Saturday April 30, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God blesses us to make us a blessing-

2-Strife is wanting your own way and willing to fight for it-

3-Stress is only bad when it becomes distress-

4-If the pressure on the outside is greater than on the inside, the container breaks-

5-My children are affected by my obedience-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You have to be careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there-

I'VE LEARNED-The absent are never without fault nor the present without excuse-

DID YOU KNOW-Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is any problem too complicated for God to solve?

2-Why didn't Abraham step in and stop Hagar and Ishmael from being banished into the desert?

3-What was Abraham's feelings about his first child Ishmael?

4-Did Hagar's status as a mother rise over a motherless Sarah?

5-Can you perfect a virtue?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two Hebrew servant women risked their lives by disobeying the command of the pharaoh?

Yesterday's answer-Jairus' daughter

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-13

A Loyal Soldier of Christ Jesus

¹ You then, Timothy, my child, be strong in the grace we have in Christ Jesus.² You should teach people whom you can trust the things you and many others have heard me say. Then they will be able to teach others.³ Share in the troubles we have like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.⁴ A soldier wants to please the enlisting officer, so no one serving in the army wastes time with everyday matters.⁵ Also an athlete who takes part in a contest must obey all the rules in order to win.⁶ The farmer who works hard should be the first person to get some of the food that was grown.⁷ Think about what I am saying, because the Lord will give you the ability to understand everything.

⁸ Remember Jesus Christ, who was raised from the dead, who is from the family of David. This is the Good News I preach,⁹ and I am suffering because of it to the point of being bound with chains like a criminal. But God's teaching is not in chains.¹⁰ So I patiently accept all these troubles so that those whom God has chosen can have the salvation that is in Christ Jesus. With that salvation comes glory that never ends.

¹¹ This teaching is true:
If we died with him, we will also live with him.
¹² If we accept suffering, we will also rule with him.
If we say we don't know him, he will say he doesn't know us.
¹³ If we are not faithful, he will still be faithful,
Because he must be true to who he is.

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

Friday April 21, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You are the sum total of your life's experiences-

2-Injustice is only as powerful as your memory of it-

3-Bitterness is more devastating than betrayal-

4-Always be where you are-

5-Without a successor there is not success-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it-

I'VE LEARNED-It takes a college degree to fly an airplane but only a high school diploma to fix one-

DID YOU KNOW-Peanuts are cholesterol free-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean Ishmael was a "wild donkey" of a man?

2-Knowing the trouble Ishmael would cause in future generations, why did God allow him to live?

3-What did Hagar learn form her Abraham experience?

4-Does God ever miss anything?

5-Do we know when God will give us mercy?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What little girl was referred to as "Talitha" by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-He didn't have a mother-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 TIMOTHY 1:8-18

⁸ So do not be ashamed to tell people about our Lord Jesus, and do not be ashamed of me, in prison for the Lord. But suffer with me for the Good News. God, who gives us the strength to do that,⁹ saved us and made us his holy people. That was not because of anything we did ourselves but because of God's purpose and grace. That grace was given to us through Christ Jesus before time began,¹⁰ but it is now shown to us by the coming of our Savior Christ Jesus. He destroyed death, and through the Good News he showed us the way to have life that cannot be destroyed.¹¹ I was chosen to tell that Good News and to be an apostle and a teacher.¹² I am suffering now because I tell the Good News, but I am not ashamed, because I know Jesus, the One in whom I have believed. And I am sure he is able to protect what he has trusted me with until that day.¹³ Follow the pattern of true teachings that you heard from me in faith and love, which are in Christ Jesus.¹⁴ Protect the truth that you were given; protect it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

¹⁵ You know that everyone in Asia has left me, even Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶ May the Lord show mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, who has often helped me and was not ashamed that I was in prison.¹⁷ When he came to Rome, he looked eagerly for me until he found me.¹⁸ May the Lord allow him to find mercy from the Lord on that day. You know how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY---

O GOD of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength; By the might of your Spirit lift me, I pray, to your presence, where I may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

Thursday April 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Obedience is the only proof of your faith-

2-Silence cannot be misquoted-

3-Prosperity is having enough of God's provision to complete his purpose for your life-

4-Money cannot bring happiness but giving to help others can-

5-Temptation is the presentation of evil-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you are straddling the fence, doesn't it hurt?

I'VE LEARNED-Fettuccine Alfredo is macaroni and cheese for adults-

DID YOU KNOW-Almonds are a member of the peach family. They are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Hagar have been an Egyptian princess?

2-Is there any significance in an "angel" appearing to Hagar two times?

3-Why did God permit slavery in the Old Testament?

4-Was Sarah okaying Abraham having a child with Hagar a common cultural practice?

5-Why would Hagar, Sarah's servant, make fun of Sarah after becoming pregnant?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the name of Melchizedek's mother?

Yesterday's answer-The daughter of Sanballat

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 TIMOTHY:1-7

Paul Encourages Timothy

¹ From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. God sent me to tell about the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.

² To Timothy, a dear child to me:

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

Encouragement for Timothy

³ I thank God as I always mention you in my prayers, day and night. I serve him, doing what I know is right as my ancestors did.⁴ Remembering that you cried for me, I want very much to see you so I can be filled with joy.⁵ I remember your true faith. That faith first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice, and I know you now have that same faith.⁶ This is why I remind you to keep using the gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. Now let it grow, as a small flame grows into a fire.⁷ God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of power and love and self-control.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O GOD, who is the life of mortal men, the light of the faithful, the strength of those who labor, and the repose of the dead; I thank you for the timely blessings of the day, and humbly beg for your merciful protection all this night. Bring me and my loved ones, I beseech you, in safety to the morning hours; through him who died for us and rose again, your Son, our Jesus Christ.

Amen.

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

Wednesday April 27, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Great people simply have great habits-

2-You won't change your life until you change your habits-

3-What ever you have been given is enough to create anything you have been promised-

4-Popularity is when other people like you, happiness is when you like yourself-

5-Failure is merely an opinion-

STRANGE THOUGHT-What was the best thing before sliced bread?

I'VE LEARNED-A small leak can sink a great ship-

DID YOU KNOW-Pepsi is commonly used by wooden boat owners to clean mold from decks. You can spill it on for about thirty seconds, but it needs to be rinsed to be sure it does not erode the decks completely-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-After Sarah died, did Hagar come back to Abraham as his wife?

2-Is Abraham the father of Islam?

3-Is Sarah like "grace" and Hagar like "the law"?

4-Is Hagar the beginning of Islam?

5-What was Hagar's past before becoming Sarah's servant?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What daughter of a troublemaker married a Jewish priest, a marriage that caused him to lose his post?

Yesterday's answer-Jephthah's daughter

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 6:11-21

Some Things to Remember

¹¹ But you, man of God, run away from all those things. Instead, live in the right way, serve God, have faith, love, patience, and gentleness.¹² Fight the good fight of faith, grabbing hold of the life that continues forever. You were called to have that life when you confessed the good confession before many witnesses.¹³ In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, I give you a command. Christ Jesus made the good confession when he stood before Pontius Pilate.¹⁴ Do what you were commanded to do without wrong or blame until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.¹⁵ God will make that happen at the right time. He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords.¹⁶ He is the only One who never dies. He lives in light so bright no one can go near it. No one has ever seen God, or can see him. May honor and power belong to God forever. Amen.

¹⁷ Command those who are rich with things of this world not to be proud. Tell them to hope in God, not in their uncertain riches. God richly gives us everything to enjoy.¹⁸ Tell the rich people to do good, to be rich in doing good deeds, to be generous and ready to share.¹⁹ By doing that, they will be saving a treasure for themselves as a strong foundation for the future. Then they will be able to have the life that is true life.

²⁰ Timothy, guard what God has trusted to you. Stay away from foolish, useless talk and from the arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge."²¹ By saying they have that "knowledge," some have missed the true faith.

Grace be with you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O LORD, I pray for your support all the day long, until the shadows lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and my work is done. Then in your mercy, grant me and my family a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last.

Amen.

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

Tuesday April 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our greatest mistakes often happen because of our impatience-

2-Faith comes from God speaking to you-

3-When God speaks, the wise listen-

4-Our exit will be remembered longer than our entry-

5-Champions are follow through people

STRANGE THOUGHT-A banana costumed person has little appeal-

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot make a place for yourself if the sun if you keep sitting in the shade of the family tree-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1989 Pepsi came out with a morning soft drink called Pepsi AM but it didn't last long on the market-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Hagar leave the desert and per God's instructions go willingly back to Sarah's authority?

2-Why did Sarah treat Hagar so badly?

3-Why did Sarah suggest her servant Hagar have a child by her husband Abraham?

4-How much later after Ishmael's birth was Isaac born?

5-Did Sarah expect Hagar and Ishmael to die in the desert?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What girl was offered as a sacrifice by her father, one of Israel's judges?

Yesterday's answer-Jethro

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 6:1-10

¹ All who are slaves under a yoke should show full respect to their masters so no one will speak against God's name and our teaching.² The slaves whose masters are believers should not show their masters any less respect because they are believers. They should serve their masters even better, because they are helping believers they love.

You must teach and preach these things.

False Teaching and True Riches

³ Anyone who has a different teaching does not agree with the true teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that shows the true way to serve God.⁴ This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust,⁵ and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich.

⁶ Serving God does make us very rich, if we are satisfied with what we have.⁷ We brought nothing into the world, so we can take nothing out.⁸ But, if we have food and clothes, we will be satisfied with that.⁹ Those who want to become rich bring temptation to themselves and are caught in a trap. They want many foolish and harmful things that ruin and destroy people.¹⁰ The love of money causes all kinds of evil. Some people have left the faith, because they wanted to get more money, but they have caused themselves much sorrow.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

ALMIGHTY God, who alone gave us the breath of life, and alone can keep our hearts filled with your holy desires: I ask you, trusting in your infinite compassion, to sanctify my thoughts and endeavors; that I may neither begin an action without a pure intention nor continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of my mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, my heart may be inspired by your wisdom, and my work upheld by your strength, and in the end, that I may be accepted by you as your faithful servant; through Jesus Christ our Savior.

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

Monday April 25, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Make a daily appointment with God-

2-Never stay where you are not valued-

3-Patience is what forces deception to reveal itself-

4-Never be intimidated by pressure tactics-

5-Jesus was never rushed by the emergencies of others-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I have kleptomania, but when it gets really bad I take something for it-

I'VE LEARNED-The world of tomorrow belongs to those who have visions today-

DID YOU KNOW-The first western consumer product sold in the former Soviet Union was Pepsi Cola-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Jesus born as a Jew when God knew they would reject him as the Messiah?

2-Why has God always allowed his children to be persecuted and often in very violent painful ways and at the cost of their lives-

3-Why did God require a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin?

4-What is "Godly sorrow"?

5-How can we be comforted?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest of Midian had seven daughters, one of which became the wife of Moses?

Yesterday's answer-Lot's

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 5:16-24

¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should care for them herself. The church should not have to care for them. Then it will be able to take care of those who are truly widows.

¹⁷ The elders who lead the church well should receive double honor, especially those who work hard by speaking and teaching, ¹⁸ because the Scripture says: "When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating," and "A worker should be given his pay."

¹⁹ Do not listen to someone who accuses an elder, without two or three witnesses.²⁰ Tell those who continue sinning that they are wrong. Do this in front of the whole church so that the others will have a warning.

²¹ Before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels, I command you to do these things without showing favor of any kind to anyone.

²² Think carefully before you lay your hands on anyone, and don't share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

²³ Stop drinking only water, but drink a little wine to help your stomach and your frequent sicknesses.

²⁴ The sins of some people are easy to see even before they are judged, but the sins of others are seen only later.

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

Easter Sunday April 24, 2011 thought for the day

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The more thankful you become the more your own treasure is increased-

2-When you are least thankful, you are most in need of what gratitude can give you-

3-Indifference creates evil, it is what allows it to be strong and what gives it power-

4-The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference-

5-You cannot forgive something done to someone else-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Weather forecast for tonight-dark-

I'VE LEARNED-Common sense is the genius of humanity-

DID YOU KNOW-Pepsi originally contained pepsin, hence the name-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are Christians more special in God's sight than any other people?

2-What does it mean "where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty"?

3-Are Christians to make converts or disciples?

4-Can the liberties of our nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift from,
God?

5-Would a human clone have a soul?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose daughters became the mothers of the Moabites and the Ammonites?

Yesterday's answer-They are not named

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MATTHEW 28

Jesus Rises from the Dead

¹ The day after the Sabbath day was the first day of the week. At dawn on the first day, Mary Magdalene and another woman named Mary went to look at the tomb.

² At that time there was a strong earthquake. An angel of the Lord came down from heaven, went to the tomb, and rolled the stone away from the entrance. Then he sat on the stone.³ He was shining as bright as lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.⁴ The soldiers guarding the tomb shook with fear because of the angel, and they became like dead men.

⁵ The angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid. I know that you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified.⁶ He is not here. He has risen from the dead as he said he would. Come and see the place where his body was.⁷ And go quickly and tell his followers, 'Jesus has risen from the dead. He is going into Galilee ahead of you, and you will see him there.' " Then the angel said, "Now I have told you."

⁸ The women left the tomb quickly. They were afraid, but they were also very happy. They ran to tell Jesus' followers what had happened. ⁹ Suddenly, Jesus met them and said, "Greetings." The women came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. ¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go and tell my followers to go on to Galilee, and they will see me there."

The Soldiers Report to the Leaders

¹¹ While the women went to tell Jesus' followers, some of the soldiers who had been guarding the tomb went into the city to tell the leading priests everything that had happened. ¹² Then the priests met with the elders and made a plan. They paid the soldiers a large amount of money ¹³ and said to them, "Tell the people that Jesus' followers came during the night and stole the body while you were asleep.¹⁴ If the governor hears about this, we will satisfy him and save you from trouble."¹⁵ So the soldiers kept the money and did as they were told. And that story is still spread among the people even today.

Jesus Talks to His Followers

¹⁶ The eleven followers went to Galilee to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.¹⁷ On the mountain they saw Jesus and worshiped him, but some of them did not believe it was really Jesus. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, "All power in heaven and on earth is given to me. ¹⁹ So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ Teach them to obey everything that I have taught you, and I will be with you always, even until the end of this age."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that I, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit. Send me into the world in peace, and grant me strength and courage to love and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

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

Saturday April 23, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It often is in the darkness of our despair that we yield control of our life to God-

2-While independence and achievement can be positive they can also keep God at a distance-

3-Self surrender is the key to holy living-

4-Even in the eye of a storm, God has put a rainbow in the clouds-

5-When you focus on the goodness in your life you create more of it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday-

I'VE LEARNED-I'm mature enough to forgive you but not dumb enough to trust you-

DID YOU KNOW-Diet Coke was only invented in 1983-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do Christians so often want mercy for ourselves and judgment for everyone else?

2-Why don't we want to give other people the benefit of the doubt?

3-Can you have empathy for people you don't like?

4-Can you be a Christian and not like/love someone?

5-Are we guilty of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe our own traditions?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What are the names of Adam/eve's daughters?

Yesterday's answer-Zilpah, mother of Asher and Gad

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MATTHEW 27:62-66

The Tomb of Jesus Is Guarded

⁶² The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ They said, "Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, 'After three days I will rise from the dead.' ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till the third day. Otherwise, his followers might come and steal the body and tell people that he has risen from the dead. That lie would be even worse than the first one."

⁶⁵ Pilate said, "Take some soldiers and go guard the tomb the best way you know."⁶⁶ So they all went to the tomb and made it safe from thieves by sealing the stone in the entrance and putting soldiers there to guard it.

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

Good Friday April 22, 2011 thought for the day

HAPPY GOOD FRIDAY TO YOU!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The mountains would not be so wonderful if there were no valleys

2-It is the darkness that makes us appreciate the beauty of light-

3-We often take our blessings for granted until they are taken away-

4-Grief is often the price we pay for investing in friendships-

5-There is a difference between truth known in our head and truth learned through an experience of difficulty-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Food is an Important part of a balanced diet-

I'VE LEARNED-No word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause-

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola is used to clean up blood spill on highways-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why wasn't the Bible transcribed as the 10 Commandments were?

2-Why aren't all faiths of the Old Testament the same-Jewish, Catholic and Protestant?

3-Why are the Jews called "God's chosen people"?

4-How can the Bible speak to us today when it was written 2000 years ago?

5-Why after the Bible was canonized was there no more Bible written?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What servant woman of Leah's became the mother of two of the twelve tribes of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Zilah and Adah, wives of Lamech

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY MATTHEW 27

Jesus Is Taken to Pilate

¹ Early the next morning, all the leading priests and elders of the people decided that Jesus should die. ² They tied him, led him away, and turned him over to Pilate, the governor.

Judas Kills Himself

³ Judas, the one who had given Jesus to his enemies, saw that they had decided to kill Jesus. Then he was very sorry for what he had done. So he took the thirty silver coins back to the priests and the leaders,⁴ saying, "I sinned; I handed over to you an innocent man."

The leaders answered, "What is that to us? That's your problem, not ours."

⁵ So Judas threw the money into the Temple. Then he went off and hanged himself.

⁶ The leading priests picked up the silver coins in the Temple and said, "Our law does not allow us to keep this money with the Temple money, because it has paid for a man's death."⁷ So they decided to use the coins to buy Potter's Field as a place to bury strangers who died in Jerusalem.⁸ That is why that field is still called the Field of Blood.⁹ So what Jeremiah the prophet had said came true: "They took thirty silver coins. That is how little the Israelites thought he was worth. ¹⁰ They used those thirty silver coins to buy the potter's field, as the Lord commanded me."

Pilate Questions Jesus

¹¹ Jesus stood before Pilate the governor, and Pilate asked him, "Are you the king of the Jews?"

Jesus answered, "Those are your words."

¹² When the leading priests and the elders accused Jesus, he said nothing.

¹³ So Pilate said to Jesus, "Don't you hear them accusing you of all these things?"

¹⁴ But Jesus said nothing in answer to Pilate, and Pilate was very surprised at this.

Pilate Tries to Free Jesus

¹⁵ Every year at the time of Passover the governor would free one prisoner whom the people chose. ¹⁶ At that time there was a man in prison, named Barabbas, who was known to be very bad. ¹⁷ When the people gathered at Pilate's house, Pilate said, "Whom do you want me to set free: Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Christ?" ¹⁸ Pilate knew that they turned Jesus in to him because they were jealous.

¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting there on the judge's seat, his wife sent this message to him: "Don't do anything to that man, because he is innocent. Today I had a dream about him, and it troubled me very much."

²⁰ But the leading priests and elders convinced the crowd to ask for Barabbas to be freed and for Jesus to be killed.

²¹ Pilate said, "I have Barabbas and Jesus. Which do you want me to set free for you?"

The people answered, "Barabbas."

²² Pilate asked, "So what should I do with Jesus, the one called the Christ?"

They all answered, "Crucify him!"

²³ Pilate asked, "Why? What wrong has he done?"

But they shouted louder, "Crucify him!"

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could do nothing about this and that a riot was starting, he took some water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. Then he said, "I am not guilty of this man's death. You are the ones who are causing it!"

²⁵ All the people answered, "We and our children will be responsible for his death."

²⁶ Then he set Barabbas free. But Jesus was beaten with whips and handed over to the soldiers to be crucified.

²⁷ The governor's soldiers took Jesus into the governor's palace, and they all gathered around him.²⁸ They took off his clothes and put a red robe on him.²⁹ Using thorny branches, they made a crown, put it on his head, and put a stick in his right hand. Then the soldiers bowed before Jesus and made fun of him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"³⁰ They spat on Jesus. Then they took his stick and began to beat him on the head.³¹ After they finished, the soldiers took off the robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him away to be crucified.

Jesus Is Crucified

³² As the soldiers were going out of the city with Jesus, they forced a man from Cyrene, named Simon, to carry the cross for Jesus.³³ They all came to the place called Golgotha, which means the Place of the Skull.³⁴ The soldiers gave Jesus wine mixed with gall to drink. He tasted the wine but refused to drink it. ³⁵ When the soldiers had crucified him, they threw lots to decide who would get his clothes. ³⁶ The soldiers sat there and continued watching him.³⁷ They put a sign above Jesus' head with a charge against him. It said: this is Jesus, the king of the Jews.³⁸ Two robbers were crucified beside Jesus, one on the right and the other on the left.³⁹ People walked by and insulted Jesus and shook their heads,⁴⁰ saying, "You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. So save yourself! Come down from that cross if you are really the Son of God!"

⁴¹ The leading priests, the teachers of the law, and the Jewish elders were also making fun of Jesus. ⁴² They said, "He saved others, but he can't save himself! He says he is the king of Israel! If he is the king, let him come down now from the cross. Then we will believe in him.⁴³ He trusts in God, so let God save him now, if God really wants him. He himself said, 'I am the Son of God.' "⁴⁴ And in the same way, the robbers who were being crucified beside Jesus also insulted him.

Jesus Dies

⁴⁵ At noon the whole country became dark, and the darkness lasted for three hours. ⁴⁶ About three o'clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" This means, "My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?"

⁴⁷ Some of the people standing there who heard this said, "He is calling Elijah."

⁴⁸ Quickly one of them ran and got a sponge and filled it with vinegar and tied it to a stick and gave it to Jesus to drink.⁴⁹ But the others said, "Don't bother him. We want to see if Elijah will come to save him."

⁵⁰ But Jesus cried out again in a loud voice and died.

⁵¹ Then the curtain in the Temple was torn into two pieces, from the top to the bottom. Also, the earth shook and rocks broke apart.⁵² The graves opened, and many of God's people who had died were raised from the dead.⁵³ They came out of the graves after Jesus was raised from the dead and went into the holy city, where they appeared to many people.

⁵⁴ When the army officer and the soldiers guarding Jesus saw this earthquake and everything else that happened, they were very frightened and said, "He really was the Son of God!"

⁵⁵ Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to help him were standing at a distance from the cross, watching.⁵⁶ Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of James and John were there.

Jesus Is Buried

⁵⁷ That evening a rich man named Joseph, a follower of Jesus from the town of Arimathea, came to Jerusalem.⁵⁸ Joseph went to Pilate and asked to have Jesus' body. So Pilate gave orders for the soldiers to give it to Joseph.⁵⁹ Then Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth.⁶⁰ He put Jesus' body in a new tomb that he had cut out of a wall of rock, and he rolled a very large stone to block the entrance of the tomb. Then Joseph went away.⁶¹ Mary Magdalene and the other woman named Mary were sitting near the tomb.

The Tomb of Jesus Is Guarded

⁶² The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the leading priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. ⁶³ They said, "Sir, we remember that while that liar was still alive he said, 'After three days I will rise from the dead.' ⁶⁴ So give the order for the tomb to be guarded closely till the third day. Otherwise, his followers might come and steal the body and tell people that he has risen from the dead. That lie would be even worse than the first one."

⁶⁵ Pilate said, "Take some soldiers and go guard the tomb the best way you know."⁶⁶ So they all went to the tomb and made it safe from thieves by sealing the stone in the entrance and putting soldiers there to guard it.

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

Tuesday April 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can know what is right without doing what is right-

2-Faith is like a muscle, it is strengthened by using it-

3-If we do not take care of what God gives us we lose it-

4-Those who emerge from a difficult time often have a deeper desire to help others who are suffering-

5-It is in the darkness that we learn to live by faith-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Spel chekers, hoo needs em-

I'VE LEARNED-The road to success is always under construction-

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola owns the world's second largest fleet of trucks-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean to "die to oneself"?

2-Where is the Kingdom of Heaven?

3-Can God speak to you if you're not listening?

4-If you could get what you want, what would it be?

5-What would the world be like if we all loved each other as God loves us?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who were the first two women to hear that their husband had killed a man?

Yesterday's answer-Zeresh

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 5:1-15

Rules for Living with Others

¹ Do not speak angrily to an older man, but plead with him as if he were your father. Treat younger men like brothers,² older women like mothers, and younger women like sisters. Always treat them in a pure way.

³ Take care of widows who are truly widows.⁴ But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to do their duty to their own family and to repay their parents or grandparents. That pleases God.⁵ The true widow, who is all alone, puts her hope in God and continues to pray night and day for God's help.⁶ But the widow who uses her life to please herself is really dead while she is alive.⁷ Tell the believers to do these things so that no one can criticize them.⁸ Whoever does not care for his own relatives, especially his own family members, has turned against the faith and is worse than someone who does not believe in God.

⁹ To be on the list of widows, a woman must be at least sixty years old. She must have been faithful to her husband.¹⁰ She must be known for her good works—works such as raising her children, welcoming strangers, washing the feet of God's people, helping those in trouble, and giving her life to do all kinds of good deeds.

¹¹ But do not put younger widows on that list. After they give themselves to Christ, they are pulled away from him by their physical desires, and then they want to marry again. ¹² They will be judged for not doing what they first promised to do.¹³ Besides that, they learn to waste their time, going from house to house. And they not only waste their time but also begin to gossip and busy themselves with other people's lives, saying things they should not say.¹⁴ So I want the younger widows to marry, have children, and manage their homes. Then no enemy will have any reason to criticize them.¹⁵ But some have already turned away to follow Satan.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

Amen.

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

Monday April 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Be careful what you ask God for, for you may get it-

2-Resentment is letting someone you despise live rent free in your head-

3-Harboring bitterness, even if justified, only wounds us more-

4-There is no use burying the hatchet if we are going to put a marker at the spot-

5-Every family tree has some sap-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everybody is somebody else's weirdo-

I'VE LEARNED-Money can't buy you happiness, but it might make you comfortable while you're being miserable-

DID YOU KNOW-A can of Diet Coke will float in water, while a can of regular Coke sinks-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How does being a peace keeper apply to yourself?

2-Do new Christians have to learn how to live the beatitudes?

3-Can a person be a Christian and have an angry disposition?

4-Will all Christians suffer persecution?

5-Can persecution be a blessing in disguise?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the wife of Haman of Persia

Yesterday's answer-Romans

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 4:6-16

Be a Good Servant of Christ

⁶ By telling these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus. You will be made strong by the words of the faith and the good teaching which you have been following. ⁷ But do not follow foolish stories that disagree with God's truth, but train yourself to serve God.⁸ Training your body helps you in some ways, but serving God helps you in every way by bringing you blessings in this life and in the future life, too.⁹ What I say is true, and you should fully accept it. ¹⁰ This is why we work and struggle: We hope in the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things.¹² Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life.¹³ Until I come, continue to read the Scriptures to the people, strengthen them, and teach them.¹⁴ Use the gift you have, which was given to you through prophecy when the group of elders laid their hands on you.¹⁵ Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone.¹⁶ Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O GOD, the King eternal, who divides the day from the darkness, and turns the shadow of death into the morning; Drive far off from me all wrong desires, incline my heart to keep your law, and guide my feet into the way of peace; that having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, I may give you thanks with a joyful heart when the night comes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

Sunday April 17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Practice the gift of gratitude-

2-Appreciating what you have changes your perception of what you think you need-

3-Christians should be afraid to commit the sin of worry-

4-Do we understand that Satan hates us?

5-It is more important to finish well than to start well-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't think on it too long or you'll forget to act-

I'VE LEARNED-If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there-

DID YOU KNOW-The average life span of a major league baseball is seven pitches-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Which person of the Trinity raised Jesus from the grave?

2-Why didn't Jesus call a carpenter to be a disciple since he was one himself?

3-When did Jesus' disciples know he was the Messiah?

4-Does most spiritual growth come through personal pain?

5-Is Christianity a counter culture?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What epistle mentions Tryphena, a faithful church worker?

Yesterday's answer-Tamar

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-5

A Warning About False Teachers

¹ Now the Holy Spirit clearly says that in the later times some people will stop believing the faith. They will follow spirits that lie and teachings of demons.² Such teachings come from the false words of liars whose consciences are destroyed as if by a hot iron.³ They forbid people to marry and tell them not to eat certain foods which God created to be eaten with thanks by people who believe and know the truth.⁴ Everything God made is good, and nothing should be refused if it is accepted with thanks,⁵ because it is made holy by what God has said and by prayer.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

ALMIGHTY God, who pours out the spirit of grace and of supplication to all who ask for it; Deliver me, when I draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, so that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, I may worship You in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Saturday April 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY-

1-Children learn what they live-

2-Giving and taking are not the same as giving and receiving-

3-If you have health you have wealth-

4-Abundance is in large measure attitude-

5-Give thanks not only for what you have but also for what you have escaped-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am not going to procrastinate anymore, starting tomorrow-

I'VE LEARNED-To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it-

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola was originally green-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Why is there only 9 beatitudes?

2-Can you be a Christian and not do God's will for your life?

3-When salvation is so wonderful, why do people reject and turn away from it?

4-Is there any difference in the meaning of non Christian and the unsaved?

5-Do the beatitudes apply to the non Christian or just believers?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What daughter of David was raped by her half brother?

Yesterday's answer-Pharaoh's daughter

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 3:8-16

Deacons in the Church

⁸ In the same way, deacons must be respected by others, not saying things they do not mean. They must not drink too much wine or try to get rich by cheating others.⁹ With a clear conscience they must follow the secret of the faith that God made known to us.¹⁰ Test them first. Then let them serve as deacons if you find nothing wrong in them.¹¹ In the same way, women must be respected by others. They must not speak evil of others. They must be self-controlled and trustworthy in everything.¹² Deacons must have only one wife and be good leaders of their children and their own families.¹³ Those who serve well as deacons are making an honorable place for themselves, and they will be very bold in their faith in Christ Jesus.

The Secret of Our Life

¹⁴ Although I hope I can come to you soon, I am writing these things to you now.¹⁵ Then, even if I am delayed, you will know how to live in the family of God. That family is the church of the living God, the support and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:
He was shown to us in a human body,
Proved right in spirit,
And seen by angels.
He was proclaimed to the nations,
Believed in by the world,
And taken up in glory.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
And in his word I hope;
My soul waits for the Lord
More than watchmen for the morning,
More than watchmen for the morning.

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

Friday April 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you share you always end up with more-

2-We are not what we own-

3-We deserve justice but we desire mercy-

4-Worry is not a suit of armor against problems-

5-You don't pay back kindness, you pass it on-

STRANGE THOUGHT-To study and not think is a waste. To think and not study is dangerous-

I'VE LEARNED-If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it-

DID YOU KNOW-Earl Dean developed the bottle design for Coca-Cola-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do we all have temptation weaknesses

2-Does the degree of temptation vary from time to time?

3-Will everyone be tempted?

4-Was Jesus really tempted as we are today?

5-If gluttony is a sin, how can any of us be free from sin

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Egyptian woman found the infant Moses in the river?

Yesterday's answer-Tahpenes

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7

Elders in the Church

¹ What I say is true: Anyone wanting to become an overseer desires a good work. ² An overseer must not give people a reason to criticize him, and he must have only one wife. He must be self-controlled, wise, respected by others, ready to welcome guests, and able to teach. ³ He must not drink too much wine or like to fight, but rather be gentle and peaceable, not loving money.⁴ He must be a good family leader, having children who cooperate with full respect.⁵ (If someone does not know how to lead the family, how can that person take care of God's church?)⁶ But an elder must not be a new believer, or he might be too proud of himself and be judged guilty just as the devil was.⁷ An elder must also have the respect of people who are not in the church so he will not be criticized by others and caught in the devil's trap.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

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

Amen.

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

Thursday April 14, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Worship is worthless without obedience-

2-When I was young love teased me, now that I am old it sustains me-

3-We choose to become the person we are capable of being-

4-Life is not always fun, but it is always a gift-

5-Gratitude is an opener of locked up blessings-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The more you think of egomaniacs the less you think of them-

I'VE LEARNED-Fools run in where fools have been before-

DID YOU KNOW-Only two people in the world know the secret recipe for Coca-Cola-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is all temptation from Satan?

2-Does God allow temptation?

3-Does God use difficult situations to teach us or test us?

4-Does God always bring good out of bad?

5-Why do we pray "and lead us not into temptation.."?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is the only Egyptian queen mentioned in the Bible?

Yesterday's answer-Luke

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 2

Some Rules for Men and Women

¹ First, I tell you to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful to him.² Pray for rulers and for all who have authority so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God.³ This is good, and it pleases God our Savior,⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to know the truth. ⁵ There is one God and one mediator so that human beings can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who is himself human. ⁶ He gave himself as a payment to free all people. He is proof that came at the right time.⁷ That is why I was chosen to tell the Good News and to be an apostle. (I am telling the truth; I am not lying.) I was chosen to teach those who are not Jews to believe and to know the truth.

⁸ So, I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up their hands in a holy manner, without anger and arguments.

⁹ Also, women should wear proper clothes that show respect and self-control, not using braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes.¹⁰ Instead, they should do good deeds, which is right for women who say they worship God.

¹¹ Let a woman learn by listening quietly and being ready to cooperate in everything.¹² But I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to listen quietly,¹³ because Adam was formed first and then Eve.¹⁴ And Adam was not tricked, but the woman was tricked and became a sinner. ¹⁵ But she will be saved through having children if she continues in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

(These are difficult scriptures to understand-jasper)

PRAYER FOR TODAY

May the Passion of Christ be ever in my heart. May your law and your goodness guide my every thought, O Lord. And may the power of your Holy Spirit flow through my words and my actions.

Walk with me, so that I may not be alone as I face this day, but always in your presence. Your joy is a lighthouse in a world often dark with sin, and I pray that I may inspire others as I have been inspired. In the name of Christ, bless me this day, and all whom I may meet.

Amen.

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

Wednesday April 13, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Worry is negative focus-

2-What you dwell on you become-

3-Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away-

4-Holiness is a gift from God bestowed on the heart of a fully surrendered believer-

5-You can't have God's anointing in your life with unforgiveness in your heart-

STRANGE THOUGHT-People who do not break things first will never learn to create anything-

I'VE LEARNED-See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little-

DID YOU KNOW-The formula for Coca-Cola was created by pharmacist John Pemberton-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus come to do away with the Law and sacrifices?

2-Are all people tempted-both the Christian and the non Christian?

3-Is all sin evil?

4-Is temptation and testing the same?

5-Is the word temptation only used correctly with spiritual matters?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Gospel mentions Susanna, who was healed by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Keturah, wife of Abraham-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 1:18-20

¹⁸ Timothy, my child, I am giving you a command that agrees with the prophecies that were given about you in the past. I tell you this so you can follow them and fight the good fight.¹⁹ Continue to have faith and do what you know is right. Some people have rejected this, and their faith has been shipwrecked.²⁰ Hymenaeus and Alexander have done that, and I have given them to Satan so they will learn not to speak against God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY-

Oh Lord, most heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give you thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by your will, may be righteous in your sight. Through Christ our Lord, I pray.

Amen.

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

Tuesday April 12, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY-

1-It is true that when God closes a door he opens a window but so often we look so long at the closed door we don't see the window he opened for us-

2-Better to lose count when counting your blessings than to lose your blessings while counting your troubles-

3-We must learn to love before we can truly begin to live-

4-When God forgives you he doesn't want you to live behind the shame of your own actions-

5-Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Pine cones are not a fruit-

I'VE LEARNED-You can pay all your debts except your debt of love-

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola was first served at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta in 1886 for only five cents a glass-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How does temptation relate to sin?

2-Why didn't Jesus define "sin"?

3-Is sin an action, behavior or attitude?

4-How do you know when you have sinned?

5-Are the 10 commandments rigid and heartless?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the mother of the Midianites?

Yesterday's answer-Jezebel

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 1:12-17

Thanks for God's Mercy

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who gave me strength, because he trusted me and gave me this work of serving him.¹³ In the past I spoke against Christ and persecuted him and did all kinds of things to hurt him. But God showed me mercy, because I did not know what I was doing. I did not believe.¹⁴ But the grace of our Lord was fully given to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ What I say is true, and you should fully accept it: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.¹⁶ But I was given mercy so that in me, the worst of all sinners, Christ Jesus could show that he has patience without limit. His patience with me made me an example for those who would believe in him and have life forever.¹⁷ To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be among the community of all who pray in the name of Christ this morning, and remain among us always.

Amen.

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

Monday April 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Thanksgiving moves our requests through God's approval-

2-Thanksgiving is the antidote for complaining-

3-People who complain are angry about something-

4-Truly thankful people do not complain-

5-Courage is not the absence of fear but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear-

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

I'VE LEARNED-Life is the art of drawing without an eraser-

DID YOU KNOW-Fanta orange is the third largest selling soft drink in the world-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did Jesus know he had supernatural divine powers?

2-Why was Satan ever allowed to be in the Garden of Eden?

3-Did Jesus and/or his disciples ever tithe to the local synagogue?

4-Are the 10 commandments the essence of sin?

5-Is it possible to clearly define "sin"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What evil prophetess is referred to in Revelation by the name of an Old Testament queen?

Yesterday's answer-Noadiah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 TIMOTHY 1:1-11

Advice to a Young Preacher

¹ From Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus our hope.

² To Timothy, a true child to me because you believe:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Warning Against False Teaching

³ I asked you to stay longer in Ephesus when I went into Macedonia so you could command some people there to stop teaching false things.⁴ Tell them not to spend their time on stories that are not true and on long lists of names in family histories. These things only bring arguments; they do not help God's work, which is done in faith.⁵ The purpose of this command is for people to have love, a love that comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a true faith.⁶ Some people have missed these things and turned to useless talk.⁷ They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand either what they are talking about or what they are sure about.

⁸ But we know that the law is good if someone uses it lawfully. ⁹ We also know that the law is not made for good people but for those who are against the law and for those who refuse to follow it. It is for people who are against God and are sinful, who are unholy and ungodly, who kill their fathers and mothers, who murder, ¹⁰ who take part in sexual sins, who have sexual relations with people of the same sex, who sell slaves, who tell lies, who speak falsely, and who do anything against the true teaching of God.¹¹ That teaching is part of the Good News of the blessed God that he gave me to tell.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

Amen.

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

Sunday April 10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A critical spirit of often rooted in pride-

2-You can look at what you don't have and be miserable or look at what you do have and be grateful-

3-A praising life is a powerful life-

4-There is no positive power in complaining-

5-Being thankful shows maturity-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I don't know how to speed read so I listen to books on tape fast forwarded-

I'VE LEARNED-An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit-

DID YOU KNOW-The citrus soda 7-UP was created in 1929. 7 was selected because the original containers were seven ounces. UP indicated the direction of the bubbles-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When do you receive the gift of the Holy Spirit?

2-Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit the same as receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit?

3-Did the disciples spend all of their time with Jesus?

4-What did the disciples do about their family responsibilities?

5-What did the disciples do when not with Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet is mentioned as an intimidator of Nehemiah?

Yesterday's answer-Bar-Jesus

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY TITUS 3:1-11

The Right Way to Live

¹ Remind the believers to yield to the authority of rulers and government leaders, to obey them, to be ready to do good,² to speak no evil about anyone, to live in peace, and to be gentle and polite to all people.

³ In the past we also were foolish. We did not obey, we were wrong, and we were slaves to many things our bodies wanted and enjoyed. We spent our lives doing evil and being jealous. People hated us, and we hated each other.⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown,⁵ he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit.⁶ God poured out richly upon us that Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ our Savior.⁷ Being made right with God by his grace, we could have the hope of receiving the life that never ends.

⁸ This teaching is true, and I want you to be sure the people understand these things. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing good. These things are good and will help everyone.

⁹ But stay away from those who have foolish arguments and talk about useless family histories and argue and quarrel about the law. Those things are worth nothing and will not help anyone.¹⁰ After a first and second warning, avoid someone who causes arguments.¹¹ You can know that such people are evil and sinful; their own sins prove them wrong.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

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

Saturday April 9, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Only God can truly change someone-

2-We are called to love not criticize-

3-Don't complain when complaining does no good-

4-We need to show Jesus to others by a lifestyle that lives his principles-

5-To have good relationships with one another we must major on the positive attributes and minor on the negative ones-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We are faced with a strange choice: work or daytime TV-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't look where you fell but where you slipped-

DID YOU KNOW-Carbonated water is the main ingredient in soda pop-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God have to make Paul so helpless and blind at his conversion?

2-What would Paul have thought about during his days of blindness?

3-Does repenting mean confessing or being truly sorry?

4-Do you have to repent to be forgiven of your sins?

5-Do you have to be baptized to be forgiven of your sins?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What false prophet was a sorcerer and an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus?

Yesterday's answer-Azariah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY TITUS 2:11-15

¹¹ That is the way we should live, because God's grace that can save everyone has come. ¹² It teaches us not to live against God nor to do the evil things the world wants to do. Instead, that grace teaches us to live in the present age in a wise and right way and in a way that shows we serve God. ¹³ We should live like that while we wait for our great hope and the coming of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.¹⁴ He gave himself for us so he might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to him—people who are always wanting to do good deeds.

¹⁵ Say these things and encourage the people and tell them what is wrong in their lives, with all authority. Do not let anyone treat you as if you were unimportant.

PRAYER FOR TODAY-

Lord, I am one of your people, the sheep of your flock. I pray for you to heal those who are wounded; touch those who are in pain; clean those who are soiled; warm those who are cold; help me to know the Father's love through Jesus the shepherd, and through the Spirit.

Help me to lift up that love, and show it all over this land. Help me to build love on justice and justice on love. Help me to believe mightily, hope joyfully, and love divinely. Renew me that I may help renew the face of the earth.

Amen.

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

Friday April 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Example is the lesson everyone can read-

2-Laughter is good medicine-

3-In youth we run into difficulties, in old age difficulties run into us-

4-Your life is a failure if your only accomplishment has been not dying young-

5-When we love someone we don't keep a record of wrongs-

STRANGE THOUGHT-In just 2 days from now, tomorrow will be yesterday-

I'VE LEARNED-There is no mistake so great as that of being always right-

DID YOU KNOW-Carbonated water, with nothing else in it, can dissolve limestone, talc and many other low-Mohs hardness minerals-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do miracles cause people to become "believers"?

2-Can a Christian be a "pharisee"?

3-Why was Saul so ready to believe in Christ in the Damascus road?

4-Why don't all Christians have an experience like Saul did?

5-Was Saul's Damascus road experience fearful to him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet who lived in the reign of King Asa in Judah, was the son of the prophet Oded?

Yesterday's answer-Shemiah

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY TITUS 2:1-10

Following the True Teaching

¹ But you must tell everyone what to do to follow the true teaching.² Teach older men to be self-controlled, serious, wise, strong in faith, in love, and in patience.

³ In the same way, teach older women to be holy in their behavior, not speaking against others or enslaved to too much wine, but teaching what is good.⁴ Then they can teach the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,⁵ to be wise and pure, to be good workers at home, to be kind, and to yield to their husbands. Then no one will be able to criticize the teaching God gave us.

⁶ In the same way, encourage young men to be wise.⁷ In every way be an example of doing good deeds. When you teach, do it with honesty and seriousness.⁸ Speak the truth so that you cannot be criticized. Then those who are against you will be ashamed because there is nothing bad to say about us.

⁹ Slaves should yield to their own masters at all times, trying to please them and not arguing with them.¹⁰ They should not steal from them but should show their masters they can be fully trusted so that in everything they do they will make the teaching of God our Savior attractive.

PRAYER FOR TODAY-

Merciful Father, I am guilty of sin. I confess my sins before you and I am sorry for them. Your promises are just; therefore I trust that you will forgive my sins and cleanse me from every stain of sin. Jesus himself is the propitiation for my sins and the sin of the whole world. I put my hope in his atonement. May my sins be forgiven through His name and in His blood may my soul be made clean.

Amen.

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