Saturday December 31, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Persistence overcomes resistance-

2-Focus on the important not the urgent-

3-You don't have customers, just friends you work for-

4-Don't complain about the pitches, just hit what comes across the plate-

5-What a child doesn't receive he cannot later give-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You cannot see yourself. You can only see your refection either in a mirror or through others-

I'VE LEARNED-All change is not good and all movement is not forward-

DID YOU KNOW-In Sweden, it is illegal to train a seal to bounce a ball on its nose-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it usually the big things or little things that keep us from following Jesus completely?

2-Jesus said to James and John, "to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant, they belong to those for whom they have been prepared"-Who was Jesus referring to?

3-Can you have a "gift" and not have a "talent"?

4-Can a non Christian have a spiritual gift?

5-Is a spiritual gift to last all of your life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who died in giving birth to Benjamin?

Yesterday's answer-Anna Luke 2:36

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

¹³ It is written in the Scriptures, "I believed, so I spoke." Our faith is like this, too. We believe, and so we speak.¹⁴ God raised the Lord Jesus from the dead, and we know that God will also raise us with Jesus. God will bring us together with you, and we will stand before him.¹⁵ All these things are for you. And so the grace of God that is being given to more and more people will bring increasing thanks to God for his glory.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be Your faithful follower as You fulfill Your purpose in our lives. The Psalmist traced Your hand to the secret place where all Your ordained plans were written for his life before he drew his first breath. We too can trace Your hand in the origin of our birth right up to the present day in which we close out another year. We need not fear when we take hold of Your hand, for You will help guide us through the uncertainties and puzzlements that will frequent our path, for You fully know what Your intentions are for our lives. We trust You for the days ahead and the new year that will unfold before us. We will not fear nor dread the future, since it is through eyes of faith, that we see the victory ahead! In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Friday December 30, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is no worship without obedience and no obedience without a respect for the object of worship-

2-Faith is not trying to make sure the bridge is there before you cross it-

3-Worship is our response to who we think God is-

4-Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments-

5-You must be the change you want to see in the world-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Statistically speaking, 6 out of 7 dwarfs are not happy-

I'VE LEARNED-The Bible lets us know that God can work his will even through people who have frail moral character-

DID YOU KNOW-It is against the law to stare at the mayor of Paris-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever do a miracle for his own benefit?

2-Jesus said "Take up your cross and follow me"-is this the Christ like life?

3-How many times did Jesus predict what his earthly future would be?

4-In Jewish society, why were Gentiles referred to as dogs?

5-Can we so live for Jesus that we are dead to ourselves?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman was called a prophetess by Luke?

Yesterday's answer-Leah Genesis 29:31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 4:7-12

⁷ We have this treasure from God, but we are like clay jars that hold the treasure. This shows that the great power is from God, not from us.⁸ We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give up the hope of living.⁹ We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed.¹⁰ We carry the death of Jesus in our own bodies so that the life of Jesus can also be seen in our bodies.¹¹ We are alive, but for Jesus we are always in danger of death so that the life of Jesus can be seen in our bodies that die.¹² So death is working in us, but life is working in you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help me to store up this vital Scripture today; “A righteous man will be remembered forever.” When I’m tempted to compromise my integrity in exchange for ungodly choices may this Scripture ring alarm bells in my heart and mind. Let its truth persuade me to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age. Your way is the best way and it is the lasting way. Amen.

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

Thursday December 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Where faith is weak, signs and wonders become important-

2-Faith is being connected to the source of our trust-

3-Generosity from the heart is worship of God-

4-Call no one worthless for whom Jesus died-

5-Sometimes the seeds of happiness are planted in the darkness-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We shouldn't tell others they need to be clean when we ourselves need a bath-

I'VE LEARNED-One moral character lapse that beset many of God's special people in the early Jewish history was dishonesty and trickery-

DID YOU KNOW-In the United Kingdom, there is no act of Parliament making it illegal to commit murder. Murder is only illegal due to legal precedent-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When we pray does God ever say "I'm sorry to disappoint you but...."

2-If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste Godliness?

3-The word Christian means Christ like!-Are we?

4-What does "hosanna" mean?

5-Why did Jesus refer to himself as the "son of man" and not as I?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which of Jacob's wives was the first to have children?

Yesterday's answer-Rachel Genesis 30:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 4:1-6

¹ God, with his mercy, gave us this work to do, so we don't give up.² But we have turned away from secret and shameful ways. We use no trickery, and we do not change the teaching of God. We teach the truth plainly, showing everyone who we are. Then they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are in God's sight.³ If the Good News that we preach is hidden, it is hidden only to those who are lost.⁴ The devil who rules this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe. They cannot see the light of the Good News—the Good News about the glory of Christ, who is exactly like God.⁵ We do not preach about ourselves, but we preach that Jesus Christ is Lord and that we are your servants for Jesus.⁶ God once said, "Let the light shine out of the darkness!" This is the same God who made his light shine in our hearts by letting us know the glory of God that is in the face of Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help me to keep the godly perspective presented in Your Word regarding sinfulness and righteousness. There is no true sophistication in sinful behavior, for it is abhorrent and unacceptable in Your sight and destructive to the human heart. Though the world might dress it up, classify it with a new trendy name, sin is still sin and it brings about disastrous consequences. May my heart’s desires be drawn to righteousness. I want those things which are true, honest, lovely, and praiseworthy to occupy my thoughts and be visible in my interaction with others. I seek the wisdom imparted through the inspirational writing of Your holy Word. May it always be the filter I use to screen the wisdom of this age with the wisdom that comes from the God of the ages.

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

Wednesday December 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you always do what you always did, then you'll always be what you've always been-

2-God doesn't chastise his children for being children-

3-If life experiences are not used they are wasted-

4-True praise comes from a grateful heart-

5-Faith is believing God will do what he said he would do-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is far easier to forgive an enemy after you have gotten even with him-

I'VE LEARNED-Before everything else, getting ready is the key to success-

DID YOU KNOW-In Texas, it is illegal to put graffiti on someone else's cow-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus have a daily devotional time?

2-Did Jesus read the Hebrew scriptures on a regular basis?

3-Do most people search for the truth or just blindly accept what others tell them?

4-Why do we "laugh together" and "cry alone"?

5-Is anything more important than relationships?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said to her husband, "Give me children, or else I die"?

Yesterday's answer-Rebekah Genesis 27:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 3:12-18

¹² We have this hope, so we are very bold.¹³ We are not like Moses, who put a covering over his face so the Israelites would not see it. The glory was disappearing, and Moses did not want them to see it end.¹⁴ But their minds were closed, and even today that same covering hides the meaning when they read the old agreement. That covering is taken away only through Christ.¹⁵ Even today, when they read the law of Moses, there is a covering over their minds.¹⁶ But when a person changes and follows the Lord, that covering is taken away.¹⁷ The Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.¹⁸ Our faces, then, are not covered. We all show the Lord's glory, and we are being changed to be like him. This change in us brings ever greater glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I confess to You my need for sensitivity from Your Holy Spirit when I read Scripture. Following the schedule of a yearly reading plan gives me an overall understanding of Your sovereign work in creation and in the lives of individuals as it also instructs me in holy living. But the very personal message that You have for me generally comes from pondering a newly discovered truth or considering a Scripture portion and poring over it throughout my day. It opens avenues of understanding and oneness with You that I miss when I ignore or hurry through my devotions. I want to be purposeful in my Scripture reading and invite the inspiration of Your Word to illumine my path and deepen my faith in You, the Changeless One. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 27, 2011, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No matter the circumstances, there is always something to thank God for-

2-When what a person does conflicts with what they say,what they do is what they are-

3-You'll never get anywhere with God until you are completely honest-

4-The physical and emotional energy consumed by anxiety is way more than it is worth-

5-Death is not extinguishing the light, it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come-

STRANGE THOUGHT-One reason our churches aren't getting new converts is old people don't have babies-

I'VE LEARNED-The trick to living is growing up without growing old-

DID YOU KNOW-In Kentucky, it is illegal to carry ice cream in your back pocket-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jesus, the son of God have to go pray?

2-Did Jesus have any divine powers all his own or did it all come from God?

3-Does God ever give up on anyone?

4-When did the disciples "get it" who Jesus really was?

5-Why doesn't the Bible record the disciples reaction of Jesus feeding the multitudes?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who offered to bear the guilt if her scheme to deceive her aged husband was found out?

Yesterday's answer-Three months Luke 1:56

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 3:7-11

⁷ The law that brought death was written in words on stone. It came with God's glory, which made Moses' face so bright that the Israelites could not continue to look at it. But that glory later disappeared.⁸ So surely the new way that brings the Spirit has even more glory.⁹ If the law that judged people guilty of sin had glory, surely the new way that makes people right with God has much greater glory.¹⁰ That old law had glory, but it really loses its glory when it is compared to the much greater glory of this new way.¹¹ If that law which disappeared came with glory, then this new way which continues forever has much greater glory.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have called us to a journey of faith where we learn to trust You for all that we have need of, for the present and the future – in our relationships, our health, our earthly provisions and our spiritual needs. Like the songwriter, Louisa Stead, wrote; “I’m so glad I learned to trust You, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; For I know that You are with me; Will be with me to the end. Jesus, Jesus How I trust You, How I’ve proved You o’er and o’er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, O for grace to trust You more.” Help us to find the sweetness of wholeheartedly trusting in You, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Monday December 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In the race for quality there is no finish line-

2-Agape love is only shown under test-

3-You can't kill time without injuring eternity-

4-Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied-

5-True love expects nothing in return-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are never too old to learn something stupid-

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

DID YOU KNOW-In Jasmine, Saskatchewan, it is illegal for a cow to moo within three hundred kilometers of a private home-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you be pro abortion and be a Christian?

2-Is the way of Jesus the way of suffering?

3-What time is the "fourth watch"?

4-What is the "glory of God" that Moses wanted to see?

5-What does it mean "their hearts were hardened"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-How long did cousins Mary and Elizabeth spend together during their pregnancies?

Yesterday's answer-Herod, the wife of Herod Luke 3:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 3:1-6

¹ Are we starting to brag about ourselves again? Do we need letters of introduction to you or from you, like some other people?² You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.³ You show that you are a letter from Christ sent through us. This letter is not written with ink but with the Spirit of the living God. It is not written on stone tablets but on human hearts.

⁴ We can say this, because through Christ we feel certain before God.⁵ We are not saying that we can do this work ourselves. It is God who makes us able to do all that we do.⁶ He made us able to be servants of a new agreement from himself to his people. This new agreement is not a written law, but it is of the Spirit. The written law brings death, but the Spirit gives life.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. I don’t want to be destroyed for lack of knowledge nor do I want to be caught up in sin due to my disobedience to Your commands. As I read the words of Scripture and hear them expounded upon by faithful expositors I am feasting daily on the spiritual manna (food) provided by You. Where there is spiritual famine, even among those who believe, we pray for revival where men and women, boys and girls begin to hunger for that which is of eternal worth. Stir us all into action as we are spurred on by Your directives in Scripture, and Your Spirit that is at work in us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Sunday December 25, 2011 thought for the day

The angel said unto them, "Do not be afraid. I am bringing you good news that will be a great joy to all people. Today your Savior was born in the town of David. He is Christ the Lord".

MAY THIS CHRIST CHILD BORN SO LONG AGO ALSO BE YOUR SAVIOR TODAY!!!

WE WISH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A VERY BLESSED CHRISTMAS--JASPER AND PAT

Saturday December 24, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer-

2-Partial obedience is no obedience-

3-You never know when you are making a memory-

4-We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are-

5-If God is your partner then make large plans-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Seeking is not always the way to find-

I'VE LEARNED-We learn things about God in suffering that we can't learn any other way-

DID YOU KNOW-In Italy, it is illegal to make coffins out of anything except nutshells or wood-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do we say one thing and then do another?

2-What does it mean to be a "chosen people"?

3-Have we as Christians forgotten where we have come from?

4-Should Christians be "risk takers"?

5-Are words spoken in anger spoken from the heart or from emotions?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wicked woman, the wife of a wicked king,brought about the death of John the Baptist?

Yesterday's answer-Peter's Mark 1:30-31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 1:18-2:18

The Birth of Jesus Christ

¹⁸ This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. His mother Mary was engaged to marry Joseph, but before they married, she learned she was pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Mary's husband, Joseph, was a good man, he did not want to disgrace her in public, so he planned to divorce her secretly.

²⁰ While Joseph thought about these things, an angel of the Lord came to him in a dream. The angel said, "Joseph, descendant of David, don't be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because the baby in her is from the Holy Spirit.²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

²² All this happened to bring about what the Lord had said through the prophet: ²³ "The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Immanuel," which means "God is with us."

²⁴ When Joseph woke up, he did what the Lord's angel had told him to do. Joseph took Mary as his wife,²⁵ but he did not have sexual relations with her until she gave birth to the son. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Matthew 2

Wise Men Come to Visit Jesus

¹ Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. When Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem.² They asked, "Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

³ When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, as were all the people in Jerusalem. ⁴ Herod called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Christ would be born.⁵ They answered, "In the town of Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this in the Scriptures:
⁶ 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
Are not just an insignificant village in Judah.
A ruler will come from you
Who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.' " — Micah 5:2

⁷ Then Herod had a secret meeting with the wise men and learned from them the exact time they first saw the star.⁸ He sent the wise men to Bethlehem, saying, "Look carefully for the child. When you find him, come tell me so I can worship him too."

⁹ After the wise men heard the king, they left. The star that they had seen in the east went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was.¹⁰ When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy.¹¹ They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.¹² But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their own country by a different way.

Jesus' Parents Take Him to Egypt

¹³ After they left, an angel of the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said, "Get up! Take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt, because Herod is starting to look for the child so he can kill him. Stay in Egypt until I tell you to return."

¹⁴ So Joseph got up and left for Egypt during the night with the child and his mother.¹⁵ And Joseph stayed in Egypt until Herod died. This happened to bring about what the Lord had said through the prophet: "I called my son out of Egypt."

Herod Kills the Baby Boys

¹⁶ When Herod saw that the wise men had tricked him, he was furious. So he gave an order to kill all the baby boys in Bethlehem and in the surrounding area who were two years old or younger. This was in keeping with the time he learned from the wise men.¹⁷ So what God had said through the prophet Jeremiah came true:
¹⁸ "A voice was heard in Ramah
Of painful crying and deep sadness:
Rachel crying for her children.
She refused to be comforted,
Because her children are dead." — Jeremiah 31:15

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Friday December 23, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God requires separation from sin-

2-There is no communion between God and sin-

3-Faith is refusing to panic-

4-Our Christianity is only as strong as our weakest point-

5-We can be so upset by a situation that we fail to show love-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you want to bloom like a flower, turn your face to the Son-

I'VE LEARNED-Most smiles are started by another smile-

DID YOU KNOW-In Helsinki, Finland, instead of giving parking tickets, the police usually deflate the tires-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the Christian message inclusive or exclusive?

2-Which is worse, the darkness in the world or the darkness in Christians?

3-Do we always know when we are in spiritual darkness?

4-Can we be a follower of Jesus and not be in a relationship with him?

5-How much does God love us?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What disciple's mother in law was healed of a fever by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Mary and Martha John 11:32-39

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Victory Through Christ

¹⁴ But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ's victory parade. God uses us to spread his knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume. ¹⁵ Our offering to God is this: We are the sweet smell of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are being lost.¹⁶ To those who are lost, we are the smell of death that brings death, but to those who are being saved, we are the smell of life that brings life. So who is able to do this work?¹⁷ We do not sell the word of God for a profit as many other people do. But in Christ we speak the truth before God, as messengers of God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, how blessed we are to view glimpses of beauty and awe on this side of heaven. But with great anticipation we await the glorious day when we will behold the ultimate view; Jesus in all His glory. This world with all its troubles and disappointments will vanish from our memory as we behold a new heaven and a new earth. Contemplating that ultimate view diminishes our heartaches and burdens of this life. Keep us keeping on as we journey below so that we will ultimately reach our eternal resting place. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday December 22, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-True forgiveness is always unconditional-

2-The longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets-

3-What you want to be, act as if-

4-Faith is the answer to fear-

5-To love means to love that which is unlovable or it is no virtue at all-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Fame is only a tail wind-

I'VE LEARNED-Never ignore a gut feeling, but never think it is enough-

DID YOU KNOW-In Hartford Connecticut, it is illegal for a husband to kiss his wife on Sunday-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Instead of speaking out, does the church need to act out the message of Jesus for those who do not understand-

2-How can you be sure you are walking with Jesus?

3-How do you begin a walk with Jesus?

4-How would we live if we saw Jesus standing next to us?

5-If Jesus had been in my shoes today, would he have walked as I did?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two women witnessed Jesus' tears over their dead brother?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Luke 10:39-42

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 2:5-11

⁵ Someone there among you has caused sadness, not to me, but to all of you. I mean he caused sadness to all in some way. (I do not want to make it sound worse than it really is.)⁶ The punishment that most of you gave him is enough for him.⁷ But now you should forgive him and comfort him to keep him from having too much sadness and giving up completely.⁸ So I beg you to show that you love him.⁹ I wrote you to test you and to see if you obey in everything.¹⁰ If you forgive someone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven—if I had anything to forgive—I forgave it for you, as if Christ were with me.¹¹ I did this so that Satan would not win anything from us, because we know very well what Satan's plans are.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father of all wisdom, we who are children of the light, do not live as those in darkness. Instead You have shown us right from wrong, truth from error, and You have given us discernment to test the spirits to see that which is from You and that which is from the evil one. The foundations seem to be shaking as we are flooded with a tidal wave of twists and spins that seeks to confuse or demean the believer. We clothe ourselves daily with godly armor, both defensive and offensive weaponry since our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but rather the authorities from this world. Keep our souls untainted by the changing rhetoric and sliding standards from our decadent society as we stand against the spiritual forces of evil like the men of Issachar. Help us to walk boldly in the conviction power of the Holy Spirit today, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday December 21, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you want to find the good in someone you will find it-

2-Faith is not a thing to have but how we should live-

3-Be sure your sins will find you out-

4-The power of the church is in proportion to the power of the Holy Spirit in the church-

5-The more you love the more vulnerable you are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Friends have a way of speaking without words-

I'VE LEARNED-Falling in love is easy, staying in love is special-

DID YOU KNOW-In Cleveland, Ohio, it is illegal to catch mice without a hunting license-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is tradition good or bad in Christian living?

2-How much humility should a Christian have?

3-For whom did Jesus do his miracles?

4-Is it possible for Jesus to "touch you" and you never be changed?

5-In Mark 7, why did Jesus use spit and touch the tongue of the deaf and dumb man instead of just speaking him well?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who sat at Jesus' feet while her sister kept house?

Yesterday's answer-Martha John 11:24-26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 2:1-4

¹ So I decided that my next visit to you would not be another one to make you sad.² If I make you sad, who will make me glad? Only you can make me glad—particularly the person whom I made sad.³ I wrote you a letter for this reason: that when I came to you I would not be made sad by the people who should make me happy. I felt sure of all of you, that you would share my joy.⁴ When I wrote to you before, I was very troubled and unhappy in my heart, and I wrote with many tears. I did not write to make you sad, but to let you know how much I love you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I am eternally grateful for Jesus who imputed His righteousness in me, just as You imputed my sin into the sinless Lamb of God who poured out His life for me on the cross. Through this merciful and selfless sacrifice of Christ I am justified. Jesus truly paid the price for my salvation and removed the penalty of sin for all who truly repent and believe. Thank You for this gift paid in full by the atoning work of Your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Tuesday December 20, 2011, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is danger in speaking for God when God isn't speaking-

2-Mercy is a miracle of grace-

3-A carnal Christian is one whose self is in control, not the Holy Spirit-

4-For every scar there is a story of pain-

5-What you value most, motivates you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Today's opportunity is yesterday's dream and tomorrow's memory-

I'VE LEARNED-Give generously and your heart will always be full-

DID YOU KNOW-In Baltimore, it is illegal to wash or scrub a sink, regardless of how dirty it is-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What do you do if someone will not or cannot forgive you?

2-Can God bless you if you are not obedient to him?

3-Can we love God and not love all "brothers and sisters"?

4-Are God's commands to be considered rules and regulations?

5-In Mark 7 Jesus declared all foods "clean". Does this mean all foods are eatable and healthy?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To what woman did Jesus declare. "I am the resurrection and the life"?

Yesterday's answer-Rachel Genesis 30:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 1:15-24

¹⁵ I was so sure of all this that I made plans to visit you first so you could be blessed twice.¹⁶ I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia and again on my way back. I wanted to get help from you for my trip to Judea.¹⁷ Do you think that I made these plans without really meaning it? Or maybe you think I make plans as the world does, so that I say yes, yes and at the same time no, no.

¹⁸ But since you can believe God, you can believe that what we tell you is never both yes and no. ¹⁹ The Son of God, Jesus Christ, that Silas and Timothy and I preached to you, was not yes and no. In Christ it has always been yes.²⁰ The yes to all of God's promises is in Christ, and through Christ we say yes to the glory of God.²¹ Remember, God is the One who makes you and us strong in Christ. God made us his chosen people.²² He put his mark on us to show that we are his, and he put his Spirit in our hearts to be a guarantee for all he has promised.

²³ I tell you this, and I ask God to be my witness that this is true: The reason I did not come back to Corinth was to keep you from being punished or hurt.²⁴ We are not trying to control your faith. You are strong in faith. But we are workers with you for your own joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I am eternally grateful for Jesus who imputed His righteousness in me, just as You imputed my sin into the sinless Lamb of God who poured out His life for me on the cross. Through this merciful and selfless sacrifice of Christ I am justified. Jesus truly paid the price for my salvation and removed the penalty of sin for all who truly repent and believe. Thank You for this gift paid in full by the atoning work of Your Son, Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Monday December 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is taking someone else's problem as your own-

2-If you are problem centered you are negative, if you are solution centered you are positive-

3-If you have never thanked God for Jesus, you don't appreciate what he has done for you-

4-A lack of reverence cheapens grace-

5-There never is a church conflict without someone introducing it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Fear makes strangers of people who would be friends-

I'VE LEARNED-A good friend is hard to find, hard to lose and impossible to forget-

DID YOU KNOW-In Athens, Greece, a driver's license can be taken away by law if the driver is deemed either "unbathed" or "poorly dressed."

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you express gratitude?

2-How can you relate to someone who has an unforgiving attitude?

3-Should we always forgive everything (are all things forgivable)?

4-Are any conflicts worth a strained relationship?

5-How is a forgiven person supposed to act?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who begged her sister for some mandrakes, hoping they would help bear bear children?

Yesterday's answer-Elizabeth Luke 1:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 1:12-14

¹² This is what we are proud of, and I can say it with a clear conscience: In everything we have done in the world, and especially with you, we have had an honest and sincere heart from God. We did this by God's grace, not by the kind of wisdom the world has. ^13-14 We write to you only what you can read and understand. And I hope that as you have understood some things about us, you may come to know everything about us. Then you can be proud of us, as we will be proud of you on the day our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, through the prophet Isaiah’s words, we are reminded that Your Word does not return void but accomplishes that which You desire. It is a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. Your Word is divinely inspired and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that we are thoroughly equipped for every good work. We’re grateful for the guidance we receive daily through faithfully reading and applying Scripture to our lives. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Sunday December 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The bigger the problem the bigger your love should be-

2-Opportunity knocks at your door but you have to open it-

3-You are known by the crowd you associate with-

4-Christians often seem to be unmoved by the greatest story ever told-

5-The Gospel is not a presentation of an idea-

STRANGE THOUGHT-In order to succeed, your desire for success must be greater than your fear of failure-

I'VE LEARNED-Find a passion and feed it-

DID YOU KNOW-in Alaska it is illegal to shoot a moose from the window of an airplane or other flying vehicle-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you still be angry at someone you forgive?

2-Why in the Gospel of Mark does Jesus never ask anyone he heals to follow him as a disciple?

3-Who is the hardest person to forgive and who is the easiest?

4-What is the hardest hurt to forgive?

5-Is unforgiveness a sin and if so when does it become a sin?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament woman was married to a priest named Zacharias?

Yesterday's answer-Esther 2:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 1:8-11

⁸ Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the trouble we suffered in Asia. We had great burdens there that were beyond our own strength. We even gave up hope of living. ⁹ Truly, in our own hearts we believed we would die. But this happened so we would not trust in ourselves but in God, who raises people from the dead.¹⁰ God saved us from these great dangers of death, and he will continue to save us. We have put our hope in him, and he will save us again.¹¹ And you can help us with your prayers. Then many people will give thanks for us—that God blessed us because of their many prayers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we pray for our leaders that they will look to You for guidance and follow Your commands as recorded by the prophets long ago. We want to be a blessed nation and will be so if men and women in positions of authority live godly lives as commanded in Scripture, and those who follow respond in like manner. Help us to be faithful in doing our part. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Saturday December 17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christianity is a relationship between a heavenly father and his children-

2-Perfect love casts out all fear, fear casts out love-

3-Christian service is a poor substitute for a relationship with Jesus-

4-If we mistake God's silence for indifference we are most miserable-

5-God has no hands but our hands, no tongue but our tongue and no feet but our feet-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The person who can be only serious or only cheerful is but half a person-

I'VE LEARNED-You can have most anything you want but you can't have everything you want-

DID YOU KNOW-Dueling in Paraguay is legal a long as both parties are registered blood donors-

5 THING I WANT TO KNOW

1-How must have Moses's Egyptian mother have felt when he became of age and chose to be a Hebrew and rejected his royal upbringing?

2-When did Moses learn that he was a Hebrew and not an Egyptian, son of the pharaoh's daughter?

3-Did Moses as an adult ever meet his Hebrew parents?

4-Did Moses have any idea of what his future would be when he rejected his Egyptian heritage?

5-Does God's mercy have an ending?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Jewish girl became queen of Persia?

Yesterday's answer- a centurion Luke 7:2-10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Paul Gives Thanks to God

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort.⁴ He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.⁵ We share in the many sufferings of Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ.⁶ If we have troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation, and if we have comfort, you also have comfort. This helps you to accept patiently the same sufferings we have.⁷ Our hope for you is strong, knowing that you share in our sufferings and also in the comfort we receive.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we give thanks to You who gives us victory in life’s ongoing battles through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to listen to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit that reveals to us the various ways that we can be used to further Your kingdom and expand the gospel message at home and abroad. As You reign in our hearts may our lives bear fruit that brings glory to Your name, as we seek to glorify You in all that we do. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Friday December 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Hope is realizing that your destiny is a part of God's power and will for your life-

2-For believers in Jesus there is no sorrow that is not mixed with hope-

3-If you don't live Christianity at home, you are a phoney at church-

4-So often so much of Christianity is nothing but organized deadness-

5-It is not who we believe in but who we serve that matters-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I used to be indecisive but I'm not sure anymore-

I'VE LEARNED-The best ship is friendship-

DID YOU KNOW-Celebrating Christmas was once illegal in England-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was there no other friends, besides the three recorded, that reached out to Job in his suffering?

2-Does anyone who walks closely with God live happily ever after?

3-Are there experiences too extreme for the hurting to have hope, and valleys too deep for the anguished to find relief or days too dark for the sufferer to see light?

4-Is the pursuit of happiness an adequate goal?

5-What is your "pearl of great price"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the occupation of the man who had his beloved servant healed by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Shadrach, Meshach aqns Abednego Daniel 2:49

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

¹³ Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.¹⁴ Do everything in love.

¹⁵ You know that the family of Stephanas were the first believers in Southern Greece and that they have given themselves to the service of God's people. I ask you, brothers and sisters,¹⁶ to follow the leading of people like these and anyone else who works and serves with them.

¹⁷ I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place.¹⁸ They have refreshed my spirit and yours. You should recognize the value of people like these.

¹⁹ The churches in Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord, as does the church that meets in their house. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send greetings. Give each other a holy kiss when you meet.

²¹ I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be separated from God—lost forever!

Come, O Lord!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I pledge my allegiance to You and desire to bring You glory, honor and praise through my thoughts, my words and my actions today. “There is none like You” is the melody of my heart today. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search through all eternity and find there is none like You! And You are enough! Amen.

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

Thursday December 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No matter how good works are, they are all in vain if not done in love-

2-When you have Jesus and nothing else, and you know he is all you need, then you are free indeed-

3-An attitude of gratitude can make your life a beatitude-

4-Christians should always be seekers-

5-Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stones to success-

I'VE LEARNED-The best way out is usually through-

DID YOU KNOW-A Virginia law requires all bathtubs to be kept out in the yard, not inside the house-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Job sit on an ash heap and use it to rub his sores?

2-Had Satan taken over the mind of Job's wife or was she just suffering unbearable pain and loss also?

3-Have we been too critical of Job's wife for her verbal criticism of Job?

4-Why is it that hardship seems to strengthen most women yet weaken most men?

5-What was the relationship to Job of the 3 friends that came to see him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What 3 Hebrew men were appointed Babylonian administrators by Nebuchadnezzar?

Yesterday's answer-Cornelius Acts 10:1-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:5-12

⁵ I plan to go through Macedonia, so I will come to you after I go through there.⁶ Perhaps I will stay with you for a time or even all winter. Then you can help me on my trip, wherever I go.⁷ I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to stay a longer time with you if the Lord allows it.⁸ But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,⁹ because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against me.

¹⁰ If Timothy comes to you, see to it that he has nothing to fear with you, because he is working for the Lord just as I am.¹¹ So none of you should treat Timothy as unimportant, but help him on his trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come with the brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He did not at all want to come now; he will come when he has the opportunity.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, like the seven churches in Revelation, we too have strengths and weaknesses, in which we receive Your commendation and need Your correction. We want to be so yielded to Christ that we live for Him and are willing to die for Him. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are currently facing all kinds of torment, suffering, and loss as they stand firm in the faith. We pray that the Good News of Christ is reaching even more due to the persecuted church just as it has throughout the centuries. Those who work the hardest to dispense with the Gospel are now exposed to it through the bold witness of those being imprisoned and persecuted. Bibles, freedom, and personal rights may be withheld, but no ungodly official is able to quench Your Spirit that is very much alive in the hearts of those being persecuted for their faith. The Word of God concealed in their hearts gives them power from on high to overpower the authority of sinful man. Encourage our brothers and sisters as they endure for the sake of Christ. Prompt us by Your Holy Spirit to be faithful in prayer for them, that they will be released from their oppressors, and that their oppressors will come to faith. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Wednesday December 14, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God delights in choosing those must unworthy and making them the object of his unconditional acceptance-

2-Grace is not simply to be claimed but to be demonstrated-

3-Don't be impressed with me at all, for I am what I am only by the grace of God-

4-Love God with all of your heart and then you can go and do as you please-

5-No one becomes good by works but good works are done only by those who are good-

STRANGE THOUGHT-What is not started today is not finished tomorrow-

I'VE LEARNED-Constant kindness can accomplish much-

DID YOU KNOW-A typical double mattress contains as many as two million house dust mites-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-We know God gives blessings but does he also take away?

2-How would we react if Satan approached God using our name instead of that of Job?

3-How long did Job's misery last?

4-How was Job able to endure the suffering for so long?

5-What was the ash heap that Job sat on?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Roman centurion of Caesarea was a godly man?

Yesterday's answer-Mordecai Esther 10:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1 Now I will write about the collection of money for God's people. Do the same thing I told the Galatian churches to do:2 On the first day of every week each one of you should put aside money as you have been blessed. Save it up so you will not have to collect money after I come.3 When I arrive I will send whomever you approve to take your gift to Jerusalem. I will send them with letters of introduction4 and if it seems good for me to go also they will go along with me.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Praying manJesuswe want to fix our eyes our thoughts and our affections on You our blessed Redeemer. Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan nevertheless You endured the cross and scorned it’s shame. Thank you that you died for our sins and rose in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand. When we consider the depth of Your commitment we’re even more determined to be faithful in the night seasons of our Christian walk. Help us to endure by keeping our eyes not on that which is seen but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful. We pray this in Your name. Amen.

I WISH YOU A DAY FILLED WITH LOVE LAUGHTER FORGIVENESS AND THANKSGIVING!!!