Tuesday July 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If we truly believe that God loves us, we will trust him-

2-Submission is not about authority or obedience, it is all about relationships of love and respect-

3-Abolish God and the government becomes God-

4-People never do evil so willingly and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction-

5-It is almost impossible to rescue someone if they are not willing to trust you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A friend of mine has a nose ring.  She keeps the volume low, though, and sets it to vibrate while in church-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God didn't create everything in one day, so what makes me think I can?

 

DID YOU KNOW-The expression "getting someone's goat" is based on the custom of keeping a goat in the sable with a racehorse as the horse's companion.  The goat became a settling influence for the thoroughbred.  If you owned a competing horse and were not above some dirty business, you could steal your rival's goat to upset the other horse and make it run a poor race-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is anger always a sin?

2-How can we have the right attitude of morality in our life that we would rather tear out our eye or cut off our hand than commit sin?

3-How narrow was Jesus' teaching on the rightness or wrongness of divorce?

4-How important is it to keep promises we make to God or others?

5-Did Jesus teach that we shouldn't make an oath?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what city was Jesus almost killed by an angry mob?

yesterday's answer-Saul    1 Samuel 18:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 23:37-39

³⁷ "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone to death those who are sent to you. Many times I wanted to gather your people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you did not let me.³⁸ Now your house will be left completely empty. ³⁹ I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, 'God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord.' "

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

Prayer from Colossians 1:9-13:  A prayer suitable for each of us to pray for our brothers and sisters in the faith, both near and far.

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

Sunday July 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Grace rarely makes sense for those looking in from the outside-

2-Love always leaves a significant mark-

3-God created us to love and to be loved-

4-Living unloved is like clipping a bird's wing and removing its ability to fly-

5-Trust is the fruit of a relationship in which you know you are loved-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A chrysanthemum by any other name would be easier to spell-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Under someone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sprinters on track teams started taking a crouching start in 1908-

 

5 THINGS I WANTED TO KNOW

1-How did Jesus fulfill the scriptures, God's law and the prophets?

2-Jesus said we should keep the law.  Was he referring to the commandments?

3-Why did Jesus say that using the term "you fool" was such a terrible thing to say?

4-Jesus said if we remember that someone has something against us, we are to go and make things right with them.  Is this always possible and always the best thing to do?

5-Why did Jesus say that in committing murder and getting angry with someone you are equally guilty?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who threw a javelin at David?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel      19:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 23:37-39

³⁷ "Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone to death those who are sent to you. Many times I wanted to gather your people as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you did not let me.³⁸ Now your house will be left completely empty. ³⁹ I tell you, you will not see me again until that time when you will say, 'God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord.' "

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when we consider the zeal and creative way the paralyzed man’s friends brought him to Jesus we’re challenged to do likewise. This man was helpless and unable to reach the Healer on his own, but Jesus healed and saved him through the effort and faith of his friends. They cared compassionately and the barriers did not stop them from bringing him to his only Hope.  Help us to be persistent in reaching out to those whose only hope for salvation is by bringing them to Christ.

Give us creative ideas that will enable us to break through the barriers.  Show us loving gestures that will help them to know how deeply we care.  Grant us merciful hearts toward those who doubt so that we might snatch them from the eternal fire of damnation. As You lay the soul of a needy individual upon our hearts, may Your love be seen through our faithful witness.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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

Saturday July 28, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Money should never become the object and end of your motivation-

2-Making money isn't the backbone of your guiding purpose, it is the by product of your guiding purpose-

3-Our love for one another is the fruit, not the root, of our relationship with God-

4-A sense of humor can help you overlook the unattractive, tolerate the unpleasant, cope with the unexpected and smile through the unbearable-

5-Laughter is the health of the soul-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to prove that sleep is unnecessary for human existence-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Money doesn't buy class-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In 1936, American track star Jesse Owens beat a racehorse over a one hundred yard course.  The horse was given a head start.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Sermon on the Mount (based on love) replace the 10 commandments (based on laws)?

2-Why didn't and why don't the Jewish people understand that Jesus came as a deliverer of people, not a nation?

3-How does salt lose its taste?

4-Is tasteless salt good for anything?

5-How can we "shine our light" so that others can see the "good" we do and will praise God, without drawing attention to ourselves?

 

BIB LE TRIVIA-What prophet was commanded to make a model of Jerusalem and set battering rams against it?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom     2 Samuel 18:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 23:33-36

³³ "You are snakes! A family of poisonous snakes! How are you going to escape God's judgment? ³⁴ So I tell you this: I am sending to you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify. Some of them you will beat in your synagogues and chase from town to town.³⁵ So you will be guilty for the death of all the good people who have been killed on earth—from the murder of that good man Abel to the murder of Zechariah^[a] son of Berakiah, whom you murdered between the Temple and the altar. ³⁶ I tell you the truth, all of these things will happen to you people who are living now.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have called us to be faithful witnesses wherever we live and in whatever we do.  You haven’t delegated this responsibility just to those in vocational ministries, but to all who have experienced Your forgiveness through salvation.  By Your grace we will be shining lights throughout our darkened nation so that others will see the glory of Christ in our lives and hear the message of hope in our faithful witness.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  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 July 27, 2012 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Despite popular dismissals of the Bible as little more than fable and fabrication, archeology has provided remarkable evidence of it's historical evidence-

2-If you do what you love and love what you do, you'll be happy-

3-Keeping up with the Jones' is the worst epidemic among those who should never consider that notion in the first place-

4-Life is about simple yet profound choices-

5-Having a wrong mentor is as devastating as having a wrong purpose in your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I've had amnesia for as long as I can remember-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We should be glad God doesn't give us all we ask for-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Michael Jordon shaves his head Tuesdays and Saturdays-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why were 12 chosen to be disciples?

2-When did Jesus' disciples become apostles?

3-What is the difference between a disciple and an apostle?

4-Did Jesus heal everyone who came to him that needed healing?

5-What is the difference in "Kingdom of God" and "Kingdom of heaven"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What rebel was killed by three darts, shot into his heart by Joab?

Yesterday's answer-A tent peg   Judges 4:17-21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 23:29-32

²⁹ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets, and you show honor to the graves of those who lived good lives. ³⁰ You say, 'If we had lived during the time of our ancestors, we would not have helped them kill the prophets.' ³¹ But you give proof that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. ³² And you will complete the sin that your ancestors started.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, surely Your arm is not too short to save, nor Your ear too dull to hear our prayers. Our iniquities have separated us from You, Father, so we repent of those things that have distanced us from a holy God. May our faith be renewed and our resolve to follow You be firm as we call upon Your name. We desire to walk, not in our own finite wisdom, but in the infinite wisdom of Almighty God whose understanding knows no bounds. May we be found faithful as we call out to You, for we know You hear us. Amen.

 

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

Thursday July 26, 2012 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves-

2-God is, even if all the world denies him-

3-Truth stands, even if there is no public support for it, it is self sustained-

4-Many sincere seekers of truth look first in the wrong places-

5-Jesus said "If you abide in my word, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A person with a sense of humor doesn't make jokes out of life, he just recognizes the ones that are there-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can tell a lot about a person by the way they handle 3 things-a rainy day, lost luggage and a discourteous driver-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike annually than all the Nike factory workers in Malaysia combined-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was 'tax collectors" and 'sinners" put together in the same category?

2-What did Jesus mean when he said "I have not come to call righteous people....to repentance"-

3-Which part of the Trinity does miracles and performs "God moments" on earth?

4-Why didn't Jesus chose a gentile, a woman, a person of a different color, etc. to be one of his disciples?

5-Why didn't Jesus chose one person from each of the 12 tribes if Israel for his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did Jael use to murder Sisera?

Yesterday's answer-Shamgar   Judges 3:31

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 23:27-28

²⁷ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You are like tombs that are painted white. Outside, those tombs look fine, but inside, they are full of the bones of dead people and all kinds of unclean things. ²⁸ It is the same with you. People look at you and think you are good, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and evil.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your Word. I delight in your law. I will not neglect your Word. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Amen.

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

Wednesday July 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-He who has a merry heart has a continual feast-

2-Humor should be a part of every survival kit-

3-Genuine humor is always kind and gracious.  It pointS out the weaknesses of humanity but shows no contempt and leaves no sting-

4-It is a great person who can laugh at himself with others and enjoy it as much as they do-

5-God gave humanity imagination to compensate them for what they are not and a sense of humor to console them for what they are-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The trouble of life in the fast lane is that you get to the end in a hurry-

 

I'VE LEARNED-People will forget what you said and what you did, but they will never forget how you made them feel-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The theme song of the Harlem Globetrotters is "Sweet Georgia Brown."

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can or does the Holy Spirit forgive sins?

2-Was Matthew an honest or a dishonest tax collector?

3-How did Matthew survive after giving up his lucrative job of tax collecting for the Roman government to follow Jesus with no income?

4-Why did Matthew go willingly and without hesitation respond to Jesus' invitation to "follow me"?

5-Is it possible that Matthew and Jesus had some prior unrecorded meeting with each other?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed 600 hundred Philistines with an ox goad?

Yesterday's answer-a two edged dagger   Judges 3:16-21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 23:25-26

²⁵ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You wash the outside of your cups and dishes, but inside they are full of things you got by cheating others and by pleasing only yourselves. ²⁶Pharisees, you are blind! First make the inside of the cup clean, and then the outside of the cup can be truly clean.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are the faithful, loving God on whom I can rely for everything. You provide salvation, safety and shelter and satisfy my heart’s desires when I feed upon Your Word.  Help me to feed upon that which is beneficial; that which lasts not just for a season but from everlasting to everlasting.  Amen.

 

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

Sunday July 22, 2012 thought for the day

Just a short note to let everyone know that i will be off the computer until Wednesday of next week  (July-25-12.  Taking a short 3 day vacation.  Talk to you then--jasper

Saturday July 21, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A prayer isn't worth praying unless it is backed by a fervent desire to see it realized-

2-The person on top of the mountain didn't just fall there-

3-Trusting God is an act of worship-

4-Your character is essentially the sum total of your habits-

5-Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A government big enough to give you everything you want is big enough to take everything you have-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When I have pains, I don't need to be one-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Basketball was invented by Canadian James Naismith in 1891-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-It seems that healing people was a major part of Jesus' ministry. Why isn't it today?

2-Which was more important, Jesus' teaching or his miracles?

3-How do you demonstrate faith?

4-When the paralyzed man was brought to Jesus for healing, why did Jesus say to him "your sins are forgiven"?

5-Who forgives our sin, God the father or Jesus the son?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did Ehud use to kill fat king Eglon of Moab?

Yesterday's answer-David    1 Samuel 17:40

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Matthew 23:23-24

²³ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You give to God one-tenth of everything you earn—even your mint, dill, and cumin.^[a] But you don't obey the really important teachings of the law—justice, mercy, and being loyal. These are the things you should do, as well as those other things. ²⁴ You guide the people, but you are blind! You are like a person who picks a fly out of a drink and then swallows a camel!

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus! I do now receive You, more than all in You I find.
You have granted me forgiveness, I am Yours and you are mine!

(Adapted from hymn “Jesus What A friend Of Sinners”)

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 July 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A few encouraging words can make a hugh difference in someone's life--

2-Life is more than just breathing, real living is made up of moments that take your breath away-

3-God is not looking for eloquence, perfection and drama, he is looking for faith-

4-Faith is the power behind your prayers-

5-Nothing is outside the reach of prayer except that which is outside the will of God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never say anything which doesn't improve on silence-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they are gone-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The first formal rules for playing baseball required the winning team to score twenty one runs-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it easier to believe in God if first we see a real miracle?

2-Over history, what has been the primary reason people have not accepted Jesus as the savior?

3-Why did Jesus' first four disciples respond so quickly to his invitation to follow him without first counting the cost on them or their families?

4-Why is "no prophet accepted in his own home"?

5-Why were Jesus' disciples so willing to follow a new young rabbi?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who carried 5 smooth stones as his weapons?

Yesterday's answer-Thessalonica   Acts 17:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 23:15-22

¹⁵ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You travel across land and sea to find one person who will change to your ways. When you find that person, you make him more fit for hell than you are.

    ¹⁶ "How terrible for you! You guide the people, but you are blind. You say, 'If people swear by the Temple when they make a promise, that means nothing. But if they swear by the gold that is in the Temple, they must keep that promise.' ¹⁷ You are blind fools! Which is greater: the gold or the Temple that makes that gold holy?¹⁸ And you say, 'If people swear by the altar when they make a promise, that means nothing. But if they swear by the gift on the altar, they must keep that promise.'¹⁹ You are blind! Which is greater: the gift or the altar that makes the gift holy?²⁰ The person who swears by the altar is really using the altar and also everything on the altar.²¹ And the person who swears by the Temple is really using the Temple and also everything in the Temple. ²² The person who swears by heaven is also using God's throne and the One who sits on that throne.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in this age of competition and egocentricity help us to resist the Mindset of the world.  We’re tempted to focus on big numbers, large budgets, expensive buildings, newest resources, impressive staff and other worldly comparisons of those who share in this calling to minister to our lost and dying world.  When our focus is narrowed to imitating or competing with other ministry groups we lose sight of the One to whom we are honoring and our priorities become misaligned.  We want to thank You for the scores of people and ministries that are making a tremendous spiritual impact for Your Kingdom, many of them unheralded and unseen.   As Your followers, move us beyond pettiness, jealousy, and possessiveness to appreciate and affirm those who might have a different way of presenting the Gospel as long as it is in accordance with the Scripture. Help us to support and pray for one another as we carry forth the light of God’s Word.  You have called each one of us to lift up Your name and You will draw people to Yourself.  As we seek You above all else You will be our daily guide and out of our hearts will flow abundant springs of living water that will not run dry even in a drought stricken land. Amen.

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

Thursday July 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Without God's blessing, a millionaire is only a pauper-

2-Some sell out their future for the present and are blind to the reward that could be theirs-

3-There is no place for faith if we expect God to fulfill immediately what he promises-

4-Patience is the ballast of the soul that will keep it from rolling and tumbling in the storms of life-

5-Never lose an opportunity to bring sunshine into the life of another-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are far too smart to be the only thing standing in your way-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Making a "living" is not the same as making a "life"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It takes about eight seconds to make a baseball bat in a baseball bat factory-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is receiving eternal life as simple as "believing on Jesus"?

2-Did any of Jesus' actions condemn the world?

3-Why do the majority of people prefer spiritual darkness over spiritual light?

4-Did Jesus know beforehand that John the Baptist was going to be beheaded?

5-Is worshiping the right God in the right way more important than in the right place?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what city of Greece did a group of Jews whip up a company of thugs in an anti Paul riot?

Yesterday's answer-Pilate   Matthew 27:23-24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 23:8-14

⁸ "But you must not be called 'Teacher,' because you have only one Teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters together. ⁹ And don't call any person on earth 'Father,' because you have one Father, who is in heaven.¹⁰ And you should not be called 'Master,' because you have only one Master, the Christ.¹¹ Whoever is your servant is the greatest among you. ¹² Whoever makes himself great will be made humble. Whoever makes himself humble will be made great.

    ¹³ "How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You are hypocrites! You close the door for people to enter the kingdom of heaven. You yourselves don't enter, and you stop others who are trying to enter. [¹⁴ How terrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites. You take away widows' houses, and you say long prayers so that people will notice you. So you will have a worse punishment.]^[a]

^{PRAYER FOR TODAY}

Father, I pray for a spirit of cooperation and eagerness to contribute to the needs of the whole body, so that Your Church is built not just with sweat, bricks, and mortar but with love, care, and cooperative teamwork. Then we will go forth in unity and purpose as we do our part in building each other up encouraging others to use their God-given talents and acquired skills, all the while striving for unity in the faith.  In our service we desire to please You even as we serve and strengthen one another.  In the name of Jesus we commit ourselves to faithful service. Amen.

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

Tuesday July 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The out look may not always be good but the up look is great-

2-Patience and a critical spirit are mutually exclusive-

3-You become a better person when you learn to love impatient people-

4-Do not trust appearances for they are often false-

5-Do not invest yourself in wealth for it may disappear-

 

STRANGE THOUGHTS-The idea is to die young as old as possible-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else for you are the one who gets burned-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Baseball's home plate is seventeen inches wide-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did John the Baptist recognize who Jesus was?

2-Why was it not clear to the people when John told them who Jesus was?

3-Were any of Jesus' disciples previously followers of John the Baptist?

4-How many times did Jesus and John the Baptist meet?

5-Why was Jesus called a rabbi and yet John the Baptist wasn't?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Roman official in Jerusalem bowed to the wishes of an uncontrolled mob?

Yesterday's' answer-Goliath    1 Samuel 17:4-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 23:1-7

¹ Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his followers, ²"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees have the authority to tell you what the law of Moses says.³ So you should obey and follow whatever they tell you, but their lives are not good examples for you to follow. They tell you to do things, but they themselves don't do them. ⁴They make strict rules and try to force people to obey them, but they are unwilling to help those who struggle under the weight of their rules.

    ⁵ "They do good things so that other people will see them. They enlarge the little boxes^[a] holding Scriptures that they wear, and they make their special prayer clothes very long. ⁶ Those Pharisees and teachers of the law love to have the most important seats at feasts and in the synagogues. ⁷ They love people to greet them with respect in the marketplaces, and they love to have people call them 'Teacher.'

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray for a spirit of cooperation and eagerness to contribute to the needs of the whole body, so thaYour Church is built not just with sweat, bricks, and mortar but with love, care, and cooperative teamwork. Then we will go forth in unity and purpose as we do our part in building each other up encouraging others to use their God-given talents and acquired skills, all the while striving for unity in the faith.  In our service we desire to please You even as we serve and strengthen one another.  In the name of Jesus we commit ourselves to faithful service. Amen.

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

Monday July 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you feel like you can't go on is when God will carry you through whatever difficulty you are facing-

2-Life is like a roller coaster, but God is constant-

3-Helping others is one of the most important things you can do in life-

4-You never lose by giving-

5-"As thy days, so shall thy strength be"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you are young, speed and flash may be great.  When you get older and smarter, comfortable and dull are not so bad-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Live like someone left the door open-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Baseball was the first sport to be pictured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did John the Baptist call Jesus "The Lamb of God"?

2-How long did John the Baptist continue to baptize people after baptizing Jesus?

3-After the desert experience, did Jesus go back to John's public gatherings, and if so , why?

4-What was John's purpose in baptizing people?

5-Did John the Baptist know what the Holy Spirit was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What oversized warrior had bronze armor weighing over 125 pounds?

Yesterday's answer-Abraham   Genesis 12:11-13 and Isaac  Genesis 26:6-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 22:41-36

 ⁴¹ While the Pharisees were together, Jesus asked them,⁴² "What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?"

   They answered, "The Christ is the Son of David."

 ⁴³ Then Jesus said to them, "Then why did David call him 'Lord'? David, speaking by the power of the Holy Spirit, said,
    ⁴⁴ 'The Lord said to my Lord,
    "Sit by me at my right side,
       Until I put your enemies under your control." ' —Psalm 110:1
⁴⁵ David calls the Christ 'Lord,' so how can the Christ be his son?"

 ⁴⁶ None of the Pharisees could answer Jesus' question, and after that day no one was brave enough to ask him any more questions.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, how glorious it is to enjoy freedom from sin, thanks to the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, on my behalf.  My life, once enslaved to sin, now enjoys the freedom from that which once held me captive to Satan’s bondage.  I live in victory because You have set me free and I am now free indeed.  Thank You, Father, for delivering me from the domain of darkness and transferring me into the kingdom of Your Son in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sin!

We lift up our brothers and sisters in prayer who live in oppressive and persecuted lands whose voices and expressions of faith are stifled by ungodly laws and rulers.  Help them to hold to the faith no matter the circumstances.  Encourage those who have family members or parishioners who are imprisoned for their Christian testimony. Replace any fear with courage and any doubts with the certainty of Your presence and the working power of Your Holy Spirit “to do more than we can ever ask or imagine” in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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

Sunday July 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wisdom will keep you from getting into situations where you need it-

2-Many people are content to just sail around in the safe harbor of their life and not really go anywhere, others set their sails toward the horizon and head out to open seas-

3-It takes faith to set out into the unknown-

4-If you chose to accept God's love and perspective in all things you will begin to see the opportunity in every difficulty and the positive in ever negative situation-

5-The shores of God's blessing are not visible to those who stay in their safe harbors and don't venture out-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is it okay for vegetarians to eat animal cookies?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is not something you hold in your hands, it is something you carry in your heart-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Baseball games between college teams have been played since the civil war-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How was the third test of Jesus by satan a way to influence mankind?

2-Did anyone know that Jesus was in the desert being tested by satan?

3-How did angels help Jesus to recover from the desert ordeal of satan's testing?

4-Why did people think John the Baptist might be the prophesied messiah?

5-Where did John the Baptist get the right to baptize people?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two men, father and son, claimed at different times that their wives were actually their sisters?

Yesterday's answer-Satan     John 8:44

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 22:34-40

³⁴ When the Pharisees learned that the Sadducees could not argue with Jesus' answers to them, the Pharisees met together.³⁵ One Pharisee, who was an expert on the law of Moses, asked Jesus this question to test him:³⁶ "Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?"

 ³⁷ Jesus answered, " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'^[a] 38 This is the first and most important command.³⁹ And the second command is like the first: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.'^[b] 40 All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we ask You to not only open our eyes to that which is around us, but we ask You to open the eyes of our hearts so that we might envision that which is true and that which is false on a spiritual level. When we hide Your Word in our hearts we more quickly discern that which is masqueraded as good, but its source is from one of Satan’s servants “masquerading as a servant of righteousness.” Because Your Spirit reigns in our hearts and knowledge from Scripture fills our minds, we affirm that which is Scriptural and reject that which is heresy. May we ever be vigilant in attaining Scriptural knowledge and fervent in prayer as we encounter the gods of this age. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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