Wednesday October 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say "I used everything you gave me"-

2-A contented mind is a hidden treasure and trouble findeth it not-

3-The Bible is a scrapbook of snapshots capturing people in encounters with God but not always recording the result-

4-Don't let your confusion disrupt your obedience to God-

5-Don't think thoughts you wouldn't want Jesus to hear you speak-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't get where you are going and stay where you are-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A day can be beautiful when kindness touches it-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Earth is traveling through space at 660,000 miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the main point of the parable of the wheat and weeds?

2-What is the main point of the parable of the mustard seed?

3-What is the main point of the parable of the yeast?

4-What is the main point of the parable of the hidden treasure?

5-What is the main point of the parable of the fine pearls?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Persian king exempted the priests and Levites from paying taxes?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoshaphat    2 Chronicles 17:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:43-45

⁴³ Two days later, Jesus left and went to Galilee.⁴⁴(Jesus had said before that a prophet is not respected in his own country.)⁴⁵ When Jesus arrived in Galilee, the people there welcomed him. They had seen all the things he did at the Passover Feast in Jerusalem, because they had been there, too.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we have crucified our old nature with Christ and therefore it is Christ who lives in us. The life we now live in the flesh we live by faith through Jesus who loves us and gave Himself for us. If we set our affections on things above, we won’t be as disappointed when we can’t find all the answers here below, but when we appear with You in glory grievances here on earth will disappear forever! Praise God forevermore. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Tuesday October 30, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Worrying is taking responsibility for things God never intended for you to have-

2-Prayer is never giving information to God-

3-A friend is a treasure of the heart-

4-Love looks through a telescope, envy through a microscope-

5-Love is not finding someone to live with, it is finding someone you can't live without-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't unring a bell-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Stars come in different colors.  Hot stars give off blue light, the cooler stars give off red light-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus considered a discontent or troublemaker?

2-What was the purpose of Jesus using parables when he spoke?

3-Why were some parables so confusing even to his followers?

4-What was the main point of the parable of the soils?

5-What was the main point of the parable of the sprouting seeds?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-To what king of Judah did the Philistines bring tribute?

Yesterday's answer-King Ahasuerus     Esther 10:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:39-42

³⁹ Many of the Samaritans in that town believed in Jesus because of what the woman said: "He told me everything I ever did."⁴⁰ When the Samaritans came to Jesus, they begged him to stay with them, so he stayed there two more days.⁴¹ And many more believed because of the things he said.

 ⁴² They said to the woman, "First we believed in Jesus because of what you said, but now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know that this man really is the Savior of the world."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, much like Barnabas the encourager, we want to be uplifting to our brothers and sisters, our family members, and others we see from day to day. There are those who’ve left us with stinging reminders of their hurtful words often accompanied by painful actions. Gratefully, there are others who have brought us strength and encouragement through their words of affirmation, hope, challenge, and helpful instruction. They remained supportive of us when others gave up. Help us to be numbered among the encouragers as we live in these perilous days where confusion abounds and deceitfulness is rampant. May we encourage others not only by our words but also by our steady, consistent, Christian lifestyle. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

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

Monday October 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Doing what is right rather than what is easy, cheap, popular or convenient is what builds character and      maintains your self respect-

2-Taking the easy way renders you unreliable-

3-Thank God for what you have, trust God for what you need-

4-Four things we need to consider-

    1-What are we doing well-

    2-Where are we off track-

    3-What corrections do we need to make-

    4-What are we waiting for-

5-Your behavior is what you believe, all else is just talk-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Praying a lot will give you a calm-plex--

 

I'VE LEARNED-People can be cruel and they will be.  People can hurt you and they will. But only you can let them keep hurting you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A pulsar is a neutron star, and gets its energy from rotation-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary follow the ministry of her son Jesus?

2-Did Jesus ever confide in his mother Mary how things were going in his life?

3-Did Mary provide a home for Jesus when he was not out ministering?

4-When did Mary know that Jesus would die a violent death of crucifixion?

5-Before the crucifixion when did Jesus last talk to his mother?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who put a tax on the whole Persian empire?

Yesterday's answer-Hoshea   2 KIngs 17:3-4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 4:31-38

³¹ Meanwhile, his followers were begging him, "Teacher, eat something."

 ³² But Jesus answered, "I have food to eat that you know nothing about."

 ³³ So the followers asked themselves, "Did somebody already bring him food?"

 ³⁴ Jesus said, "My food is to do what the One who sent me wants me to do and to finish his work. ³⁵ You have a saying, 'Four more months till harvest.' But I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields ready for harvest now.³⁶ Already, the one who harvests is being paid and is gathering crops for eternal life. So the one who plants and the one who harvests celebrate at the same time.³⁷Here the saying is true, 'One person plants, and another harvests.' ³⁸ I sent you to harvest a crop that you did not work on. Others did the work, and you get to finish up their work."^[a]

Footnotes:

1. John 4:38 I . . . Their work. As a farmer sends workers to harvest grain, Jesus sends his followers out to bring people to God. 

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY  

Father, we are called to obedience to Your Word which compels us to redeem the time, because the days are evil.  As we see evil crouching in at every level, it’s all the more reason why we must be vigilant to live pure lives so that the light of Jesus shines through our words and our actions in this darkened world. We want to pay close attention to ourselves and persevere in the truths presented in Scripture so that we will ensure salvation both for ourselves and for those whom we have opportunity to influence. It is through Jesus that we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday October 28, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wherever you are in life or business is a result of the choices you've made-

2-Growth is not automatic, you must choose to remain teachable-

3-When you  focus more on the needs of others, more of your own needs are meet-

4-When you choose to hoard what you have rather than giving, you become the center of your own lonely universe-

5-The best way to build a relationship with others is to listen to them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-In a democracy it's your vote that counts, in feudalism, it is your count that votes-

 

I'VE LEARNED-What you see in others exists in you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A neutron star has such a powerful gravitational pull that it can spin on it's axis in one thirtieth of a second without tearing itself apart-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the tongue always speak what is in the heart?

2-If everyone someday is going to be judged by God for every thoughtless and careless word spoken or thought, how can anyone ever pass judgement?

3-Jesus said he would spend 3 days and nights in the heart of the earth.  Did he?

4-Did Jesus' mother ever have doubts about Jesus' life, ministry and subsequent death?

5-Did the angel ever have to visit Mary more than once to affirm to her who Jesus was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Israel paid tribute money to King Shalmaneser of Assyria?

Yesterday's answer-Solomon  1 Kings 12:1-14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:25-30

²⁵ The woman said, "I know that the Messiah is coming." (Messiah is the One called Christ.) "When the Messiah comes, he will explain everything to us."

 ²⁶ Then Jesus said, "I am he—I, the one talking to you."

 ²⁷ Just then his followers came back from town and were surprised to see him talking with a woman. But none of them asked, "What do you want?" or "Why are you talking with her?"

 ²⁸ Then the woman left her water jar and went back to town. She said to the people,²⁹ "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Do you think he might be the Christ?"³⁰ So the people left the town and went to see Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You created me with a set purpose in mind. As You search my heart, may You find it to be pure, undivided, and wholly true to You. I’m grateful for Your promise to guide and keep me secure no matter where I dwell. Father, what blessed assurance it brings to know that I can never move beyond Your compassionate care or loving favor. Not only do You grant me every breath on earth, but You will also help me conquer death. Because of these glorious provisions, I have blessed assurance now and blessed hope for my eternal future! Amen.

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

Saturday October 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life is a voyage in which we choose neither vessel or weather, but much can be done in the management of the sails and the guidance of the helm-

2-There just isn't anything good about being negative-

3-Negative thinking is just old fashioned pessimism-

4-Negative thinking is the antithesis of faith-

5-Victory and happiness don't come when everything in your life is peachy-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A bicycle can't stand alone, it is too tired-

 

I'VE LEARNED-What you give you get-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Three stars make up Orion's belt-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus ever antagonistic toward his accusers?

2-If you are not for Jesus, are you against him?

3-How do you speak against the Holy Spirit?

4-Why is speaking against the Holy Spirit unforgivable and not so the son and father?

5-Can you  always tell a Christian "by their fruits"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king is remembered for placing a "heavy yoke" of taxation on Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiakem    2 Kings 23:33-35

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 4:19-24

 ¹⁹ The woman said, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.²⁰ Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you say that Jerusalem is the place where people must worship."

 ²¹ Jesus said, "Believe me, woman. The time is coming when neither in Jerusalem nor on this mountain will you actually worship the Father. ²² You Samaritans worship something you don't understand. We understand what we worship, because salvation comes from the Jews.²³ The time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, and that time is here already. You see, the Father too is actively seeking such people to worship him. ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, one of the greatest mysteries in the human experience is how You blend two individuals and make them become as one when they join as husband and wife.  The “me” becomes “us” in our shared interests and goals in life.  Things are no longer “mine” but “ours.”  Our times of celebration as well as times of sadness and loss become shared experiences. We honor marriage, recognizing the sacrifices and blessings that come to those who are joined in holy matrimony.  We also recognize that our archenemy, Satan, is intent on destroying the very foundation of marriage that You established from the beginning.  We uphold the institution of marriage as defined in Scripture and honor it when we speak of it and the way we live it out with our spouse.

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 October 26, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart"-

2-The best mirror is a good friend-

3-If there would be no US military, there would be no USA-

4-Positive anything is better than negative nothing-

5-What happens around us is largely outside our control, but the way we choose to react to it is inside our control-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I'm not stupid, it's just that everyone is smarter than me-

 

I'VE LEARNED-What you sow you reap-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Astronomers classify stars by their spectra-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did any of Jesus' family ever receive any of Jesus' healings or miracles?

2-Was Jesus' father, Joseph, still alive when he started his ministry?

3-Does it appear that Jesus' father Joseph was already dead when Jesus told John to take care of his mother?

4-We're the Pharisees afraid of Jesus' popularity or his supernatural powers?

5-We're the Pharisees able to drive out demons?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who taxed his subjects in order to pay tribute to Pharaoh Necho of Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Caesar    Matthew 22:17-22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 4:16-19

¹⁶ Jesus told her, "Go get your husband and come back here."

 ¹⁷ The woman answered, "I have no husband."

   Jesus said to her, "You are right to say you have no husband. ¹⁸ Really you have had five husbands, and the man you live with now is not your husband. You told the truth."

 ¹⁹ The woman said, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in the same way that we grow hungry before mealtime, stir up a hunger within us for the spiritual food You provide through the living Word of God.  You are the Bread of Life who provides physically and spiritually for our daily needs.  Following a hearty meal we often linger around the dinner table considering the tastiness of our meal.  When we “taste and see that the Lord is good” we want to linger in Your presence and consider Your goodness, offering praise to You for all that You are and all that You provide for us.  Bread of Heaven feed us until we are truly satisfied and filled with all the good things that come from You.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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

Thursday October 25,2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A single stroke of an axe won't bring down an oak tree, but many will-

2-Success is sweet but it's secret is sweat-

3-For success try aspiration, inspiration and perspiration-

4-The secret to success is to start from scratch and keep on scratching-

5-Talent, genius and education cannot take the place of persistence-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you take a laptop computer for a run, you could jog your memory-

 

I'VE LEARNED-What you send out comes back-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All the stars in the Milky Way revolve around the center of the galaxy every two hundred million years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is repentance and asking for forgiveness the only way to salvation

2-Several women joined Jesus' inner circle of friends.  Did they ever become disciples?

3-Who was the first Gentile follower of Jesus?

4-Why wasn't all of Jesus' family accepting of who he was?

5-Why did some of Jesus' family think he was "crazy" when he healed the blind mute demon possessed man?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What ruler imposed tribute in Jesus day?

Yesterday's answer-a half shekel each     Exodus 30:12-16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:9-15

 ⁹ The woman said, "I am surprised that you ask me for a drink, since you are a Jewish man and I am a Samaritan woman." (Jewish people are not friends with Samaritans.^[a] )

 ¹⁰ Jesus said, "If you only knew the free gift of God and who it is that is asking you for water, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

 ¹¹ The woman said, "Sir, where will you get this living water? The well is very deep, and you have nothing to get water with.¹² Are you greater than Jacob, our father, who gave us this well and drank from it himself along with his sons and flocks?"

 ¹³ Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life."

 ¹⁵ The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water so I will never be thirsty again and will not have to come back here to get more water."

Footnotes:

1. John 4:9 Jewish people . . . Samaritans. This can also be translated "Jewish people don't use things that Samaritans have used."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Today we will suggest an old hymn as a prayer

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide.
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Thro’ thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

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

Wednesday October 24, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is what Jesus, who became the perfect man, did at the end of his ministry that makes his birth so special-

2-Without Jesus' death and resurrection, his birth is meaningless-

3-Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up-

4-The key to personal success is persistence-

5-Genius is just another way to spell perseverance-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off.  He's all right now-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do not judge by appearances for a rich heart may be under a poor coat-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to enter space-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What one thing deeply troubles Jesus?

2-Was Jesus showing anger when he denounced certain actions-

3-What was to be gained by God keeping certain truths hidden from the religious leaders while revealing it to ordinary people-

4-Is it true that whoever has been forgiven little loves little"?

5-The woman at Simon's house who washed Jesus' feet was forgiven because she "loved much".  Where was confession or repentance?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to the law, how much tax did all adult Israelites have to pay when the census was taken?

Yesterday's answer-The chief priests   Matthew 28:11-15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 4:5-8

⁵ In Samaria Jesus came to the town called Sychar, which is near the field Jacob gave to his son Joseph.⁶Jacob's well was there. Jesus was tired from his long trip, so he sat down beside the well. It was about twelve o'clock noon. ⁷ When a Samaritan woman came to the well to get some water, Jesus said to her, "Please give me a drink." ⁸ (This happened while Jesus' followers were in town buying some food.)

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You reign forever and ever and Your Kingdom knows no end. Thank You for Your plan of salvation that includes us in Your kingdom and for the eternality of our souls. Since everything has an expiration date in this life eternity is hard to grasp, yet fills us with anticipation for the everlasting life yet to come. Keep us hope-filled and faithful as we journey here below. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Tuesday October 23, 2012 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you chose your path, you chose your destination-

2-All journeys, for good or evil, start with one small step-

3-It is amazing how bad things look through the wrong eyes-

4-We are often comfortable in our misery because that is all we know-

5-Forgiveness is the key to breaking the chain of regret and misery-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Police were called to a day care where a 3 year old was resisting a rest-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is easier to build up a child than to repair an adult-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A manned rocket can reach the moon in less time than it took a stagecoach to travel the length of England-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is there a narrow gate along the road that leads to eternal life?

2-How do you tell who is a false prophet?

3-In the English language why don't we have a word to describe a parent who loses a child to death or a child who loses a parent to death?

4-Why did John the Baptist have questions about who Jesus really was?

5-Why didn't John the Baptist encourage his followers to switch their allegiance to Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who bribed the guards at Jesus' tomb to say that the disciples had stolen the body?

Yesterday's answer-The lords of the Philistines    Judges 16:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:1-4

¹ The Pharisees heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more followers than John,² although Jesus himself did not baptize people, but his followers did.³Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard about him, so he left Judea and went back to Galilee.⁴ But on the way he had to go through the country of Samaria.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I meditate on Your age-old laws; O Lord, they comfort me. Your principles have been the music of my life throughout the years of my pilgrimage. You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as You promised. I used to wander off until You disciplined me, but now I closely follow Your Word. You are good and do only good; teach me Your principles through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday October 22, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Sometimes the gift you want most is right in front of you, but you have to get out of your own way to receive it-

2-You have to find the things that will give you lasting happiness and you can't buy them in a store-

3-Silence is important for it is the only time you can hear the whispering of truth-

4-Silence makes you think and thinking makes you realize that not all your problems are caused by someone else-

5-Horses runaway from people they don't trust but most times we run away from ourselves-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I feared change until I saw that even the most beautiful butterfly had to go through a metamorphous  before it could fly-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The external tank on the space shuttle is not painted-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it hard for us to see our shortcomings as others see them?

2-On what basis is it okay to judge someone?

3-Is being a hypocrite the basic problem in our judging others?

4-Is it possible to live the Golden rule of "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"?

5-What did Jesus mean when he said-"Avoid giving what is sacred to unbelieving dogs and what is precious to pigs"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who offered Delilah silver if she could find out the secret of Samson's strength?

Yesterday's answer-To collect no more than was legal   Luke 3:12-13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 3:31-36

 ³¹ "The One who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all.³² He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says.³³Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true.³⁴ The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully.³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything.³⁶ Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God's anger stays on them."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we know the oft repeated expression that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me” is a mistaken message certainly not derived from Scripture. Harmful words or actions do irrevocable damage that will not disappear through first aid or antiseptic. Hurtful words have a way of playing over and over in our head and enter into the deep recesses of our hearts. The more we cling to them the greater we risk exaggerating their original message. We build walls, become defensive and do little to resolve the problem. Help us to weigh our words carefully, put ourselves to the test of asking, “Are the words coming from my mouth pleasing in Your sight”. When we habitually put our words to this test we will not use foul language, engage in crude joking, gossip or slander another but we will instead choose to build one another up in love. Keep us faithful in doing so we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

 

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

Sunday October 21, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Boldly go where no one has gone before-

2-People have an innate desire to keep trying-

3-When you are in a failure situation, be honest with yourself-

4-The greatest gift is any gift given in love-

5-The most important thing to hold onto in your darkest hour is hope-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it

 

I'VE LEARNED-I feared the dark until I saw the beauty of starlight-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Apollo 11 had only twenty seconds of fuel left when it landed-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is every good deed you do returned to you?

2-If you are forgiven, will you always be forgiven?

3-If you generously give to others, will you always be receiving-

4-If you are quick to forgive, will others be that way to you?

5-Can the blind lead the blind?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did John the Baptist tell the tax collector who came to him for baptism?

Yesterday's answer-Levi    Luke 5:29-32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAYM    John 3:22-30

 ²² After this, Jesus and his followers went into the area of Judea, where he stayed with his followers and baptized people.²³ John was also baptizing in Aenon, near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. People were going there to be baptized.²⁴ (This was before John was put into prison.)

 ²⁵ Some of John's followers had an argument with a Jew about religious washing.^[a]26 So they came to John and said, "Teacher, remember the man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan River, the one you spoke about so much? He is baptizing, and everyone is going to him."

 ²⁷ John answered, "A man can get only what God gives him.²⁸ You yourselves heard me say, 'I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.'²⁹ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom's voice. In the same way, I am really happy.³⁰ He must become greater, and I must become less important.

Footnotes:

1. John 3:25 religious washing The Jewish people washed themselves in special ways before eating, before worshiping in the Temple, and at other special times.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray for the family unit, which is under vicious attack throughout the world today. Your perfect design cannot be improved upon even when earthly institutions attempt to redefine, enlighten, update or explain away Your original intent. I pray for godly parents to remain resolute in nurturing their children in the ways of the Lord. May Your Word and its instruction filter all that we see and hear so that You remain our absolute authority, not the ever-changing whims of our culture. I pray for our churches and their leaders to be cleansed and purified by Your Holy Word. May their instruction always be from Your inerrant Holy Word, not by those who present a societal agenda. By Your grace and our commitment to holy living we can reside in the world without having the mind of this world. Help us through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

 

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

Saturday October 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Better to do something imperfectly than to do nothing flawlessly-

2-Don't confuse busyness with faithfulness-

3-Faith is "letting go and letting God"-

4-God does some of his best work when you are in a cave-

5-Focus on the Savior, not the storm-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you an a-flat minor-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I feared the past until I realized that it could no longer hurt me-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Saturn V moon rocket consumed fifteen tons of fuel per second-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does the sun shine and rain fall on evil people?

2-How can God be merciful to even the sinner?

3-How can God be kind to ungrateful people?

4-Should Christians never do anything that will bring praise to themselves?

5-Should all our acts of kindness be done in secret?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-By what other name  was the tax collector Matthew known?

Yesterday's answer-Thirty pieces of silver    Matthew 26:14-16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 3:18-21

¹⁸ People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son.¹⁹ They are judged by this fact: The Light has come into the world, but they did not want light. They wanted darkness, because they were doing evil things.²⁰ All who do evil hate the light and will not come to the light, because it will show all the evil things they do. ²¹ But those who follow the true way come to the light, and it shows that the things they do were done through God."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You know the exact number of words that will flow from my lips today, some of them meaningful and others meaningless. Would You help me to be conscious of the words I speak to others and make me sensitive to those who need caring words. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others as I offer words fitly spoken to those desperately needing to hear a word from You through a servant like me. 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 October 19, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't be so busy that you forget to be-

2-Don't dwell on what you lack, dwell on what you have and use it to the fullest with gratitude-

3-Don't dwell on your failures, learn from them and move on-

4-Don't dwell on your fears or sorrows, dwell on your hope-

5-Compassion is ethical intelligence-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A boiled egg is hard to beat-

I'VE LERNED-I feared growing old until I realized that I gained wisdom every day-

DID YOU KNOW-Three astronauts manned each Apollo flight-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How are we to live as loyal followers of God?

2-Is much of the Christian church today Pharisaical in it's teaching on what is acceptable Christian behavior?

3-Why didn't Jesus choose anyone as  a follower with knowledge of the scriptures?

4-Does the Sermon on the Mount apply also to those who are not Jesus' followers?

5-Why do people think it is important to get even-

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Judas given to betray Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-His birthright    Genesis 25:29-34

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 3:16-18

¹⁶ "God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him may not be lost, but have eternal life. ¹⁷ God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world guilty, but to save the world through him.¹⁸ People who believe in God's Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judged guilty, because they have not believed in God's one and only Son.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is no limit to all that You have provided for us such as material blessings, physical health, the love of family and unending promises that You have already fulfilled or that are yet to be fulfilled. But You have also set visible and well-defined boundaries that are for our own good. Temptations to either toe the boundary line or cross over into enemy territory will always be there, but You give us the power to resist and discernment to recognize the alluring deceit of the evil one. Help our eyes and hearts to remain focused on Your innumerable blessings and provisions as we stand against the god of this age who seeks to destroy us. May we not move the landmark of the faithful to join with the ranks of the faithless.  In Your name, Jesus, we pray.  Amen.

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