best results when we smile at it-

DID YOU KNOW-Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look alike contest-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference in judging and "fruit inspecting"?

2-Are Christians never to judge?

3-Do Christians sin when they are judging?

4-Were all the disciples preachers, teachers, evangelists?

5-Is it necessary to use words to preach the gospel?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose bible name meant "who is like the Lord"?

Yesterday's answer-Haggai

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 7:24-30

24 Jesus left that place and went to the area around Tyre. When he went into a house, he did not want anyone to know he was there, but he could not stay hidden.

25 A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit in her heard that he was there. So she quickly came to Jesus and fell at this feet.

26 She was Greek, born in Phoenicia, in Syria. She begged Jesus to force the demon out of her daughter.

27 Jesus told the woman, "It is not right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs. First let the children eat all they want."

28 But she answered, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table can eat the children's crumbs."

29 Then Jesus said, "Because of your answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter."

30 The woman went home and found her daughter lying in bed; the demon was gone.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Sunday May 2, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If at first you don't succeed, try a grin-

2-There is no tranquilizer in the world more effective than a few kind words-

3-My worth to God in public is what I am in private-

4-The greatest medicine is a true friend-

5-You can change the face of the world by starting with the one you see in the mirror-

STRANGE THOUGHTS-Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines-

I'VE LEARNED-If you have no Christmas in your head, you won't find it under a tree-

DID YOU KNOW-Elizabeth Taylor has appeared on the cover of Life magazine more than anyone else-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Some sections in the Bible were not a part of early manuscripts, so why were they made a part of scripture?

2-Will god bless and use money given without a cheerful attitude?

3-Should the church knowingly take money received from illegal or immoral activity?

4-Does judging always mean you are saying something critical of another?

5-Can you find fault without judging?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible person's name meant "festive"?

Yesterday's answer-Jude

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 7:17-23

17 When Jesus left the people and went into the house, his followers asked him about this story.

18 Jesus said, Do you still not understand? Surely you know that nothing that enters someone from the outside can make that person unclean.

19 It does not go into the mind, but into the stomach then it goes out of the body." (When Jesus said this, he meant that no longer was any food unclean for people to eat.)

20 And Jesus said, "The things that come out of people are the things that make them unclean.

21 All the things begin inside people, in the mind: evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery,

22 greed, evil actions, lying, doing sinful things, jealousy, speaking evil of others, pride, and foolish living.

23 All these evil things come from inside and make people unclean."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Saturday May 1, 2010 thought for the day

FRIENDSHIP

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't expect applause--deserve it_

2-A sense of humor is like a needle and thread, it will patch up many things-

3-The man who remembers what was taught at this mother's knee was probably bent over it-

4-Blessed are they who give without remembering and receive without forgetting-

5-If you can't do great things, do small things in a great way-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Top cats often begin as underdogs-

I'VE LEARNED-Vacations are 2 weeks spent with those you thought you loved best-

DID YOU KNOW-Clark Gable used to shower more than 4 times a day-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Would those waiting 50 days for Pentecost have gone home at night to eat and sleep?

2-Should we have regular scheduled time for prayer?

3-What are the origins for the Saducees and the Pharisees?

4-Why were the Jewish religious leaders angry when Jesus or the disciples brought healing to people who needed it?

5-Will God bless you if you give for the wrong reason?

BIBLE TRIVIA- What Bible person's name meant "praise of the Lord"?

Yesterday's answer-John

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MARK 7:9-15

9 Then Jesus said to them, "You cleverly ignore the commands of God so you can follow your own teaching.

10 Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and 'Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death.'

11 But you say a person can tell his father or mother, 'I have something I could use to help you, but it is Corban--a gift to God.'

12 You no longer let that person use that money for his father or his mother.

13 By your own rules, which you teach people, you are rejecting what God said. And you do many things like that."

14 After Jesus called the crowd to him again, he said, "Every person should listen to me and understand what I am saying.

15 There is nothing people put into their bodies that makes them unclean. People are made unclean by the things that come out of them."

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER