Thursday January 31, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best gift you can show is gratitude-

2-Gifts often reveal much about the giver of the gift-

3-Always do what you say you are going to do.  It is the glue and fiber that binds successful relationships-

4-Do more than touch--also feel-

5-A child is like your stomach in that it doesn't need all you can afford to give it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How come we choose from just two people for president and 50 for Miss America?

 

I'VE LEARNED-When things go wrong, don't go with them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The military salute is a motion that evolved from medieval times when knights in armor raised their visors to reveal their identity-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Has anyone ever observed the process of evolution?

2-How do you know when you are serving God with all your "heart"?

3-What is "truth"?

4-What is the Christians greatest witness to unbelievers?

5-Is life without love meaningless?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What leader anointed David as King?

Yesterday's answer   Moses  Exodus  40:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 12:37-41

³⁷ Though Jesus had done many miracles in front of the people, they still did not believe in him. ³⁸ This was to bring about what Isaiah the prophet had said:

“Lord, who believed what we told them?
    Who saw the Lord’s power in this?” Isaiah 53:1

³⁹ This is why the people could not believe: Isaiah also had said,

⁴⁰ “He has blinded their eyes,
    And he has closed their minds.
Otherwise they would see with their eyes
    And understand in their minds
    And come back to me and be healed.” Isaiah 6:10

⁴¹ Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I consider the multitude of studies over the centuries by plant doctors who diagnose disease in trees and other vegetation. Medicines, salves, and treatments are prescribed and applied to the affected plant with the goal of restoring it to good health. There are cures for vegetation, but more importantly there are cures for our sin sick soul. The Great Physician, Jesus, knows how to bring healing and wholeness to our soul’s diseases. He gives His prescription throughout the gospels and the authors make it a recurring theme of their writings throughout the Bible. We are to repent of our sins and find out what pleases You. We can do this through reading and obeying the Scriptures as well as daily communion with You in prayer through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life must be lived forward, but it is understood backwards-

2-We are here to add what we can to life, not what we can get from it-

3-Don't think of all the misery but of all the beauty that still remains-

4-A day without a good laugh is a wasted day-

5-Decisions you make out of fear tend to become choices you regret-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If everything is coming your way, you are in the wrong lane-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things that make a person, 1 Commitment, 2 Sincerity, 3 Integrity-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A comet's tail always point away from the sun-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is love dead when the emotions are gone?

2-Can you command your emotions to change?

3-How do you know when you are serving God from your heart?

4-What is  a "God surrendered life"?

5-Can you make complete darkness darker?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who anointed the tabernacle with oil?

Yesterday's answer-Paul   2 Corinthians 1:21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 12:34-36

³⁴ The crowd said, “We have heard from the law that the Christ will live forever. So why do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
³⁵ Then Jesus said, “The light will be with you for a little longer, so walk while you have the light. Then the darkness will not catch you. If you walk in the darkness, you will not know where you are going. ³⁶ Believe in the light while you still have it so that you will become children of light.” When Jesus had said this, he left and hid himself from them.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Loving Father, You give us treasures that go far beyond monetary accounting. They  include special people in our lives, those categorized as mentally impaired, who lift our soul, bring a different perspective to life, and confound the most educated among us. They teach us a great deal about survival, overcoming, and simple trust. Their value of life is based not on the artificial but on the genuine. They show us that You have a special plan for each of us, no matter the challenge or how difficult the hardship. Thank You, Father, for bringing these precious souls into our lives so that we can be of blessing to them just as they are of great worth to us. We really do need each other. Amen.


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

Tuesday January 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus wants his followers to deal with their problems in a kind and compassionate manner-

2-If we fail to forgive, it shows we have not experienced God's forgiveness-

3-If God is willing to forgive our lifetime of sins, we should be willing to forgive any sins against us without keeping score-

4-Don't criticize what you can't understand-

5-The person who can best show empathy is the one who has felt the woe-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even when a pessimists gets the best of it, he makes the worst of it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you lose your temper, you've lost the argument-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you go from doing one good deed to making doing good deeds a way of life?

2-What gives the most satisfaction in life?

3-What is the key to enjoying Christian service?

4-What is the basis for being the "best that you can be"?

5-Did David mourn more for Saul or Jonathan when they were reported killed?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle told the early Christians that all believers were anointed by the Holy Spirit?

Yesterday's answer-Messiah

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 12:29-33

²⁹ The crowd standing there, who heard the voice, said it was thunder.
But others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
³⁰ Jesus said, “That voice was for your sake, not mine. ³¹ Now is the time for the world to be judged; now the ruler of this world will be thrown down. ³² If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people toward me.” ³³ Jesus said this to show how he would die.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I want the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing to You this day. I pray that my conversation is uplifting so that I build others up rather than tear them down. Just as salt is tasty to food making it more pleasant to eat, I pray that my dialogue is wholesome making conversation pleasant and beneficial to those who listen. Because of Your redemptive work in my life I am blessed and highly flavored with the preserving salt of Your holy Word. I want to spread the message of Your salvation to others so that they are snatched from the evil one and their lives are preserved for this life and the next. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Monday January 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Everyone needs to be loved, especially when they do not deserve it-

2-One of the most important marks of maturity is gratitude-

3-When people follow Jesus for the miracles, they eventually will fall away for they will always want to see something greater-

4-Jesus promised great rewards in his kingdom but possible pain and problems in the process-

5-Jesus wants Christians to be different than the rest of society even though they are not perfect-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that are never certain-1 Fortune, 2 Success, 3 Dreams-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The tooth is the only part of the human body that cannot heal itself-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the book of "Jashar"?

2-When did the Israelites become a divided kingdom of Israel and Judah?

3-Should Christians show love to a believer and non believer in the same portion?

4-Should a Christian help a needy family member before helping other people?

5-What is a "sacrifice of praise"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Old Testament word means "anointed"?

Yesterday's answer-Cyrus    Isaiah  45:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 12:20-28

²⁰ There were some Greek people, too, who came to Jerusalem to worship at the Passover Feast. ²¹ They went to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said, “Sir, we would like to see Jesus.” ²² Philip told Andrew, and then Andrew and Philip told Jesus.
²³ Jesus said to them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to receive his glory. ²⁴ I tell you the truth, a grain of wheat must fall to the ground and die to make many seeds. But if it never dies, it remains only a single seed. ²⁵ Those who love their lives will lose them, but those who hate their lives in this world will keep true life forever. ²⁶ Whoever serves me must follow me. Then my servant will be with me everywhere I am. My Father will honor anyone who serves me.
²⁷ “Now I am very troubled. Should I say, ‘Father, save me from this time’? No, I came to this time so I could suffer. ²⁸ Father, bring glory to your name!”
Then a voice came from heaven, “I have brought glory to it, and I will do it again.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I thank You for the marvelous transaction that took place when You delivered me from the domain of darkness and transferred me into the kingdom of Your Son in whom I have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. There is no earthly transaction that will ever bring about such a major change in my life or affect my future such as Your mighty deliverance. I was lost in darkness without hope but now, because of Your glorious deliverance and transfer, I walk in endless hope in the radiant light of Jesus. I have been found by Your love and kept by Your grace. Praise be to Your name! Amen.

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

Sunday January 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Words have the ability to shape one's attitude and actions-

2-Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday-

3-Life is about the people around, not in you blackberry, I phone or I pad-

4-You never really lose until you quit trying-

5-Don't think about what others have, think about what you have to give others-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I wonder how deep the ocean would be without sponges-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that are most valuable-1 Love, 2 family, 3 kindness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Airports at higher altitudes need a longer airstrip due to lower air density-

 

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are most of our Christian beliefs spoon fed to us?

2-How do you test every spirit to see if it comes from God?

3-Is it okay if we have doubts or questions about our salvation?

4-Should Christians always "try harder"?

5-Can we objectively "self examine" ourselves?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Persian king was considered to be God's anointed one?

Yesterday's answer    Jesus Matthew 3:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 12:17-19

¹⁷ There had been many people with Jesus when he raised Lazarus from the dead and told him to come out of the tomb. Now they were telling others about what Jesus did. ¹⁸ Many people went out to meet Jesus, because they had heard about this miracle. ¹⁹ So the Pharisees said to each other, “You can see that nothing is going right for us. Look! The whole world is following him.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we know that life is full of ups and downs for everyone, even the most diligent spiritual warrior. Help us to work through these jolts of the unexpected and unwelcome interruptions that bring sadness, disappointment or a change of perfect plans. It’s how You work Your purpose in our lives as we overcome and work through major obstacles that affect us. We seek to remain steadfast, moving forward in our Christian walk as we experience the inevitable heartaches of life. At times we bring about our own grief and troubles because of our ungodly actions. We thank You for Your forgiveness in these matters. You enable us to get up, take off the sackcloth, and brush off the burnt ashes from doing things our own way. And You give us fresh resolve to trust and obey You 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!!!

                                             Even when it is Sunday already!!!

Saturday January 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Let tomorrow worry about itself for everyday has enough trouble of it's own without borrowing future worries-

2-The same standard you apply to others lives will be applied to your life-

3-The wisdom of what a person says is proved right or wrong by their actions-

4-In teaching truth and doing good, Jesus had to deal with criticism and threats everywhere he went-

5-Spontaneous growth of the word of God in a responsive life is inevitable even if we cannot explain it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-She is always late, her ancestors arrived on the June flower-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that you should never lose-1 Hope, 2 Peace, 3 Integrity

 

DID YOU KNOW-The banana cannot reproduce itself, it need man's help-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does every Christian need to be involved in some Christian activity?

2-Can you be a Christian and not be "sold out" to God?

3-How can you be "in love" with Jesus?

4-Should Christians "think for themselves"?

5-Should Christians ever question church leadership?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was anointed by the Holy Spirit?

Yesterday's answer-Zadok   1 Kings 1:39

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 12:12-16

¹² The next day a great crowd who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover Feast heard that Jesus was coming there. ¹³ So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Jesus, shouting,

“Praise^[a] God!
God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord!
God bless the King of Israel!” Psalm 118:25–26

¹⁴ Jesus found a colt and sat on it. This was as the Scripture says,

¹⁵ “Don’t be afraid, people of Jerusalem!
    Your king is coming,
    Sitting on the colt of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9

¹⁶ The followers of Jesus did not understand this at first. But after Jesus was raised to glory, they remembered that this had been written about him and that they had done these things to him.

Footnotes:

1. John 12:13 Praise Literally, “Hosanna,” a Hebrew word used at first in praying to God for help, but at this time it was probably a shout of joy used in praising God or his Messiah.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we rejoice in the feasting periods and reflect in the mourning periods of our life. The richest experiences that shape our character are from the great highs and the deep lows we encounter over a lifetime. Not only do we spend time reflecting, studying, and learning from these experiences, but they speak to us of the importance of who we are in the midst of those circumstances. In the house of feasting we rejoice in our accomplishments and those of others from year to year. But in the house of mourning we consider the lives of those who go before us, seeking to mirror the good we witnessed or experienced from their lives. It prompts us to assess our own hearts. Are we ready should You call us to our eternal destiny? We know that planning for this life is important, but planning for the next life is absolutely essential. We want to be ready by receiving Jesus into our life and living according to Your plan as revealed in the Bible. By Your grace we can do so through Christ Jesus our Lord. 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 January 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our hearts and our treasures usually stick together-

2-Without your eyes, your whole body and life are in darkness-

3-If your eyes are focused on what is good, that is what your whole body will see-

4-Focus on generosity and not on stinginess and that is the way your whole life will be lived-

5-You must choose which is most important to you, your loyalty to possessions or loyalty to God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-All generalizations are false-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that can destroy a person-1 anger, 2 pride, 3 unforgiveness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-9 out of 10 living things live in the ocean-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God want our "everything" or our "willingness" to give him whatever he wants from us?

2-Do people judge whether we are Christian or not by our actions and behavior?

3-How much Christian activity does God want from us?

4-Is much of our Christian behavior just busyness?

5-How do you go from "Luke warmness" to total commitment?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest anointed Solomon king?

Yesterday's answer-Samuel   1 Samuel 9:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 12:9-11

⁹ A large crowd of people heard that Jesus was in Bethany. So they went there to see not only Jesus but Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead. ¹⁰ So the leading priests made plans to kill Lazarus, too. ¹¹ Because of Lazarus many of the Jews were leaving them and believing in Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, You gave first and foremost as you selflessly gave of Yourself through the person of Jesus Christ. Your gift of grace defies human description, for the far-reaching effects in our lives is truly indescribable. It’s too wonderful for words, but it brings unspeakable joy and glorious hope that makes our spiritual journey so worthwhile. We receive Your indescribable gift that brings forgiveness for our sins and reserves for us a home in heaven for all eternity.  Thank You, Father!  Amen.

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

Thursday January 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Often what you want is what you can't have-

2-If sin wasn't attractive it wouldn't snare you-

3-We will never know Jesus is all we need until Jesus is all we have-

4-Jesus most important question to everyone is "Who do you say that I am"?

5-Jesus promised great rewards to his followers in heaven but not without potential pain and problems in the process of getting there-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The IRS- they've got what it takes to take what you got-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that once gone never come back-1 Time, 2 Words, 3 Opportunities-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The roar we hear when we place a seashell next to our ear is not the ocean but rather the sound of blood surging through the veins in our ear-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is a "lukewarm" Christian?

2-What does it mean to "give up everything for Jesus"?

3-Is it possible to "give up everything for Jesus"?

4-Does God ask you to "give up everything" to follow him?

5-Don't we often try to earn our way to be children of God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What revered judge anointed Saul?

Yesterday's answer-Christ

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 12:1-8

1 Six days before the Passover Feast, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. (Lazarus is the man Jesus raised from the dead.) ² There they had a dinner for Jesus. Martha served the food, and Lazarus was one of the people eating with Jesus. ³ Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair. And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house.

⁴ Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’ followers who would later turn against him, was there. Judas said, ⁵ “This perfume was worth an entire year’s wages. Why wasn’t it sold and the money given to the poor?” ⁶ But Judas did not really care about the poor; he said this because he was a thief. He was the one who kept the money box, and he often stole from it.
⁷ Jesus answered, “Leave her alone. It was right for her to save this perfume for today, the day for me to be prepared for burial. ⁸ You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for giving us the capacity to forgive those who sin against us. Jesus serves as the supreme example of One who forgave those who betrayed, abandoned, lied, scourged, and drove the nails in His hands raising Him on the cross to be humiliated and mocked by onlookers. We will bear no offense on this side of heaven that Jesus will not uphold us in our pain and comfort us in our sadness. We can forgive others because You have forgiven us. Help us to bear with those who repeatedly hurt us. Show us how to love those who are most unlovely and unloving toward us. We pray this through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In order to become whole you must look at something besides your problem-

2-We tend to live up to the expectations of others-

3-We are not who people say we are but who God has declared us to be-

4-People always sin because it looks attractive at the time-

5-Many people have a problem with thinking they are unimportant and of any worth-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If at first you don't succeed, sky diving is not for you-

 I'VE LEARNED-Do not ask God to guide your footsteps if you're not willing to move your feet-

DID YOU KNOW-Peanut oil is used for cooking in submarines because it doesn't smoke unless it's heated above 400F-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is "victorious Christian living"?

2-Do Christians ever "arrive" in their Christian living?

3-Is the Christian life one of striving or yielding?

4-How would we live if we had to totally 100% rely on God and his children for our survival?

5-In our Christian living, what distinguishes Christians from everyone else?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament word means "anointed"?

Yesterday's answer   Aaron and his sons  Leviticus 8:23

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 11:53-57

⁵³ That day they started planning to kill Jesus. ⁵⁴ So Jesus no longer traveled openly among the people. He left there and went to a place near the desert, to a town called Ephraim and stayed there with his followers.

⁵⁵ It was almost time for the Passover Feast. Many from the country went up to Jerusalem before the Passover to do the special things to make themselves pure. ⁵⁶ The people looked for Jesus and stood in the Temple asking each other, “Is he coming to the Feast? What do you think?” ⁵⁷ But the leading priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where Jesus was, he must tell them. Then they could arrest him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, the longer we live the more we come to understand the brevity of our life on earth. We are but a mist in the eons of time, but we are also of incomparable worth to You who gives us the principles, teachings and tools to walk our brief pilgrimage on this side of eternity. So much is lacking in this life where sin abounds, but we gladly hold onto Your hand for the glorious victory that awaits the believer where sin is no longer present. Our perishable bodies will no longer be like a vapor but will be imperishable, made to last for all of eternity. It’s only because of Calvary that we are afforded this amazing privilege. Thank You, Jesus!  Amen.

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

Tuesday January 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The greatest thing we can give is ourselves-

2-The key to giving is to realize what you have been given-

3-Enjoy what you have, for until you do, you will only want more-

4-Life is better giving than taking-

5-Contentment is only found in being grateful for what and who you already have around you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If God had wanted me to touch my toes, he would have put them on my knees-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Family ties may be stretched to accompany distances but that doesn't break them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God's love come with any strings attached?

2-Does the Christian ever get "homesick" for heaven?

3-Should our giving to the poor be done through the church?

4-In living for God, is there such a thing as enough?

5-Do Christians ever succeed in living a "victorious Christian life"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who did Moses anoint with the blood of a ram?

Yesterday's answer-The church elders   James 5:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 11:45-52

⁴⁵ Many of the people, who had come to visit Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in him. ⁴⁶ But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. ⁴⁷ Then the leading priests and Pharisees called a meeting of the council. They asked, “What should we do? This man is doing many miracles. ⁴⁸ If we let him continue doing these things, everyone will believe in him. Then the Romans will come and take away our Temple and our nation.”
⁴⁹ One of the men there was Caiaphas, the high priest that year. He said, “You people know nothing! ⁵⁰ You don’t realize that it is better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to be destroyed.”
⁵¹ Caiaphas did not think of this himself. As high priest that year, he was really prophesying that Jesus would die for their nation ⁵² and for God’s scattered children to bring them all together and make them one.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, You have drawn us with an everlasting love; You have drawn us with your loving kindness. This new year Your bountiful provision overflows with the material, physical and spiritual blessings that only a loving, caring heavenly Father can give.  We choose this day of the year 2013 to declare to all who will hear, “As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.”

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

Monday January 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus is Immanuel (God with us)-

2-We make a mistake by not determining how we will use the time God has given us-

3-We should properly invest our time since it is impossible to save it-

4-Using our talents and abilities for ourselves alone is a waste of what we have received-

5-Our influence is determined by how we place the needs of others before our own-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is hard to make a comeback if you haven't been anywhere-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Insufficient facts always invite danger-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The song "Auld Lang Syne" is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English speaking country in the world to bring in the new year-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you be an "extreme or "radical" Christian?

2-Does God want us to "leave all" and follow him?

3-What does God want us to change in our life?

4-How do you let God "control" you life?

5-How do you love God with all your "heart, mind and soul"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who, according to James, should anoint the sick believer with oil?

Yesterday's answer-Olive oil

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 11:38-44

³⁸ Again feeling very upset, Jesus came to the tomb. It was a cave with a large stone covering the entrance. ³⁹ Jesus said, “Move the stone away.”
Martha, the sister of the dead man, said, “But, Lord, it has been four days since he died. There will be a bad smell.”
⁴⁰ Then Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?”
⁴¹ So they moved the stone away from the entrance. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. ⁴² I know that you always hear me, but I said these things because of the people here around me. I want them to believe that you sent me.” ⁴³ After Jesus said this, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with pieces of cloth, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take the cloth off of him and let him go.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we are so very thankful for all the blessings we enjoyed over the past year of 2012. There were many opportunities for rejoicing and plenty of opportunities for trusting. Your mercies are renewed daily and Your provision is experienced in our lives each moment of every day. We seek You for guidance in the new year and growth in our daily Christian walk. Though we cannot know the future we can have assurance of Your faithfulness because You are a God that does not change. Every promise You’ve made is true as we have seen in the Biblical records. This gives us reason to trust You for the dawning of a new year where we will once again experience Your guiding presence in our daily lives. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen.

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

Sunday January 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus is what he came to proclaim-

2-Jesus is Emmanuel (God with us)-

3-We make a mistake by not determining how we will use the time God has given us-

4-We should properly invest our time since it is impossible to save it-

5-Using our talents and abilities for ourselves alone is a waste of what we have received-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What happens when you get scared half to death-twice?

 

I'VE LEARNED-People won't go along with you unless they get along with you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Kites were used in the Civil War to deliver letters and newspapers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary ever try to explain to her friends and family who her boy Jesus was?

2-Was Jesus ever sick or injured?

3-Why is there no scripture record of whether or not Jesus appeared to his parents or family members after his resurrection?

4-Can you know for yourself if you are a "lukewarm Christian"?

5-How do we know what God thinks of our Christianity?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What substance was usually used for anointing in Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Jesus   Luke 7:38

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 11:33-37

³³ When Jesus saw Mary crying and the Jews who came with her also crying, he was upset and was deeply troubled. ³⁴ He asked, “Where did you bury him?”
“Come and see, Lord,” they said.
³⁵ Jesus cried.
³⁶ So the Jews said, “See how much he loved him.”
³⁷ But some of them said, “If Jesus opened the eyes of the blind man, why couldn’t he keep Lazarus from dying?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
  Father, we share the sentiment Paul expressed when he wrote, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.” Our hope is not limited to this earthly existence, but rather it flourishes and yields growing anticipation as we contemplate the blessed future event of our Lord’s soon return.  Being aware of our unworthiness and inclination to sin gives us all the more motivation to fix our hope on You. We want to set our affections on things above, not on things of this earth, for we are dead to the world and our life is hidden with Christ through You, Father. Purify our thoughts, actions, and conversation as we with renewed determination fix our hope on the Everlasting One. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Saturday January 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Mankind is more than lost in guilt, he is lost in sin-

2-All people have an innate desire to be loved-

3-God hates sin because it always ends up hurting you-

4-Sin is more than word or deed, it is rebellion against God-

5-We hear from god only when we chose to listen-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do psychics have to ask you your name?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best place to find a helping hand is at the end of your arm-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Zero is the only number that cannot be represented by Roman numerals-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever celebrate his own birthday?

2-"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you"?

3-Can you love "on and off" like a light switch?

4-How do you love the unlovable?

5-How do you become a person of extraordinary love?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What holy man was anointed by an immoral woman?

Yesterday's answer-Jacob   Genesis 28:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 11:28-32

²⁸ After Martha said this, she went back and talked to her sister Mary alone. Martha said, “The Teacher is here and he is asking for you.” ²⁹ When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Jesus. ³⁰ Jesus had not yet come into the town but was still at the place where Martha had met him. ³¹ The Jews were with Mary in the house, comforting her. When they saw her stand and leave quickly, they followed her, thinking she was going to the tomb to cry there.
³² But Mary went to the place where Jesus was. When she saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we thank You for the band of Christian brothers and sisters that circle the globe who are among the redeemed, overcoming life’s obstacles, and giving testimony to Your faithful work in their lives. We uphold each other in prayer and lend support to those who have need, as together we walk in the light of Your holy Word. Thank You for the fellowship of believers that encourages us in our daily Christian walk. Amen.

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

Friday January 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Sin puts you in slavery-

2-Freedom does not mean "I am a law unto myself"-

3-God has already diagnosed our sin problem and supplied the remedy-

4-Mankind is either redeemed or condemned eternally-

5-Hell is not the choice of God but the choice of everyone who rejects God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Laughing stock are cattle with a sense of humor-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can see more coming down the hill than going up-

 

DID YOU KNOW-When a human body is dehydrated its thirst mechanism shuts off-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you love someone you don't like?

2-Wasn't a baby a strange way to save the world?

3-Why was Joseph chosen to be Jesus' earthly father?

4-Are there any records of Jesus' birth other than the biblical record?

5-What is the healthiest human emotion?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who anointed a stone and dedicated it to God?

Yesterday's answer-Wine, which symbolizes the blood of sacrifice    Mark 14:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 11:17-27

¹⁷ When Jesus arrived, he learned that Lazarus had already been dead and in the tomb for four days. ¹⁸ Bethany was about two miles from Jerusalem. ¹⁹ Many of the Jews had come there to comfort Martha and Mary about their brother.
²⁰ When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed home. ²¹ Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But I know that even now God will give you anything you ask.”
²³ Jesus said, “Your brother will rise and live again.”
²⁴ Martha answered, “I know that he will rise and live again in the resurrection^[a] on the last day.”
²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will have life even if they die. ²⁶ And everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Martha, do you believe this?”
²⁷ Martha answered, “Yes, Lord. I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming to the world.”

Footnotes:

1. John 11:24 resurrection Being raised from the dead to live again.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, I rejoice in the blessing that we are not still waiting for the consolation of Israel, but were born after Christ came into the world to save us. Though there are many promises in Scripture yet to be fulfilled the most important has been answered in the birth, death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We are now among those who look “for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” We look back and give thanks for Christ’s birth. We look forward and cry out, “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come!”

 

 

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

Thursday January 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Patience is not the inability to make decisions-

2-Your biggest trouble maker looks at you in your bathroom mirror-

3-Do not condone what God condemns-

4-Sin tries to make bad good and good bad-

5-The worst part of sin is that it separates us from God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do you tell if you run out of invisible ink?

I'VE LEARNED-For most people, a known situation, however unpleasant, is often more comfortable and easier to accept than the fear of an unknown one-

DID YOU KNOW-Your tongue is the only muscle in your body attached at only one end-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus' resurrected body have been different than his human body?

2-What happened to Jesus' body after it's entombment?

3-Was the star the wise men followed a single bright star or an alignment of planets or stars?

4-What is "exceeding great joy"?

5-Just because we are to love others, does it mean we are to also like them?

BIBLE TRIVIA-In the New Testament, a new covenant is instituted by Jesus.  What does he use to symbolize this new covenant?

Yesterday's answer-On men's hearts      Jeremiah 31:33

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 11:11-16

¹¹ After Jesus said this, he added, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him.”
¹² The followers said, “But Lord, if he is only asleep, he will be all right.”
¹³ Jesus meant that Lazarus was dead, but his followers thought he meant Lazarus was really sleeping. ¹⁴ So then Jesus said plainly, “Lazarus is dead. ¹⁵ And I am glad for your sakes I was not there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him now.”
¹⁶ Then Thomas (the one called Didymus) said to the other followers, “Let us also go so that we can die with him.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I’m so glad that the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control are gifts from You given in abundance to Your children in every season of life. They satisfy the deepest needs of our hearts and shape our character traits into the nature of Christ.  They have everlasting value that does not diminish with time but only heightens as we stay firmly grounded in You. We also thank You for the tender moments that both giver and receiver enjoy when meaningful gifts are exchanged. And we most especially thank You for the Gift of Your Son, Jesus, whose kingdom was not for just the generation in which He was born, but His kingdom is eternal. His gift of salvation has everlasting value and abiding joy for all who seek Him. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God loves us more than we can ever love him-

2-To walk on water you have to get out of your boat-

3-Adam and Eve decided they would be the god of God-

4-Sin is both an action and an attitude-

5-Sin is more than a breaking of the law but an attitude toward it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A shin is a device to find furniture in the dark-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Integrity is not demonstrated by what we say or how we say it but how we live-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Gold is the only metal that doesn't rust, even if it is buried in the ground for thousands of years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus have God's spirit in him before his baptism?

2-Why did Jesus need to be baptized by the Holy Spirit?

3-Would Jesus have been a full term baby?

4-Would Mary have had a painful or painless delivery?

5-Would Jesus' human body have been "Holy"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Jeremiah's vision, where would the new covenant between God and man be written?

Yesterday's answer-They built and worshiped a graven image, the golden calf-    Exodus 32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 11:8-10

⁸ The followers said, “But Teacher, some people there tried to stone you to death only a short time ago. Now you want to go back there?”
⁹ Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the daylight, he will not stumble, because he can see by this world’s light. ¹⁰ But if anyone walks at night, he stumbles because there is no light to help him see.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
  Father, what assurance fills our heart when we consider the spoken promise of Jesus, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” It is in keeping with the name given at Christ’s coming to earth, “Emmanuel” – God with us. You are with us before we draw our first breath. You are with us when we struggle to draw our final breath. And You are with us in all life’s struggles between our first and final breath. You guide us with Your right hand, not from a distance checking in with us here and there. You are our friend who sticks closer than a brother. We thank You, Father, for Your giving and we thank You, Jesus, for Your coming. Amen.

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

Tuesday January 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do not confuse faith and arrogance-

2-Faith does not dictate to God-

3-From where you are sitting, you never know how your photograph will turn out-

4-In any area where you are concerned about failure, the single most destructive thing you can do is nothing-

5-Jesus did not do away with the 10 commandments, he added mercy, grace, forgiveness and reconciliation-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Major is what happens to me, minor is what happens to you-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Wisdom is knowing the right thing to do at the right time for the right reason in the right way-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Google is actually the common name for a number with a million zeros-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Cain's wife have been his biological sister?

2-How many people went into Noah's ark?

3-Why did the star lead the magi to Jerusalem and not directly to Bethlehem?

4-Why didn't King Herod send his own people to find the new "King of the Jews" instead of asking the magi to inform him

5-Why weren't the Jews looking for the Messiah in Bethlehem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In the covenant between God and Israel at Sinai, the agreement was broken almost immediately afterward by the Israelites.  What did they do that was an infringement of the covenant?

Yesterday's answer-Circumcision    Genesis 17:9-14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 11:1-7

11 A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in the town of Bethany, where Mary and her sister Martha lived. ² Mary was the woman who later put perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair. Mary’s brother was Lazarus, the man who was now sick. ³ So Mary and Martha sent someone to tell Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

⁴ When Jesus heard this, he said, “This sickness will not end in death. It is for the glory of God, to bring glory to the Son of God.” ⁵ Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ But when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was for two more days. ⁷ Then Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go back to Judea.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
  Father, we consider the role of John the Baptist who was forerunner of Your Son, Jesus. He was the voice of one calling in the desert, “Make straight the way for the Lord.” He prepared the hearts of men for Jesus’ coming and he surrendered his life even to death for his Master. May we have the same spirit as John who told his followers, “He must become greater; I must become less.  The One who comes from above is above all.” We bow in surrender, adoration, and praise to the Christ child born in a manger who grew in favor with God and man, who laid down His life so that we might be raised to newness of life. For all that You are and all that You have done we give You thanks. In the name of Your Son, Jesus.  Amen.

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