Friday June 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God desires for you to be faithful in the midst of your tests and trials-

2-When you are hungry for God, you will spend more time with him-

3-Moral people will have good ethics-

4-A ploy of Satan is if he can't make you sin, he'll make you busy-

5-Perfectionism keeps you motivated by fear-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It isn't that the key to success is hard to find, it is that the key to failure is always left in the ignition-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Encouragement gives us the strength to carry on-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Japan's currency is the most difficult to counterfeit-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever return home during his 3 years of ministry?

2-During Jesus ministry, where was "home" for him?

3-Were any of Jesus' siblings involved in his ministry?

4-Did Jesus says a final goodbye to his mother Mary before returning to his father?

5-What is the primary reason the populace never accepted Jesus as the Messiah?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Roman official gave Paul a centurion as a guard and told the centurion to allow Paul freedom to see whomever he wished?

Yesterday's answer-The chief Roman captain    Acts 22:30:23:1-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 20:17-19

¹⁷ While Jesus was going to Jerusalem, he took his twelve followers aside privately and said to them, ¹⁸ "Look, we are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be turned over to the leading priests and the teachers of the law, and they will say that he must die. ¹⁹ They will give the Son of Man to the non-Jewish people to laugh at him and beat him with whips and crucify him. But on the third day, he will be raised to life again."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is under Your wings that we find You to be a refuge in sorrow! How our heart yearningly turns to Your rest! Often when earth has no balm for our healing, there we find comfort and there we are blest. Under Your wings, there is precious enjoyment! There we will hide till life’s trials are o’er; sheltered, protected, no evil can harm us, resting in Jesus we are safe evermore. Under Your wings our souls shall abide, safely abide forever. Amen.

(Adapted from the hymn, “Under His Wings” written by William O. Cushing)

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

Thursday June 28, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"The loving father" was concerned with his prodigal son-

2-"The older brother" was concerned with himself-

3-"The older brother" wanted his prodigal brother to be punished for his life's choices, not showing grace of reconciliation toward him-

4-"The loving father" left the lights on, on the front porch light, so the prodigal son would know he was welcome and could find his way home-

5-Usually you do not get to chose the tests and trials of your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even the smoothest, widest path is no good if you can't find it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is far more important for others to discover your good qualities without your help-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Nestle' is the largest company in Switzerland, yet more than 98 percent of it's revenue comes from outside the country-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How many children were there in Joseph's and Mary's family?

2-Did Joseph bring any children to his marriage to Mary?

3-Did Mary have any daughters?

4-Who provided for Mary when Jesus started his ministry?

5-Could Mary have remarried after Joseph's death?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Paul was mobbed in the temple, who rescued him?

Yesterday's answer-Philippi  Acts 16:16-22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 20:1-16

A Story About Workers

 ¹ "The kingdom of heaven is like a person who owned some land. One morning, he went out very early to hire some people to work in his vineyard. ² The man agreed to pay the workers one coin^[a] for working that day. Then he sent them into the vineyard to work.³ About nine o'clock the man went to the marketplace and saw some other people standing there, doing nothing.⁴ So he said to them, 'If you go and work in my vineyard, I will pay you what your work is worth.'⁵ So they went to work in the vineyard. The man went out again about twelve o'clock and three o'clock and did the same thing.⁶ About five o'clock the man went to the marketplace again and saw others standing there. He asked them, 'Why did you stand here all day doing nothing?' ⁷ They answered, 'No one gave us a job.' The man said to them, 'Then you can go and work in my vineyard.'

    ⁸ "At the end of the day, the owner of the vineyard said to the boss of all the workers, 'Call the workers and pay them. Start with the last people I hired and end with those I hired first.'

    ⁹ "When the workers who were hired at five o'clock came to get their pay, each received one coin. ¹⁰ When the workers who were hired first came to get their pay, they thought they would be paid more than the others. But each one of them also received one coin.¹¹ When they got their coin, they complained to the man who owned the land.¹² They said, 'Those people were hired last and worked only one hour. But you paid them the same as you paid us who worked hard all day in the hot sun.'¹³ But the man who owned the vineyard said to one of those workers, 'Friend, I am being fair to you. You agreed to work for one coin.¹⁴ So take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same pay that I gave you. ¹⁵ I can do what I want with my own money. Are you jealous because I am good to those people?'

    ¹⁶ "So those who are last now will someday be first, and those who are first now will someday be last."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and eager to give the benefit of the doubt to others. We often jump to conclusions that are erroneous due to our own preconceived ideas or based on past experiences.  Give each of us an understanding heart, a forgiving attitude, and a discerning spirit as we relate to those who intersect our paths from day to day. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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

Wednesday June 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The cross, a tool of death, is a symbol of Jesus love-

2-A good name is better than silver or gold-

3-If there is no love, there is no grief-

4-The journey of grief shouldn't be walked alone-

5-The purpose of a test is it see if you've learned what you need to know-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-All it takes to appreciate light is trying to walk in the dark-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I can't have everything, I have no place to put it-

 

DID YOU KNOW-NERF, the popular children's foam toy company, doesn't really stand for anything-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Did nothing of significance happen to Jesus or his family during his early childhood or from 12-30 years of age?-

2-Why did Jesus never make any reference to his earthly father Joseph  that was stated in scripture?

3-Why is there no reference to either Joseph's or Mary's death in scripture?

4-Would Jesus have lived at home with his parents until the age of 30 when he went public with his ministry?

5-How long would Jesus' siblings have lived at home along with Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what city were Paul and Silas tried, flogged, and jailed after they cast a demon out of a fortune teller?

Yesterday's answer-That he had taught that Jesus had aimed to change the customs taught by Moses    Acts 6:11-14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:23-30

 ²³ Then Jesus said to his followers, "I tell you the truth, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Yes, I tell you that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."

 ²⁵ When Jesus' followers heard this, they were very surprised and asked, "Then who can be saved?"

 ²⁶ Jesus looked at them and said, "For people this is impossible, but for God all things are possible."

 ²⁷ Peter said to Jesus, "Look, we have left everything and followed you. So what will we have?"

 ²⁸ Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, when the age to come has arrived, the Son of Man will sit on his great throne. All of you who followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And all those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother,^[a] children, or farms to follow me will get much more than they left, and they will have life forever. ³⁰ Many who are first now will be last in the future. And many who are last now will be first in the future.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and eager to give the benefit of the doubt to others. We often jump to conclusions that are erroneous due to our own preconceived ideas or based on past experiences.  Give each of us an understanding heart, a forgiving attitude, and a discerning spirit as we relate to those who intersect our paths from day to day. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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

Tuesday June 26, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus asked "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me" so we'd never have to-

2-When Jesus was on the cross he invited God to treat him like he would treat us for our sin, so sin purging judgement flowed over the sinless Son of God-

3-We were not asked to write the drama of redemption but are asked to respond to it-

4-On Easter morning the sun is up and the son is out-

5-Jesus tomb stone was not moved so he could come out but so the women could see in-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If they laugh at you because you are different, laugh at them became they are the same-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A river cuts through a rock not because of it's power but it's persistence-

 

DID YOU KNOW-IBM's motto is "Think"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did baby Jesus have any "special" something about him that others could tell he was divine?

2-At the time of the Holy Family return to Israel from Egypt, did Mary have any other children?

3-How old was Jesus when the Holy Family settled in Nazareth?

4-When the Holy Family made the trip to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover, did Mary have any more children?

5-How did Joseph provide for his family while traveling to, living in and traveling from Egypt?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Steven was brought to trial, what was the charge against him?

Yesterday's answer-The lame man Peter and John had healed   Acts 4:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 19:16-22

¹⁶ A man came to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to have life forever?"

 ¹⁷ Jesus answered, "Why do you ask me about what is good? Only God is good. But if you want to have life forever, obey the commands."

 ¹⁸ The man asked, "Which commands?"

   Jesus answered, " 'You must not murder anyone; you must not be guilty of adultery; you must not steal; you must not tell lies about your neighbor; ¹⁹ honor your father and mother;^[a]and love your neighbor as you love yourself.' "^[b]

 ²⁰ The young man said, "I have obeyed all these things. What else do I need to do?"

 ²¹ Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, then go and sell your possessions and give the money to the poor. If you do this, you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me."

 ²² But when the young man heard this, he left sorrowfully, because he was rich.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to grow in the grace and knowledge imparted to us through the teachings of Jesus and Your faithful servants who were inspired by the Holy Spirit. We know this involves much more than simply reading the Scriptures, but it includes meditating and memorizing principles and portions of the inspired text. It includes saying “no to ungodliness and worldly passions and living self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” As our world continues the slide into decadence and self-indulgence, it means that we, with great intention, set our heart’s desires on that which is pure and holy so that we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday June 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus never knew the fruits of sin until he became sin for us-

2-Jesus knew the price of sin was death, he knew the source of those sins was you and I and since he couldn't bear the thought of eternity without us, he chose the nails-

3-On the cross, Jesus changed places with us-

4-When Jesus was nailed on the cross his seamless robe was removed and he wore the robe of indignity-

5-On the cross Jesus wore the clothing of the sins of all humanity-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't wake up a person who is pretending to be asleep-

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing tastes so good as thin feels-

DID YOU KNOW-A single share of Coca-Cola stock purchased in 1919, when the company went public, would have been worth $92,500 in 1997

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How long did the Magi stay with the Holy  Family?

2-After the Magi visit, when did the Holy Family leave for Egypt?

3-How old was the boy Jesus when his family went to live in Egypt?

4-How long was the journey in time of the Holy Family's trip to Egypt?

5-While living in Egypt, did Jesus' mother Mary have any more children?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What person's presence at the trial of Peter and John kept the rulers and priests from punishing the two apostles?

Yesterday's answer-The people claimed that Pilate was no friend of Caesar    John 19:12

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 19:13-15

¹³ Then the people brought their little children to Jesus so he could put his hands on them^[a] and pray for them. His followers told them to stop, ¹⁴ but Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children." ¹⁵ After Jesus put his hands on the children, he left there.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Daily prayer: Father, we are given a tremendous trust when You permit us to raise a child.  What begins as a privilege and blessing can also turn into a challenge or desperate situation.  No circumstance is too difficult for You. Your arm is not too weak to save, nor Your ear too deaf to hear our heart’s cry. We pray for our children as they seek to overcome life’s difficulties and battle the enemy’s schemes.  Help us to properly provide for their physical and spiritual needs as they journey into adulthood.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday June 24, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Yours is the hand that Jesus wants to hold-

2-We will never be able to wash the feet of those who have hurt us until we allow Jesus, the one we have hurt, to wash ours-

3-The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human-

4-John 3:16 begins with God and ends with life-

5-God loves-he gave-we believe-we live-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-One seventh of your life is spent on mondays-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for as long as you did-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Snow angels originated from medieval Jewish mystics who practiced rolling in the snow to purge themselves of evil urges-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the Magi think they could follow a star?

2-Did the Magi have any idea of  where the star would lead?

3-Were the Magi really wanting to worship "The king of the Jews"?

4-Where did the Magi find the baby Jesus?

5-What did Joseph and Mary think when the Magi from a distant land showed up bearing expensive gifts?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What stinging accusation of the Jews finally convinced Pilate to allow Jesus to be executed?

Yesterday's answer-The Holy Spirit    Matthew 10:16-20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 19:1-6

¹ After Jesus said all these things, he left Galilee and went into the area of Judea on the other side of the Jordan River.²Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

 ³ Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trick him. They asked, "Is it right for a man to divorce his wife for any reason he chooses?"

 ⁴ Jesus answered, "Surely you have read in the Scriptures: When God made the world, 'he made them male and female.'^[a]5 And God said, 'So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body.'^[b] 6So there are not two, but one. God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the Psalmist wrote that you “set the lonely in families”. It is a joy and privilege to love and to be loved, to care for others and to be cared for. Today we especially pray for our readers who are fathers attempting to raise young children in the ways of the Lord. May their walk and talk be exemplary and reflect that which is taught in Your Word. Grant them wisdom and endurance as they undergo the testings common to fathers who train and discipline their children to live responsibly, respectfully, and obediently toward the teachings within Your Word. May they equip their children with the example and teachings needed for their present life, for their adult years and for their life eternal. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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

Saturday June 23, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To be forced to die is one thing but to willing carry your own cross is something else--Jesus did-

2-To unselfishly give your life for another is one thing but to willingly plan to sacrifice your life for them is another-Jesus did-

3-A little love can change a life-

4-Christians have not been sprinkled with forgiveness or spattered with grace but are submerged in mercy-

5-Sometimes we have to say no to good things so we can say yes to the right thing-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You cannot recycle wasted time-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't be so quick to judge, for you never know when you might just find yourself walking in that person's shoes-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A young shepherd boy discovered the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, Jordan, in 1947-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does "Messiah" mean?

2-When was Jesus first said to be savior for both Gentiles and Jews?

3-Why did Joseph and Mary choose to live in Bethlehem?

4-Did the Holy Family stay in Bethlehem until going to Egypt?

5-How did the star beckon the Magi?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Jesus, when his followers were dragged into court, they would not need to worry about their defense, for someone else would speak through them.  Who?

Yesterday's answer-Herod    Luke 23:1-11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 18:23-35

²³ "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who decided to collect the money his servants owed him. ²⁴ When the king began to collect his money, a servant who owed him several million dollars was brought to him. ²⁵ But the servant did not have enough money to pay his master, the king. So the master ordered that everything the servant owned should be sold, even the servant's wife and children. Then the money would be used to pay the king what the servant owed.

    ²⁶ "But the servant fell on his knees and begged, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.' ²⁷ The master felt sorry for his servant and told him he did not have to pay it back. Then he let the servant go free.

    ²⁸ "Later, that same servant found another servant who owed him a few dollars. The servant grabbed him around the neck and said, 'Pay me the money you owe me!'

    ²⁹ "The other servant fell on his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything I owe.'

    ³⁰ "But the first servant refused to be patient. He threw the other servant into prison until he could pay everything he owed. ³¹ When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry. So they went and told their master all that had happened.

    ³² "Then the master called his servant in and said, 'You evil servant! Because you begged me to forget what you owed, I told you that you did not have to pay anything. ³³ You should have showed mercy to that other servant, just as I showed mercy to you.' ³⁴ The master was very angry and put the servant in prison to be punished until he could pay everything he owed.

    ³⁵ "This king did what my heavenly Father will do to you if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when we offer our bodies to you as living sacrifices we find out what pleases You, and brings You honor by renewing our mind to be like the mind of Christ.  We choose to conform no longer to the pattern of this world, but rather the pattern of the life of Christ. In doing so we can more easily discern Your will for our life. Then our spirit is at rest and our mind is quickened to that which makes us useful for Your kingdom. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray to our Father.  Amen.

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

Friday June 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is power in sin to cause us to want to do evil-

2-Wherever Jesus goes, his presence triggers and immediate response from the unholy-

3-Jesus could hold the universe in his hand but gave it up to float in the womb of a maiden, he went from holding stars to holding Mary's hand-

4-Jesus went from limitless eternity to be confined by time in order to become one of us-

5-In order for Jesus to change the world, he had to leave his world-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is usually the last key of the bunch that opens the lock-

 

DID YOU KNOW-According to ceremonial customs of Orthodox Judaism, it is officially sundown when you cannot tell the difference between a black thread and a red thread-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-When did Joseph and Mary begin to understand all the events surrounding the birth of Jesus?

2-Was Joseph really Jesus' stepfather?

3-Would Jesus have had to be adopted by Joseph to be his legal son?

4-Why are there two different family trees of Jesus given in Matthew and Luke?

5-When was Jesus consecrated in the temple on Jerusalem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What cynical king asked Jesus questions and then allowed him to be mocked?

Yesterday's answer-at least two  Deuteronomy 17:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 18:21-22

 ²¹ Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, when my fellow believer sins against me, how many times must I forgive him? Should I forgive him as many as seven times?"

 ²² Jesus answered, "I tell you, you must forgive him more than seven times. You must forgive him even if he wrongs you seventy times seven.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You know the true content of my heart though others may be fooled by my words and actions. So it is with You that I must keep a short account and pray from a genuine heart that I will act in accordance to Your revealed will and think upon those things which are honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. Thoughts form in my mind before they are spoken from my mouth, so I pray that You would purify my mind, keep my tongue from evil, and enable me to stand for that which is honorable in Your sight so that I pass the tests of life and hear you say, “I am pleased with your integrity.” In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.

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

Thursday June 21, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus not only gives us a new life but also connects us to his power-

2-Jesus birth was majesty in the midst of the mundane-

3-When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Joseph was caught in the middle, for the law said to stone her and his love for her said to believe her-

4-For God to give mankind a choice in serving him he had to create satan as an alternative-

5-Love is a choice and not just a feeling-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The most fattening thing you can put in a double banana split is a spoon-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Promises mean everything, but after they are broken, sorry means nothing-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Los Vegas has the most chapels per capita than any other US city-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the inn keepers wife have been a midwife to Mary?

2-Why were shepherds considered to be low cast in their society? 

3-Why were shepherds the first people notified of Jesus' birth?

4-How did the shepherds know where to find the holy family in Bethlehem?

5Why would the villagers not believe the shepherds when they told them of their experience?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According the Jewish Law, how many witnesses were necessary before a man could be tried and put to death?

Yesterday's answer-His father in law, Jethro   Exodus 18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 18:15-20

¹⁵ "If your fellow believer sins against you,^[a] go and tell him in private what he did wrong. If he listens to you, you have helped that person to be your brother or sister again. ¹⁶ But if he refuses to listen, go to him again and take one or two other people with you. 'Every case may be proved by two or three witnesses.'^[b] 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen to the church, then treat him like a person who does not believe in God or like a tax collector.

    ¹⁸ "I tell you the truth, the things you don't allow on earth will be the things God does not allow. And the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows.

    ¹⁹ "Also, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about something and pray for it, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ This is true because if two or three people come together in my name, I am there with them."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your warnings regarding the deluge of deceitful tactics from the enemy is evidenced all around us – through the media, books, false prophets and even well-meaning but confused individuals. Your Word is the stabilizing and authoritative doctrinal manual for all that we need for life and godliness. Help us to be wise, studied, and vigilant so that we correctly discern good from bad, truth from error. In Your holy name we pray, Amen.

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

Wednesday June 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The supreme surprise of hell is that Jesus went there so we don't have to-

2-Thanks to Jesus, this earth can be the nearest you come to hell, but apart from him the earth is the nearest you'll come to heaven-

3-God makes the offer, we make the choice-

4-God is the God of reclamation, not extermination-

5-"Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We connect with a career, find meaning in family, enjoy good living, amass some assets, have great friends, and yet we still long for more-

I'VE LEARNED-A successful diet is mind over platter-

DID YOU KNOW-Kerimaki Church in Finland is the world's largest church made of wood-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Were dreams a primary way God spoke to people up until Jesus' time?

2-Why would Joseph believe in a dream as an answer to his dilemma?

3-Why would Joseph and Mary be celibate until after Jesus' birth?

4-How frightened would Mary have been to deliver a baby with no female attendants?

5-Why was Bethlehem chosen to be Jesus' birthplace?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who suggested to Moses that he appoint judges so that he would not have to judge all cases himself?

Yesterday's answer-Two  Matthew 26:57-66

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew  18:10-14

¹⁰ "Be careful. Don't think these little children are worth nothing. I tell you that they have angels in heaven who are always with my Father in heaven. [ ¹¹ The Son of Man came to save lost people.]^[a]

    ¹² "If a man has a hundred sheep but one of the sheep gets lost, he will leave the other ninety-nine on the hill and go to look for the lost sheep. ¹³ I tell you the truth, if he finds it he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that were never lost. ¹⁴ In the same way, your Father in heaven does not want any of these little children to be lost.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Loving Father, we thrive on Your gracious and compassionate ways, your slowness to anger and Your abounding love. You satisfy our desires with good things and do not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. In Your goodness and mercy You remove our sins from us, as far as the east is from the west. We give thanks to You, our Father, for You are good and Your love endures forever. Amen.

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

Tuesday June 19, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Hell, like heaven is not a state of mind or a metaphysical dimension of floating spirits but an actual place populated by physical beings-

2-Death freezes the moral compass and people remain the way they enter-

3-God honors our request to leave us along-

4-A loving God doesn't send people to hell, they volunteer-

5-God who hates sin, unleashed his wrath on his son who took on himself the sins of mankind-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you want to make a long story short, don't tell it-

I'VE LEARNED-Everyone looks good in the dark-

DID YOU KNOW-Two thirds of Portugal was owned by the church in the early eighteenth century-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How difficult was it for Mary to inform Joseph that she was pregnant?

2-Was it difficult for Mary to convince Joseph that her pregnancy story was true, and not a made up story to cover her behavior while visiting Elizabeth?

3-Would Mary's family as well as Joseph's family have felt disgraced by Mary's pregnancy?

4-What does it say about Joseph that he considered divorcing Mary as a way out of a difficulty?

5-Jesus was a very common name, so why did God choose that name for the messiah?

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Jesus was brought before the Council, how many false witnesses were brought in to accuse him?

Yesterday's answer-Paul and Silas  Acts 16:16-24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 18:1-9

 ¹ At that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

 ² Jesus called a little child to him and stood the child before his followers. ³ Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child.

    ⁵ "Whoever accepts a child in my name accepts me. ⁶If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a large stone tied around the neck and be drowned in the sea.⁷ How terrible for the people of the world because of the things that cause them to sin. Such things will happen, but how terrible for the one who causes them to happen!⁸ If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose part of your body and live forever than to have two hands and two feet and be thrown into the fire that burns forever. ⁹ If your eye causes you to sin, take it out and throw it away. It is better for you to have only one eye and live forever than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.


PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us not to be like the Pharisees of old who were proud of their spiritual accomplishments, mingling only with those of like mind. You have called us to reach out to the lost and dying, to be examples of Your saving grace, to share the salvation message with those whose eternal future hangs in the balance. Just as we were rescued from the domain of darkness, we want to snatch others from that darkness as well. We throw out the lifeline of salvation through the cleansing blood of Jesus our Lord as we pull them to eternal safety. Amen.

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

Monday June 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God is not the Grand Marshall of the parade, he is the parade, he is not the main event, he is the only event-

2-God speaks through nature, nurture, majesty or mishap-

3-Hell is the most somber of all the Christian realities-

4-Anyone who discussed "hell" glibly or proclaims it gleefully has failed  to ponder it deeply-

5-God put a one word caution sign between us and hell-"perish"-

STRANGE THOUGHT FOR TODAY-Silence is often misinterpreted, but it is never misquoted-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't under estimate the power of God-

DID YOU KNOW-It was only after 440 AD that December 25 was celebrated as the birth of Jesus Christ-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was Joseph and Mary's native language?

2-Did Mary have any foreknowledge that Elizabeth's child and her child would have spiritual contact?

3-Why did John the Baptist choose to live in the desert?

4-Why was it important for Mary to go and stay with Elizabeth for 3 months?

5-When did Mary first tell Joseph that it was time for Jesus to be born, before or after getting to the inn?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who remained in the prison at Philippi even after an earth quake opened the prison doors?

Yesterday's answer-Peter and John  Acts 4:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Matthew 17:24-27

²⁴ When Jesus and his followers came to Capernaum, the men who collected the Temple tax came to Peter. They asked, "Does your teacher pay the Temple tax?"

 ²⁵ Peter answered, "Yes, Jesus pays the tax."

   Peter went into the house, but before he could speak, Jesus said to him, "What do you think? The kings of the earth collect different kinds of taxes. But who pays the taxes—the king's children or others?"

 ²⁶ Peter answered, "Other people pay the taxes."

   Jesus said to Peter, "Then the children of the king don't have to pay taxes. ²⁷ But we don't want to upset these tax collectors. So go to the lake and fish. After you catch the first fish, open its mouth and you will find a coin. Take that coin and give it to the tax collectors for you and me."

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father God, You have called us to be a chosen generation, a people set apart to show forth the praises of Christ who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Since You have enlightened our darkness we will not conceal it, but we will allow it to shine forth wherever we are; in the marketplace, in our homes, in the business place, in the neighborhood, in the voting booth, in church and wherever we have opportunity to bring forth light in this world of darkness. We can make a difference and want to do so. We want to witness faithfully of the light of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we pray.  Amen.

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

Sunday June 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus' words to his followers is simply this--"Trust me!"

2-Christianity is exclusive, there is no other way to heaven-

3-Trusting God is what gets you set right with God-

4-God takes "start to finish line" responsibility for his children-

5-Inhabitants of heaven forever marvel at the sins God forgives, the promises he keeps and the plans he executes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you fall, I'll be there--the floor

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do not over estimate your ability to withstand temptation-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The three cardinal virtues are faith, hope and charity-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Joseph have been old enough to be Mary's father?

2-Is it possible Joseph had been married before being married to Mary and was a widower?

3-Could Joseph have had children from a previous marriage?

4-Would Joseph and Mary have had their own home or would they have lived with Joseph's family?

5-How soon after the angel Gabriel's visit with Mary, did she become pregnant?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two apostles were put into prison in Jerusalem for preaching the gospel?

Yesterday's answer-Micaiah    1 Kings 22:26-27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 17:22-23

²² While Jesus' followers were gathering in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man will be handed over to people, ²³ and they will kill him. But on the third day he will be raised from the dead." And the followers were filled with sadness.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, help us not to resent the storms of life or be fearful of their effects. Much like we prepare for a ravaging storm by anchoring valuables to a firm foundation, help us to anchor our hearts in the firm foundation of Your Word that will help us to withstand the testings and trials of life that are certain to come our way. Even as a ship is proven to be seaworthy over its lifetime, may our faith be proven trustworthy as we hold onto You, the Anchor for our soul.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

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