Tuesday January 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A good leader takes more than his share of the blame and less of his share of the credit-

2-Children are living messages we send to a time we will not see-

3-If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything-

4-Fear is the dark room where negatives are developed-

5-It is always darkest just before dawn-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Common sense is not so common-

I'VE LEARNED-Rash reactions never pay off-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are there any archangels beside Michael?

2-What rank of angel was satan before his rebellion against God?

3-Did satan possess greater powers than the other angels which followed him in rebellion against God?

4-What caused satan to want to rebel against God?

5-Is satan omniscient?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman accused Elijah of murdering her son, a son that Elijah then raised from the dead?

Yesterday's answers-The Samaritan woman John 4:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

¹⁶ I tell you again: No one should think I am a fool. But if you think so, accept me as you would accept a fool. Then I can brag a little, too.¹⁷ When I brag because I feel sure of myself, I am not talking as the Lord would talk but as a fool.¹⁸ Many people are bragging about their lives in the world. So I will brag too.¹⁹ You are wise, so you will gladly be patient with fools!²⁰ You are even patient with those who order you around, or use you, or trick you, or think they are better than you, or hit you in the face.²¹ It is shameful to me to say this, but we were too "weak" to do those things to you!

But if anyone else is brave enough to brag, then I also will be brave and brag. (I am talking as a fool.)

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, ignite within us the fire of Your Holy Spirit to be convicted of sin, comforted in our hour of trial, and zealous in our Christian service. We want to warm our hearts with the fire of Your Holy Spirit that is uplifting and filled with eternal hope, rather than the enemy’s fire that spreads destruction and ruin to all who are in its path. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Monday January 30, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is blind and friendship closes it's mind-

2-Look for strength and goodness in people not weakness and evil-

3-Most of us find in others what we look for-

4-There are no unimportant jobs, no unimportant people and no unimportant acts of kindness-

5-If the eye has no tear, the soul has no rainbow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't live tomorrow until you live today-

I'VE LEARNED-When offering a reproof, remember that the goal is to be heard, not to prove that you are right and the other person is wrong-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their cats.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What was satan's original angel name?

2-Did all the fallen angels act independently or were they persuaded by satan to rebel?

3-Other than Gabriel talking to Mary about the baby Jesus she would deliver, did angels play any part in God's plan of salvation to us?

4-Do angels now play any part in our salvation?

5-What is the angel Gabriel's main duty?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had had five husbands and was living with another man?

Yesterday's answer-The mother of John and James Matthew 20:21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

¹² And I will continue doing what I am doing now, because I want to stop those people from having a reason to brag. They would like to say that the work they brag about is the same as ours.¹³ Such men are not true apostles but are workers who lie. They change themselves to look like apostles of Christ.¹⁴ This does not surprise us. Even Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light.¹⁵ So it does not surprise us if Satan's servants also make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end they will be punished for what they do.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we pray for listening ears to hear the voice of Your Spirit. Help us to understand the meaning of Your leading as You walk with us along the path of Your commands, where we find contentment, peace and connectedness to You, our Lord and Master. Turn our hearts away from those things that lead away from pursuing Your purpose for our lives. We desire to be in the center of Your will. Amen.

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

Sunday January 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Choose your love, love your choice-

2-We all have the strength to bear the misfortunes of others-

3-A friend is one who knows all about you and still loves you anyway-

4-When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on-

5-Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-People are a lot like tea bags, they don't know their own strength until they get into hot water-

I'VE LEARNED-Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength-

DID YOU KNOW-In ancient Egypt, the apricot was called the egg of the sun-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do angels or the Holy Spirit give us guidance in our Christian living?

2-Do angels and the Holy Spirit have over lapping or distinctly different functions?

3-Should we always be looking for angels to appear?

4-Can we emphasize angels too much?

5-What would cause an angel to want to separate themselves from God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked that her two sons could have places of priority in Jesus' kingdom?

Yesterday's answer-The Syro-Phoenician woman of Canaan Matthew 15:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:7-11

⁷ I preached God's Good News to you without pay. I made myself unimportant to make you important. Do you think that was wrong?⁸ I accepted pay from other churches, taking their money so I could serve you.⁹ If I needed something when I was with you, I did not trouble any of you. The brothers who came from Macedonia gave me all that I needed. I did not allow myself to depend on you in any way, and I will never depend on you.¹⁰ No one in Southern Greece will stop me from bragging about that. I say this with the truth of Christ in me.¹¹ And why do I not depend on you? Do you think it is because I do not love you? God knows that I love you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father we thank you for the truths expressed in Scripture that reveal the way to wisdom. Your Word states that if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to us. So we ask that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. This wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. As we attain that wisdom may our lives be as a sharpened axe, useful for the purpose You ordained, leading to a life that pleases You. In Jesus Name, Amen

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

Friday January 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No one is useless if you lighten the burdens of someone else-

2-Before we set our hearts on something we should look to see how happy those are who already have it-

3-Gratitude is the hearts memory-

4-A parent holds their children's hands for a while but holds their hearts forever-

5-When you've done your best you have done well-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When a person eats their words, that is recycling-

I'VE LEARNED-Rationalizations are usually based on good intentions, but they always lead to trouble-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Sumerians thought the liver made blood and the heart was the center of thought-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God still creating new angels today?

2-Did God replace the fallen angels that went with Satan with new ones?

3-Do angels have any divine power of their own?

4-Should we ever show thanks to an angel?

5-Should we ever ask God to send angels to help us or others?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To whom did Jesus say, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-An issue of blood Mark 5:31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:1-6

¹ I wish you would be patient with me even when I am a little foolish, but you are already doing that.² I am jealous over you with a jealousy that comes from God. I promised to give you to Christ, as your only husband. I want to give you as his pure bride.³ But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways.⁴ You are very patient with anyone who comes to you and preaches a different Jesus from the one we preached. You are very willing to accept a spirit or gospel that is different from the Spirit and Good News you received from us.

⁵ I do not think that those "great apostles" are any better than I am.⁶ I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have shown this to you clearly in every way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in this ever-changing society where transition is continually beckoning, You are the Changeless One. As we hold tightly to the hope we have in You we will not be pulled to the right nor to the left. You will keep us on course as You go before us instructing, inspiring and empowering us in our spiritual walk, for You who promised are faithful. May we keep a tight grip to Your hand that upholds us when we stumble, keeping us from being cast down. We thank You for Jesus who keeps a firm grip on us allowing no enemy to snatch us out of His hand. We hold unswervingly to You, the faithful One. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday January 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't waste time learning "the tricks of the trade", instead learn the trade-

2-Maturity is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech-

3-Everything starts in someone's imagination-

4-The secret to living is to get wise before you get old-

5-Happiness is the ability to deal with problems, not the absence of them-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you run with with goats all week long, you won't smell like a lamb on Sunday-

I'VE LEARNED-If you are asking the wrong question, it doesn't matter what the answer is-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Sybarites taught their horses to dance to music to make their parades more glamorous-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The bible says that when Stephen was martyred, his face shone like that of an angel. How did it look?

2-Do all angels have freedom of choice?

3-Are angels moral beings?

4-Do angels have an angelic or a human voice?

5-When were angels created?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the affliction of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' robe?

Yesterday's answer-Martha John 11:24-27

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

¹² We do not dare to compare ourselves with those who think they are very important. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they themselves are. This shows that they know nothing.¹³ But we will not brag about things outside the work that was given us to do. We will limit our bragging to the work that God gave us, and this includes our work with you.¹⁴ We are not bragging too much, as we would be if we had not already come to you. But we have come to you with the Good News of Christ.¹⁵ We limit our bragging to the work that is ours, not what others have done. We hope that as your faith continues to grow, you will help our work to grow much larger.¹⁶ We want to tell the Good News in the areas beyond your city. We do not want to brag about work that has already been done in another person's area. ¹⁷ But, "If people want to brag, they should brag only about the Lord." ¹⁸ It is not those who say they are good who are accepted but those the Lord thinks are good.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re reminded of the amazing and unpredictable way You work all things together for good when we read the story of Joseph, from the time of his youth to his final breath. Instead of scheming for revenge he sought to relieve his brothers. He comforted their troubled hearts with the reassuring message; You sold me, but God sent me. Help us to recognize that when we are hurt by others words or actions, You surpass their debilitating impact on our lives by the greater plan You’re working in us; teaching us to trust You implicitly, forgive unreservedly, and to be molded into the character of Christ who gave His all in the midst of hateful injustice. Evil was present, but the much greater purpose was that we might be saved from our sins through His submission to Your overall plan. We thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday January 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We are forever transformed by loss. We will never return to some previous state following a recovery-

2-Pride makes us do things well, love makes us do them to perfection-

3-Every end is a new beginning-

4-Only love can grieve-

5-Only when you walk in the dark can you see the stars-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If there are no stupid questions, what kind of questions do stupid people ask?

I'VE LEARNED-Strict obedience is better than good intentions-

DID YOU KNOW-Under the law of Mississippi, there is no such thing as a female Peeping Tom-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can we know if an encounter was actually an angel or simply another human being?

2-How can we know if we've experienced an angelic visitor or only seen a dream or a vision?

3-Should we focus on what an angel is and does or on the effect of the visitation on people?

4-Do angels have physical strength or divinely manifested strength?

5-Do angels have physical beauty?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first woman to tell Jesus she believed he was the Messiah?

Yesterday's answer-With the apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem Acts 1:13-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

⁷ You must look at the facts before you. If you feel sure that you belong to Christ, you must remember that we belong to Christ just as you do.⁸ It is true that we brag freely about the authority the Lord gave us. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. So I will not be ashamed.⁹ I do not want you to think I am trying to scare you with my letters.¹⁰ Some people say, "Paul's letters are powerful and sound important, but when he is with us, he is weak. And his speaking is nothing."¹¹ They should know this: We are not there with you now, so we say these things in letters. But when we are there with you, we will show the same authority that we show in our letters.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You know the exact number of words that will flow from my lips today; some of them meaningful while others are simply forgettable words. Would You make me sensitive to those who need caring words. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others as I offer words fitly spoken to those who need to hear a word from You through a servant like me. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Tuesday January 24, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You must decide if you want a title or a testimony-

2-God can't help you unless you are honest-

3-Acknowledging does not mean giving approval-

4-In marriage, fight with open arms not clenched fists-

5-When you scatter thorns, don't go barefoot-

STRANGE THOUGHT-God sprinkles his children with miracle grow-

I'VE LEARNED-Follow through wherever it leads and you will find God's blessing every time-

DID YOU KNOW-Most burglaries occur in the winter-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do angels have to take in nourishment?

2-When miracles occur, does the Holy Spirit do them or are they done by angels at God's bidding-

3-Do angels ever appear to us as angelic beings instead of in a human form?

4-When angels appear to humans, are the humans usually fearful?

5-Do angels ever appear to people in forms of nature or speak through things of nature?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where was Mary, Jesus' mother, the last time she was mentioned in the new testament?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Luke 1:28

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

¹ I, Paul, am begging you with the gentleness and the kindness of Christ. Some people say that I am easy on you when I am with you and bold when I am away.² They think we live in a worldly way, and I plan to be very bold with them when I come. I beg you that when I come I will not need to use that same boldness with you.³ We do live in the world, but we do not fight in the same way the world fights.⁴ We fight with weapons that are different from those the world uses. Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy's strong places. We destroy people's arguments⁵ and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ.⁶ We are ready to punish anyone there who does not obey, but first we want you to obey fully.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re abundantly grateful for our home dwellings here on earth where we find pleasure, companionship, comfort, rest and food. If we’re not intentional, we will give more time and affection to our temporal home than our future eternal home. Perhaps it’s because we’re living in the here and now and the future seems so distant and unfamiliar. Help us not to fear the future nor foolishly think it will not come, but to embrace it so that we are prepared when that moment comes. May our heart’s yearning, our primary focus, and our physical labors also have heavenly goals each day as we seek to live for You daily. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Monday January 23, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God wants me to know his will more than I want to know his will-

2-Many Christians want to be used but not to be broken-

3-Look at your children with the eye of faith-

4-It does not make you a good parent to worry about your children-

5-You have given it to God when you no longer think about it anymore-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A man with both feet firmly planted on the ground is a man who cannot get his pants off-

I'VE LEARNED-Pride has you defend foolish decisions when it's best simply to admit you were wrong-

DID YOU KNOW-It is against the law to ride down the streets of Brewton, Alabama, in a rowboat-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are angels the bearer of plagues sent by God?

2-Are there warrior angels?

3-Do angels live forever?

4-What angels will fight against the rebel hosts of the antichrist?

5-Do angels have any or all of the human senses?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the angel Gabriel speaking to when he said "Blessed are thou among women"?

Yesterday's answer-Proverbs 31:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 9:10-15

¹⁰ God is the One who gives seed to the farmer and bread for food. He will give you all the seed you need and make it grow so there will be a great harvest from your goodness. ¹¹ He will make you rich in every way so that you can always give freely. And your giving through us will cause many to give thanks to God.¹² This service you do not only helps the needs of God's people, it also brings many more thanks to God.¹³ It is a proof of your faith. Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News of Christ—the gospel you say you believe—and because you freely share with them and with all others.¹⁴ And when they pray, they will wish they could be with you because of the great grace that God has given you.¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his gift that is too wonderful for words.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, hear our earnest prayer this day. May You, the supreme example of persevering love, help us to daily nurture persevering love in our human relationships. May we be loyal to our partners, always looking to their interests above our own. May Your grace help us to live above the fall-out that comes from inevitable trials. Enable us to overcome daily temptations as we rely on You. As we genuinely seek You we are confident that You will grant understanding, forbearance, and a persevering love that will last a lifetime until You call us to our eternal home where we will be richly and eternally rewarded.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Sunday January 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We need the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness-

2-God dwells in the praise of his people-

3-Thanksgiving has to do with things, praise has to do with people-

4-Praise is the door of entrance into God's presence-

5-To glorify God is man's greatest objective-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is not a real sponge cake unless you borrow all the ingredients-

I'VE LEARNED-Rationalization is disobedience because it refuses to accept the truth and is an insidious form of self delusion-

DID YOU KNOW-In Kansas, it is against the law to catch fish with your bare hands-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do angels bridge the gulf between the divine world and our created world?

2-Do Christians have individual guardian angels?

3-Do angels speak to us today? If so, how?

4-Can and/or do angels visit us in a dream?

5-Are angels ever an agent of affliction?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book mentions an industrious woman who plants a vineyard with her own hands?

Yesterday's answer-The woman of Shunam 2 Kings 4:9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 9:6-9

⁶ Remember this: The person who plants a little will have a small harvest, but the person who plants a lot will have a big harvest. ⁷ Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart to give. You should not be sad when you give, and you should not give because you feel forced to give. God loves the person who gives happily. ⁸ And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything—enough to give to every good work. ⁹ It is written in the Scriptures:
"He gives freely to the poor.
The things he does are right and will continue forever." — Psalm 112:9

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, during the natural course of events, we often declare “God is good” when circumstances lean in our favor. But the life of Joseph teaches us that, in the midst of granting us giftings and favor, You also grant us unwanted circumstances in our life to bring about Your intended purpose. By the time Joseph married and had two sons he learned that it is You who makes us “forget all our trouble”. And it is You who “makes us fruitful in the land of our suffering.” May we embrace the same attitude as Joseph, who learned far more about You through his years of suffering than his years of ease. Keep us faithful and growing in our sorrows and suffering, in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Saturday January 21, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We are not told in scripture to go witnessing but to be a witness-

2-When you are hungry enough for God you will be filled-

3-The truth is, satan is a liar-

4-Deliverance from depression comes through praise-

5-Depression and praise cannot live in the person at the same time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is there another word for synonym?

I'VE LEARNED-A good beginning does nothing to guarantee a good ending-

DID YOU KNOW-In Omaha, Nebraska, it is against the law to burp or sneeze in church-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What kind of angels are cherubim and seraphim?

2-What is the highest rank of angels?

3-How many names of angels do we know and what are they?

4-What is an archangel?

5-The bible says that angels ministered to Jesus after his wilderness temptation. What did they do?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman set up a special apartment for the prophet Elisha?

Yesterday's answer-The Samaritan woman John 4:29

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

¹ I really do not need to write you about this help for God's people.² I know you want to help. I have been bragging about this to the people in Macedonia, telling them that you in Southern Greece have been ready to give since last year. And your desire to give has made most of them ready to give also.³ But I am sending the brothers to you so that our bragging about you in this will not be empty words. I want you to be ready, as I said you would be.⁴ If any of the people from Macedonia come with me and find that you are not ready, we will be ashamed that we were so sure of you. (And you will be ashamed, too!)⁵ So I thought I should ask these brothers to go to you before we do. They will finish getting in order the generous gift you promised so it will be ready when we come. And it will be a generous gift—not one that you did not want to give.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we look forward to the mysterious moment when we who follow Christ will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, when the trumpet sounds from heaven. Our perishable bodies will take on the imperishable and we will be forever young, no longer plagued with the moans and groans of this earthly body. Until Christ returns or until You call us home, we remain hopeful and vigilant in our spiritual pilgrimage, no matter the condition of this flesh and blood body. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Friday January 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do the best you can and God will bless your effort

2-God can take your mistakes and make them into miracles-

3-The Bible does not yield itself to the casual reader-

4-You can't live wrong and still live right-

5-You can always find the advice you are looking for-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is it possible to be totally partial?

I'VE LEARNED-God demands responsibility in exchange for authority-

DID YOU KNOW-It is illegal for boys in the 9th grade to grow a mustache in Binghamton, New York-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could we have met or seen an angel and not know it?

2-Does an angel have to identify themselves to us?

3-Are there many different kinds of angels with different duties?

4-What is a "ministering spirit"?

5-Do angels have different ranks of importance?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who ran to tell people that she had met the Christ by a well?

Yesterday's answer-The queen of Sheba 1 Kings 10:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:20-24

²⁰ We are being careful so that no one will criticize us for the way we are handling this large gift.²¹ We are trying hard to do what the Lord accepts as right and also what people think is right.

²² Also, we are sending with them our brother, who is always ready to help. He has proved this to us in many ways, and he wants to help even more now, because he has much faith in you.

²³ Now about Titus—he is my partner who is working with me to help you. And about the other brothers—they are sent from the churches, and they bring glory to Christ.²⁴ So show these men the proof of your love and the reason we are proud of you. Then all the churches can see it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be diligent in our study of the Word of God, not only to receive Your approval, but to more fully understand Your plan for our lives. Thank You for the Bible that’s like a road map showing us where to go and how to get there. And the greatest blessing is that Your Spirit illumines the path before us so that we do not walk in the dark, but we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit who shows us the way to life everlasting. Keep us on the right path, we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday January 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Until our theology affects us socially, nothing will really change-

2-Tithing is a debt I owe, offerings are a seed I sow-

3-Men value demonstration, God values authenticity-

4-The issue is not our capability but our availability-

5-If you don't use your talent you will lose it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-One nice thing about egotists is that they don't talk about other people-

I'VE LEARNED-For the Christian, obedience is non negotiable-

DID YOU KNOW-In Oklahoma, it is against the law to hunt whale-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are angels selfless servants of God's interest?

2-Are "demons" fallen angels?

3-What does the word "angel" mean?

4-Do we really know what angels are?

5-Do angels always look angelic?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who came to Jerusalem with a caravan of camels and loads of jewels?

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba 1 Chronicles 3:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:16-19

¹⁶ I thank God because he gave Titus the same love for you that I have.¹⁷ Titus accepted what we asked him to do. He wanted very much to go to you, and this was his own idea.¹⁸ We are sending with him the brother who is praised by all the churches because of his service in preaching the Good News.¹⁹ Also, this brother was chosen by the churches to go with us when we deliver this gift of money. We are doing this service to bring glory to the Lord and to show that we really want to help.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You that in Jesus we’ve found an enduring Friend for all eternity; One who laid down His life that we might be raised to newness of life. There’s no friend on earth that can provide the constant companionship we experience with Christ through prayer, the Scriptures, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts; in the good times and the bad, during the testings and temptations common to all. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not even one. Thank You for this wondrous gift we celebrate of Jesus coming to earth in the flesh to dwell among us and to show us the more excellent way. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I want to know God in spite of how I feel-

2-Don't let your feelings affect what you believe-

3-Feelings create emotions which create behavior which creates feelings-

4-You have given God your sins but have you given God yourself-

5-Love is the greatest of all motivators-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can get so far behind that you think you are ahead-

I'VE LEARNED-Confrontation is rarely pleasant but frequently necessary-

DID YOU KNOW-In some parts of Alabama it is illegal to carry a comb in your pocket-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Since the Ark of the Covenant played such a big part of Jewish history, how has it been mysteriously lost?

2-Could the Ark of the Covenant be hidden under the temple mount in Jerusalem?

3-Are angels pure spirits without bodies?

4-What is the primary function of angels and what other duties do they have?

5-How much of what we believe about Jesus is tradition and how much is Bible based?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the royal mother of Nathan, Shobab, and Shimea?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Acts 12:12

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

¹⁰ This is what I think you should do: Last year you were the first to want to give, and you were the first who gave.¹¹ So now finish the work you started. Then your "doing" will be equal to your "wanting to do." Give from what you have.¹² If you want to give, your gift will be accepted. It will be judged by what you have, not by what you do not have.¹³ We do not want you to have troubles while other people are at ease, but we want everything to be equal.¹⁴ At this time you have plenty. What you have can help others who are in need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can help you when you are in need, and all will be equal.¹⁵ As it is written in the Scriptures, "The person who gathered more did not have too much, nor did the person who gathered less have too little."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You warned Your listeners as You sat on the Mount of Olivet that at the end of the age nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines and earthquakes will be commonplace. Believers will be handed over to be persecuted and many will turn away from the faith as wickedness increases. In the midst of such dark desolation we cling to the bright promise, full of hope and motivation for those who walk steadfastly with You; he who stands firm to the end will be saved. We will conquer the enemy, for the battle is not ours, but Yours, Lord Jesus! Amen.

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

Tuesday January 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wanting it to happen doesn't make it happen-

2-Wrong thinking produces wrong behavior-

3-This is who I am, not who I was and not who I am going to be-

4-There is nothing you can do to make God stop loving you-

5-God has a rope long enough to get to the bottom of your well-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Man who runs behind car gets exhausted-

I'VE LEARNED-Panic replaces patience-

DID YOU KNOW-In Morrisville, Pennsylvania, women need a legal permit before they can wear lipstick in public-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are we absolutely positive that David wrote all of the Psalms?

2-What was a woman's place in Jewish society?

3-Is every word in our English language Bibles divinely inspired?

4-Whatever happened to the "Ark of the Covenant"?

5-On what king of stone were the 10 commandments written?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the mother of John Mark?

Yesterday's answer-The witch of Endor 1 Samuel 28:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

⁸ I am not commanding you to give. But I want to see if your love is true by comparing you with others that really want to help.⁹ You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that Christ was rich, but for you he became poor so that by his becoming poor you might become rich.

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.

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

Monday January 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only times our wants become wrong is when they become needs-

2-God never asks you for anything he hasn't already given you-

3-Meek does not mean weak-

4-We need to do what we can do, we can do what we ought to do-

5-You can't have the proper harvest without planting the proper seed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A man who runs in front of car gets tired-

I'VE LEARNED-A tree is best measured when down-

DID YOU KNOW-In Minnesota, it is illegal for women to be dressed up as Santa Claus on city streets-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-"Thou shall not kill"-is this preplanned murder or any taking of life?

2-Why did God instruct the Israelites to completely kill certain peoples and animals?

3-Does the commandment "Thou shall not kill" apply only to humans?

4-Does "Thou shall not steal" apply to kidnapping also?

5-Does "Thou shall not covet" mean only desiring or the planning or taking something not yours?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed the fatted calf and made bread for a despairing king?

Yesterday's answer-Abigail 1 Samuel 28:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

¹ And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the churches in Macedonia.² They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy.³ I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it.⁴ But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people.⁵ And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants.⁶ So we asked Titus to help you finish this special work of grace since he is the one who started it. ⁷ You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we seek to be unwavering in our faith and confident in Your plans for our life as we stand on Your unending promises. You promise never to abandon us; instead You carefully guide us through the steep hills and dark valleys as we cling to You. Even as we daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2011 we will be sustained by Your constant presence and guidance in our life and in those we love in the new year of 2012. You are faithful and we are grateful that we can stand on the Solid Rock, firm and secure. It is in the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday January 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Gambling is robbery by mutual consent-

2-In a failed marriage, at least one is gone long before they physically leave-

3-Salt is only good when it is sprinkled out-

4-Preach the Gospel wherever you go and if you must, then use words-

5-We often want too much and then are content to settle for too little-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Be careful of reading a health book for you could die of a misprint-

I'VE LEARNED-A genuinely redeemed, spirit filled, transformed member of Jesus's church will continue to struggle with temptation and moral failure after they receive by faith, the gift of salvation and assurance of eternal life-

DID YOU KNOW-In Indiana, it is illegal to ride public transportation for at least 30 minutes after eating garlic-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When the Hebrews were on the move in the Exodus, what did they eat? Was it primarily meant?

2-During the Exodus, were the sanitary conditions deplorable with so many people and animals?

3-Are the versions of the 10 commandments different in Exodus and Deuteronomy?

4-Why aren't the Hebrew and the Christian versions of the 10 commandments the same? Does it matter?

5-Must you keep the 10 commandments for "holy living"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wife of a sheepherder admitted that her husband was a complete fool?

Yesterday's answer-Michal 2 Samuel 6:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Not only were we very comforted, we were even happier to see that Titus was so happy. All of you made him feel much better.¹⁴ I bragged to Titus about you, and you showed that I was right. Everything we said to you was true, and you have proved that what we bragged about to Titus is true.¹⁵ And his love for you is stronger when he remembers that you were all ready to obey. You welcomed him with respect and fear.¹⁶ I am very happy that I can trust you fully.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re reminded by Habakkuk that our deep abiding joy is not derived from abundance in provisions nor even the people in our life. But rather our joy comes from You as we choose to rejoice in You, whether or not our pantry is overflowing. We rejoice in knowing that You are our strength who enables us to descend the rigorous, steep terrain. When we reach the height of the mountain we can look back at the disappointments and hardships we climbed through as You made our feet sure-footed like those of a deer. Keep us steadily faithful through the climb as we once again affirm our faith in You, Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday January 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Good people should not be following signs, signs should be following good people-

2-There is no such thing as a causal Christian-

3-It is easier to criticize than to love because love takes effort-

4-I'm not saved by how I feel but it sure feels good to be saved-

5-You have to suffer before you can know how to rejoice-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk-

I'VE LEARNED-For every dark night there is a brighter day-

DID YOU KNOW-In Idaho it is against the law to give another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did millions of people and animals of the Exodus survive in an arid, nearly waterless wilderness for 40 years?

2-Is there any mention in ancient Egyptian writings of an exodus of Hebrew people?

3-If the Exodus was a million people or more plus the animals, how long would it have taken them all to leave Egypt?

4-If there were a million or more Hebrews in Egypt before the Exodus, how did they get communication to all the people?

5-Since the Hebrews of the Exodus were slaves, how did Egypt survive after the Exodus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which of David's wives "despised him in her heart"?

Yesterday's answer-Ruth 3:4-9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:8-13

⁸ Even if my letter made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. At first I was sorry, because it made you sad, but you were sad only for a short time.⁹ Now I am happy, not because you were made sad, but because your sorrow made you change your lives. You became sad in the way God wanted you to, so you were not hurt by us in any way.¹⁰ The kind of sorrow God wants makes people change their hearts and lives. This leads to salvation, and you cannot be sorry for that. But the kind of sorrow the world has brings death. ¹¹ See what this sorrow—the sorrow God wanted you to have—has done to you: It has made you very serious. It made you want to restore yourselves. It made you angry and afraid. It made you want to see me. It made you care. It made you want to do the right thing. In every way you have regained your innocence. ¹² I wrote that letter, not because of the one who did the wrong or because of the person who was hurt. I wrote the letter so you could see, before God, the great care you have for us.¹³ That is why we were comforted.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it’s a fact that the vast majority want something for nothing. If they get their wish it might bring temporary pleasure, but it cannot satisfy the soul’s longing and the item will have a perishable shelf life. When Jesus gave His all as a sacrifice for our sins You made available to us the free gift of salvation that is for all eternity. We cannot pay for our forgiveness nor can we repay Jesus for His sacrifice for our sins. We can’t save up for our real estate in heaven, nor do we hire a designer, for Jesus is there now providing and preparing a home for us. All we give in return is a heart surrendered to His plan for our lives here on earth that will be more fully experienced in the great beyond. May our hearts be set on things above where Christ is seated at Your right hand, rather than things on the earth. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen

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