Monday April 30, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remember, the game is often won in the final few seconds-

2-Failure is never final unless you let it be-

3-Failure is not  final, it is an education-

4The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything-

5-Good friends are like angels, you don't have to see them to know they are there-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Enjoy life for it has an expiration date-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If at first you don't succeed, you are normal-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The foundations of many of the great European cathedrals are forty to fifty feet deep-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do angels have limited or unlimited power?

2-Do angels listen to us or only to God?

3-How do angels worship God?

4-When in time did God create angels-

5-Do angels ever protect or provide for the non believer?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who chose to go into exile rather than constantly quarrel with his brother?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph  Genesis 39:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 10:26-31

²⁶ "So don't be afraid of those people, because everything that is hidden will be shown. Everything that is secret will be made known. ²⁷ I tell you these things in the dark, but I want you to tell them in the light. What you hear whispered in your ear you should shout from the housetops.²⁸ Don't be afraid of people, who can kill the body but cannot kill the soul. The only one you should fear is the one who can destroy the soul and the body in hell.²⁹ Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father's knowing it.³⁰ God even knows how many hairs are on your head. ³¹ So don't be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

 

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 be 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 inadequacies and take in the fragrance of Christ as His sweet presence is released through our endeavors.  It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

 

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

Sunday April 29, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Service nourishes humility, dominance feeds arrogance-

2-The father put no restrictions on the returning prodigal son-

3-Contentment is the opposite if covetousness-

4-You can never give an ungrateful person enough-

5-The fear of failure can cause failure-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I ate so much over Thanksgiving that I decided to quit cold turkey-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Trust is like paper for once crumpled it can't be made perfect again-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Buckingham Palace has more than six hundred rooms-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-When is the last time you solved anything by worrying?

2-Is worrying really just "doubting God"?

3-How do you "pray about everything"?

4-At Jesus' crucifixion, were angels waiting for the word from God to rescue him?

5-If God opened our eyes, what might we see?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the first instance of exile in the Bible?

Yesterday's answer-Jeremiah 43:5-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Matthew 10:21-23

²¹ "Brothers will give their own brothers to be killed, and fathers will give their own children to be killed. Children will fight against their own parents and have them put to death. ²² All people will hate you because you follow me, but those people who keep their faith until the end will be saved. ²³ When you are treated badly in one city, run to another city. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through all the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your arm reaches down to us providing support and guidance.  It lifts us from the hopelessness of this world and redirects our attention to that which brings everlasting hope.  As we repent of our sins with a broken and contrite heart we are confident that You hear and answer our prayers.  We desire to unite our spirit with Yours, seeking Your favor and manifesting Your presence daily in our lives.  Amen.

 

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

Saturday April 28, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't forecast the future by looking at the potential problems but through the lens of what God can do-

2-Service that seeks to elevate the servant is no service at all, it is ego centric at best, exploitive at worst-

3-Don't look at the things you think you have to have-

4-To worship God means to serve him-

5-Jesus defined greatness as serving not dominating, leadership as serving not commanding-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't pray when it rains if you don't pray when the sun shines-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you forgive you release a painful burden-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia has five sides, five stories and five acres in the middle-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there any scripture you cannot believe?

2-Does God react to your needs?

3-Does God ever react to your tears?

4-Is it possible to ever live a worry free life?

5-Can you pray with faith believing and still worry?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet was exiled in Egypt with other people from Judah?

Yesterday's answer-430 years  Exodus 12:40

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 10:16-20

¹⁶ "Listen, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as clever as snakes and as innocent as doves. ¹⁷ Be careful of people, because they will arrest you and take you to court and whip you in their synagogues.¹⁸ Because of me you will be taken to stand before governors and kings, and you will tell them and the non-Jewish people about me.¹⁹ When you are arrested, don't worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given the things to say. ²⁰ It will not really be you speaking but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we who have received Christ early in our young years are grateful for the solid and lasting foundation we’re building that will provide comfort, solidity, and needed perspective when we approach the golden years of our life here on earth. The older we get the more this earth and all that it has to offer grows dimmer while the lights of glory grow ever brighter. It happens because our eyes are fixed on the eternal city not built with human hands but fashioned and designed by the Builder of the Ages. Keep us true Lord Jesus, for there’s a race to be run and there are victories to be won on this side of heaven. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

Friday April 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our love for God is made visible in our love for neighbor-

2-Think before you speak but don't speak all you know-

3-The tongue weighs almost nothing but few can hold it-

4-God never creates a storm that never ends-

5-Whatever good things we build, end up building us-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Death is our nations number one killer-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is not happy people who are thankful but it is thankful people who are happy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In Washington D.C., no building can be built taller than the Washington monument-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If everything is planned by God, why do we need wisdom?

2-If God is in total control, why do we need to pray?

3-If we give God more, does he give us more?

4-Is it ever okay to ask God to prove himself?

5-Can you sow yourself out of trouble?   

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many years were the Israelites in Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-John  Revelation 1:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 10:11-15

¹¹ "When you enter a city or town, find some worthy person there and stay in that home until you leave. ¹² When you enter that home, say, 'Peace be with you.'¹³ If the people there welcome you, let your peace stay there. But if they don't welcome you, take back the peace you wished for them. ¹⁴ And if a home or town refuses to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake its dust off your feet.^{[a] 15} I tell you the truth, on the Judgment Day it will be better for the towns of Sodom and Gomorrah^[b] than for the people of that town.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

 

I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday April 26, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love for God and love of neighbor are two aspects of the same love-

2-To love God, our neighbor, our enemy and ourselves requires persistent commitment to the way of Jesus-

3-What God wants from us is usually the one thing that we are not willing to give up-

4-Jesus does not want us to be admirers of him but to be followers-

5-Discipleship was and always will be costly-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one is more self centered than a very sick person-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they never fail to imitate them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Hoover Dam was built to last two thousand years.  The concrete in it will not even be fully cured for another five hundred years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God give lots of money only to those he can trust?

2-What is wisdom?

3-Are Christians supposed to treat everyone the same?

4-Does God withhold his blessings if you don't give your tithe-

5-Is God in control of everything?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle was exiled to Patmos?

Yesterday's answer-Benjamin    Judges 20:48

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 10:5-10

⁵ Jesus sent out these twelve men with the following order: "Don't go to the non-Jewish people or to any town where the Samaritans live. ⁶ But go to the people of Israel, who are like lost sheep.⁷ When you go, preach this: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'⁸ Heal the sick, raise the dead to life again, heal those who have skin diseases, and force demons out of people. I give you these powers freely, so help other people freely.⁹ Don't carry any money with you—gold or silver or copper. ¹⁰ Don't carry a bag or extra clothes or sandals or a walking stick. Workers should be given what they need.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we want to be like the trees planted by streams of water that remain vibrant, healthy, and growing in spite of drought, storm and the extremes of the heat and cold. As we are rooted and built up in You we continue to grow, mature, and remain firm when the raging storms of life seek to topple our faith. No matter what we’re dealt we continue to live in You, rooted and built up, strengthened in our faith, and overflowing with thankfulness for all that You are to us. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday April 25, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"I'll trade you your broken pieces for my peace"-God

2-Prayer is the original wireless connection--get connected-

3-Give a blessing, receive a blessing-

4-Love takes us farther than our talents and gifts can-

5-We love others not because of who they are but because of who God is-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Looking fifty is great if you are 70-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Everything in life is temporary except for God's love-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Construction on the Leaning Tower of Pisa began on August 9, 1173.  There are 296  steps to the top-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do some Christians walk the walk with confidence while others stumble over and over?

2-How does Good Friday and Pentecost relate to each other?

3-Why do some Christians have a difficult time understanding the Holy Spirit?

4-How does the Holy Spirit "indwell" the believer?

5-Who's success consumes you?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In the days of the judges, what tribe had its cities burned by he other tribe?

Yesterday's answer-Judah   Judges 1:8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 10:1-4

 ¹ Jesus called his twelve followers together and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and sickness.² These are the names of the twelve apostles: Simon (also called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;³ Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;⁴ Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who turned against Jesus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we call on You, our Lord and God who existed before the foundations of the world were established. From everlasting to everlasting You reign supreme in the heavens above and in our hearts below. You are the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last who loves us with an everlasting love. We want to be a faithful people who call on Your Name regularly and exalt You above the heavens as we glorify You here on earth. In the name of Jesus we praise You.  Amen.

 

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

Tuesday April 24, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Nobody grows old by merely living a number of years, they grow old by giving up their ideals-

2-Years may wrinkle the skin but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul-

3-You are as young as your faith, as old as your doubt,

   As young as your self confidence, as old as your fear,

   As young as your hope , as old as your despair-

4-When your heart is covered with  the snows of pessimism and the ice of cynicism, then you have grown old indeed-

5-Age is a quality of the mind-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is a scientific fact, the people who have the most birthdays live the longest-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Before making judgements about others, make sure your hands are clean-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Golden Gate Bridge first opened in 1937-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If God's Spirit lives in us, how then can we not show a "Christ like" spirit?

2-As Christians, do we have all the power we need for all of life's situations we face?

3-Do we need more of God or does God need more of us?

4-When God has more of us do we have more of God?

5-What does "pray without ceasing" mean?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Israelite city was burned by Pharaoh?

Yesterday's answer-Abimelech   Judges 9:49

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 9:35-38

   ³⁵ Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News about the kingdom, and healing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses.³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them because they were hurting and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Jesus said to his followers, "There are many people to harvest but only a few workers to help harvest them. ³⁸ Pray to the Lord, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to gather his harvest." 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we are so very grateful for the signs of life, color, beauty, shape and functionality that are evident in the plants and vegetation all around us; a result of Your creative handwork on the third day of creation. Though You are Creator, You have made us stewards and caretakers of that which You created. What a joy it is to plant a seed or seedling in the ground and watch as  You also provide the oxygen, rain, and sunshine to aid its health and growth.  We affirm once again in our writings and prayer that You are the divine Creator of the universe and all things are in submission to Your creative power and according to Your will.  In the name of Jesus we pray these things.  Amen.

 

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

Monday April 23, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Pessimism creates a dismal place where no one wants to live-

2-Look for the good and God will help you find it-

3-The only thing more powerful than negativism is a positive affirmation-

4-It is from the struggle not the victory that we gain the strength-

5-Youth is not a time of life but a state of mind-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Having a broken heart is often the cause of death-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God does not answer prayers by giving us what we want, he answers prayers by giving us what he wants us to have-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Built in 1697, the Frankford Avenue Bridge, which crosses Pennypack Creek in Philadelphia, is the oldest US bridge in continuous use-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does Paul call the Holy Spirit  a "foretaste" of future glory?

2-Can you be saved and yet not spiritual?

3-Is there such a thing as gloomy, grumpy Christians?

4-How does a person "come to Christ"?

5-How does a person "live in Christ"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What judge killed about a thousand people when he burned down the tower of Shechem?

Yesterday's answer-Zimri    1 Kings 16:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Matthew 9:27-34

Jesus Heals More People

 ²⁷ When Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed him. They cried out, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!"  ²⁸ After Jesus went inside, the blind men went with him. He asked the men, "Do you believe that I can make you see again?"
   They answered, "Yes, Lord."
 ²⁹ Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Because you believe I can make you see again, it will happen." ³⁰ Then the men were able to see. But Jesus warned them strongly, saying, "Don't tell anyone about this." ³¹ But the blind men left and spread the news about Jesus all around that area.
 ³² When the two men were leaving, some people brought another man to Jesus. This man could not talk because he had a demon in him.³³ After Jesus forced the demon to leave the man, he was able to speak. The crowd was amazed and said, "We have never seen anything like this in Israel."
 ³⁴ But the Pharisees said, "The prince of demons is the one that gives him power to force demons out."

PRAYER FOR TODAY
  Father, we want to run the Christian race wholeheartedly testifying to the gospel of Your grace all the days of our life. We choose to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith.  It’s not the one who runs the swiftest, nor the one who runs for a day, but the one who endures to the end who shall be saved. We anxiously await the rapturous moment when we cross the finish line from mortality into immortality, from death unto life eternal, when we will hear Your wonderful commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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

Sunday April 22, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Negative thoughts have no power unless you empower them-

2-There is enough good and bad, sorrow and happiness, joy and pain in everyone's life to find a rational basis for either optimism or pessimism-

3-You can look up in hope or down in despair-

4-An optimistic attitude is not  luxury, it is a necessity-

5-The way you look at life will determine how you feel, how you perform and how you get along with other people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you prayed as much as you worried, how much would your life change?

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can laugh or cry, bless or curse--it is your decision-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The highest highway in England is the M62 Liverpool to Hull.  At its peak, it reaches 1,221 feet above sea level-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it true that "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purposes" for them?

2-What happens to the children in the rapture?

3-Is the anti Christ a Jew or a gentile?

4-Is there any scientific evidence that proves the existence of God?

5-Are Christians adopted into or born into the family of God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king committed suicide by burning down his palace with himself inside it?

Yesterday's answer-The Amalekites    1 Samuel 30:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew  9:18-26

Jesus Gives Life to a Dead Girl and Heals a Sick Woman

 ¹⁸ While Jesus was saying these things, a leader of the synagogue came to him. He bowed down before Jesus and said, "My daughter has just died. But if you come and lay your hand on her, she will live again."¹⁹ So Jesus and his followers stood up and went with the leader.  ²⁰ Then a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years came behind Jesus and touched the edge of his coat.²¹ She was thinking, "If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed."
 ²² Jesus turned and saw the woman and said, "Be encouraged, dear woman. You are made well because you believed." And the woman was healed from that moment on.
 ²³ Jesus continued along with the leader and went into his house. There he saw the funeral musicians and many people crying. ²⁴ Jesus said, "Go away. The girl is not dead, only asleep." But the people laughed at him. ²⁵ After the crowd had been thrown out of the house, Jesus went into the girl's room and took hold of her hand, and she stood up.²⁶ The news about this spread all around the area.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the Bible indicates that the spiritual race is not for the faint-hearted, for it is a long, arduous race. At times this weary runner is tempted to give up when the obstacles seem insurmountable and the finish line is far from view. But then You remind us through the Word that we are to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. We can plod the paths of righteousness because Jesus showed us the way through His faithful example, His stirring teachings, His uncompromising principles, and His words of encouragement. There’s a race to be run and there are victories to be won, so keep us on track as we fix our eyes on Jesus in whose name we pray.  Amen.

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

 

Saturday April 21, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle-

2-As you grow older you generally rid yourself of your short comings because they no longer serve any useful purpose-

3-The good side of getting older is that you are always younger than you will ever be-

4-The person who thinks they are too old to learn something has probably always been that way-

5-Your attitude can decide the outcome of your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Anybody who knows all about nothing knows everything-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Always listen to your heart for even though it is on your left side, it is always right-

 

DID YOU KNOW-One hundred sixty cars can drive side by side on the Monumental Axis in Brazil, the world's widest road-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God see the dreadful things that go on in this life and chooses not to interfere?

2-Did Jesus ask God if a cross less life was possible?

3-Did God hear Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane asking him to take the cup of suffering away from him?

4-Is it correct to say that no struggle or tragedy will come our way apart from God's purpose, presence and permission?

5-Is it correct to say that no evil can touch God's children unless he permits it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What nation burned David's city of Ziklag?

Yesterday's answer - Achan  Joshua 7:24-25

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 9:14-17

Jesus' Followers Are Criticized

 ¹⁴ Then the followers of John^[a] came to Jesus and said, "Why do we and the Pharisees often fast^[b] for a certain time, but your followers don't?"  ¹⁵ Jesus answered, "The friends of the bridegroom are not sad while he is with them. But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and then they will fast.
    ¹⁶ "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth over a hole in an old coat. If he does, the patch will shrink and pull away from the coat, making the hole worse. ¹⁷ Also, people never pour new wine into old leather bags. Otherwise, the bags will break, the wine will spill, and the wine bags will be ruined. But people always pour new wine into new wine bags. Then both will continue to be good."
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we know there is a deeper work within our soul which cannot be accomplished by mere physical exercise. Just as we train our bodies to submit to a rigorous routine of endurance, abstinence, and sacrifice, we must apply the same training tools to bring our spirits into submission to Your will for our lives. We must train ourselves to be godly. Though physical training is of value in this life, godliness has value for all things, and holds promise not only for the present life but also the life to come. Help us to pursue this noble task in Jesus name we pray. Amen.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY 1-Your reputation can be damaged by the opinions of others but only you can damage your character- 2-Your theology is what you are when the talking stops and the behavior begins- 3-Jesus wants followers not fans- 4-A Christian should live so that instead of being a part of the world's problems they will be part of the answer- 5-If you keep your joy to itself it will die of loneliness-   STRANGE THOUGHT-A zebra cannot change it's spots-   I'VE LEARNED-Be so happy that when others look at you, they become happy too-   DID YOU KNOW-One of the reasons marijuana is illegal today is because cotton growers in the 1930s lobbied against hemp farmers--they saw hemp as competition-   5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW 1-Can anything happen in life without God's permission? 2-What do we want most from God? 3-Why does the universe exist? 4-When bad things happen to good people, are they God planned? 5-When children or adults are abused and horribly mistreated, is God watching what is happening and not moving to stop it?   BIBLE TRIVIA-What Israelite had his goods burned after he had been stoned to death? Yesterday's answer-Laish    Judges 18:26-27   SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 9:9-13 Jesus Chooses Matthew  9 When Jesus was leaving, he saw a man named Matthew sitting in the tax collector's booth. Jesus said to him, "Follow me," and he stood up and followed Jesus.  10 As Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with Jesus and his followers.11 When the Pharisees saw this, they asked Jesus' followers, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  12 When Jesus heard them, he said, "It is not the healthy people who need a doctor, but the sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: 'I want kindness more than I want animal sacrifices.'[a] I did not come to invite good people but to invite sinners." PRAYER FOR TODAY  Father I acknowledge that I am a sinner. There is nothing good in me, and there is nothing in You but good. I choose to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ who died for my sins so that I can receive forgiveness. I confess my sins, for they are many. How thankful I am that Your blood covers all my sins, for Your Word indicates that even the foulest of sinners who truly believes that moment from Jesus a pardon receives. I have determined that I will walk with the Lord and follow His Word all the days of my life. I pray this in faith through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday April 19, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you never change your opinion you never correct your mistakes and will never be smarter tomorrow than you are today-

2-Jesus didn't say "According to your need be it unto you" but "according to your faith"-

3-The person rowing the boat doesn't have time to rock it-

4-Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position or prestige, it it discovered in goodness, humility, service and character-

5-Reputation is what people think you are, character is what God knows you are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't wear polka dot underwear under white shorts-

I'VE LEARNED-You don't need to attend every argument that you are invited to-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1865, opium was grown in the state of Virginia and a product was distilled from it that yielded 4% morphine. In 1867, it was grown in Tennessee; six years later it was cultivated in Kentucky. During these years, opium. Marijuana, and cocaine could be purchased legally over the counter from any chemist-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you be a Christian and not give 100% of yourself to God?

2-Paul said to give generously to those in need. How much is that?

3-How can our actions or behaviors interrupt the flow of the Holy Spirit in our lives?

4-Is the Holy Spirit available just for the asking?

5-What does it mean "The Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Canaanite city was burned down by the men of Dan?

Yesterday's answer-Nebuchadnezzar 2 Kings 25:9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 9:1-8

Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man

¹ Jesus got into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. ² Some people brought to Jesus a man who was paralyzed and lying on a mat. When Jesus saw the faith of these people, he said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, young man. Your sins are forgiven."

³ Some of the teachers of the law said to themselves, "This man speaks as if he were God. That is blasphemy!"^[a]

⁴ Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, "Why are you thinking evil thoughts? ⁵ Which is easier: to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to tell him, 'Stand up and walk'? ⁶ But I will prove to you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins." Then Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Stand up, take your mat, and go home." ⁷ And the man stood up and went home.⁸ When the people saw this, they were amazed and praised God for giving power like this to human beings.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we look to You for guidance on our life’s journey. Your commands teach us the way we are to walk and the way we are to respond to the bumps and potholes we encounter on the journey. We want to run in the path of Your commands, because that is where You teach us how to follow Your decrees. In so doing we become Your obedient followers and help to lead others in Your paths of righteousness. Amen.

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

Wednesday April 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A critical spirit comes from self righteousness-

2-The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others-

3-Old age is winter for many people, but for those who are wise and optimistic, it is the happy and fruitful time of harvest-

4-So long as we continue to be amazed, we can delay growing old-

5-Train beyond your ability, perform beyond your expectations and reach beyond your imagination-

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

I'VE LEARNED-It is by growing older that you learn to remain young-

DID YOU KNOW-The Netherlands and the United States both have national anthems that do not mention their countries' names-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Jesus save John the Baptist from beheading?

2-What do we mean when we say "I love you with all my heart"?

3-Why didn't Jesus chose educated men for his disciples?

4-How do you know when you are serving God with "all your heart"?

5-Is there such a person as a selfish Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Babylon burned Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Samson Judges 15:4-5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:28-34

Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons

²⁸ When Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the area of the Gadarene^[a] people, two men who had demons in them met him. These men lived in the burial caves and were so dangerous that people could not use the road by those caves. ²⁹ They shouted, "What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to torture us before the right time?"

³⁰ Near that place there was a large herd of pigs feeding. ³¹ The demons begged Jesus, "If you make us leave these men, please send us into that herd of pigs."

³² Jesus said to them, "Go!" So the demons left the men and went into the pigs. Then the whole herd rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned. ³³ The herdsmen ran away and went into town, where they told about all of this and what had happened to the men who had demons.³⁴ Then the whole town went out to see Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their area.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are so many experiences or circumstances in life that instill fear in our hearts. But we don’t have to cringe in fear because You are with us. Your protection assures us that things will turn out for good in the end, whether in this life or the life to come. Though Jesus’ followers were devastated when He hung limp on the cross You had a powerful plan all along and it turned out for the good of all, even those responsible for His death. Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but He is alive forevermore, preparing a place for each of us who remain faithful. Father, we seek You because we know that You hear us and will deliver us from our unhealthy fears. We thank You for it in advance, through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Tuesday April 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Rumor is the most buoyant thing there is, it is easy to float one and hard to sink it-

2-The slanderer differs from the assassin only in that they murder the reputation instead of the body-

3-The critical tongue gets it's orders from an untrained eye, an unthoughtful mind and an ungrateful heart-

4-You'll never move up if you're continually running someone down-

5-Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared, but only men of integrity are trusted-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Wisdom comes with age but sometimes age comes alone-

I'VE LEARNED-There is more to life than what you can see-

DID YOU KNOW-Francis Scott Key was a young lawyer who wrote the poem "The Star Spangled Banner" after being inspired watching the Americans fight off the British attack of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The poem became the words to our national anthem.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do we know little or nothing about Mary's other children?

2-Did all of Jesus' siblings believe Jesus was the Messiah?

3-Some think Jesus and Mary Magdalene had love feelings for each other. Is that possible?

4-Do all choices have eternal consequences?

5-Does repenting mean to ask forgiveness, change the way you think or accepting Jesus' purpose for you?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who burned the Philistines' grain by tying torches to the tails of foxes?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom 2 Samuel 14:28-33

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus Calms a Storm

²³ Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him.²⁴ A great storm arose on the lake so that waves covered the boat, but Jesus was sleeping.²⁵ His followers went to him and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We will drown!"

²⁶ Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith." Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm.

²⁷ The men were amazed and said, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in the bedrock of Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths presented in Your Word my anchor remains firm. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Savior and it is in His name that I pray. Amen.

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

Monday April 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Always preface criticism with a kind word or compliment-

2-Deal as gently with the faults of others as you want others to do with your own-

3-Asking always brings more cooperation than demanding-

4-Gossip is like mud thrown on a clean wall, it may not stick but it always leaves a dirty mark-

5-Beware of a half truth for you may have gotten the wrong half-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Time may be a great healer but it is a lousy beautician-

I'VE LEARNED-The real purpose of criticism should not be to belittle the other person but to encourage and build them up-

DID YOU KNOW-The national anthem of the Netherlands, "Het Wilhelmus" is an acrostichon. The first letters of each of the fifteen verses represent the name Willem Van Nassov-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Jesus have traveled outside his own country during his lifetime (from ages 12-30) before starting his ministry?

2-Did Jesus ever have a teen age love or a desire for a wife?

3-Why do we not study the writings of the first century writers such as Josephus?

4-Why do we not know anything about the disciples families (wife,children and parents)

5-Did any of the disciples children become believers in and followers of Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who burned Joab's barley field just to get his attention?

Yesterday's answer-The Ephesians Acts 19:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:18-22

People Want to Follow Jesus

¹⁸ When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he told his followers to go to the other side of the lake.¹⁹ Then a teacher of the law came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, I will follow you any place you go."

²⁰ Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes to live in, and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head."

²¹ Another man, one of Jesus' followers, said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

²² But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the people who are dead bury their own dead."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is of first importance to the Apostle Paul to declare that Jesus is risen from the dead and is alive forevermore. So it is also of first importance some 2000 years later for those of us who hold dear the sacred Scriptures to joyfully declare the miraculous news that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Jesus is the living One; He was dead but is alive forevermore! Praise God!!

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

Sunday April 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The cross is not for casual Christians-

2-Jesus is the demonstration of God's love-

3-The quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts-

4-You can alter your life by altering your attitude-

5-A smile while giving honest criticism can make the difference between resentment and reform-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions-

I'VE LEARNED-If Christians don't love one another, no one has much reason to believe their message-

DID YOU KNOW-The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference in "Lost gospels" and "Gnostic gospels"?

2-What is the basic teaching of the "Gnostic gospels"?

3-Were the new testament books written by eyewitnesses or on the testimony of eye witnesses?

4-Can the virgin birth of Jesus be proved historically outside of the Bible?

5-Was Jesus a true rabbi

BIBLE TRIVIA-What group of converts burned their books of magic?

Yesterday's answer-Habakkuk 2:6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:14-17

Jesus Heals Many People

¹⁴ When Jesus went to Peter's house, he saw that Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever.¹⁵ Jesus touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she stood up and began to serve Jesus.

¹⁶ That evening people brought to Jesus many who had demons. Jesus spoke and the demons left them, and he healed all the sick. ¹⁷ He did these things to bring about what Isaiah the prophet had said:
"He took our suffering on him
And carried our diseases." — Isaiah 53:4

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the living hope we have through Jesus who did not die in vain, but instead He conquered sin and death. You raised Christ’s body from the dead, because death could not hold Him. The certainty of Christ’s resurrection is taught and reinforced throughout the New Testament writings and is the cornerstone of our faith. Biblical perspective makes the reality of the grave not a finality, but a springboard from which we will enter into glorious, eternal life. With deep conviction we choose to earnestly, faithfully, and vigorously contend for this essential truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Saturday April 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-People know you for what you've done not for what you plan to do-

2-We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God who has sent a love letter to the world-

3-Praising God is always a result not a cause-

4-The greatest human challenge is to "walk our talk"-

5-Before there is a new beginning there has to be an ending-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The only thing that ever sat it's way to success was a hen-

I'VE LEARNED-You can't plow a field by turning it over in your mind-

DID YOU KNOW-Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first thanksgiving dinner-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What are the names of the "Lost Gospels"?

2-Do the "Lost Gospels" have any historic or spiritual value?

3-Who were the authors of the "Lost Gospels"?

4-Do any of the "Lost Gospels" have any truth in them?

5-When would the "Lost Gospels" have been written?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet condemns people who pile up stolen goods?

Yesterday's answer-His silver cup Genesis 44:1-17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:5-13

Jesus Heals a Soldier's Servant

⁵ When Jesus entered the city of Capernaum, an army officer came to him, begging for help.⁶ The officer said, "Lord, my servant is at home in bed. He can't move his body and is in much pain."

⁷ Jesus said to the officer, "I will go and heal him."

⁸ The officer answered, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come into my house. You only need to command it, and my servant will be healed.⁹ I, too, am a man under the authority of others, and I have soldiers under my command. I tell one soldier, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell another soldier, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and my servant does it.

¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were following him, "I tell you the truth, this is the greatest faith I have found, even in Israel. ¹¹ Many people will come from the east and from the west and will sit and eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. ¹² But those people who should be in the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain."

¹³ Then Jesus said to the officer, "Go home. Your servant will be healed just as you believed he would." And his servant was healed that same hour.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, how our hearts rejoice as we celebrate and honor the historic fact that death has lost its sting and the devil’s power over it has been destroyed. We no longer have to fear death since it is now a covenant blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death has been swallowed up in victory so that there is no dread or fear associated with death for the believer. Death is but a moment but the eternity of glory is unending. Thank You for providing us passage through the gates of heaven through our Lord’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!