Thursday May 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Trusting God is not naive presumption-

2-Wisdom must still be applied to a life of faith-

3-Courage is grace under pressure-

4-God doesn't ask for our permission or if something is okay with us-

5-God wants us to trust him especially when we don't understand what is going on-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Love may not make the world go around, but it certainly makes a lot of people dizzy-

 

I'VE LEARNED-How long a minute is depends on which side of the bathroom door you are on-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Angel Falls in Venezuela are nearly twenty times taller than Niagara Falls-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference in "mercy" and "grace"?

2-Is it any harder to be cheerful than grumpy?

3-Why does sin anger God?

4-In what ways is our salvation related to our own actions?

5-Do mercy and grace always go together?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Hazael of Syria usurped the throne after he murdered the king, Ben-hadad.  What unusual method did he use for the murder?

Yesterday's answer-Jehu    2  Kings 9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew  15:1-9

Obey God's Law

 ¹ Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him,² "Why don't your followers obey the unwritten laws which have been handed down to us? They don't wash their hands before they eat."

 ³ Jesus answered, "And why do you refuse to obey God's command so that you can follow your own teachings? ⁴God said, 'Honor your father and your mother,'^[a] and 'Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death.'^[b]5 But you say a person can tell his father or mother, 'I have something I could use to help you, but I have given it to God already.'⁶ You teach that person not to honor his father or his mother. You rejected what God said for the sake of your own rules. ⁷You are hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he said about you:
    ⁸ 'These people show honor to me with words,
       But their hearts are far from me.
    ⁹ Their worship of me is worthless.
       The things they teach are nothing but human rules.' "— Isaiah 29:13

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I separate myself from the distracting desires and destructive deeds that pull me into the world where Satan rules with his power of darkness.  In denying myself of former earthbound pleasures I find lasting satisfaction that will guide me all the days of my life and usher me into the eternal kingdom of heaven.  There is absolutely nothing of worth here on earth that equals the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Your Son.  Amen.

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

Wednesday May 30, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Truth has a canny way of silencing lies-

2-Falsehood has no redeeming value-

3-God honors integrity-

4-Truth is generally the best vindication against slander-

5-Always stay with the truth-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No man is ever fully accepted until he has first of all been utterly rejected-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you reach the end of your rope, you'll find the hem of His garment-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Great Wall stretches for 4,160 miles across North China-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you "practice the presence of God"?

2-How difficult is the process of "knowing God"?

3-Was Jesus' crucifixion any big deal to the Romans?

4-Did any Romans (soldiers or officials) know that Jesus was resurrected?

5-How does a "merciful" person live?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What fiery chariot driver slew the king of Israel and the king of Judah and later had Jezebel murdered, after which he reigned as king in Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Hoshea   2 Kings 15:30

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 14:22-36

Jesus Walks on the Water

 ²² Immediately Jesus told his followers to get into the boat and go ahead of him across the lake. He stayed there to send the people home.²³ After he had sent them away, he went by himself up into the hills to pray. It was late, and Jesus was there alone.²⁴ By this time, the boat was already far away from land. It was being hit by waves, because the wind was blowing against it.

 ²⁵ Between three and six o'clock in the morning, Jesus came to them, walking on the water.²⁶ When his followers saw him walking on the water, they were afraid. They said, "It's a ghost!" and cried out in fear.

 ²⁷ But Jesus quickly spoke to them, "Have courage! It is I. Do not be afraid."

 ²⁸ Peter said, "Lord, if it is really you, then command me to come to you on the water."

 ²⁹ Jesus said, "Come."

   And Peter left the boat and walked on the water to Jesus. ³⁰ But when Peter saw the wind and the waves, he became afraid and began to sink. He shouted, "Lord, save me!"

 ³¹ Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught Peter. Jesus said, "Your faith is small. Why did you doubt?"

 ³² After they got into the boat, the wind became calm.³³Then those who were in the boat worshiped Jesus and said, "Truly you are the Son of God!"

 ³⁴ When they had crossed the lake, they came to shore at Gennesaret.³⁵ When the people there recognized Jesus, they told people all around there that Jesus had come, and they brought all their sick to him.³⁶ They begged Jesus to let them touch just the edge of his coat, and all who touched it were healed.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose to heed the words of Scripture that caution us not to be a proud people or destruction will fall upon anything that I have built in my own strength for my self-glory.  I want my heart to be filled with godly gratitude instead of a prideful attitude so that it deflects that which is about me and reflects all that is about You.  In the same spirit as John I cry out, “Help me to decrease so that You will increase in my life.” More of Jesus, less of me, I pray.  Amen.

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

Tuesday May 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do your giving while you're living, then your knowing where it is going-

2-The human tongue has done more damage and caused more heartache than any other source of trouble-

3-What we say can cut deeper than any knife or blade-

4-Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say al kinds of evil against you because of me-Jesus-

5-A mInd made up is almost impossible to persuade otherwise-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing-

 

DID YOU KNOW-If you divide the Great Pyramid's perimeter by two times its height, you get pi to the fifteenth digit-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Should we read scripture to know how to live or to know God?

2-Does God hear the prayer of the sinner for a blessing or favor?

3-Can you receive any benefit by just reading the scriptures or does benefit come only from studying them?

4-Is God a giver of just good things?

5-How do we learn to know the "voice of God"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Pekah the usurper reigned in Israel, who murdered him and took over the throne?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom    2 Samuel 15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 14:15-21

 ¹⁵ When it was evening, his followers came to him and said, "No one lives in this place, and it is already late. Send the people away so they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves."

 ¹⁶ But Jesus answered, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

 ¹⁷ They said to him, "But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish."

 ¹⁸ Jesus said, "Bring the bread and the fish to me." ¹⁹Then he told the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish and, looking to heaven, he thanked God for the food. Jesus divided the bread and gave it to his followers, who gave it to the people.²⁰ All the people ate and were satisfied. Then the followers filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of food.²¹There were about five thousand men there who ate, not counting women and children.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, each spring as we observe tiny featherless nestlings pressed against their mothers in the hollow of their parents’ nest, we’re reminded of the human love children experience from their parents’ safekeeping. We thank You for the loving care You extend to us through the preordained parents who’ve provided for us from birth to independence.  Thank You for their model of love, sacrifice, duty, protection, and other virtuous qualities needed to properly raise a family.  It has greatly influenced the way we raise our own children.

We also pray for those whose relationship with their parent is a role reversal where they must act as the parent when their own parent behaves as a needy or defiant child.  May Your multiplied mercies sustain these caregivers in their ongoing difficult role so that, above all, You are honored and they find deep peace in the midst of the turmoil.  Thank You, Father, for our human family, our spiritual family, and for our heavenly family that awaits our arrival on Your appointed day.  In the name of Christ Jesus Your Son we pray, Amen.

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

Memorial Day Monday May 28, 2012 thought for the day

 

OUR VETERANS---MEN OF VALOR---

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Reproof is a good thing when communicated correctly-

2-The tongue of the wise can bring great benefits to those who are willing and humble enough to accept it-

3-There is nothing like hope in the truth to clarify perspective and keep you going-

4-Wrong will ultimately be judged-

5-Nothing is more frightening than not knowing where you will be when you die-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one is listening until you make a mistake-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no sense being pessimistic for it probably won't work anyway-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Due to precipitation, for a few weeks each year K2 is taller than Mt. Everest-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you "not worry"?

2-How do you chose to not be stressed?

3-Are stillness and silence the same?

4-How do we get to the place where we can get quiet enough to hear God's "still small voice"?

5-Are we afraid to be silent in God's presence?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What son of David led a major revolt against his father?

Yesterday's answer-Delilah     Judges 16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 13:53-58

⁵³ When Jesus finished teaching with these stories, he left there.⁵⁴ He went to his hometown and taught the people in the synagogue, and they were amazed. They said, "Where did this man get this wisdom and this power to do miracles?⁵⁵ He is just the son of a carpenter. His mother is Mary, and his brothers are James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas.⁵⁶ And all his sisters are here with us. Where then does this man get all these things?" ⁵⁷ So the people were upset with Jesus.

   But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and in his own home."

 ⁵⁸ So he did not do many miracles there because they had no faith.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I pray for families whose children graduate from high school or college this year. What a tremendous and long-range accomplishment this is in the lives of our young people. I ask that You would empower our graduates with great foresight, godly wisdom, daily discipline, and a sense of purpose as they enter a new season in their lives. May their hearts be fully consecrated to You as they use their natural giftings and learned skills in the marketplace. Though much about their future is not yet revealed, You have given absolute direction about their personal spiritual walk. No matter what field of study or where they locate geographically may Your voice be clearly heard, “This is the way; walk in it.” No matter what season of life we’re in, help us to never forsake the unchanging, fundamental truths we learn from steadfastly walking in Your way. We joyfully acknowledge it is the best way!

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

Sunday May 27, 2013 thought for today

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our ultimate ambition should be wholehearted commitment to Jesus-

2-Greatness in a profession is often not reflected in personal character-

3-Christianity is all about the cross not prosperity-

4-The best investments are made in the lives of people-

5-Take the road less traveled and it will make all the difference-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Before you criticize someone you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away and you have their shoes-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Some people are discovered, some are found out-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Taj Mahal was actually built for use as a tomb.  It was scheduled to be torn down in the 1830's-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there a limit to space?

2-Is the universe ever expanding?

3-Does God talk to us in "burning bushes" today as he did to Moses?

4-How do you know for sure when God is prompting you to do something?

5-Can the mind be completely silent and still?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What infamous Philistine woman tricked Samson into revealing the secret of his strength?

Yesterday's answer-Psalm 32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 13:47-52

⁴⁷ "Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was put into the lake and caught many different kinds of fish. ⁴⁸When it was full, the fishermen pulled the net to the shore. They sat down and put all the good fish in baskets and threw away the bad fish. ⁴⁹ It will be this way at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the evil people from the good people. ⁵⁰ The angels will throw the evil people into the blazing furnace, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain."

 ⁵¹ Jesus asked his followers, "Do you understand all these things?"

   They answered, "Yes, we understand."

 ⁵² Then Jesus said to them, "So every teacher of the law who has been taught about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house. He brings out both new things and old things he has saved."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Faithful Father, I consider the many portions of Scripture that speak of fruit as an outgrowth of sowing good seed in various kinds of soil settings. When I think of the horrible injustice that was done to Joseph, first by his brothers and then by his master’s wife I’m empowered by his astonishing response. Instead of becoming disillusioned or embittered he continued to pour himself into work for You now in a prison among vile prisoners. His two years of obedience in an undesirable prison setting brought about years of blessings he didn’t anticipate at his time of faithful service to You in jail. Help us to be faithful over the long haul so that we see Your multitude of blessings and answers to prayers unfold in Your timing and through Your plan. We will never give up until we’ve won the race. Victory is just ahead!

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

Saturday May 26, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There are trials we do not deserve but are permitted-

2-Life is not only sometimes difficult but often unfair-

3-Don't let the silence of God's voice make you wonder if he is even there

    and the absence of God's presence make you wonder if he even cares-

4-My trials come to make me strong-

5-There is no such thing as a coincidence-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The things that come to those who wait are left by those who got there first-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't awaken a person who is pretending to be asleep-

 

DID YOU KNOW-No white man saw the Grand Canyon until after the Civil War. 

  It was first entered on May 29, 1869, by geologist John Wesley Powell.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was John the only disciple to remain at the cross?

2-Where were all the people, who Jesus had done miracles for, when he needed them?

3-Did Jesus' mother Mary live with John after his death, or with another child?

4-At his crucifixion, did Jesus feel abandoned by his friends?

5-What do we need to be happy?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Psalm is a lament of the exiles in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-James and 2 Peter-

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 13:44-46

⁴⁴ "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. One day a man found the treasure, and then he hid it in the field again. He was so happy that he went and sold everything he owned to buy that field.

    ⁴⁵ "Also, the kingdom of heaven is like a man looking for fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found a very valuable pearl, he went and sold everything he had and bought it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for Jesus who is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother or a sister, who never leaves us nor forsakes us.  We also thank You for the companionship of a marriage partner who walks alongside us during the ups, downs, and winding pathways of our journey below.  Help us to be vigilant in preserving our sacred vows and honoring the institution of marriage. We want to be united as two blending together as one as we live in harmony with You.  Amen.

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

Friday May 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Christian faith is grounded in the love and grace of God, experienced through Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit-

2-The Christian life is our response to God's love and grace-

3-Discipleship is more than an acknowledgement of God's existence or a statement of belief regarding God, it is about totally loving God-

4-Either Jesus is Lord of our lives or we are-

5-Just because we cannot see satan does not mean he is not real-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you spend 10% of your time keeping well, you won't have to give 100% getting over being sick-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Prayer is not just a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble; it is also a "steering wheel" that directs us in the right path throughout life.

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Future's Museum in Sweden contains a scale model of our solar system-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why wasn't Hosea's wife Gomer stoned to death as a prostitute?

2-How are we to act to being hurt by another person's sin?

3-What did Stephen's family think when they heard Saul became a convert to Christianity?

4-How did Jesus' mother Mary cope with all the events of the crucifixion week's proceedings?

5-When did Mary first know that Jesus had been arrested after being betrayed by one of his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistles are addressed to God's people in exile?

Yesterday's answer-Amos 7:17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 13:36-43

Jesus Explains About the Weeds

 ³⁶ Then Jesus left the crowd and went into the house. His followers came to him and said, "Explain to us the meaning of the story about the weeds in the field."

 ³⁷ Jesus answered, "The man who planted the good seed in the field is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed are all of God's children who belong to the kingdom. The weeds are those people who belong to the Evil One. ³⁹ And the enemy who planted the bad seed is the devil. The harvest time is the end of the age, and the workers who gather are God's angels.

    ⁴⁰ "Just as the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all who cause sin and all who do evil.⁴² The angels will throw them into the blazing furnace, where the people will cry and grind their teeth with pain. ⁴³ Then the good people will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let those with ears use them and listen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings.  But it is far more difficult to bring loving rebuke and correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your commands.  Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of life-giving rebuke. It wasn’t Nathan who went after David, but it was You who sent Nathan, which served as the beginning of David’s spiritual restoration. When the messenger is pure in motive and obedient to the Spirit’s prompting, and the message is received in the right spirit, then correction will take place, just as it did with David. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. When I am the recipient of a rebuke may I respond in humility and receive the correction as though it were delivered personally from You and respond accordingly.  In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Thursday May 24, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-By eating with sinners, Jesus did not condone sinful lifestyles, but confirmed that these people and their lifestyles could be transformed-

2-The pharisees were incensed at Jesus for doing good on the Sabbath but they had no qualms about doing harm and plotting Jesus' death on the very same day-

3-The danger of rigid legalism is that it can delude us in thinking that God is satisfied when we are strict with religious details even if our heart is unmerciful and far from God-

4-All spiritual behavior that aims only at setting ourselves apart from and above others is to be rejected-

5-We live out our understanding of who we are in relationship to God, to one another and to humanity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If the shoe fits, get the other one also-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A father who is all discipline is cold and harsh, a father who is all love is permissive-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The clock at the National Bureau of Standards in washing, D.C., will gain or lose only one second in three hundred years because it uses cesium atoms-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do our sins inflict pain on God?

2-Why did Old Testament people live much longer than people do today?

3-Did ancient civilizations have modern day diseases such as cancer, heart trouble, aids, etc.?

4-Has God ever appeared as a man to people other than as Jesus?

5-Can we as humans love another person unconditionally?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet warned the wicked priest Amaziah that Israel would go into exile?

Yesterday's answer-Daniel 1:1-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 13:31-35

Stories of Mustard Seed and Yeast

 ³¹ Then Jesus told another story: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. ³² That seed is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows, it is one of the largest garden plants. It becomes big enough for the wild birds to come and build nests in its branches."

 ³³ Then Jesus told another story: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and hid in a large tub of flour until it made all the dough rise."

 ³⁴ Jesus used stories to tell all these things to the people; he always used stories to teach them. ³⁵ This is as the prophet said:
    "I will speak using stories;
       I will tell things that have been secret since the world was made." — Psalm 78:2

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the cares of this world often press in on us and weigh our hearts down. It’s not your desire that we carry this heavy load because You are the Burden Bearer. You use the difficult circumstances of our lives to bring glory to Yourself as You bring spiritual maturity into our relationship with You. There are many situations where we’ve been dealt with unjustly, with unkind words thrown our way. Our typical response; “NOT FAIR!” But Your pattern of returning kindness to those who were hostile toward You serves as a sterling example to us when we’re hurt by other’s words or actions. Our faith is strengthened and our character is sharpened in the torrent of such hurtful circumstances. We must commit them to You and respond in Christian virtue. We invite You to take the evil that Satan hurls at us and turn it into glorious occasion for Your power to be released and healing to take place. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray and believe.  Amen.

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

Wednesday May 23, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love leaves no option but to care enough that we confront others with truth and love-

2-Jesus always used his miraculous power for others, never for himself-

3-Jesus came to bring forgiveness to a sinful world-

4-The unsaved do not have to do something first in order to become worthy recipients of God's love-

5-Jesus made no distinction between persons and rejects the system of ranking and classifying people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If youth but knew, if age but could-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your greatest tests can be the place where God provides, if you have faith and obey him-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The shopping mall in Abbotsford, British Columbia,has the largest water clock in North America-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the greatest promise given by God as recorded in scripture?

2-Since God said in scripture that Ishmael would live under his blessing, and Ishmael is considered the father of Islam, does that mean Islam has the blessings of God?

3-Is it more important to live under God's blessing or to live with God's covenant?

4-God said that Ishmael would be the father of 12 rulers, who were they?

5-In scripture, does the number 12 have any significance?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What interpreter of dreams was in exile in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Tiglath-Pileser   2 Kings 15:29

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 13:24-30

A Story About Wheat and Weeds

 ²⁴ Then Jesus told them another story: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted good seed in his field.²⁵ That night, when everyone was asleep, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat and then left.²⁶ Later, the wheat sprouted and the heads of grain grew, but the weeds also grew.²⁷ Then the man's servants came to him and said, 'You planted good seed in your field. Where did the weeds come from?'²⁸ The man answered, 'An enemy planted weeds.' The servants asked, 'Do you want us to pull up the weeds?'²⁹ The man answered, 'No, because when you pull up the weeds, you might also pull up the wheat. ³⁰ Let the weeds and the wheat grow together until the harvest time. At harvest time I will tell the workers, "First gather the weeds and tie them together to be burned. Then gather the wheat and bring it to my barn." ' "

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we come into Your presence with thanksgiving in our hearts and give You praise. We ask you to be merciful to our land because You are a loving, forgiving God.  You have called on us, Your children, to be a people of prayer, devotion, and denial of self.   We pray for our land to repent of neglect and defiance of Your holy commands.  In the name of Jesus we come against the powers of darkness that seek to engulf the light of Your salvation that brings help, hope, and forgiveness to sin sick souls and secures their eternal dwelling in heaven.  Help us not to grow weary in our intercession, for we want to be faithful in prayer so that, at a future date, we will witness the harvest of souls.  We pray for Your will to be accomplished in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

 

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

Tuesday May 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love keeps no record of wrongs-Delight not in the wrong doing of others-

2-Love bears all things-We spread hope in the midst of bad news-

3-Love believes all things-We give others the benefit of the doubt-

4-Love hopes all things-Even when things look bad we look to the future-

5-Love never fails-The love of Jesus always endures-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Patience is the ability to count down before blasting off-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Faith does not enable you to see into tomorrow, but it determines how you are going to think and act in relation to tomorrow-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Harvard is the oldest university in the United States-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus' mother Mary know that Jesus would come back to life after his crucifixion?

2-Did Jesus ever appear to his mother after his resurrection?

3-How important is patience to a marriage?

4-Is it more important to have patience or tolerance?

5-Why was circumcision the sign of God's covenant with Abraham?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Assyrian king carried the people of Israel into exile?

Yesterday's answer-Cyrus of Persia  2 Chronicles 36:22-23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 13:18-23

¹⁸ "So listen to the meaning of that story about the farmer. ¹⁹ What is the seed that fell by the road? That seed is like the person who hears the message about the kingdom but does not understand it. The Evil One comes and takes away what was planted in that person's heart.²⁰ And what is the seed that fell on rocky ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and quickly accepts it with joy.²¹ But he does not let the teaching go deep into his life, so he keeps it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching he accepted, he quickly gives up.²² And what is the seed that fell among the thorny weeds? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching but lets worries about this life and the temptation of wealth stop that teaching from growing. So the teaching does not produce fruit^[a] in that person's life. ²³ But what is the seed that fell on the good ground? That seed is like the person who hears the teaching and understands it. That person grows and produces fruit, sometimes a hundred times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes thirty times more."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You created within us a desire for the human touch. We’re grateful for hugs of love, affection, and friendship; for those who embraced us following a personal disappointment, a time of loss, a long separation, or a time of celebration and rejoicing. Sometimes words fall short or are inadequate for a situation, so You gave us the ability to show that we really do care by warmly embracing one who is in need of a loving physical touch. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love does not boast.  We lift others up, not ourselves-

2-Love is not puffed up.  We see others as they are and can be-

3-Love is not rude.  We interact with others with politeness-

4-Love is not self seeking.  We give ourselves to others-

5-Love is not easily angered.  We do not allow our emotions to rule our lives-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never beat a pillow when it is down-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you will ever yet be-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Harvard uses Yale brand locks on their buildings; Yale uses Best  Brand-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Do we ever have the right to say "no" to God?

2-If Judas had said no to selling out Jesus, would God have had to find another betrayer?

3-Did Judas hate Jesus??

4-Was Judas trying to force Jesus into a position of showing himself to be the messiah with earthy powers?

5-What kind of quality of life did Jesus have?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king issued an edict ending the exile of the Jews?
Yesterday's answer-Zedekiah   Jeremiah 52:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 14:1-12

How John the Baptist Was Killed

 ¹ At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the reports about Jesus.² So he said to his servants, "Jesus is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why he can work these miracles."

 ³ Sometime before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod's brother.⁴ John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to be married to Herodias."⁵ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.

 ⁶ On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, and she pleased him.⁷ So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.⁸Herodias told her daughter what to ask for, so she said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter."⁹ Although King Herod was very sad, he had made a promise, and his dinner guests had heard him. So Herod ordered that what she asked for be done.¹⁰ He sent soldiers to the prison to cut off John's head.¹¹ And they brought it on a platter and gave it to the girl, and she took it to her mother.¹² John's followers came and got his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I consider the words of Nehemiah who wrote, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” and Solomon who reminds us that “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Both verses speak about matters of the heart where we store up Your love, joy and goodness. Help us not to rely solely on external stimulus to bring forth a smile, but let our smiles be contagious as they are evidence of Your abundance within in our lives. Help us to find a person today who has no smile so that we can pass ours onto her or him in the Name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday May 20, 2012 thought for the day-from jasper

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is more than a feeling, it is a verb describing our behavior-

2-Love is a choice we make that results in action-

3-Love is patient, it focuses on people not circumstances-

4-Love is kind, we give ourselves to others-

5-Love does not envy, we rejoice over who others are and what they have-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Passing the buck-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your perspective on money is determined by your perspective of God-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The main library at Indiana University sinks more than an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who would have examined Jesus body and verified that he was dead?

2-Just what does the "foreknowledge of God" include?

3-Is there anyone beyond God's grace?

4-Why is it that most of the world's leaders have been evil men?

5-If God knew that man would reject him, why didn't he start off creation with a savior  instead of 4000 years later?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What blind king died in exile in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-one (Judah)  2 Kings 17:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 13:16-17

¹⁶ But you are blessed, because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears. ¹⁷ I tell you the truth, many prophets and good people wanted to see the things that you now see, but they did not see them. And they wanted to hear the things that you now hear, but they did not hear them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our family and friends who pull us away from that Mindset and add laughter to our lives, as well as the unexpected events that make us laugh at ourselves. Would you bring heartfelt laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

 

 

 

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