Friday December 31, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Satan always goes to your point of decision-

2-It is good to be known for what you do best-

3-The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits-

4-Don't curse your problems, overcome them-

5-Pressure turns carbon into diamond-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you make peaceful revolution impossible, you make violent revolution inevitable-

I'VE LEARNED-The road to a friends house is never long-

DID YOU KNOW-The "You Are Here" arrow on a map is called the IDEO locator-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will God ask us to do anything we cannot do?

2-What do you do when you don't know how to pray?

3-What does praying cost us?

4-How simple/complex must our prayers be?

5-Can you pray an insignificant prayer?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Rizpah was the wife of what king of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 3:1-12

Controlling the Things We Say

¹ My brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.² We all make many mistakes. If people never said anything wrong, they would be perfect and able to control their entire selves, too.³ When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can control their whole bodies.⁴ Also a ship is very big, and it is pushed by strong winds. But a very small rudder controls that big ship, making it go wherever the pilot wants.⁵ It is the same with the tongue. It is a small part of the body, but it brags about great things.

A big forest fire can be started with only a little flame.⁶ And the tongue is like a fire. It is a whole world of evil among the parts of our bodies. The tongue spreads its evil through the whole body. The tongue is set on fire by hell, and it starts a fire that influences all of life.⁷ People can tame every kind of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish, and they have tamed them,⁸ but no one can tame the tongue. It is wild and evil and full of deadly poison.⁹ We use our tongues to praise our Lord and Father, but then we curse people, whom God made like himself.¹⁰ Praises and curses come from the same mouth! My brothers and sisters, this should not happen.¹¹ Do good and bad water flow from the same spring?¹² My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree make olives, or can a grapevine make figs? No! And a well full of salty water cannot give good water.

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

Thursday December 30, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God says, I am what I am and will be what I have been-

2-Our job is to love and train our children, it is God's job to change them-

3-The gospel is not something about Jesus, it is Jesus-

4-If we really want to be loved, we must learn to forgive-

5-The highest reward for a person's work is not what they get for it but what they become by it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We have enjoyed freedom for so long that we may be in danger of forgetting how much freedom costs-

I'VE LEARNED-The same wind that pushes one ship into port may push another out to sea-

DID YOU KNOW-Spain literally means "the land of rabbits"

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was there a reason that Zachariah's prayers for a baby took so long to be answered?

2-Why does God want us to pray?

3-Does God have to answer our prayers?

4-Why are we so often surprised when God answers our prayers?

5-How much is a prayer worth?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wife of the soldier Uriah became David's wife and bore him Solomon?

Yesterday's answer-The queen of Sheba

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 2:14-26

¹⁴ My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?¹⁵ A brother or sister in Christ might need clothes or food.¹⁶ If you say to that person, "God be with you! I hope you stay warm and get plenty to eat," but you do not give what that person needs, your words are worth nothing. ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself—that does nothing—is dead.

¹⁸ Someone might say, "You have faith, but I have deeds." Show me your faith without doing anything, and I will show you my faith by what I do.¹⁹ You believe there is one God. Good! But the demons believe that, too, and they tremble with fear.

²⁰ You foolish person! Must you be shown that faith that does nothing is worth nothing?²¹ Abraham, our ancestor, was made right with God by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar.²² So you see that Abraham's faith and the things he did worked together. His faith was made perfect by what he did.²³ This shows the full meaning of the Scripture that says: "Abraham believed God, and God accepted Abraham's faith, and that faith made him right with God." And Abraham was called God's friend.²⁴ So you see that people are made right with God by what they do, not by faith only.

²⁵ Another example is Rahab, a prostitute, who was made right with God by something she did. She welcomed the spies into her home and helped them escape by a different road.

²⁶ Just as a person's body that does not have a spirit is dead, so faith that does nothing is dead!

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

Wednesday December 29, 2010 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY 1-Too many people are interested in their rights than in the pursuit of God's purpose- 2-If you want the fire of God, you must become the fuel God can use- 3-God's fire doesn't fall on empty altars- 4-God doesn't care about anything you can do for him. He wants to know "do you want me?" 5-False familiarity can give you foolish assumptions- STRANGE THOUGHT-Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well armed lamb contesting the vote- I'VE LEARNED-Don't count the days, make the days count- DID YOU KNOW-Scatologists are experts who study feces- 5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW 1-Is a grouchy Christian an oxymoron? 2-Is the reward of the Christian life missing hell? 3-Will those who have been saved and not shared the good news with others make it to heaven? 4-Do we really want all our prayers answered? 5-Should we keep praying until we get an answer? BIBLE TRIVIA-What queen traveled far to meet Solomon face to face? Yesterday's answer-Egypt SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 2:1-13 Love All People 1 My dear brothers and sisters, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, never think some people are more important than others.2 Suppose someone comes into your church meeting wearing nice clothes and a gold ring. At the same time a poor person comes in wearing old, dirty clothes.3 You show special attention to the one wearing nice clothes and say, "Please, sit here in this good seat." But you say to the poor person, "Stand over there," or, "Sit on the floor by my feet."4 What are you doing? You are making some people more important than others, and with evil thoughts you are deciding that one person is better. 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters! God chose the poor in the world to be rich with faith and to receive the kingdom God promised to those who love him.6 But you show no respect to the poor. The rich are always trying to control your lives. They are the ones who take you to court.7 And they are the ones who speak against Jesus, who owns you. 8 This royal law is found in the Scriptures: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." If you obey this law, you are doing right.9 But if you treat one person as being more important than another, you are sinning. You are guilty of breaking God's law.10 A person who follows all of God's law but fails to obey even one command is guilty of breaking all the commands in that law.11 The same God who said, "You must not be guilty of adultery," also said, "You must not murder anyone." So if you do not take part in adultery but you murder someone, you are guilty of breaking all of God's law.12 In everything you say and do, remember that you will be judged by the law that makes people free.13 So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment. I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Tuesday December 28, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY 1-Integrity is more important than talent- 2-We should develop every talent that God gave us- 3-A successful life is measured by how you live and love in the time you are given- 4-Materialism is a selfish attitude toward things- 5-Sin brings it's own judgement- STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't fix anything before you know what is wrong- I'VE LEARNED-The greatest grief's are those we cause ourselves- DID YOU KNOW-Lead poisoning is known as plumbism- 5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW 1-If Christians believe they are going to heaven when they die, why do they struggle so hard to stay alive? 2-Is it okay for Christians to have a little uncertainty about life after death? 3-How should money, power, status, influence play in the life of a Christian? 4-Can a Christian not keep any of the 10 commandments and still be a Christian? 5-Can a Christian be mean spirited, hard headed, unthankful and grouchy? BIBLE TRIVIA-During the reigns of David and Soloman, Tahpenes was the queen of what country? Yesterday's answer-Jezebel SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 1:19-27 Listening and Obeying 19 My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily,20 because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants.21 So put out of your life every evil thing and every kind of wrong. Then in gentleness accept God's teaching that is planted in your hearts, which can save you. 22 Do what God's teaching says; when you only listen and do nothing, you are fooling yourselves.23 Those who hear God's teaching and do nothing are like people who look at themselves in a mirror.24 They see their faces and then go away and quickly forget what they looked like.25 But the truly happy people are those who carefully study God's perfect law that makes people free, and they continue to study it. They do not forget what they heard, but they obey what God's teaching says. Those who do this will be made happy. The True Way to Worship God 26 People who think they are religious but say things they should not say are just fooling themselves. Their "religion" is worth nothing.27 Religion that God the Father accepts as pure and without fault is this: caring for orphans or widows who need help, and keeping yourself free from the world's evil influence. I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Monday December 27, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You grow as a Christian but you are changed by the events of your life-

2-Faith is believing for what you have not seen-

3-If God is not the God of your valley, he cannot be the God of your mountain-

4-Fear drains your faith-

5-Talent may open a door but character keeps it open-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Weather forecast for tonight is-dark-

I'VE LEARNED-Hope is the dream of a person who is awake-

DID YOU KNOW-Koala is Aboriginal for "no drink"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Can life have meaning to the atheist?

2-If you don't worship God, what/who do you worship?

3-Do non Christians have a different sense of right and wrong than do Christians?

4-Does the non Christian have any Godly help in facing the struggles of life?

5-Do atheists still not believe in God when facing death?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Baal worshiping princess led Ahab into idolatry?

Yesterday's answer-Maacah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 1:9-18

True Riches

⁹ Believers who are poor should take pride that God has made them spiritually rich. ¹⁰ Those who are rich should take pride that God has shown them that they are spiritually poor. The rich will die like a wild flower in the grass. ¹¹ The sun rises with burning heat and dries up the plants. The flower falls off, and its beauty is gone. In the same way the rich will die while they are still taking care of business.

Temptation Is Not from God

¹² When people are tempted and still continue strong, they should be happy. After they have proved their faith, God will reward them with life forever. God promised this to all those who love him.¹³ When people are tempted, they should not say, "God is tempting me." Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone.¹⁴ But people are tempted when their own evil desire leads them away and traps them.¹⁵ This desire leads to sin, and then the sin grows and brings death.

¹⁶ My dear brothers and sisters, do not be fooled about this.¹⁷ Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows.¹⁸ God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things he made.

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

Sunday December 26, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY 1-Without a vision the people perish- 2-Envy kills your vision- 3-You can lie to yourself for so long that you believe your own lie- 4-After you have an encounter with God, you can never be the same again- 5-We allow sin in our lives because we like it- STRANGE THOUGHT-The best way to test a persons friendship is to ask them to co-sign on your bank note. If they refuse, they are your friend- I'VE LEARNED-Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out- DID YOU KNOW-Kemosabe means "soggy shrub" in Navajo 5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW 1-Does God show anger or displeasure to the Christian? 2-Does doubting affect answered prayers? 3-Will God answer a selfish prayer? 4-Where does my believing and God's will intersect? 5-Can we be nagging God when we pray? BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was removed from her position as queen mother because she had made an idol? Yesterday's answer-Athaliah SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY JAMES 1:1-8 How to Live as a Christian 1 From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To all of God's people who are scattered everywhere in the world: Greetings. Faith and Wisdom 2 My brothers and sisters, when you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, 3 because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience.4 Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete and will have everything you need. 5 But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without criticizing you. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like a wave in the sea, blown up and down by the wind.7-8 Such doubters are thinking two different things at the same time, and they cannot decide about anything they do. They should not think they will receive anything from the Lord. I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE, LAUGHTER, FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING-JASPER

Saturday December 25, 2010 thought for the day

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LUKE 2:1-20

The Birth of Jesus

¹ At that time, Augustus Caesar sent an order that all people in the countries under Roman rule must list their names in a register.² This was the first registration; it was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.³ And all went to their own towns to be registered.

⁴ So Joseph left Nazareth, a town in Galilee, and went to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, known as the town of David. Joseph went there because he was from the family of David.⁵ Joseph registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was now pregnant.⁶ While they were in Bethlehem, the time came for Mary to have the baby, ⁷ and she gave birth to her first son. Because there were no rooms left in the inn, she wrapped the baby with pieces of cloth and laid him in a feeding trough.

Shepherds Hear About Jesus

⁸ That night, some shepherds were in the fields nearby watching their sheep.⁹ Then an angel of the Lord stood before them. The glory of the Lord was shining around them, and they became very frightened.¹⁰ The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all the people.¹¹ Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ, the Lord.¹² This is how you will know him: You will find a baby wrapped in pieces of cloth and lying in a feeding box."

¹³ Then a very large group of angels from heaven joined the first angel, praising God and saying:
¹⁴ "Give glory to God in heaven,
And on earth let there be peace among the people who please God."

¹⁵ When the angels left them and went back to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go to Bethlehem. Let's see this thing that has happened which the Lord has told us about."

¹⁶ So the shepherds went quickly and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a feeding trough. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they told what the angels had said about this child.¹⁸ Everyone was amazed at what the shepherds said to them.¹⁹ But Mary treasured these things and continued to think about them.²⁰ Then the shepherds went back to their sheep, praising God and thanking him for everything they had seen and heard. It had been just as the angel had told them.

Thursday December 23, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even the most beautiful of roses has thorns-

2-What matters to the one you love should also mean alot to you-

3-Accommodations you make for the one you love isn't a sacrifice, it is a gift-

4-Wisdom is God's knowledge applied to your situation-

5-God knows where you are and where you need to be-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never look back unless you're planning to go that way-

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response-

DID YOU KNOW-Technically, the term drowning refers to the process of taking water into the lungs, not to death caused by that process. So,it is possible to drown and not die.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who do prayers affect the most, the person praying, or the one receiving the prayer?

2-Does becoming a Christian change your personality?

3-Was the Lord's Prayer meant to be prayed daily?

4-How many ways can you praise God?

5-In how many ways can God be described?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who defied her royal husband and was replaced by a foreign woman?

Yesterday's answer-Esther

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 24:50-53

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven

⁵⁰ Jesus led his followers as far as Bethany, and he raised his hands and blessed them.⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he was separated from them and carried into heaven.⁵² They worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem very happy. ⁵³ They stayed in the Temple all the time, praising God.

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

Wednesday December 22, 2010 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you want something you never had, you may need to do something you never did before-

2-Satan cannot hold you against your will and God will not hold you against your will-

3-God may not take your storms away but he will see you through them-

4-I have lived long enough to thank God that all my prayers have not been answered-

5-Don't complain about the thorns in roses, but look for the roses among the thorns-

STRANGE THOUGHT-For fast relief, try slowing down-

I'VE LEARNED-Leave everything a little better than you found it-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference in predestination and predetermination?

2-Can you accidently sin?

3-What is God's obligation for the saved--the church--the unbeliever?

4-Is there ever a time when you stop praying for someone?

5-Do prayers always make a difference?

DID YOU KNOW-Hara kiri is an impolite way of saying the Japanese word seppuku, which means, literally, "belly splitting."

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Jewish girl became he queen of Persia?

Yesterday's answer-Belshazzar's

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 24:36-49

Jesus Appears to His Followers

³⁶ While the two followers were telling this, Jesus himself stood right in the middle of them and said, "Peace be with you."

³⁷ They were fearful and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost. ³⁸ But Jesus said, "Why are you troubled? Why do you doubt what you see? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have a living body as you see I have."

⁴⁰ After Jesus said this, he showed them his hands and feet. ⁴¹ While they still could not believe it because they were amazed and happy, Jesus said to them, "Do you have any food here?" ⁴² They gave him a piece of broiled fish.⁴³ While the followers watched, Jesus took the fish and ate it.

⁴⁴ He said to them, "Remember when I was with you before? I said that everything written about me must happen—everything in the law of Moses, the books of the prophets, and the Psalms."

⁴⁵ Then Jesus opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ He said to them, "It is written that the Christ would suffer and rise from the dead on the third day ⁴⁷ and that a change of hearts and lives and forgiveness of sins would be preached in his name to all nations, starting at Jerusalem.⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I will send you what my Father has promised, but you must stay in Jerusalem until you have received that power from heaven."

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

Tuesday December 21, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A friend is one who knows our faults yet finds our virtues also-

2-Maybe you can't be a star, but you need not be a cloud-

3-Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give-

4-We make choices and then our choices make us-

5-You can never have a future until you release your past-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A hint is something we often drop but seldom pick up-

I'VE LEARNED-Success that goes to a person's head usually pays only a very short visit-

DID YOU KNOW-Groaking is to watch people eating in the hope that they will offer you some-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can a Christian have negative attitudes?

2-Does God speak to you in ways other than words?

3-Can you pray blessings on the sinner?

4-Does prosperity or difficulties bring more people to God?

5-When does concern become worry?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose wife brought Daniel's gift of prophecy to her husband's attention?

Yesterday's answer-Candace

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 24:25-35

²⁵ Then Jesus said to them, "You are foolish and slow to believe everything the prophets said. ²⁶ They said that the Christ must suffer these things before he enters his glory." ²⁷ Then starting with what Moses and all the prophets had said about him, Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures.

²⁸ They came near the town of Emmaus, and Jesus acted as if he were going farther.²⁹ But they begged him, "Stay with us, because it is late; it is almost night." So he went in to stay with them.

³⁰ When Jesus was at the table with them, he took some bread, gave thanks, divided it, and gave it to them.³¹ And then, they were allowed to recognize Jesus. But when they saw who he was, he disappeared.³² They said to each other, "It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us."

³³ So the two followers got up at once and went back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven apostles and others gathered.³⁴ They were saying, "The Lord really has risen from the dead! He showed himself to Simon."

³⁵ Then the two followers told what had happened on the road and how they recognized Jesus when he divided the bread.

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

Monday December 20, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Kindness is loving people more than they deserve-

2-You are healed emotionally when you can think of your past and it doesn't hurt anymore-

3-Practice makes perfect so be careful what you practice-

4-You can't turn back the clock but you can wind it up again-

5-If you have joy in your heart, you face will show it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If we are here to help others, what are the others here for?

I'VE LEARNED-The greater the difficulty, the greater the glory-

DID YOU KNOW-EMI stand for electrical and musical instrument-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who was Thomas' twin and why weren't they both called to be a disciple?

2-Do Christians have a "Holy" place to worship?

3-Have we lost reverence for the things of God today?

4-Is there any place where God is not?

5-Is God in any part of the sinners life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-The Ethiopian eunuch that Philip witnessed to was the servant of what queen?

Yesterday's answer-King Agrippa

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- LUKE 24:13-24

Jesus on the Road to Emmaus

¹³ That same day two of Jesus' followers were going to a town named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem.¹⁴ They were talking about everything that had happened.¹⁵ While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and began walking with them,¹⁶ but they were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷ Then he said, "What are these things you are talking about while you walk?"

The two followers stopped, looking very sad. ¹⁸ The one named Cleopas answered, "Are you the only visitor in Jerusalem who does not know what just happened there?"

¹⁹ Jesus said to them, "What are you talking about?"

They said, "About Jesus of Nazareth. He was a prophet who said and did many powerful things before God and all the people. ²⁰ Our leaders and the leading priests handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him.²¹ But we were hoping that he would free Israel. Besides this, it is now the third day since this happened.²² And today some women among us amazed us. Early this morning they went to the tomb,²³ but they did not find his body there. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels who said that Jesus was alive!²⁴ So some of our group went to the tomb, too. They found it just as the women said, but they did not see Jesus."

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

Sunday December 19, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Communication is learning to listen in the other person's language-

2-The measure of your love is the measure you are willing to be inconvenienced-

3-Until you know real pain, you cannot know real joy-

4-You can't get much done by starting tomorrow-

5-It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Sweat is workman's condensation-

I'VE LEARNED-Growth demands a temporary surrender of security-

DID YOU KNOW-EEG Stands for electroencephalogram-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do we sometimes confuse miracles with coincidences?

2-Can Satan and the ungodly preform miracles?

3-Was the Holy Spirit (Spirt of God) active with people before Jesus said he would send the comforter?

4-Do we really understand and/or appreciate what Jesus did for us?

5-Why do we never hear about the great personal sacrifices the early church fathers of the reformation made?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Bernice was the consort of what ruler?

Yesterday's answer-Herodias, wife of Herod-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 24:1-12

Jesus Rises from the Dead

¹ Very early on the first day of the week, at dawn, the women came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared.² They found the stone rolled away from the entrance of the tomb,³ but when they went in, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.⁴ While they were wondering about this, two men in shining clothes suddenly stood beside them.⁵ The women were very afraid and bowed their heads to the ground. The men said to them, "Why are you looking for a living person in this place for the dead?⁶ He is not here; he has risen from the dead. Do you remember what he told you in Galilee?⁷ He said the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful people, be crucified, and rise from the dead on the third day."⁸ Then the women remembered what Jesus had said.

⁹ The women left the tomb and told all these things to the eleven apostles and the other followers.¹⁰ It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and some other women who told the apostles everything that had happened at the tomb.¹¹ But they did not believe the women, because it sounded like nonsense.¹² But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Bending down and looking in, he saw only the cloth that Jesus' body had been wrapped in. Peter went away to his home, wondering about what had happened.

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

Saturday December 18, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Age is not determined by how long you have lived but by how much time you have left-

2-There are some things so serious that we pray until the answer comes-

3-The more I lean on Jesus the straighter I stand-

4-God provides a way of escape but 4 things can block the way-anger, fear, pride, disobedience-

5-Light and darkness can not be in the same place at the same time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Some people who give stop at nothing-

I'VE LEARNED-I have never in my life learned anything from anyone who agreed with me-

DID YOU KNOW-Dibble means "to drink like a duck"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does a miracle have to have a good benefit?

2-Can anyone perform a miracle today-

3-What constitutes a true miracle?

4-What is the purpose of a miracle?

5-Do we sometimes confuse coincidences and miracles?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who plotted the execution of John the Baptist?

Yesterday's answer-Jehu

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 23:44-56

Jesus Dies

⁴⁴ It was about noon, and the whole land became dark until three o'clock in the afternoon,⁴⁵ because the sun did not shine. The curtain in the Temple was torn in two. ⁴⁶ Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Father, I give you my life." After Jesus said this, he died.

⁴⁷ When the army officer there saw what happened, he praised God, saying, "Surely this was a good man!"

⁴⁸ When all the people who had gathered there to watch saw what happened, they returned home, beating their chests because they were so sad.⁴⁹ But those who were close friends of Jesus, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance and watched.

Joseph Takes Jesus' Body

⁵⁰ There was a good and religious man named Joseph who was a member of the council.⁵¹ But he had not agreed to the other leaders' plans and actions against Jesus. He was from the town of Arimathea and was waiting for the kingdom of God to come.⁵² Joseph went to Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.⁵³ He took the body down from the cross, wrapped it in cloth, and put it in a tomb that was cut out of a wall of rock. This tomb had never been used before.⁵⁴ This was late on Preparation Day, and when the sun went down, the Sabbath day would begin.

⁵⁵ The women who had come from Galilee with Jesus followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how Jesus' body was laid.⁵⁶ Then the women left to prepare spices and perfumes.

On the Sabbath day they rested, as the law of Moses commanded.

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

Friday December 17, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If people will only see Jesus, they will want Jesus-

2-We may be held acountable for what we could have known or done-

3-Just think, some of the happenings in your life may be a result of your own prayers-

4-There won't be alot of love without alot of forgiveness-

5-Holiness is a heart issue-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everybody has a photographic memory, some just don't have film-

I'VE LEARNED-Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value-

DID YOU KNOW-Dedrology is the study of trees-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why are some people receptive to God and others aren't?

2-What is a "personal relationship" with Jesus mean?

3-How do you hear the voice of God?

4-Why doesn't God speak to us in an audible way?

5-How do you "live in the Word"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What person was anointed king of Israel by one of Elisha's followers?

Yesterday's answer-Artaxerxes

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 23:26-43

Jesus Is Crucified

²⁶ As they led Jesus away, Simon, a man from Cyrene, was coming in from the fields. They forced him to carry Jesus' cross and to walk behind him.

²⁷ A large crowd of people was following Jesus, including some women who were sad and crying for him. ²⁸ But Jesus turned and said to them, "Women of Jerusalem, don't cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children. ²⁹ The time is coming when people will say, 'Blessed are the women who cannot have children and who have no babies to nurse.' ³⁰ Then people will say to the mountains, 'Fall on us!' And they will say to the hills, 'Cover us!' ³¹ If they act like this now when life is good, what will happen when bad times come?"

³² There were also two criminals led out with Jesus to be put to death.³³ When they came to a place called the Skull, the soldiers crucified Jesus and the criminals—one on his right and the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, because they don't know what they are doing."

The soldiers threw lots to decide who would get his clothes. ³⁵ The people stood there watching. And the leaders made fun of Jesus, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself if he is God's Chosen One, the Christ."

³⁶ The soldiers also made fun of him, coming to Jesus and offering him some vinegar.³⁷ They said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself!"³⁸ At the top of the cross these words were written: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

³⁹ One of the criminals on a cross began to shout insults at Jesus: "Aren't you the Christ? Then save yourself and us."

⁴⁰ But the other criminal stopped him and said, "You should fear God! You are getting the same punishment he is.⁴¹ We are punished justly, getting what we deserve for what we did. But this man has done nothing wrong."⁴² Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

⁴³ Jesus said to him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

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

Thursday December16, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Forgiveness is not an option among many choices, it is a command of Jesus-

2-Forgiveness is your entrance to freedom-

3-When you keep your eyes on people you get disappointed-

4-Joy is a choice not a chance-

5-Jesus is the master of the wind, of the storms and of your life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If Paul Revere had been a poor rider, we would all be talking with a British accent-

I'VE LEARNED-The Most certain way to succeed is always try one more time-

Did you know-Degringolade means "to fall to pieces"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Myrrh was a burial spice. Why was this given to Jesus by the Wise Men?

2-What brings God joy?

3-How do you please God?

4-How do you become holy?

5-How do you "know" Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Persian king received a letter about the Jews rebuilding their temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Esarhaddon

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 23:13-25

Jesus Must Die

¹³ Pilate called the people together with the leading priests and the rulers.¹⁴ He said to them, "You brought this man to me, saying he makes trouble among the people. But I have questioned him before you all, and I have not found him guilty of what you say.¹⁵ Also, Herod found nothing wrong with him; he sent him back to us. Look, he has done nothing for which he should die. ¹⁶ So, after I punish him, I will let him go free." [ ¹⁷ Every year at the Passover Feast, Pilate had to release one prisoner to the people.]

¹⁸ But the people shouted together, "Take this man away! Let Barabbas go free!"¹⁹ (Barabbas was a man who was in prison for his part in a riot in the city and for murder.)

²⁰ Pilate wanted to let Jesus go free and told this to the crowd.²¹ But they shouted again, "Crucify him! Crucify him!"

²² A third time Pilate said to them, "Why? What wrong has he done? I can find no reason to kill him. So I will have him punished and set him free."

²³ But they continued to shout, demanding that Jesus be crucified. Their yelling became so loud that²⁴ Pilate decided to give them what they wanted.²⁵ He set free the man who was in jail for rioting and murder, and he handed Jesus over to them to do with him as they wished.

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

Wednesday December 15, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-One sign of maturity is to be able to live victoriously without answers to all your questions-

2-There is no victory without a battle-

3-Forgiveness is not a feeling, it is a choice-

4-Justice demands satisfaction-

5-When we refuse to forgive another, we are binding ourselves to them-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The best way to get rid of an enemy is to turn him into a friend-

I'VE LEARNED-If you want to the rainbow, you must put up with the rain-

DID YOU KNOW-An animal epidemic is called an epizootic

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did children become an important part of Christmas?

2-What is advent all about?

3-Why were advent wreaths made of evergreens?

4-Is Christmas really Christmas without advent?

5-Why were Christmas celebrations banned by the pilgrims?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What of Assyria had sent foreigners to settle in Israel after the Israelites had been taken away?

Yesterday's answer-Cyrus

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 23:1-12

Pilate Questions Jesus

¹ Then the whole group stood up and led Jesus to Pilate. ² They began to accuse Jesus, saying, "We caught this man telling things that mislead our people. He says that we should not pay taxes to Caesar, and he calls himself the Christ, a king."

³ Pilate asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

Jesus answered, "Those are your words."

⁴ Pilate said to the leading priests and the people, "I find nothing against this man."

⁵ They were insisting, saying, "But Jesus makes trouble with the people, teaching all around Judea. He began in Galilee, and now he is here."

Pilate Sends Jesus to Herod

⁶ Pilate heard this and asked if Jesus was from Galilee.⁷ Since Jesus was under Herod's authority, Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time.⁸ When Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, because he had heard about Jesus and had wanted to meet him for a long time. He was hoping to see Jesus work a miracle.⁹ Herod asked Jesus many questions, but Jesus said nothing.¹⁰ The leading priests and teachers of the law were standing there, strongly accusing Jesus.¹¹ After Herod and his soldiers had made fun of Jesus, they dressed him in a kingly robe and sent him back to Pilate.¹² In the past, Pilate and Herod had always been enemies, but on that day they became friends.

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

Tuesday December 14, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When we worry, we deny the faithfulness of God-

2-You can be a worrier or a warrior-

3-My worst day as a Christian is better than my best day as a sinner-

4-The valley is where living and growth occur-

5-There can be no mountain top without a valley-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Man can believe the impossible, but can never believe the improbable-

I'VE LEARNED-No rule of success will work if you don't-

DID YOU KNOW-Alma mater means "bountiful mother"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who decided when Jesus' birthday was to be celebrated and why was December 25 chosen?

2-Does it really matter on what day we celebrate Christmas?

3-Should Christmas be a holiday or a holy day?

4-Why didn't the early church Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday?

5-When did Christmas become an accepted special day as we know it today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Persia issued the decree that the people of Judah could rebuild their temple?

Yesterday's answer-Jehu

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:63-71

The People Make Fun of Jesus

⁶³ The men who were guarding Jesus began making fun of him and beating him.

⁶⁴ They blindfolded him and said, "Prove that you are a prophet, and tell us who hit you."⁶⁵ They said many cruel things to Jesus.

Jesus Before the Leaders

⁶⁶ When day came, the council of the elders of the people, both the leading priests and the teachers of the law, came together and led Jesus to their highest court. ⁶⁷ They said, "If you are the Christ, tell us."

Jesus said to them, "If I tell you, you will not believe me. ⁶⁸ And if I ask you, you will not answer. ⁶⁹ But from now on, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand of the powerful God."

⁷⁰ They all said, "Then are you the Son of God?"

Jesus said to them, "You say that I am."

⁷¹ They said, "Why do we need witnesses now? We ourselves heard him say this."

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

Monday December 13, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God can give to us a dissatisfied satisfaction-

2-We need peoples needs to motivate us out of love-

3-You don't do the things you do because you feel the way you do, you feel the way you do because you do the things you do-

4-God does things for you in order to do things in you in order to do things with you-

5-In a valley we want deliverance but God wants growth-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If nothing changes, nothing changes-

I'VE LEARNED-Making no decision is making a decision-

DID YOU KNOW-a salween is the faint taste of dish washing liquid on a cup of fresh tea-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Had Jesus ever taken a ritual bath?

2-Had John ever baptized in places other than the Jordon River?

3-When did Jesus know what his mission was?

4-Did Jesus and John ever meet as children?

5-What happened to John the Baptist's followers after his death?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king ordered Jezebel's servants to toss her out of a window?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiakim

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:54-62

Peter Says He Doesn't Know Jesus

⁵⁴ They arrested Jesus, and led him away, and brought him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed far behind them.⁵⁵ After the soldiers started a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat together, Peter sat with them.⁵⁶ A servant girl saw Peter sitting there in the firelight, and looking closely at him, she said, "This man was also with him."

⁵⁷ But Peter said this was not true; he said, "Woman, I don't know him."

⁵⁸ A short time later, another person saw Peter and said, "You are also one of them."

But Peter said, "Man, I am not!"

⁵⁹ About an hour later, another man insisted, "Certainly this man was with him, because he is from Galilee, too."

⁶⁰ But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!"

At once, while Peter was still speaking, a rooster crowed. ⁶¹ Then the Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. And Peter remembered what the Lord had said: "Before the rooster crows this day, you will say three times that you don't know me." ⁶² Then Peter went outside and cried painfully.

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

Sunday December 12, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Often the things we fear the most never happen-

2-God is in control of your life when you are obedient to him-

3-If you can explain a miracle, it is not a miracle-

4-Even the children of God can fall under an oppressive pharaoh-

5-Money is to be your servant, not your master-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even if a man is listening, he is going to get it wrong-

I'VE LEARNED-Character is what you have left when you've lost everything you can lose-

DID YOU KNOW-A scholar who studies the Marquis de Sade is called a Sadian, not a Sadist-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus really a carpenter or does the Greek word translated carpenter mean any kind of hand worker?

2-If Joseph died before Jesus was 30, who took responsibility for Mary (Jesus' mother)?

3-Was John the Baptist baptism really a ritual bath?

4-Could Jesus have baptized himself instead of having John do it?

5-Why did Jesus choose John to baptize him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king burned in his fireplace the letter sent to him by the prophet Jeremiah?

yesterday's answer-Evil Merodach

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:47-53

Jesus Is Arrested

⁴⁷ While Jesus was speaking, a crowd came up, and Judas, one of the twelve apostles, was leading them. He came close to Jesus so he could kiss him.

⁴⁸ But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you using the kiss to give the Son of Man to his enemies?"

⁴⁹ When those who were standing around him saw what was happening, they said, "Lord, should we strike them with our swords?"⁵⁰ And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear.

⁵¹ Jesus said, "Stop! No more of this." Then he touched the servant's ear and healed him.

⁵² Those who came to arrest Jesus were the leading priests, the soldiers who guarded the Temple, and the elders. Jesus said to them, "You came out here with swords and clubs as though I were a criminal. ⁵³ I was with you every day in the Temple, and you didn't arrest me there. But this is your time—the time when darkness rules."

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

Saturday December 11, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In order to maintain direction, we must keep going-

2-Fulfillment is not dependent on having a spouse-

3-If we don't take responsibility for our problems, we eventually will blame God for them-

4-Trusting is not holding on, it is letting go-

5-Don't let life's situations define who you are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-a catty remark often has more lives than a cat

I'VE LEARNED-Enjoy what you can, endure what you must-

DID YOU KNOW-A poem written to celebrate a wedding is called an epithalamium-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is giving of your money to Christian work an act of obedience to God?

2-Is giving your tithe an offering to God?

3-What does the Bible mean saying "be rich toward God"?

4-What is a living sacrifice?

5-Why is it the meek will inherit the kingdom of God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Babylonian king gave the deposed king of Judah a place of great honor in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiachin

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:35-46

Be Ready for Trouble

³⁵ Then Jesus said to the apostles, "When I sent you out without a purse, a bag, or sandals, did you need anything?"

They said, "No."

³⁶ He said to them, "But now if you have a purse or a bag, carry that with you. If you don't have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. ³⁷ The Scripture says, 'He was treated like a criminal,' and I tell you this scripture must have its full meaning. It was written about me, and it is happening now."

³⁸ His followers said, "Look, Lord, here are two swords."

He said to them, "That is enough." -- (I DON''T REMEMBER EVER READING THIS BEFORE ABOUT THE SWORDS)

Jesus Prays Alone

³⁹ Jesus left the city and went to the Mount of Olives, as he often did, and his followers went with him. ⁴⁰ When he reached the place, he said to them, "Pray for strength against temptation."

⁴¹ Then Jesus went about a stone's throw away from them. He kneeled down and prayed, ⁴² "Father, if you are willing, take away this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want." ⁴³ Then an angel from heaven appeared to him to strengthen him.⁴⁴ Being full of pain, Jesus prayed even harder. His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.⁴⁵ When he finished praying, he went to his followers and found them asleep because of their sadness. ⁴⁶ Jesus said to them, "Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray for strength against temptation.

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

Friday December 10, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We limit God by our disobedience-

2-Prayer is not a microwave thing but a marinated thing-

3-Rich is not how much you have or where you are going or even what you are--it is who you have beside you-

4-The sadness of your leaving is only a moment long because of the joy of your having been with me is forever-***

5-Trusting God is not just saying you trust God-

Strange thought-We need to cut down a bee tree and spread honey in every direction-

I'VE LEARNED-Character is much easier kept than recovered-

DID YOU KNOW-A necropsy is an autopsy on animals

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What are we not tempted by?

2-Can you be tempted to do good?

3-Does sin occur when you yield to temptation or when you decide to do it?

4-How much does will power have to with overcoming temptation?

5-Did Jesus speak against owning wealth?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was taken prisoner to Babylon, though he came to enjoy the favor of the Babylonian king?

Yesterday's answer-Zedekiah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:24-34

Be Like a Servant

²⁴ The apostles also began to argue about which one of them was the most important. ²⁵ But Jesus said to them, "The kings of the non-Jewish people rule over them, and those who have authority over others like to be called 'friends of the people.' ²⁶ But you must not be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the leader should be like the servant. ²⁷ Who is more important: the one sitting at the table or the one serving? You think the one at the table is more important, but I am like a servant among you.

²⁸ "You have stayed with me through my struggles. ²⁹ Just as my Father has given me a kingdom, I also give you a kingdom ³⁰ so you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom. And you will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Don't Lose Your Faith!

³¹ "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to test all of you as a farmer sifts his wheat. ³² I have prayed that you will not lose your faith! Help your brothers be stronger when you come back to me."

³³ But Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and even to die with you!"

³⁴ But Jesus said, "Peter, before the rooster crows this day, you will say three times that you don't know me."

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

Thursday December 9, 2010 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you pray, you won't receive from God unless you believe God for it-

2-If God is you partner, then plan big-

3-If we love what we have, we will not miss so much what we have loved and lost-

4-God gives us grace to live above sin, not to live in sin-

5-An unforgiving spirit holds back God's blessing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Good advice is no better than poor advice, unless you follow it-

I'VE LEARNED-There is little joy in owning anything that is not shared-

DID YOU KNOW-Women who wink at men are known as nictitating women-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you have as much of God as you want?

2-When you get to heaven, who will you be waiting for?

3-Can you create love?

4-Can you be a Christian and not show compassionate love?

5-Can a blessing become a curse?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah was blinded and taken away in chains to Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Nebuchadnzzar

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- Luke 22:14-23

The Lord's Supper

¹⁴ When the time came, Jesus and the apostles were sitting at the table. ¹⁵ He said to them, "I wanted very much to eat this Passover meal with you before I suffer. ¹⁶ I will not eat another Passover meal until it is given its true meaning in the kingdom of God."

¹⁷ Then Jesus took a cup, gave thanks, and said, "Take this cup and share it among yourselves. ¹⁸ I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until God's kingdom comes."

¹⁹ Then Jesus took some bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to the apostles, saying, "This is my body, which I am giving for you. Do this to remember me." ²⁰ In the same way, after supper, Jesus took the cup and said, "This cup is the new agreement that God makes with his people. This new agreement begins with my blood which is poured out for you.

Who Will Turn Against Jesus?

²¹ "But one of you will turn against me, and his hand is with mine on the table. ²² What God has planned for the Son of Man will happen, but how terrible it will be for that one who turns against the Son of Man."

²³ Then the apostles asked each other which one of them would do that.

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

Wednesday December 8, 2010 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God usually doesn't do the impossible until you have done the possible-

2-The more "light" you put on temptation, the quicker it will flee-

3-When we are tested we need to stand, when we are tempted we need to run-

4-God tests you to qualify you for something greater-

5-God will bring testing of your faith, but not temptation-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When I was born, I was so surprised I didn't talk for a year-

I'VE LEARNED-You are not a failure if you are enjoying life-

DID YOU KNOW-When your sink is full, the little hole that lets the water drain, instead of flowing over the side, is called a porcelator-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why don't we see miracles today as there was in Jesus' day?

2-Does calling God your friend demean him?

3-Are we to wait for God or to actively seek him?

4-Why did God create earth with such violent events such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.?

5-What do we need to do to be what Jesus said we should be--servants?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Babylon burned down the temple, palace, and city walls of Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Hezekiah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 22:1-13

Judas Becomes an Enemy of Jesus

¹ It was almost time for the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover Feast.² The leading priests and teachers of the law were trying to find a way to kill Jesus, because they were afraid of the people.

³ Satan entered Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' twelve apostles.⁴ Judas went to the leading priests and some of the soldiers who guarded the Temple and talked to them about a way to hand Jesus over to them.⁵ They were pleased and agreed to give Judas money.⁶ He agreed and watched for the best time to hand Jesus over to them when he was away from the crowd.

Jesus Eats the Passover Meal

⁷ The Day of Unleavened Bread came when the Passover lambs had to be sacrificed. ⁸ Jesus said to Peter and John, "Go and prepare the Passover meal for us to eat."

⁹ They asked, "Where do you want us to prepare it?" ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, "After you go into the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him into the house that he enters, ¹¹ and tell the owner of the house, 'The Teacher says: "Where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover meal with my followers?" ' ¹² Then he will show you a large, furnished room upstairs. Prepare the Passover meal there."

¹³ So Peter and John left and found everything as Jesus had said. And they prepared the Passover meal.

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

Tuesday December 7, 2010 thought for the day

HERE IS MY THOUGHT FOR TODAY-

1-The family is the primary source of your conscience-

2-Bad behavior can over ride a good conscience-

3-A person with a good character can still do a bad deed

4-The pain of healthy guilt says boundaries have been violated-

5-Anger can be your servant or your master-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are forever in debt to those who are kind to you-

I'VE LEARNED-Appearances can be deceiving for a rich heart can live under a poor coat-

DID YOU KNOW-The word lethologica describes the state of not remembering the word you want to say-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did Adam and Eve worship God?

2-Is there one correct form of worship?

3-Can you become comfortable in God's presence?

4-Is it wrong to go to church when you go with the wrong attitude?

5-What is the best way to worship God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah saw the country threatened by the Assyrian army of Sennacherib?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiachin

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY LUKE 21:29-38

Jesus' Words Will Live Forever

²⁹ Then Jesus told this story: "Look at the fig tree and all the other trees. ³⁰ When their leaves appear, you know that summer is near. ³¹ In the same way, when you see these things happening, you will know that God's kingdom is near.

³² "I tell you the truth, all these things will happen while the people of this time are still living. ³³ Earth and sky will be destroyed, but the words I have spoken will never be destroyed.

Be Ready All the Time

³⁴ "Be careful not to spend your time feasting, drinking, or worrying about worldly things. If you do, that day might come on you suddenly, ³⁵ like a trap on all people on earth. ³⁶ So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen and that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."

³⁷ During the day, Jesus taught the people in the Temple, and at night he went out of the city and stayed on the Mount of Olives.³⁸ Every morning all the people got up early to go to the Temple to listen to him.

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