Wednesday December 26, 2012 thought for the day

This is just a quick update to the events enfolding at my home. My father died Christmas eve around 10:45pm.  The whole family had spent time with him early in the afternoon where he was in a semi consciousness.  My daughter and family from Virginia arrived around 5:30pm so was able to spend time with him for a couple hours.  We were all able to tell him we loved him and that it was okay to go to his new heavenly home where mother has been waiting for him for the past 3 1/2 years.  His passing was very quick and peaceful with my brother and his wife at his side.  By the time they could call me to come, he had already passed on.  We are saddened at our loss and feel the grief very sharply but we are so glad he has made it safely home.  He stated many times he was ready to go if the Lord would call him home--and so he did.  He was a good man, a good husband, a good father and a good friend!  Here I am 73 years old and this is only the second day  have lived my life without a living father.
The picture I have in my head is that mom and dad have their Dutch wooden shoes on and are clogging on heaven's streets of gold.  That may not be Biblical but it brings peace to my hurting heart.
Thanks to all who have given caring thoughts and also prayed for us-----jasper

PS-I will not be back on until after 1-1-13.  Thank you for your understanding--

December 24, 2012 thought for the day

For those of you that may be wondering why there hasn't been any postings from me--I have been spending most of my time with my dad who is in the process of going to his new heavenly home.   The time could be yet today or in a few days.  It is such a sad gut renching thing to watch him go. Not because he is going home but because of the process and the time it takes for his body to shut down.  My brother from Austin, Texas and his wife have been staying with him every night and day for the last 9 days.

Because of what is going on and the fact we will have all our family with us till new years day I am not going to make any postings till after 1/1.

I hope you all will have a happy and blessed christmas....jasper

Saturday December 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Stored up anger eventually unleashes a tragic ripple effect-

2-Christians don't always try to rescue their wounded but they should-

3-Love pays attention-

4-The second commandment is the only one where God says those who break it hate him-

5-Prejudice is hatred-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Some people try to turn back their odometers.  No me.  I want people to know why I look this way.  I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Give of yourself-prayerfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It takes the insect eating Venus flytrap only half a second to shut its trap on its prey-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How could Jonah have been so soundly asleep on board the ship when such a violent storm was raging?

2-Is Jonah a story of backsliding from God and then being given a chance of repentance and restitution?

3-At what point in the story of Jonah did he repent of his actions?

4-Was the great fish that swallowed Jonah a whale?

5-Was the great fish of Jonah's story common in the Mediterranean?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet's word caused the Syrian soldiers to be struck blind?

Yesterday's answer-John the Baptist  Luke 3:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 9:35-38

³⁵ When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, Jesus found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

³⁶ He asked, “Who is the Son of Man, sir, so that I can believe in him?”

³⁷ Jesus said to him, “You have seen him. The Son of Man is the one talking with you.”

³⁸ He said, “Lord, I believe!” Then the man worshiped Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, any gift under the Christmas tree pales in comparison to the unending gift of Your pure love given to us in the person of Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son. We are so grateful that He willingly laid down His life that we might inherit eternal life if we only believe. Not only do we receive a future eternal inheritance but we have the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome the daily struggles of this life and any baggage that weighs us down from our past. Thank You for Your redeeming grace that was provided to us through the birth of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.

TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BLESSING. BE A FRIEND. ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND.

Thursday December 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you haven't forgiven those who hurt you, you turn your back against your future-

2-Be more concerned with your character than your reputation-

3-God is love, and every time you demonstrate love, you demonstrate your connection to him-

4-It is possible that God could lead you into a wilderness and allow you to thirst-

5-A home without love may be a castle or a palace but it is not a home-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, remember algebra-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Empower yourself-prayerfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Bamboo (the world's tallest grass) can grow up to 90 centimeters in a day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jonah tell the Ninevites about his fish experience?

2-Why did the Ninevites believe that Jonah was a prophet from God?

3-Why didn't Jonah want the Ninevites to repent of it's evil?

4-What was God's primary purpose for Israel?

5-Why was Jonah willing to die to save the sailors lives on board the ship?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Roman soldiers to be content with their pay and to avoid taking money by force?

Yesterday's answer-Abishai   1 Chronicles  11:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:26-34

²⁶ They asked, “What did he do to you? How did he make you see again?”

²⁷ He answered, “I already told you, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his followers, too?”

²⁸ Then they insulted him and said, “You are his follower, but we are followers of Moses. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”

³⁰ The man answered, “This is a very strange thing. You don’t know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. ³¹ We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him. ³² Nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered, “You were born full of sin! Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for our five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling that are essential to our lives as we gather and disseminate information from our sensory glands. As we interact with others today we want to release the aroma of Christ as the Holy Spirit makes us adequate for the task before us. We choose to focus on what You can do through us, not on what we do in our own strength. May others look beyond our physical inadequacies as they breathe in the spiritual fragrance of Christ, as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you haven't forgiven those who hurt you, you turn your back against your future-

2-Be more concerned with your character than your reputation-

3-God is love, and every time you demonstrate love, you demonstrate your connection to him-

4-It is possible that God could lead you into a wilderness and allow you to thirst-

5-A home without love may be a castle or a palace but it is not a home-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, remember algebra-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Empower yourself-prayerfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Bamboo (the world's tallest grass) can grow up to 90 centimeters in a day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jonah tell the Ninevites about his fish experience?

2-Why did the Ninevites believe that Jonah was a prophet from God?

3-Why didn't Jonah want the Ninevites to repent of it's evil?

4-What was God's primary purpose for Israel?

5-Why was Jonah willing to die to save the sailors lives on board the ship?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Roman soldiers to be content with their pay and to avoid taking money by force?

Yesterday's answer-Abishai   1 Chronicles  11:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:26-34

²⁶ They asked, “What did he do to you? How did he make you see again?”

²⁷ He answered, “I already told you, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his followers, too?”

²⁸ Then they insulted him and said, “You are his follower, but we are followers of Moses. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”

³⁰ The man answered, “This is a very strange thing. You don’t know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. ³¹ We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him. ³² Nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered, “You were born full of sin! Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for our five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling that are essential to our lives as we gather and disseminate information from our sensory glands. As we interact with others today we want to release the aroma of Christ as the Holy Spirit makes us adequate for the task before us. We choose to focus on what You can do through us, not on what we do in our own strength. May others look beyond our physical inadequacies as they breathe in the spiritual fragrance of Christ, as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you haven't forgiven those who hurt you, you turn your back against your future-

2-Be more concerned with your character than your reputation-

3-God is love, and every time you demonstrate love, you demonstrate your connection to him-

4-It is possible that God could lead you into a wilderness and allow you to thirst-

5-A home without love may be a castle or a palace but it is not a home-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, remember algebra-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Empower yourself-prayerfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Bamboo (the world's tallest grass) can grow up to 90 centimeters in a day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jonah tell the Ninevites about his fish experience?

2-Why did the Ninevites believe that Jonah was a prophet from God?

3-Why didn't Jonah want the Ninevites to repent of it's evil?

4-What was God's primary purpose for Israel?

5-Why was Jonah willing to die to save the sailors lives on board the ship?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Roman soldiers to be content with their pay and to avoid taking money by force?

Yesterday's answer-Abishai   1 Chronicles  11:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:26-34

²⁶ They asked, “What did he do to you? How did he make you see again?”

²⁷ He answered, “I already told you, and you didn’t listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his followers, too?”

²⁸ Then they insulted him and said, “You are his follower, but we are followers of Moses. ²⁹ We know that God spoke to Moses, but we don’t even know where this man comes from.”

³⁰ The man answered, “This is a very strange thing. You don’t know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. ³¹ We all know that God does not listen to sinners, but he listens to anyone who worships and obeys him. ³² Nobody has ever heard of anyone giving sight to a man born blind. ³³ If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.”

³⁴ They answered, “You were born full of sin! Are you trying to teach us?” And they threw him out.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for our five senses of seeing, tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling that are essential to our lives as we gather and disseminate information from our sensory glands. As we interact with others today we want to release the aroma of Christ as the Holy Spirit makes us adequate for the task before us. We choose to focus on what You can do through us, not on what we do in our own strength. May others look beyond our physical inadequacies as they breathe in the spiritual fragrance of Christ, as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

Wednesday December 19, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Awards are on the outside, rewards are on the inside-

2-Wealth isn't always measured in dollar signs-

3-Share your blessings in whatever form they come and to whatever level you have been blessed-

4-True happiness is when the love that is within us finds expression in eternal activities-

5-Prayer is love on it's knees-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The older we get the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Love yourself-wholeheartedly-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The company Kodak was the largest user of silver-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who was the first prophet that God sent to a pagan nation?

2-When in the Bible is the first clear message that God's saving grace is for gentiles as well as the Jews?

3-Did anyone witness Jonah being vomited back onto dry land?

4-Is there any connection to the "3 days" of Jonah and Jesus?

5-Had Jesus as a boy been taught the story of Jonah or did he just know it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What brother of Joab was famous for having killed 300 enemy soldiers in battle?

Yesterday's answer-Eliab   1 Samuel 17:28

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:24-25

²⁴ So for the second time, they called the man who had been blind. They said, “You should give God the glory by telling the truth. We know that this man is a sinner.”

²⁵ He answered, “I don’t know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: I was blind, and now I see.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as I live out my time here on this earth, I’m so glad that I belong to You. You hold my right hand and guide me with Your continuous presence and daily bread which is leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You and I desire You more than anything on earth. My health may fail and my spirit may even grow weak, but Father, You remain the strength of my heart and You are my portion forever. My Refuge, my Fortress and my Deliverer, I will joyfully tell of Your mighty works until You call me to my eternal home. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments-

2-When you learn from your mistakes, hindsight becomes foresight-

3-Whatever you do, don't do it out of obligation, do it because it is the way to live a genuine successful life-

4-Sometimes listening is the greatest act of love-

5-There is a difference in thankfulness and praise-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Trust yourself-confidently

 

DID YOU KNOW-Up until 1896,  India was the only source of diamonds in the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are there true prophets today or were they only in Old Testament times?

2-Why did Jonah choose to go to Tarshish instead of another city?

3-Did Jonah really think he could run away and hide from God?

4-Why were the sailors on the ship to Tarshish willing to believe Jonah and throw him overboard as he told them to do?

5-Today, is God's grace available to everyone?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What soldier, David's oldest brother, picked on David for coming to the battle lines?

Yesterday's answer-Arioch    Daniel 2:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:18-23

¹⁸ These leaders did not believe that he had been blind and could now see again. So they sent for the man’s parents ¹⁹ and asked them, “Is this your son who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?”

²⁰ His parents answered, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind. ²¹ But we don’t know how he can now see. We don’t know who opened his eyes. Ask him. He is old enough to speak for himself.” ²² His parents said this because they were afraid of the elders, who had already decided that anyone who said Jesus was the Christ would be avoided.²³ That is why his parents said, “He is old enough. Ask him.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I pray that You will capture our minds and draw our hearts to that which has been prepared for us. May we, with child-like anticipation, keep our attention drawn to the eternal truths of Your Word that remind us of our future inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  It will lift our face toward heaven; our future home where we will enjoy a sinless atmosphere, never-ending fellowship with our brothers and sisters and the majesty of Your presence forever. Amen.

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

Monday December 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do not let compliments go to your head, nor criticisms to your heart-

2-Just because you've had a night mare doesn't mean you should stop dreaming-

3-Be the best you can be, everybody else has been taken-

4-Faith is a foot bridge that you don't know will hold you up over a chasm until you are forced to walk out onto it-

5-Joy is the best makeup-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Letting the cat out of the bad is a whole lot easier than putting it back in-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Bless yourself-abundantly-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The color of diamond dust is black-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who wrote the book of Jonah?

2-Did Jonah repent of his disobedience while in the great fish?

3-Was Jonah always lucid while in the great fish?

4-What was Jonah's primary ministry?

5-What is the primary purpose of a prophet?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Babylonian soldier was ordered to execute Daniel and his friends?

Yesterday's answer-Hananiah   Nehemiah  7:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 9:13-17

¹³ Then the people took to the Pharisees the man who had been blind. ¹⁴ The day Jesus had made mud and healed his eyes was a Sabbath day. ¹⁵ So now the Pharisees asked the man, “How did you get your sight?”

He answered, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I see.”

¹⁶ So some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man does not keep the Sabbath day, so he is not from God.”

But others said, “A man who is a sinner can’t do miracles like these.” So they could not agree with each other.

¹⁷ They asked the man again, “What do you say about him since it was your eyes he opened?”

The man answered, “He is a prophet.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, may I never cease to be amazed at the marvelous work You do in the lives of those who yield their hearts to You, however hard or darkened their lives may be. Hardened souls become pliable in Your skillful hands, our Master Potter.  You reshape and mold us into the image of Your Son, so that we are on equal standing with all repentant believers at the foot of the cross. We thank You for Your bountiful mercy and generous grace that gives us right standing with You when we come to You in faith and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name we give You thanks. Amen.

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

Sunday December 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God blesses us in spite of our lives as well as because of our lives-

2-Faith is trusting in advance what will only make sense in reverse-

3-Weave your Christian beliefs into the very fabric of your day, then God will honor your good works and they will in turn honor God-

4-Continue to wait even when God seems late-

5-Love is the only thing that multiplies when we give it away-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Good judgement comes from experience and a lot of that comes from bad judgement-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Balance yourself harmoniously-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Diamonds are composed of just one chemical element, carbon-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jonah harmed in any way while in the great fish?

2-Did Jonah breath while in the great fish?

3-Does God always give everyone a second chance-

4-What did the name Jonah mean?

5-The pharisees suggested that no prophet ever came from Galilee.  Was this so?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the commander of the troops during the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Rabshakeh    2 Kings 18:17-37

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:8-12

⁸ The neighbors and some people who had earlier seen this man begging said, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?”

⁹ Some said, “He is the one,” but others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

The man himself said, “I am the man.”

¹⁰ They asked, “How did you get your sight?”

¹¹ He answered, “The man named Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. Then he told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

¹² They asked him, “Where is this man?”

“I don’t know,” he answered.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“Father, we are a blessed people who have so much to be thankful for that we can’t keep it to ourselves. We don’t boast in ourselves for we are but human flesh, but we boast in who You are and all that You provide for us. Father, You are the eternal, sovereign God who sends down the rain and snow, who raises up the trees and flowers, who sets the sun and moon in place and yet You have such tender compassion toward the human race that You gave Your only Son to make atonement for our sin. You are great and greatly to be praised among Your people and throughout the universe You created. We honor You through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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

Saturday December 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The race isn't over until you cross the finish line-

2-Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness and the heart's tears can dry at their own pace-

3-All is well that ends well-

4-A sure fire way to avoid mistakes-don't do anything-

5-If you can drive yourself crazy, you can drive yourself happy-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Treat yourself-generously-

 

DID YOU KNOW-India has the world's largest stock of privately hoarded gold-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where did the oxygen come from to keep Jonah alive in the great fish?

2-Was Jonah  in the stomach of the great fish or someplace else?

3-Why wasn't Jonah digested  in the great fish's stomach?

4-How did Jonah look when the great fish vomited him up on dry ground?

5-Was Jonah awake all the time while inside the great fish?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Assyrian field commander tried to intimidate King Hezekiah by speaking propaganda to the people of Jerusalem?   Omri  1 Kings 16:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 9:1-7

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been born blind. ² His followers asked him, “Teacher, whose sin caused this man to be born blind—his own sin or his parents’ sin?”

³ Jesus answered, “It is not this man’s sin or his parents’ sin that made him blind. This man was born blind so that God’s power could be shown in him. ⁴ While it is daytime, we must continue doing the work of the One who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. ⁵ While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

⁶ After Jesus said this, he spit on the ground and made some mud with it and put the mud on the man’s eyes. ⁷ Then he told the man, “Go and wash in the Pool of Siloam.” (Siloam means Sent.) So the man went, washed, and came back seeing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when the desire for things consumes our thoughts and actions. We enjoy material things and their day to day function in our lives, but we want to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solidifying marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without expecting to receive, standing for and giving to worthy causes, especially those of eternal value. On and on the list goes. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer at all times. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. And You will meet all our needs according to Your riches in glory. Amen.

-TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BLESSING. BE A FRIEND. ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND.

Friday December 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I want to know God, not my idea of God-

2-Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless-

3-We go to Jesus with our situation and Jesus goes to God on our behalf-

4-What might God want to say through you to the person you are talking to-

5-Ending well does not just happen at the end.  It starts at the beginning-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgive yourself, completely-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox car can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was God so patient with Jonah?

2-Was Jonah afraid to go to Nineveh?

3-Is the story of Jonah a real happening or a lesson in obedience?

4-What is the main teaching of Jonah?

5-In the story of Jonah, what was the great fish?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What army commander was anointed by a prophet and told that he was to stamp out Ahab's dynasty?

Yesterday's answer-Omri  1 Kings 16:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:56-59

⁵⁶ Your father Abraham was very happy that he would see my day. He saw that day and was glad.”

⁵⁷ They said to him, “You have never seen Abraham! You are not even fifty years old.”

⁵⁸ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!” ⁵⁹ When Jesus said this, the people picked up stones to throw at him. But Jesus hid himself, and then he left the Temple.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is much that troubles us these days as evildoing changes our landscape and our personal lives. It grows distrust in our hearts toward others and at times distrust in our heart toward the way You deal with these matters. We believe Your power is far greater than the enemy and yet the enemy is flourishing. Bring us into the secret place where Your Spirit reveals to us that which the world cannot give or take away. Help us to come to the place where we too can speak the words of Asaph after meeting with You, “Whom have I heaven but You, and besides You there is nothing I desire.” It is through the name of Jesus that we come to You in prayer and commit these matters to You. Amen.

SMILE, LAUGH, FORGIVE, BELIEVE AND LOVE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

Thursday December 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Bible's idea of prayer is that we may get to know God-

2-You can be under stress but you don't have to be stressed-

3-When you need to, just say "no!"-

4-Silence is a great spiritual discipline-

5-The benefit received of reading the scriptures is not by how much you read but by the way you read it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Always drink upstream from the herd-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Value yourself-joyfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All the gold produced in the past 500 years, if melted, could be compressed into a fifty foot cube-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The choices we make are taking us somewhere.  Is it where we want to be?

2-How would it change our lives if we were convinced that God was always with us?

3-Do we really live as though God is always with us?

4-Why did God wait to get Jonah's attention until he was out to sea?

5-What ship takes us away from God today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What commander led a successful revolt against the ill fated King Zimri?

Yesterday's answer-Joab  2 Samuel 8:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:52-55

⁵² They said to Jesus, “Now we know that you have a demon in you! Even Abraham and the prophets died. But you say,‘Whoever obeys my teaching will never die.’ ⁵³ Do you think you are greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died, too. Who do you think you are?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I give honor to myself, that honor is worth nothing. The One who gives me honor is my Father, and you say he is your God. ⁵⁵ You don’t really know him, but I know him. If I said I did not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey what he says.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

In thanksgiving we lift our voices of praise from grateful hearts, Father. Whether in seasons of prosperity or in seasons of want we find Your grace sufficient to meet each one of our needs. You guide us, protect us, and You provide for us as we journey here below. Every good and perfect gift comes from Your hand. Thank You, faithful Father!  Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

Wednesday December 12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's promise "to be your God" is the greatest promise in scripture-

2-Jesus never demanded perfection from his followers-

3-Whatsoever you are going through, you are not alone-

4-Don't give up.  It may be the last key on the ring that will open the door-

5-God has formed us for himself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never miss a good chance to shut up-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Accept yourself gracefully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-South Africa produces two thirds of the world's gold-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the Israelites have wanted a king if Samuel's sons would have been God fearing men?

2-Does an open door mean we are to walk through it?

3-Why did David feel guilty after cutting off a  portion of King Saul's robe?

4-We are told to worship at God's footstool.  What is that?

5-Why should God be forgiving?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was commander of David's army?

Yesterday's answer-Benaiah   1  Kings4:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 8:48-51

⁴⁸ They answered, “We say you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you. Are we not right?”

⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I have no demon in me. I give honor to my Father, but you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not trying to get honor for myself. There is One who wants this honor for me, and he is the judge. ⁵¹ I tell you the truth, whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is not by mistake but by Your design that we experience the detours of life that give us perspective in a way that nothing else does. Though we see others who travail in difficulty, it is particularly difficult when we ourselves experience tough terrain that we seek to understand Your purpose for the trial we are enduring. Help us to persevere in the midst of uncertainty and unfamiliar landscape. May we find joy in the simple pleasures we overlooked when life’s journey was routine and uninterrupted by the surprise bends in the road or difficult detours that bring about delay or a change of plans. May the testing of our faith bring about maturity and give us a new perspective that makes us stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to those around us. May they see a grateful spirit in us even as we undergo difficulty so that we glorify Your name rather magnify our problems. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Prayer is a path where there is none-

2-You can never give your mother as much as she gave you-

3-Let your career bring you pleasure but don't let it become your identity-

4-Worry and fear cannot live in the same space with hope and action-

5-When you stand on faith and take positive action, you evict worry and fear-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are two theories to arguing with a woman--neither works-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Be yourself, truthfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Gold was the first metal to be discovered-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How does God encourage his children?

2-Are we ever an answer to someone else's prayers?

3-Does God ever call us and we don't know it?

4-Can a follower of God have fear?

5-Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem since it was not as important as Jerusalem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was commander of Solomon's army?

Yesterday's answer-Goliath   1 Samuel 17:48-54

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:42-47

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were really your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and now I am here. I did not come by my own authority; God sent me.⁴³ You don’t understand what I say, because you cannot accept my teaching. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father the devil, and you want to do what he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning and was against the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he shows what he is really like, because he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ But because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. ⁴⁶ Can any of you prove that I am guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ The person who belongs to God accepts what God says. But you don’t accept what God says, because you don’t belong to God.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, since this pilgrimage on earth is all we’ve known since birth, far too often we consider it a permanent dwelling. But the prophet Isaiah gives us a true perspective of our transient life when he writes, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.”  Help us to lift our eyes to the heavens and place our affections on the eternal truths of Your Word. We, as Your redeemed children, desire to be faithful as we walk this pilgrim pathway watching expectantly and longing for Your soon return. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Monday December 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's ways are always right even though they don't make sense to us-

2-Secret displays of kindness are usually the most fun-

3-Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only robs today of its strength-

4-If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy-

5-Prayer nourishes the soul, food nourishes the body, and when prepared with love, both can make strangers into family-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco-

I'VE LEARNED-Be firm less often and affirm more often-

DID YOU KNOW-A large, flawless emerald is worth more than a similarly large flawless diamond-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was Mary's family's response to Mary and Joseph's announcement?

2-What was Joseph's family's response to Mary and Joseph's announcement?

3-What does it mean to "judge"?

4-What does obedience to God do for you?

5-When will the Jews inherit all the land promised to them by God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Philistine soldier was slain by a boy carrying a bag of stones?

Yesterday's answer-Irijah    Jeremiah 37:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 8:39-41

³⁹ They answered, “Our father is Abraham.”

Jesus said, “If you were really Abraham’s children, you would do^[a] the things Abraham did. ⁴⁰ I am a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like that. ⁴¹ So you are doing the things your own father did.”

But they said, “We are not like children who never knew who their father was. God is our Father; he is the only Father we have.”

Footnotes:

1. John 8:39 If . . . Do Some Greek copies read “If you are really Abraham’s children, you will do.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we do well to dwell on Your daily benefits that give us cause for praise and thanksgiving. Why we often focus on one unpleasantry turning it over and over in our minds and yet neglect the multiple blessings that pour into our lives daily is a work of the enemy. When we willfully, dutifully call to mind Your blessings we are filled with a heart of thanksgiving and it overflows in our praise toward You and in the outflow of our conversations and actions toward others. I bless You, O Lord!  I bless Your holy name with all that is within me through Christ Jesus my Lord.  Amen.

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