Sunday July 31, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you find something you love to do, it doesn't matter if you do it well or not-just do it-

2-The older the violin the better the music-

3-The stone wasn't rolled away from the tomb so that Jesus could leave, he was already gone-

4-Worry is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but gets you no where-

5-Believing is seeing what your eyes cannot see-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Swallow your pride for it has no calories-

I'VE LEARNED-The word "sin" is an old archery term that means anything that is not right on target in the center of the bulls eye (missing the mark)-

DID YOU KNOW-Ketchup originated in China-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-is all pride sinful?

2-Is it possible to be humble in all of life's situations?

3-Is humility earned or learned?

4-How do you show humility?

5-What happens if we ask God for humility?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What suffering man was a farmer?

Yesterday's answer-Plowing 1 kings 19:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY- Romans 5:12-14

¹² Sin came into the world because of what one man did, and with sin came death. This is why everyone must die—because everyone sinned.¹³ Sin was in the world before the law of Moses, but sin is not counted against us as breaking a command when there is no law.¹⁴ But from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, everyone had to die, even those who had not sinned by breaking a command, as Adam had.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You that we’re part of Your overall plan to harvest souls into the kingdom of heaven. Open our eyes as we look at the field of souls ripe for harvest. Show us ways in which we can enlarge our circle of influence. What a joy it is to see believers grow in their faith as we diligently plant seeds of salvation and water them with truths from Your Holy Word and by our Christian testimony. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Saturday July 30, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You go to heaven by invitation only-

2-There will be no one in heaven who says "I don't want to be here"-

3-You cannot change your past, you can only change your future-

4-No one is invited to hell-you go on your own-

5-Even God cannot change your past, he can only forgive and forget it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't want change go to the soda machine-

I'VE LEARNED-Your children not only need wings, but landing gear as well-

DID YOU KNOW-British politician John Montage, the 46th Earl of Sandwich, is credited with naming the sandwich. He developed the habit of eating beef between slices of toast so he could continue playing cars uninterrupted-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are all three of the Trinity co-equals or is God the Father the greater of them?

2-Is Christmas or Easter the key celebration for the Christian?

3-What mission does God have for you?

4-What should we be part of?

5-Does being proud have a sense of being better than another?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Elisha doing when Elijah threw his mantle on him?

Yesterday's answer-Jabal Genesis 4:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 5:6-11

⁶ When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God. ⁷ Very few people will die to save the life of someone else. Although perhaps for a good person someone might possibly die.⁸ But God shows his great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

⁹ So through Christ we will surely be saved from God's anger, because we have been made right with God by the blood of Christ's death. ¹⁰ While we were God's enemies, he made us his friends through the death of his Son. Surely, now that we are his friends, he will save us through his Son's life. ¹¹ And not only that, but now we are also very happy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we are now God's friends again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, day after day, we hear familiar voices and repeated sounds that have become a routine part of our lives. In the midst of all the clamoring noises we want to make time in our busy schedule to become familiar with Your voice so that we’re led by Your spirit in that which we do and say. We want to be quick in hearing Your prompting voice remind us, “This is the way” when tempted to walk in our own ways. We want Your Holy Spirit to convict and bring us to repentance when we have sinned. We also want to be familiar with Your affirming voice that says, “Well done” when we have been obedient to Your beckoning call. Soften our hearts, Lord, so that we not only hear Your voice, but we also feel Your compassion for those whom You bring into our lives today. In Your Name we pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Friday July 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Being busy and being fruitful are not necessarily the same-

2-Don't confuse activity with productivity-

3-Sometimes we have to give ourselves what we wish we could get from someone else-

4-You don't go to hell on a trial basis-

5-Sadly, sometimes those who enjoy the grace of God don't see the need for God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-No good deed ever goes unpunished-

I'VE LEARNED-The road to hell is paved with good intentions-

DID YOU KNOW-Jelly Belly jelly beans were the first jelly beans in outer s[pace when they went up with astronauts in the June 21, 1983 voyage of the space shuttle Challenger-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does everything that comes through our life come with God's permission?

2-What can we do that God cannot do?

3-What does it take to honestly say to God "use me anyway you want to"?

4-Is doing the will of God always enjoyable?

5-Can everything that happens in our life be for the glory of God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who invented tents?

Yesterday's answer-Jubal, inventor of the harp and organ Genesis 4:21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 5:1-5

Right with God

¹ Since we have been made right with God by our faith, we have peace with God. This happened through our Lord Jesus Christ, ² who through our faith has brought us into that blessing of God's grace that we now enjoy. And we are happy because of the hope we have of sharing God's glory. ³ We also have joy with our troubles, because we know that these troubles produce patience.⁴ And patience produces character, and character produces hope.⁵ And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts. He gave us his love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank you for the “Daniels” of our day. Many of us grew up with fathers and mothers who not only taught us right from wrong, but modeled it daily in their relations with family and others. So many today are growing up without Biblical models or Scriptural instruction which has brought about much confusion about what is right and wrong, true or false. The power of Your inspired Holy Word reveals absolute truth and is taught by examples of people such as Daniel. He didn’t allow his fear, pride, or earthly ambitions to compromise his integrity. Even as Daniel stood the test while continually overcoming the tempter, I pray that You, Father, would help us to prove our loyalty to You when faced with daily temptations, especially those that are subtle. May our resolve to do good far exceed our temptation to do evil. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Thursday July 28, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If people will gossip to you, they will gossip about you-

2-Financial bad habits become financial burdens-

3-Never invest more in a relationship than you can afford to lose-

4-People who have nothing to hide, hide nothing-

5-The way to fix a hole in your heart is not to fill it but to give it away-

STRANGE THOUGHT-There is never enough time to do all the nothing you want to do-

I'VE LEARNED-If we don't ask, there will be no answer-

DID YOU KNOW-Fortune cookies were invented in America by Charles Jung in 1918-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How old was Jesus when he knew that he had his father's will to do?

2-What is the sign of God's blessing in your life?

3-Is the accumulation of material things a sign of God's blessing?

4-Can you blessed of God and not know it?

5-What kind of God sends his son to die for others?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who invented music making?

Yesterday's answer-Cain Genesis 4:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 4:18-25

¹⁸ There was no hope that Abraham would have children. But Abraham believed God and continued hoping, and so he became the father of many nations. As God told him, "Your descendants also will be too many to count."¹⁹ Abraham was almost a hundred years old, much past the age for having children, and Sarah could not have children. Abraham thought about all this, but his faith in God did not become weak.²⁰ He never doubted that God would keep his promise, and he never stopped believing. He grew stronger in his faith and gave praise to God.²¹ Abraham felt sure that God was able to do what he had promised.²² So, "God accepted Abraham's faith, and that faith made him right with God."²³ Those words ("God accepted Abraham's faith") were written not only for Abraham²⁴ but also for us. God will accept us also because we believe in the One who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.²⁵ Jesus was given to die for our sins, and he was raised from the dead to make us right with God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your abundant grace is poured out on humankind like showers of blessings, both for believer and unbeliever alike. Yet it is only as we appropriate Your saving grace that we turn away from evil and walk in the ways of righteousness. Many leaders and rulers have come and gone, but You, Father, are the eternal One whose kingdom knows no end. We humble ourselves in the light of Your majesty as we bring honor to Your holy name and live as a people who are eager to do what is good. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Wednesday July 27, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can't deal with what you don't acknowledge-

2-It is not just what you do but also what you don't do-

3-Problems are opportunities for God to work in-

4-You can't make someone happy who doesn't want to be happy-

5-Be a good listener but don't get bogged down in someone else's problems-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I once saw a forklift lift a crate of forks-

I'VE LEARNED-People don't lack strength, they lack will-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1983, a Japanese artist made a copy of the Mona Lisa completely out of toast-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the church want people who will all think alike?

2-Does the "world" expect too much from the church?

3-Is Biblical tithing based on income or asset value?

4-How do we know when God is prompting us to do something?

5-When we feel God is prompting us to do something, is it okay to test or verify it or should we just go ahead and do it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first man to build a city?

Yesterday's answer-Tubal-Cain Genesis 4:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 4:13-17

God Keeps His Promise

¹³ Abraham and his descendants received the promise that they would get the whole world. He did not receive that promise through the law, but through being right with God by his faith.¹⁴ If people could receive what God promised by following the law, then faith is worthless. And God's promise to Abraham is worthless,¹⁵ because the law can only bring God's anger. But if there is no law, there is nothing to disobey.

¹⁶ So people receive God's promise by having faith. This happens so the promise can be a free gift. Then all of Abraham's children can have that promise. It is not only for those who live under the law of Moses but for anyone who lives with faith like that of Abraham, who is the father of us all.¹⁷ As it is written in the Scriptures: "I am making you a father of many nations." This is true before God, the God Abraham believed, the God who gives life to the dead and who creates something out of nothing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we find pleasure and fulfillment in our work when we work at it heartily, as for You, primarily. We thank You for giving us the wherewithal to provide an income for our family where our financial needs are met. Certainly each workplace has its challenges, but as we look to You for strength, endurance and wisdom to deal with those challenges we find joy, thanksgiving, and fulfillment in our work. May others see heaven sent joy flow from our lives as we spread mutual respect and a strong work ethic in the workplace. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Tuesday July 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christianity was not to turn the world upside down, it was to turn it right side up-

2-Real peace comes through Jesus death on the cross not through human ability to resolve conflict-

3-When we get older love doesn't get old, it transforms. It is different but better-

4-There is a big difference between falling in love and being in love-

5-You teach people how to treat you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We are truly old when we feel our corns more than our oats-

I'VE LEARNED-Welfare was never intended to be a career opportunity-

DID YOU KNOW-Dry cereal for breakfast was invented by John Henry Kellogg at the the turn of the twentieth century-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you find God in nature?

2-What is the most precious thing you have?

3-Can you observe someone and know if they are a Christian?

4-Why is it often hard for us to ask for help?

5-Does God love me more when I am "good"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who invented the art of working with metal?

Yesterday's answer-Cain Genesis 4:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 4:7-12

⁷ "Blessed are they
Whose sins are forgiven,
Whose wrongs are pardoned.
⁸ Blessed is the person
Whom the Lord does not consider guilty." — Psalm 32:1–2
⁹ Is this blessing only for those who are circumcised or also for those who are not circumcised? We have already said that God accepted Abraham's faith and that faith made him right with God. ¹⁰ So how did this happen? Did God accept Abraham before or after he was circumcised? It was before his circumcision.¹¹ Abraham was circumcised to show that he was right with God through faith before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the father of all those who believe but are not circumcised; he is the father of all believers who are accepted as being right with God.¹² And Abraham is also the father of those who have been circumcised and who live following the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

Prayer for today

Father, we are a foolish, unruly, and rebellious people who need Your tender guidance and enduring patience as we navigate our way through our journey here below. You teach us what is good and nourishes our soul and that which is destructive, bringing us down and others along with us. We invite the work of Your Holy Spirit to cleanse our soul and create a hunger that gives us spiritual cravings for more of You and Your holy Word. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Monday July 25, 2011 thought for the day

HERE AE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best thing someone can say at your funeral is-they certainly were a child of God-

2-If Christians are the light of the world then revival is a battery charger-

3-God's love for you is not based on what you do but on what Jesus has done for you-

4-There are 3 kinds of truth-1, trivial truth-2, important truth-3, essential truth-

5-Success without significance is emptiness-

STRANGE TRUTH-The bamboo that bends is stronger than the oak that resists-

I'VE LEARNED-Some folks never exaggerate, they just remember big-

DID YOU KNOW-Doughnuts originated in Holland-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is grace fair?

2-How do we walk blameless before God?

3-Can you "give your heart to Jesus" but never repent of your sins?

4-When we pray for someone's salvation, should we pray for it to happen at any cost"?

5-Is Jesus the only revelation of God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who invented farming?

Yesterday's answer-Nimrod Genesis 10:8-9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 4:1-6

The Example of Abraham

¹ So what can we say that Abraham, the father of our people, learned about faith?² If Abraham was made right by the things he did, he had a reason to brag. But this is not God's view,³ because the Scripture says, "Abraham believed God, and God accepted Abraham's faith, and that faith made him right with God."

⁴ When people work, their pay is not given as a gift, but as something earned.⁵ But people cannot do any work that will make them right with God. So they must trust in him, who makes even evil people right in his sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes them right with him. ⁶ David said the same thing. He said that people are truly blessed when God, without paying attention to their deeds, makes people right with himself.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to live above the fray of this world as a people of righteousness set apart for Your purpose. We forsake the things of this world that bring disgrace to Your holy name and live for the purpose of bringing glory, honor and praise to You, our Father. We pray for our nation, for the turning away from our sins and turning toward the abundant life we find in Christ our Lord. You’ve called us to repentance and to share the good news of salvation to all who are lost. Help us to seek a fresh calling upon our lives to be obedient in this commission from Scripture. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Sunday July24, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success is always built on inconvenience-

2-Life is 10% how we make it and 90% how we take it-

3-If you aim at nothing you will probably hit it-

4-Even if you are on the right track you will get run over if you just stand there-

5-Just because she is pretty or he is handsome doesn't mean that goodness necessarily lies underneath-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Cleaning is when you use something less dirty to make something more dirty less dirty-

I'VE LEARNED-You can't make your dreams come true by oversleeping-

DID YOU KNOW-Chefs started using onions five thousand years ago to spice up their cooking-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does any and all work on the Sabbath break the commandment?

2-Is it possible to keep the 10 commandments without ever failing?

3-Can you not keep the 10 commandments and be a Christian?

4-Why didn't Jesus teach tithing?

5-Is there any concept greater than grace-

BIBLE TRIVIA-What mighty man was the first hunter?

Yesterday's answer-Abel Genesis 4:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 3:21-31

How God Makes People Right

²¹ But God has a way to make people right with him without the law, and he has now shown us that way which the law and the prophets told us about.²² God makes people right with himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same: ²³ Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God's glorious standard, ²⁴ and all need to be made right with God by his grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. ²⁵ God sent him to die in our place to take away our sins. We receive forgiveness through faith in the blood of Jesus' death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair, as in the past when he was patient and did not punish people for their sins. ²⁶ And God gave Jesus to show today that he does what is right. God did this so he could judge rightly and so he could make right any person who has faith in Jesus.

²⁷ So do we have a reason to brag about ourselves? No! And why not? It is the way of faith that stops all bragging, not the way of trying to obey the law.²⁸ A person is made right with God through faith, not through obeying the law.²⁹ Is God only the God of the Jews? Is he not also the God of those who are not Jews?³⁰ Of course he is, because there is only one God. He will make Jews right with him by their faith, and he will also make those who are not Jews right with him through their faith.³¹ So do we destroy the law by following the way of faith? No! Faith causes us to be what the law truly wants.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are the Master Gardener who is growing me into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As I remain in the Vine You assure me that I will bear much fruit lasting far beyond one season. When I consider the fruit You want to grow in me I recognize that it is all based on character traits seen in the Son. Help me to respond in accordance to the pruning knife of the Word of God as it penetrates my soul, judging the very thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Cut out that which hinders my growth and submerge me in that which will make me flourish making me fruitful for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Saturday July 23, 2011 thought for the day

DOES THIS HELP YOU FEEL COOLER IN THIS HEAT WAVE?

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Just when you make ends meet, someone moves the ends-

2-A goal is a dream without a date on it-

3-You only fail when you fail to try-

4-The mind is like a parachute-it only works when opened-

5-Knowing without doing is like priming without painting-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A pessimist is really an optimist with experience-

I'VE LEARNED-Life lived for tomorrow will always be just a day away from being realized-

DID YOU KNOW-Frank Epperson invented the Popsicle in 1905, when he was 11 years old-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Since God doesn't speak to us audibly, can we always be sure we know what God wants us to do?

2-Why do we refer to God as a "He" since God is not a human but a Spirit-

3-Am I separated from God because I've sinned or because I am a sinner?

4-Does God see our wrong choices as sins or as mistakes?

5-Is something a sin even if we don't know it is?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What righteous man started the practice of herding sheep?

Yesterday's answer-Noah Genesis 9:20-21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 3:9-0

All People Are Guilty

⁹ So are we Jews better than others? No! We have already said that Jews and those who are not Jews are all guilty of sin.¹⁰ As the Scriptures say:
"There is no one who always does what is right,
Not even one.
¹¹ There is no one who understands.
There is no one who looks to God for help.
¹² All have turned away.
Together, everyone has become useless.
There is no one who does anything good;
There is not even one." — Psalm 14:1–3
¹³ "Their throats are like open graves;
They use their tongues for telling lies." — Psalm 5:9
"Their words are like snake poison." — Psalm 140:3
¹⁴ "Their mouths are full of cursing and hate." — Psalm 10:7
¹⁵ "They are always ready to kill people.
¹⁶ Everywhere they go they cause ruin and misery.
¹⁷ They don't know how to live in peace." — Isaiah 59:7–8
¹⁸ "They have no fear of God." — Psalm 36:1

¹⁹ We know that the law's commands are for those who have the law. This stops all excuses and brings the whole world under God's judgment,²⁰ because no one can be made right with God by following the law. The law only shows us our sin.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, you rain showers of blessings on us daily. They’re so bountiful and normal to our daily lives that they go by unnoticed by the vast majority. But when nature goes off course and there is flooding, drought, earthquakes, or other disasters we recognize that we are totally reliant on Your mercies and goodness. We thank You for providing for our needs and hearing the cries of Your people when we call upon You for help. Teach us Your ways in answered and unanswered prayer, we pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Friday July 22, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A person who doesn't roll up their sleeves and gets busy loses their shirt-

2-Desperation generates action-

3-God's Word is greater than any power or philosophy-

4-Sight without vision is worse than being blind-

5-The provision of God is in the vision of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do we say "after dark" when it really is after light?

I'VE LEARNED-Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves-

DID YOU KNOW-Blueberry Jelly Bellies were created especially for Ronald Reagan-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can any of the Bible translations be considered "Holy Writ"?

2-Is any translation of the Bible 100% accurate and without error?

3-All Christian denominations emphasize different scriptures in their doctrines, so is anyone of them 100% correct?

4-Can any human totally, completely and accurately understand the Bible?

5-What do you do with scripture that seem to conflict with each other?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first person to practice wine making?

Yesterday's answer-Abishag, he Shunnamite 1 Kings 2:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 3:1-8

¹ So, do Jews have anything that other people do not have? Is there anything special about being circumcised?² Yes, of course, there is in every way. The most important thing is this: God trusted the Jews with his teachings.³ If some Jews were not faithful to him, will that stop God from doing what he promised? ⁴ No! God will continue to be true even when every person is false. As the Scriptures say:
"So you will be shown to be right when you speak,
And you will win your case." — Psalm 51:4

⁵ When we do wrong, that shows more clearly that God is right. So can we say that God is wrong to punish us? (I am talking as people might talk.)⁶ No! If God could not punish us, he could not judge the world.

⁷ A person might say, "When I lie, it really gives him glory, because my lie shows God's truth. So why am I judged a sinner?"⁸ It would be the same to say, "We should do evil so that good will come." Some people find fault with us and say we teach this, but they are wrong and deserve the punishment they will receive.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we cannot remain neutral but must stand for that which is good or we will fall for that which is evil. Help us, as believers, to cling to that which is good even when it comes at great sacrifice. With the aid of Your Holy Spirit, we will be keenly discerning of the spirits of this age. We look to You alone, for “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Thursday July 21, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best thing to do behind a person's back is to pat it-

2-The collapse of character is compromise-

3-Jesus loves the broken hearted because his was broken too-

4-Either you make things happen or things happen to you-

5-Money is not a good measure of success-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Thank your lucky stars you are not superstitious-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not the horse that draws the cart, it is the oats-

DID YOU KNOW-The chocolate chip cookie was invented in 1933

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Jesus born in a small obscure group of people when other parts of the world had large populations?

2-Why did God chose the Jewish people for Jesus to be born in?

3-Can you successfully bargain with God?

4-Can you get God to change his will for your life?

5-Is everything in the Bible to be taken literally?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What servant of David was desired as a prize by his son Adonijah?

Yesterday's answer-Mary John 19:27

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 2:25-29

²⁵ If you follow the law, your circumcision has meaning. But if you break the law, it is as if you were never circumcised.²⁶ People who are not Jews are not circumcised, but if they do what the law says, it is as if they were circumcised.²⁷ You Jews have the written law and circumcision, but you break the law. So those who are not circumcised in their bodies, but still obey the law, will show that you are guilty.²⁸ They can do this because a person is not a true Jew if he is only a Jew in his physical body; true circumcision is not only on the outside of the body.²⁹ A person is a Jew only if he is a Jew inside; true circumcision is done in the heart by the Spirit, not by the written law. Such a person gets praise from God rather than from people.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as You call us You also equip us to do that which You lay upon our hearts. May we respond to those in need in whatever capacity we can help. Certainly we can pray, we may need to write or call, and then there are the times we are to go and accomplish that which is within our ability to do. Our little becomes much when we place it in the Master’s hand, so we offer ourselves to You today. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Wednesday July 20, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Fear is the catalyst of courage, not the opposite of it-

2-You cannot overcome evil with will power and self help-

3-No one automatically comes to God-

4-We are sinful, not morally challenged-

5-The best antidote for materialism is giving-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon-

I'VE LEARNED-The largest room is for improvement-

DID YOU KNOW-The food for the Greek gods was called ambrosia-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it take to care?

2-How do you live a surrendered life-

3-Lord, are there places in my life that I am not living for you?

4-How do we carry around the death of Jesus in our body?

5-Why is Christmas called Christmas-why isn't it called Jesusmas, saviormas, etc?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was Jesus speaking of when he said, "Behold you mother"?

Yesterday's answer-Rebekah Genesis 25:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 2:17-24

The Jews and the Law

¹⁷ What about you? You call yourself a Jew. You trust in the law of Moses and brag that you are close to God.¹⁸ You know what he wants you to do and what is important, because you have learned the law.¹⁹ You think you are a guide for the blind and a light for those who are in darkness.²⁰ You think you can show foolish people what is right and teach those who know nothing. You have the law; so you think you know everything and have all truth.²¹ You teach others, so why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but you steal.²² You say that others must not take part in adultery, but you are guilty of that sin. You hate idols, but you steal from temples.²³ You brag about having God's law, but you bring shame to God by breaking his law,²⁴ just as the Scriptures say: "Those who are not Jews speak against God's name because of you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of helping Your people. We don’t want to look to others for affirmation since that could lead us to vacillate in our calling. Instead You bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to help others. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed in heaven. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Tuesday July 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success is how high you go after hitting bottom-

2-When you fail you get experience and with enough experience you won't fail as often-

3-Obey God and trust him for the consequences of your obedience-

4-We need other people to help us do life-

5-There is no key to unlock the door of happiness, the door is always open-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Eagles may soar in the clouds, but weasels never get sucked into jet engines-

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot lose something you never had-

DID YOUKNOW-Two million different combinations of sandwiches can be created from a Subway menu-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it okay to say "we want to win people to our church"?

2-To what degree is the living Jesus manifested in our life?

3-Is love for Jesus able to be lived in all of life's situations?

4-What is sacrificial living?

5-Why do we want more things than we can pay for?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first woman to ask God for help?

Yesterday's answer-Proverbs 31:10-31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 2:12-16

¹² People who do not have the law and who are sinners will be lost, although they do not have the law. And, in the same way, those who have the law and are sinners will be judged by the law.¹³ Hearing the law does not make people right with God. It is those who obey the law who will be right with him.¹⁴ (Those who are not Jews do not have the law, but when they freely do what the law commands, they are the law for themselves. This is true even though they do not have the law.¹⁵ They show that in their hearts they know what is right and wrong, just as the law commands. And they show this by their consciences. Sometimes their thoughts tell them they did wrong, and sometimes their thoughts tell them they did right.)¹⁶ All these things will happen on the day when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge people's secret thoughts. The Good News that I preach says this.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re told to do everything without complaining, so that we shine like stars in the universe. We know that people are drawn to light where brightness is present and warmth is extended. Help our conversation to be full of grace, tenderness, light, and truth so that we will positively affect those around us. May we be as a sweet aroma to You and those whom we meet on our life’s journey. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Monday July 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-May I so live that when I die even the mortician will be sorry-

2-Contentment is knowing you are in God's will for your life-

3-God often moves mountains when you supply the shovel-

4-Your life is a result of your thinking of yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today-

5-It is not what you take when you die, it is what you leave behind you when you leave-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Walking can add minutes to your life. It enables you, at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7500 per month-

I'VE LEARNED-Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend every weekend out on the lake-

DID YOU KNOW-More popcorn is sold in Dallas than anywhere else in the United States-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why don't we practice "foot washing" in church services today?

2-Are there any conditions to asking God for anything?

3-When God sees you, does he see your future or your past?

4-Why should anyone new come to my church?

5-How should new believers in Jesus be discipled?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book of the bible mentions a virtuous woman who is more valuable than rubies?

Yesterday's answer-Huldah the prophetess 2 Kings 22:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY ROMANS 2:1-11

You People Also Are Sinful

¹ If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you do the same things they do.² God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right.³ You judge those who do wrong, but you do wrong yourselves. Do you think you will be able to escape the judgment of God?⁴ He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.⁵ But you are stubborn and refuse to change, so you are making your own punishment even greater on the day he shows his anger. On that day everyone will see God's right judgments.⁶ God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done.⁷ Some people, by always continuing to do good, live for God's glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. God will give them life forever.⁸ But other people are selfish. They refuse to follow truth and, instead, follow evil. God will give them his punishment and anger.⁹ He will give trouble and suffering to everyone who does evil—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.¹⁰ But he will give glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.¹¹ For God judges all people in the same way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to live above the fray of this world as a people of righteousness set apart for Your purpose. We forsake the things of this world that bring disgrace to Your holy name and live for the purpose of bringing glory, honor and praise to You, our Father. We pray for our nation, for the turning away from our sins and turning toward the abundant life we find in Christ our Lord. You’ve called us to repentance and to share the good news of salvation to all who are lost. Help us to seek a fresh calling upon our lives to be obedient in this commission from Scripture. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Sunday July17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Deciding not to choose is still making a choice-

2-If you do what you've always done you'll be what you've always been-

3-Reputation is earned, not given-

4-An unprayed prayer is never answered-

5-Sometimes patience is faith and waiting is believing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do you get off a non stop flight?

I'VE LEARNED-When mom is made at dad, don't let her brush your hair-

DID YOU KNOW-Dunkin' Donuts serves over 112,000 donuts a day-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the greatest need the church has today?

2-How would we pray if we really felt God was listening to us?

3-How do you have intimacy with God?

4-Should we incorporate silent time (listening time) into church services today?

5-Why don't we practice "foot washing" in church services today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wise woman was sought out by Josiah when the Book Of The Law was discovered in the temple?

Yesterday's answer-Athaliah 2 Chronicles 23:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:28-32

²⁸ People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So God left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking and to do things they should not do.²⁹ They are filled with every kind of sin, evil, selfishness, and hatred. They are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, lying, and thinking the worst about each other. They gossip³⁰ and say evil things about each other. They hate God. They are rude and conceited and brag about themselves. They invent ways of doing evil. They do not obey their parents.³¹ They are foolish, they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or mercy to others.³² They know God's law says that those who live like this should die. But they themselves not only continue to do these evil things, they applaud others who do them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are the Master Gardener who is growing me into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As I remain in the Vine You assure me that I will bear much fruit lasting far beyond one season. When I consider the fruit You want to grow in me I recognize that it is all based on character traits seen in the Son. Help me to respond in accordance to the pruning knife of the Word of God as it penetrates my soul, judging the very thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Cut out that which hinders my growth and submerge me in that which will make me flourish making me fruitful for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Saturday July 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Church is a fill up station when you are low on faith-

2-Most accomplishments were made by people who kept trying when there was no hope at all-

3-Truth exists, lies must be made up-

4-Life is a puzzle, look to God for the missing piece-

5-Confession without repentance is just bragging-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When it rains, why don't sheep shrink?

I'VE LEARNED-Whether you think you can , or think that you can't, either way you are usually right-

DID YOU KNOW-Americans on average eat eighteen acres of pizza every day with Saturday night being the biggest night of the week for eating pizza-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Is demon possession as real today as it was in Jesus' day?

2-Does the rest of the world expect more from Christians than other people?

3-When the word "church" is mentioned in scripture, what does it refer to?

4-Can you be a Christian and not be fully committed to Jesus?

5-Did the disciples know each other prior to being called by Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What daughter of Jezebel was killed at Jerusalem's Horse Gate?

Yesterday's answer-The woman of Shunam 2Kings 4:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:24-27

²⁴ Because they did these things, God left them and let them go their sinful way, wanting only to do evil. As a result, they became full of sexual sin, using their bodies wrongly with each other.²⁵ They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever. Amen.

²⁶ Because people did those things, God left them and let them do the shameful things they wanted to do. Women stopped having natural sex and started having sex with other women.²⁷ In the same way, men stopped having natural sex and began wanting each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and in their bodies they received the punishment for those wrongs.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we regularly come to You asking for peace regarding situations that we don’t understand or have no personal ability to change. Way too often troubling circumstances capture our emotions and rob us of the peace promised to those who place their trust in You. Help us not to be tossed about by the changing circumstances of our lives, but to be steadfast as we discipline our mind to be fixed upon You. Only then will we know true life sustaining peace while sojourning here below. Amen.

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!

Friday July 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Choosing to let go of your own will is the ultimate act of love and trust-

2-You cannot change people you love through anger-

3-It is hard to fight the things we are afraid of-

4-We have a great need of Jesus, we have a great Jesus for our needs-

5-The cross of Christ is the bridge between God and man-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I've had enough of not enough-

I'VE LEARNED-Rumors are good, they tell you things about yourself you never knew-

DID YOU KNOW-A can of spam is opened every four seconds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does Jesus want us today to leave everything and follow him as the disciples did?

2-Why were the disciples so quick to be obedient to follow Jesus?

3-Why was Jesus allowed to teach in the synagogue when he wasn't a rabbi?

4-If the demon possessed man in the synagogue knew who Jesus was, why are people so blinded today?

5-Do demons only live in people or also in things?

B IBLE TRIVIA-What wealthy woman had a son that died of a sunstroke?

Yesterday's answer-The widow of Zarephath Luke 4:25-26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:18-23

All People Have Done Wrong

¹⁸ God's anger is shown from heaven against all the evil and wrong things people do. By their own evil lives they hide the truth.¹⁹ God shows his anger because some knowledge of him has been made clear to them. Yes, God has shown himself to them.²⁰ There are things about him that people cannot see—his eternal power and all the things that make him God. But since the beginning of the world those things have been easy to understand by what God has made. So people have no excuse for the bad things they do.²¹ They knew God, but they did not give glory to God or thank him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness.²² They said they were wise, but they became fools.²³ They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, even as water is essential for physical life, You’ve created within us a thirst for holiness and righteousness to sustain our spiritual life. So often we attempt to quench that inborn thirst with temporary substitutes that give us a quick high and then we inevitably face recurring dissatisfaction. No person, position, or possession can effectively replace our divine appointment with You, the Living God, who desires to have fellowship with Your creation. We invite Your supernatural presence to be fully manifested in our lives as we call out to You night and day, in times of refreshing and in times of drought. Be glorified in me, Living God!

WISHING YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART.....PEACE IN YOUR SOUL.....AND JOY IN YOUR LIFE.....ALWAYS!!!