Friday August 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The past should be a guiding post not a hitching post-

2-It is not how far you fall but how high you bounce-

3-Look at life through the windshield not the rear view mirror-

4-God's eternal kingdom of love has conquered peoples eternal spirit for greater and longer lasting 

 than mere worldly empires of the sword or gun-

5-A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What would life be like if your pants really did catch fire every time you lied-

 

I'VE LEARNED-No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A top freestyle swimmer achieves a speed of only four miles per hour.  Fish, in contrast have been clocked at sixty eight miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is the story of the woman with a blood issue and Jairus' daughter in the same healing story?

2-When the woman with a blood issue was healed by touching Jesus' garment he said "Power has gone out of me".  What did he feel?

3-Did power go out of Jesus every time he healed someone?

4-After it was reported to Jairus that his daughter had died, did he still believe Jesus could heal her?

5-Why did Jesus tell those he healed not to tell anyone else?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who pelted King David with stones while telling him what a violent king he was?

Yesterday's answer-Goliath    1 Samuel 17:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 26:63-68

   Again the high priest said to Jesus, "I command you by the power of the living God: Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God."

 ⁶⁴ Jesus answered, "Those are your words. But I tell you, in the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of God, the Powerful One, and coming on clouds in the sky."

 ⁶⁵ When the high priest heard this, he tore his clothes and said, "This man has said things that are against God! We don't need any more witnesses; you all heard him say these things against God.⁶⁶ What do you think?"

   The people answered, "He should die."

 ⁶⁷ Then the people there spat in Jesus' face and beat him with their fists. Others slapped him.⁶⁸ They said, "Prove to us that you are a prophet, you Christ! Tell us who hit you!"

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we who find the answers to life in the Scriptures have also found the peace that comes with knowing Jesus as our Saviour. There is a restlessness and unending struggle for those who set out to rewrite that which has already been written for all time; the manual for all people of every nation, inspired by the Holy Spirit. We thank You for the Bible, Your holy instructions that teach, inspire, and give us faith for that which we don’t understand or have not yet experienced. The cross is foolishness to those who don’t believe, but for us who place our trust in Your plan for our salvation, cherish the old rugged cross so despised by the world. Keep us faithful and trusting until all is fully revealed in Your divine time. Amen.

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

Thursday August 30, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You develop a servants heart when you are willing to do anything-

2-If you can't say nice things about your friends, you should get new friends-

3-Courtesy is contagious-

4-Tell me who your heroes are and I'll tell you how you'll turn out to be-

5-Money is an excellent servant but a horrible master-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Sometimes it takes a good fall to know where you really stand-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help them in some other way-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The city of Denver was chosen to host and then refused the 1976 Winter Olympics-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever stay where he wasn't wanted?

2-Why were the people of Gadara so disturbed at seeing the formerly demon possessed man sane and in his right mind?

3-Was Jesus concerned that his destiny would get off schedule?

4-What ever happened to the demon possessed man called Legend after he was made clean of demons?

5-For how long a period of time did Jesus speak or teach in the synagogue?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who carried a staff that was as big as a weaver's beam?

Yesterday's answer-Samson   Judges 15:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 26:57-63

⁵⁷ Those people who arrested Jesus led him to the house of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders were gathered. ⁵⁸ Peter followed far behind to the courtyard of the high priest's house, and he sat down with the guards to see what would happen to Jesus.

 ⁵⁹ The leading priests and the whole Jewish council tried to find something false against Jesus so they could kill him.⁶⁰Many people came and told lies about him, but the council could find no real reason to kill him. Then two people came and said,⁶¹ "This man said, 'I can destroy the Temple of God and build it again in three days.' "

 ⁶² Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, "Aren't you going to answer? Don't you have something to say about their charges against you?"⁶³ But Jesus said nothing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we know that none of us are 100% humble, for we are clothed in these mortal, fallible bodies. But we do know that Jesus is the model of One completely humble in His humanity and divinity. He did not consider equality with You, our Father, something to be grasped but took on His personhood as a man and became obedient to death on the cross. We look to Him as the supreme example of humility and obedience. As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us, but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that the attitude of gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.

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

Wednesday August 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Teachers open the door, you enter by yourself-

2-To know the road ahead, ask those coming back-

3-When you drink water, remember the spring-

4-Great opportunities often disguise themselves as small tasks-

5-The little things in life determine the big things-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am not okay but I will be fine-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There may be a retirement age at work but there is no retirement age in life-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Olympic badminton rules say that the birdie has to have exactly fourteen feathers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was there a reason there were so many demons in the possessed man?

2-What happens to the demons who come out of a possessed person?

3-Can demons possess an animal as they do a person?

4-Why did Jesus want to heal the demon possessed man when he didn't ask for deliverance?

5-What happened to the 6000 demons who entered the 2000 pigs?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed  a thousand men with the jawbone of an ass?

Yesterday's answer-Saul   1 Samuel 31:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 26:51-56

⁵¹ When that happened, one of Jesus' followers reached for his sword and pulled it out. He struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his ear.

 ⁵² Jesus said to the man, "Put your sword back in its place. All who use swords will be killed with swords. ⁵³ Surely you know I could ask my Father, and he would give me more than twelve armies of angels. ⁵⁴ But it must happen this way to bring about what the Scriptures say."

 ⁵⁵ Then Jesus said to the crowd, "You came to get me with swords and clubs as if I were a criminal. Every day I sat in the Temple teaching, and you did not arrest me there. ⁵⁶ But all these things have happened so that it will come about as the prophets wrote." Then all of Jesus' followers left him and ran away.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we have been given a trust and desire to prove ourselves faithful in all areas of our lives as evidenced in our responsibilities carried out here on earth.  Being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us involves sacrifice, humbleness, repentance, and obedience which does not come easily, but is nevertheless required. As we walk steadily with You and prayerfully apply Scriptural principles we will be found faithful. We look to You in prayer and come to You through Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday August 28, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't get into your own business unless you like to smile-

2-Each generation will reap what the previous generation has sown-

3-Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach him to fish and you'll feed him for a lifetime-

4-If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will avoid a hundred days of sorrow-

5-If you don't want anyone to know, don't do it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are three kinds of people-those who are immovable, those who are movable, and those who move-

I'VE LEARNED-You should never say no to a gift from a child-

DID YOU KNOW-The five Olympic rings represent the continents-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus ever fearful or afraid?

2-How did the demon possessed man know that Jesus was "the son of the most high God"?

3-Was the demon possessed man called legend really possessed by 6000 demons?

4-How does a demon possess a person?

5-Where do demons reside in a possessed person?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king was critically wounded by Philistine arrows?

Yesterday's answer-Out in the fields  Genesis 4:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 26:47-50

⁴⁷ While Jesus was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve apostles, came up. With him were many people carrying swords and clubs who had been sent from the leading priests and the Jewish elders of the people. ⁴⁸ Judas had planned to give them a signal, saying, "The man I kiss is Jesus. Arrest him."⁴⁹ At once Judas went to Jesus and said, "Greetings, Teacher!" and kissed him.

 ⁵⁰ Jesus answered, "Friend, do what you came to do."

   Then the people came and grabbed Jesus and arrested him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Your mercy endures to all generations. Your truths are timeless and Your provisions are abundant to those who call upon your name. Help us to declare Your faithfulness to our own generation and to the generations that follow. Thank you for our ancestors who proclaimed Your faithfulness to their children who in turn passed on spiritual truths to us. And we now have the blessing and responsibility of proclaiming Your faithfulness to our children. Generation by generation we proclaim the salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.”

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

Monday August 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers-

2-A diamond with a flaw is worth more than a pebble without an imperfection-

3-A child's life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark-

4-A gem is not polished without rubbing, nor a man perfected without abrasions-

5-Dig the well before you are thirsty-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There is no mechanical problem so difficult that it cannot be solved by brute strength and ignorance-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Being kind is more important than being right-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tug of war was an Olympic event between 1900 and 1920-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there any sure way we can tell who is "good" or "evil" in this life?

2-What is the "kingdom of heaven" that Jesus talked about so much?

3-Why did the human Jesus need rest?

4-What did Jesus mean by saying "the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven are given to those who know, but not for those who are unbelieving enemies?

5-Was Jesus strength and endurance limited?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Cain kill Abel?

Yesterday's answer-Ishmael    2 Kings 25:25

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 26:42-46

 ⁴² Then Jesus went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this painful thing to be taken from me, and if I must do it, I pray that what you want will be done."

 ⁴³ Then he went back to his followers, and again he found them asleep, because their eyes were heavy.⁴⁴ So Jesus left them and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing.

 ⁴⁵ Then Jesus went back to his followers and said, "Are you still sleeping and resting? The time has come for the Son of Man to be handed over to sinful people. ⁴⁶ Get up, we must go. Look, here comes the man who has turned against me."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we marvel at the miracles Jesus performed, as recorded in the New Testament. Taking a young boy’s small lunch and feeding 5,000 men along with their wives and families is beyond our imagination. And then to have leftovers from such a setting is amazing. Just as the disciples and the crowd learned so much about Jesus through His feeding of the crowd we too learn that nothing is impossible with You. We also learn from this story that You are a resourceful God when Jesus instructed that the leftovers be collected rather than tossed. Help us to be good stewards of all that You provide for us showing us how to be creative and generous toward others as well. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday August 26, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Healthy obedience is out of love not fear-

2-Our love  for God is tested by our willingness to obey his commands, our willingness to live a life like Jesus and our willingness to love others as Jesus loved them-

3-Christians are not perfect but should be willing to make things right when there is a conflict-

4-When you have lots of "stuff" you are always afraid you will lose it-

5-One of life's greatest pleasures is helping others-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Only two countries have participated in every modern Olympic Games: Greece and Australia-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why were parables meant not to be clear?

2-Is it possible for God to create in every person's heart a longing desire to be connected to Him?

3-Why isn't the message of God heard and understood by everyone?

4-Why did God make all people different in how they respond to him calling them?

5-Will every person have a call of God in their life?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What rebel killed Gedaliah, the governor of Judah after the fall of Judah to the Babylonians?

Yesterday's answer-Joab   2 Samuel  20:9-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew  26:36-41

³⁶ Then Jesus went with his followers to a place called Gethsemane. He said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee with him, and he began to be very sad and troubled. ³⁸ He said to them, "My heart is full of sorrow, to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me."

 ³⁹ After walking a little farther away from them, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, do not give me this cup^[a] of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want." ⁴⁰ Then Jesus went back to his followers and found them asleep. He said to Peter, "You men could not stay awake with me for one hour? ⁴¹ Stay awake and pray for strength against temptation. The spirit wants to do what is right, but the body is weak."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word tells us to do everything without complaining and arguing so that we may become blameless and pure in a crooked and depraved generation. Instead of spreading negativity from our words and actions we are to shine like stars in the universe so that the divine light of Christ may be evident in the way we interact with our peers. Would You raise us above the fray of life as we determine to have an attitude of gratefulness and praise to Him who doeth all things well!  Amen.

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

Saturday August 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our relationship to God must be filled with our obedience to him-

2-Jesus does what we cannot do so we can be what we dare not dream, be perfect before God-

3-All good and healthy relationships have standards, rules and guidelines by which they operate-

4-As we discover how great the love of God is, our obedience to him is not a matter of duty

   but of willing choice which comes from our love for him-

5-My love for God should influence everything I do-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Husbands, if at first you don't succeed, do it the way your wife told you to-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Just one person saying to me "You've made my day!" makes my day-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Canada is the only country not to win a gold medal in the Simmer Olympic Games while hosting the event-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jonah spending three days in the belly of a large fish symbolic of Jesus spending three days in the grave?

2-How long did Jesus actually spend in the grave?

3-Was Jonah and Jesus' message the same--repentance?

4-What did Jesus mean saying "Anyone who does God's will is my brother, sister and mother"?

5-What was the reason Jesus spoke so much in parables?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed Amasa after holding his beard and kissing him?

Yesterday's answer-He cut her into twelve pieces and sent a piece to each tribe of Israel-   Judges 19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 26:31-35

³¹ Jesus told his followers, "Tonight you will all stumble in your faith on account of me, because it is written in the Scriptures: 
    'I will kill the shepherd, 
       And the sheep will scatter.' — Zechariah 13:7 
³² But after I rise from the dead, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

 ³³ Peter said, "Everyone else may stumble in their faith because of you, but I will not."

 ³⁴ Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, tonight before the rooster crows you will say three times that you don't know me."

 ³⁵ But Peter said, "I will never say that I don't know you! I will even die with you!" And all the other followers said the same thing.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are many goals, deadlines, and expectations we meet as we tarry here below. But there’s one goal yet unmet that will carry us to the very end of our lives here, and that’s to cross over the finish line that transports us from our temporal dwelling to our place of eternal rest. Rest from all that troubles us, a place where we will no longer taste of death, sickness, evil or sorrow. But until then we rejoice in knowing that Christ our Redeemer lives. He walks with us through every trial, every heartache, and every temptation that our enemy, the devil, hurls at us. We are victors through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose 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 August 24, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Obedience is the act of carrying out the commands or directives of another, compliance is behavior influenced by a peer or supervisor, conformity is behavior matching that of the majority-

2-Christian obedience is yielding our conduct to God's values rather than our own-

3-Actions confirm the words we speak-

4-Rather than dismiss our sin, Jesus assumed our sin and incredibly sentenced himself-

5-To walk in obedience to God is to walk in love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is hard to fly when something is weighing you down-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you are in love, it shows-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Four men in the history of boxing have been knocked out in the first eleven seconds of the first round-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jesus and his disciples need a treasurer?

2-Where did the money come from that Jesus and his disciples used?

3-What did Jesus mean saying "God will forgive every sin except for blasphemy against the Holy Spirit"

4-If the Trinity is one and equal, why is speaking against the Holy Spirit worse than speaking against the Father or Son?

5-Jesus said that all would be judged for their thoughtless and careless words.  What are those words?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In the time of the judges, what did the Levite do when his concubine had been savagely abused by the men of Gibeah?

Yesterday's answer-Benjamin     Judges 20:29-33

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 26:26-30

 

²⁶ While they were eating, Jesus took some bread and thanked God for it and broke it. Then he gave it to his followers and said, "Take this bread and eat it; this is my body."

 ²⁷ Then Jesus took a cup and thanked God for it and gave it to the followers. He said, "Every one of you drink this. ²⁸This is my blood which is the new^[a] agreement that God makes with his people. This blood is poured out for many to forgive their sins. ²⁹ I tell you this: I will not drink of this fruit of the vine^[b] again until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

 ³⁰ After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Gloria a Dios for the blessed gift of our five senses. Our surroundings become very much alive to us through our sense of touching, smelling, tasting, hearing and seeing; all a part of Your plan to help us navigate our way through life as we journey here below.  And yet it is through these senses that we also experience the irritations of life, the undesirable circumstances that can prompt an attitude of grumbling instead of gratitude, unless we have developed a sixth sense, the sense of gratitude which does away with grumbling. It doesn’t come as naturally as the five senses but Your Word develops our sense of gratitude as we apply its truths and prayerfully adapt it to our way of looking at things. Help us to give thanks in everything, for this is Your will, through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

* Gloria a Dios is translated “Glory to God”

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

Thursday August 23, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Christian journey is not a solo adventure-

2-Walking with Jesus does not mean we are Incapable of sinning, but that we do not have to-

3-Fellowship with Jesus does not give us a freedom to sin but the power not to-

4-God is faithful to forgive us if we want to be-

5-Jesus can make a difference in how you live but in order for that to happen you must understand who he is, what he has done and what he longs to do in you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is a mistake to allow any mechanical object to realize that you are in a hurry-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Boxing is the most popular sport to make a movie about-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the prostitute who washed and dried Jesus' feet an act of repentance or an act of worship?

2-Did it take a lot of courage for the prostitute to come uninvited to Jesus publicly at Simon's house?

3-Was the prostitute that came to Jesus at Simon's house wanting a lifestyle change?

4-Was Jesus and his disciples always on the go from place to place?

5-Who were the financial benefactors of Jesus and his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What tribe was ambushed at Gibeah by the other tribes of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Paul     Acts 21:30-35

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 26:20-25

²⁰ In the evening Jesus was sitting at the table with his twelve followers. ²¹ As they were eating, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will turn against me."

 ²² This made the followers very sad. Each one began to say to Jesus, "Surely, Lord, I am not the one who will turn against you, am I?"

 ²³ Jesus answered, "The man who has dipped his hand with me into the bowl is the one who will turn against me. ²⁴The Son of Man will die, just as the Scriptures say. But how terrible it will be for the person who hands the Son of Man over to be killed. It would be better for him if he had never been born."

 ²⁵ Then Judas, who would give Jesus to his enemies, said to Jesus, "Teacher, surely I am not the one, am I?"

   Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, like Paul who desired that his kinsmen not be destroyed by their sin of unbelief, we too bear a burden for our fellowman that they come to repentance and find salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord. Jude warns us that there will be mockers in the last time who walk according to their own ungodly lusts. We see it with our eyes and it is evident in the news every day. But we are encouraged in our witness knowing that salvation is available to any mocker or unbeliever who turns to you in repentance. Jesus is the only name under heaven by which we can be saved so we proclaim Him who lived among the people, was sacrificed for our sins, was buried and rose on the third day. How we pray that the life of Christ might resonate through our lives so that others might see Jesus in us. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray for a plentiful harvest in declaring the gospel through our witness and our lives. Amen.

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

Wednesday August 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If Jesus was only human, his death would mean nothing-

2-Sin is basically not letting God be God-

3-It is the blood of Jesus that cleanses us from sin-

4-Way too many Christians are trying to be a Christian in their own strength-

5-Fellowship with Jesus does not take place while we are walking in spiritual darkness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Some people are wise, some are otherwise-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Acceptance leads to influence-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Boxing rings are so called because they used to be round-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the woman who anointed Jesus' feet with Alabaster perfume come to him with the purpose of having her sins forgiven?

2-Do we know if his woman's life was forever changed after her encounter with Jesus?

3-Can our sins be forgiven through our actions and behavior and not just from our words of repentance?

4-Do our actions speak louder than our words to God?

5-Had the prostitute heard Jesus prior to coming to him and washing and drying his feet?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who caused a riot when the people thought he had taken a Gentile into the temple?

Yesterday's answer-Ishmael     Genesis 16:12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 26:17-19

¹⁷ On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the followers came to Jesus. They said, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover meal?"

 ¹⁸ Jesus answered, "Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, 'The Teacher says: "The chosen time is near. I will have the Passover with my followers at your house." ' " ¹⁹The followers did what Jesus told them to do, and they prepared the Passover meal.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to keep the eternal perspective ever before us when weighing choices in this temporal life here below. It seems the gap is widening between those who accept the truths of the Bible taught since the beginning of time and those who are increasingly accepting of a secular society that trumps human wisdom over divine wisdom. But You call us to account for our allegiance and our actions. If taking a stand for You on this side of eternity causes us to perish, we are assured that on the other side we will inherit eternal life. Keep us faithful and trusting no matter what comes our way. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday August 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wherever Jesus goes, his presence triggers an immediate response from both holy and unholy-

2-In the gospel of Mark, Jesus never asks anyone that he heals to follow him-interesting-

3-You never know what the impact will be from the choices you make or the things you do or don't do-

4-The more you love God, the more you will want to love him-

5-If you want God to bless you, be obedient to his word-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you keep your feet on the ground you can't fall very far-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Anyone who says that only sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Boxing is considered the easiest sport for gamblers to fix-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What did Jesus mean by saying about John the Baptist "No one greater has ever been born of a woman, yet the lowest citizen in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is"?

2-What was the main purpose of John the Baptist's life?

3-Why did the people of John the Baptist's day want to listen to a wild looking, rough living wilderness person?

4-What did Jesus mean by saying "My yoke is easy and my burden is light"?

5-Why is prostitution so often mentioned in scripture?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What son of Abraham was supposed to have been against everyone, and everyone against him?

Yesterday's answer-Lamech    Genesis 34:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 26:14-16

¹⁴ Then one of the twelve apostles, Judas Iscariot, went to talk to the leading priests.¹⁵ He said, "What will you pay me for giving Jesus to you?" And they gave him thirty silver coins.¹⁶ After that, Judas watched for the best time to turn Jesus in.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, there are so many paths that one might take thinking they’re headed the right way only to find the long roads lead to a dead end. As believers, we know that there is only one way to the Father in heaven and that is through Christ Jesus His Son who declares, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  We also cannot earn our salvation because You give it freely though it came at great cost.  We choose to receive Your gift of salvation through our faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. We are immensely grateful for Your love and generosity toward us. Amen.


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

Sunday August 19, 2012 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Prince of Peace transcends all understanding and misunderstanding-

2-Peace is the smile of God reflected in the soul of the believer-

3-Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of God no matter what the conflict-

4-All people desire peace but very few desire those things that make for peace-

5-Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The moment a child is born, a mother is born also.  She never existed before.  The woman existed but not the mother.  She is absolutely something new-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When your past calls, don't answer it for it has nothing new to say to you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A regulation golf ball has 336 dimples-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the "small gate along the narrow road that lead to life"?

2-Can you always tell who a false or a true prophet is?

3-Doesn't it seem that many false prophets start out as true prophets?

4-Did John the Baptist have doubts about the authenticity of Jesus?

5-What did Jesus mean by saying "Blessed is the man who doesn't fall away from his faith on account of me"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Old Testament figure  boasted to his two wives that he had killed a young man?

Yesterday's answer-Levi and Simeon     Genesis 34:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 26:6-13

 ⁶ Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon, who had a skin disease.⁷ While Jesus was there, a woman approached him with an alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. She poured this perfume on Jesus' head while he was eating.

 ⁸ His followers were upset when they saw the woman do this. They asked, "Why waste that perfume?⁹ It could have been sold for a great deal of money and the money given to the poor."

 ¹⁰ Knowing what had happened, Jesus said, "Why are you troubling this woman? She did an excellent thing for me. ¹¹You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.¹² This woman poured perfume on my body to prepare me for burial. ¹³ I tell you the truth, wherever the Good News is preached in all the world, what this woman has done will be told, and people will remember her."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, our little becomes great as You show us how to do good works in Your name. We choose not to be crippled by our limited abilities, wisdom, or lack of creativity. We don’t give to others according to that which we don’t have, but we give to others from the abundance You pour into our lives. May it overflow into those around us as we seek to be a blessing. Direct our footsteps according to Your Word as You give us opportunity for divine encounters this day as we reach out to others in the name of Christ Jesus. It is in His name we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday August 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Peace is not made at conference tables or by treaties but in the hearts of men-

2-Peace of the soul consists of an absolute resignation to the will of God-

3-Peace is not real peace until it has been tested in the storm-

4-You will never find peace and happiness until you are ready to commit yourself to something worth dying for-

5-To know inner calm in spite of everything is serenity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If tomatoes are a fruit, does that make ketchup a smoothie?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silence is not the same as peace.  Silence is the absence of noise and peace is the presence of God.

 

DID YOU KNOW-The United States Golf Association was founded in 1894 as the governing body of golf in the United States-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How is the eye the light of the body?

2-If you are generous to others, will others be generous to you.

3-Why are we judged the way we judge others?

4-The Bible says "judge not that you be not judged".  Is that to say that there is no appropriate judgement?

5-Does "doing to others the way you want others to do to you" always work?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed Hamor and Shechem for offending their sister Dinah?

Yesterday's answer-   David  2 Samuel 12:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew  26:1-5

¹ After Jesus finished saying all these things, he told his followers, ² "You know that the day after tomorrow is the day of the Passover Feast. On that day the Son of Man will be given to his enemies to be crucified."

 ³ Then the leading priests and the elders had a meeting at the palace of the high priest, named Caiaphas. ⁴ At the meeting, they planned to set a trap to arrest Jesus and kill him.⁵ But they said, "We must not do it during the feast, because the people might cause a riot."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

God You have made Your wonders to be acknowledged, appreciated and acclaimed throughout the earth. Your presence is seen and felt in that which is visible and that which is hidden from the human eye. All of creation is a result of Your design and handiwork. I acknowledge You as the Creator of the universe and the Light of my life. My strength lies in You and therefore I pledge my allegiance to You, my Lord and Master. 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 August 17, 2012 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus didn't say "don't have enemies", he said "love your enemies"-

2-To love an enemy is not to support their prejudices against you either by default or design-

3-Violence breads violence but so does appeasement-

4-Most wars are not the poor fighting the rich but rather the rich fighting the rich using the poor-

5-What the nations of the world need is a peace conference with  the prince of peace-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Sometimes you just have to let the bridge burn so you can start anew-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silence is not the same as peace.  Silence is the absence of noise and peace is the presence of God-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Tom Thumb golf course was the first miniature golf course in the United States.  It was built in 1929 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, by John Garnet Carter-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said "Don't worry about you are going to wear" so why do we spend so much money buying new clothes and concerning ourselves on how we look?

2-Jesus said "Don't worry about tomorrow" but should we be concerned about tomorrow and what is the difference?

3-Does God provide the Christian with everything they need?

4-What did Jesus mean by saying "Let tomorrow worry about itself"?

5-Does not worrying mean not planning?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had one of his army killed in order to cover up an adulterous affair?

Yesterday's answer-Stephen  Acts 7:58-59

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      25:42-45

 

⁴² I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink. ⁴³ I was alone and away from home, and you did not invite me into your house. I was without clothes, and you gave me nothing to wear. I was sick and in prison, and you did not care for me.'

    ⁴⁴ "Then those people will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or alone and away from home or without clothes or sick or in prison? When did we see these things and not help you?'

    ⁴⁵ "Then the King will answer, 'I tell you the truth, anything you refused to do for even the least of my people here, you refused to do for me.'

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we consider Jesus’ solemn warning that “due to the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved”. We want to be diligent to make our calling and election sure so that no enemy or deceiver shall ever prevail against us, causing our hearts to harden toward that which we learn through the Scriptures. Though troubles assail us daily our hearts are not weighed down when we cast all our daily cares upon You who cares for us. We are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus who loves us unconditionally and gave His all for us completely. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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