Thursday February 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can tell how big people are by what it takes to discourage them-

2-Don't depend on the other person for they may be depending on you-

3-Gratitude is the memory of the heart-

4-To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of all-

5-Opportunities look bigger going than coming-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Can you sit in the shade of the palm of your hand?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Two and five are the only prime numbers that end in two or five- (can a math person explain that to me)-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does time heal all wounds?

2-The Law of Moses required the first born male child to be given to the Lord.  Were later children not required to be presented?

3-Is worry the absence of faith or the deficiency of faith?

4-Were all of Jesus' disciples present at his crucifixion?

5-Was there a large crowd watching Jesus' crucifixion?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book of the bible mentions a talking altar?

Yesterday's answer-Joab   1 Kings 2:28-34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 16:1-4

 “I have told you these things to keep you from giving up. ² People will put you out of their synagogues. Yes, the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are offering service to God. ³ They will do this because they have not known the Father and they have not known me. ⁴ I have told you these things now so that when the time comes you will remember that I warned you.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, many people spend their entire lives accumulating that which perishes at the end of our lives. We, too, as believers get caught up in earthly possessions as they require a great deal of our time and often tug at our heart strings for misplaced value in this life. But our possessions on this side pale in comparison to knowing You and Your great love for us. Turn our eyes from that which is worthless and toward that which is preserved for us in heaven. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Wednesday February 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't raise your voice unless the house is on fire-

2-The books that help you the most are the ones that make you think-

3-The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor can a person without trials-

4-Those that neglect the present moment throw away all that they have-

5-Keep your ideals high enough to inspire you and low enough to encourage you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you wanted to shingle the roof of your mouth, would you use the nails on your toes?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is what we make it-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Because of the rotation of the earth, an object can be thrown farther if it is thrown west-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why are so many Christians so lax in observing all the ten commandments as part of their Christian living?

2-Is saying "grace" (praying) before a meal a biblical practice?  If so, when and where did the practice start?

3-Are some Christian practices today not direct biblical instructions?

4-Is there evil in people or just the tendency to do evil?

5-When we become a Christian, does God remove evil from us or the desire to do evil?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What military leader was killed while holding on to the horns of the altar?

Yesterday's answer-Noah   Genesis 8:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 15:26-27

²⁶ “I will send you the Helper^[a] from the Father; he is the Spirit of truth who comes from the Father. When he comes, he will tell about me, ²⁷ and you also must tell people about me, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Footnotes:

1. 15:26 Helper “Counselor” or “Comforter.” Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, Your love reaches beyond the heavens and surpasses earthly dimensions. Thank You, Father, that as we are rooted and established in Your love, we are empowered by Your Holy Spirit to soar on wings like eagles as we are renewed day by day. Your love flows through us so that those who look on can see human lives impacted by Your love. To know the fullness of Your love is to know a love that has no prejudices, no boundaries and no limitations. What wondrous love is this!  Amen.

 

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

Tuesday February 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A broken heart can be mended with a thread of kindness-

2-Be a fault mender not a fault finder-

3-Cultivate your character and your reputation will take care of itself-

4-People, not things are what count-

5-Kind words bring forth kind echoes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Who crosses the bridge of your nose?

 

I'VE LEARNED-There are always flowers for those who wish to see them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-An iceberg contains more heat than a match-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the Bible have to be written over 1500 years, on 3 different continents, by 40 different writers from many walks of life?

2-Is there any correlation between size and significance?

3-Is God always on time?

4-Do the 10 commandments apply to today as they did in Old Testament times?

5-To the non Christian, is there any such thing as sin?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built the first altar?

Yesterday's answer-Hiram of Tyre    1 Kings 7:13-14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 15:20-25

²⁰ Remember what I told you: A servant is not greater than his master. If people did wrong to me, they will do wrong to you, too. And if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours, too. ²¹ They will do all this to you on account of me, because they do not know the One who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ Whoever hates me also hates my Father. ²⁴ I did works among them that no one else has ever done. If I had not done these works, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen what I have done, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But this happened so that what is written in their law would be true: ‘They hated me for no reason.’^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 15:25 ‘They . . . Reason.’ These words could be from Psalm 35:19 or Psalm 69:4.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we thank You for those who make known the “unknown God” to the people of a foreign land or right here in our own homeland. More and more we hear of those who pray or look to a “higher power” for help in their day to day struggles. How unfortunate for them if they do not know You personally, Father God, to be the Highest Power available to all creation. From the very beginning You created a hunger within our hearts to serve you, but far too many misfeed that hunger and rather look to “gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill”. Instead we are to feed our spiritual hunger by serving You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we draw near to You, You promise to draw near to us. Thank You for making Yourself known to us in Your Word as we immerse ourselves in Your truths. Amen.

 

 

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

Monday February 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A moments insight is sometimes worth a life's experience-

2-It is difficult to have rosy thoughts of the future when your mind is full of the blues of the past-

3-Love always finds a warm home in the heart of a friend-

4-Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the awareness of what you already have-

5-Offering advice may be noble and grand, but it is not the same a a helping hand-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is the crown of your head where jewels are found?

I'VE LEARNED-An optimist is one who travels on nothing from nowhere to happiness-

DID YOU KNOW-Hot water is heavier than cold-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-At what point does God forgive us?

2-Must we say "forgive me" for God to do so?

3-How do you practice gentleness?

4-Are you to always be patient?

5-Why do some cultures name their sons "Jesus"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who did Solomon hire to take charge of building the temple?

Yesterday's answer-Ling Ahaz   1 Kings 7:13-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 15:18-19

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. ¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as it loves its own. But I have chosen you out of the world, so you don’t belong to it. That is why the world hates you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we thank You for the first time we met our spouse, the romance that ensued, the steps that led us to say “I do” and the journey we walk together. We’re thankful for the love that continues to grow as we tend to each other with kindness, affirm one another by our words and deeds, spend time working and playing together, serve each other in accordance to our needs, and the celebration of our sexual intimacy in the way You intended through the matrimonial bonds of our marriage. We are indeed grateful for the wonderful fulfillment we find in a loving spouse. Amen.

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

Sunday February 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anything that just costs money is cheap-

2-"If anyone wants to be first, they must be the very last and the servant of all"-

3-God will make you happy if you make others happy-

4-The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the happiness of believers, it's doctrine is holy, it's precepts are binding, it's history is true and it's decisions immutable-

5-Remember the years and forget the tears-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Can a man's eyes be called an academy because his pupils are there?

 

I'VE LEARNED-What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise-

 

DID YOU KNOW-H2O expands as it freezes and contracts as it melts, displacing the exact same amount of fluid in either state.  So if the northern ice cap did melt, it would cause absolutely no rise in the level of the ocean-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you listen to God?

2-Is there a purpose in all of life's trials?

3-Should Christians treat other believers differently than non Christians?

4-To the non Christian, what is the motivation to doing what is right?

5-When does a Christian become holy?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had an Assyrian style altar made for the Jerusalem temple?

Yesterday's answer-Jehu of Israel   2 Kings 10:18-27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 15:12-17

¹² “This is my command: Love each other as I have loved you. ¹³ The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know what his master is doing. But I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father. ¹⁶ You did not choose me; I chose you. And I gave you this work: to go and produce fruit, fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you anything you ask for in my name. ¹⁷ This is my command: Love each other.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we thank You for the wonderful gift of love that we experience in a romantic relationship that often grows into a marital bond between a man and woman. It is a holy union in which devout believers make You the Cornerstone of their marriage and family. May they be a support to each other as they provide a loving and protective shelter from the bitter disappointments of life. May the fruit of the Spirit be evident in their daily walk both at home and in public places. Keep them wholly faithful to one another, rejecting every lustful temptation the devil sends their way. May they prove their love to each other with mutual respect, understanding, forgiveness, kindness, forbearance, and unity. In the precious name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.


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

Saturday February 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We usually become what we envision ourselves to be-

2-If you can't feed 100 people, then find one-

3-Be kind to everyone you meet for everyone is fighting some kind of battle-

4-A heart enlarged by sympathy has never killed anyone-

5-Let your words be kind and you will always hear kind echoes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Where can a man buy a key to a lock of his hair?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Every storm runs out of rain-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Marie Curie, the Nobel Prize winning scientist who discovered radium, died of July 4, 1934 of radiation poisoning-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What does "the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" mean?

2-Have we become so used to the love of Jesus that it no longer causes us to be amazed?

3-What is a "covenant obligation"?

4-Is there a difference in seeking God's advice and seeking his will?

5-Is God a good communicator?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king tricked the followers of Baal by gathering them in Baal's temple and then slaughtering them?

Yesterday's answer-Jesus    Matthew 4:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 15:10-11

¹⁰ I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. ¹¹ I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, help us to be people who are thoughtful to those special to us, most especially our spouse. Impress upon our hearts the need to take notice of the big and small things that bring them pleasure, whether it’s going to a special place, enjoying a particular activity, or collecting a favorite item. May the gifts we give to those we love express our thoughtfulness and show them how much we value them. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday February 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant-

2-Your "I can" is more important than your "IQ"-

3-Warmth and comfort given in love always brings a smile-

4-Happiness is not a cessation of unhappiness-

5-Measure your wealth not by the things you have but by the things you have for which you would not take money-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Where can a man buy a cap for his knee?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Some people are so poor that all they have is money-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The shockwave from a nitroglycerine explosion travels at seventeen thousand miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Is it always more blessed to give than to receive?

2-Does "trusting God" mean not planning for your retirement years?

3-Is there anything to be gained from suffering?

4-Do all tragedies have a place in God's plan?

5-Is Romans 8:28 true all the time, no matter what happens?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was taken to the highest point of the Jerusalem temple?

Yesterday's answer-Darius   Ezra 6:1-12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 15:5-9

⁵ “I am the vine, and you are the branches. If any remain in me and I remain in them, they produce much fruit. But without me they can do nothing. ⁶ If any do not remain in me, they are like a branch that is thrown away and then dies. People pick up dead branches, throw them into the fire, and burn them. ⁷ If you remain in me and follow my teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you. ⁸ You should produce much fruit and show that you are my followers, which brings glory to my Father. ⁹ I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
  Father, a devoted spouse is one of the greatest gifts we receive on this side of heaven. It’s not an inanimate treasure that sits dormant on a shelf for onlookers to admire, but rather it’s a living treasure that requires a good deal of our time and energy to keep it a treasure. A lifelong commitment will produce in us the fruit of the spirit as we love unconditionally, practice patience, show kindness, joyfully serve, and remain faithful to each other all the days of our life. Help us to do our part. Amen.

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

Wednesday February 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You cannot build character and courage by taking away peoples initiative and independence-

2-You cannot help people permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves-

3-With a little perspective you can live a life of purpose-

4-The time you spend with friends is important but the time you spend with family is more important-

5-Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes, doing the one thing you don't want to do can be the best thing you've ever done-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The US Bureau of Standards says that the electron is the fastest thing in the world-

 

5 THING I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it that those who most need a shepherd resists him so?

2-Should Christians make long range plans and goals?

3-What is a "spirit of humility"?

4-Since we are not promised tomorrow, should we plan for tomorrow?

5-How do you use your financial resources for God's glory?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king issued an order allowing the Jews to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Naaman the Syrian   2 Kings 5:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 15:1-4

15 “I am the true vine; my Father is the gardener. ² He cuts off every branch of mine that does not produce fruit. And he trims and cleans every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce even more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the words I have spoken to you. ⁴ Remain in me, and I will remain in you. A branch cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit alone but must remain in me.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we desire to communicate with our spouses, family members and other people in a way that builds up and benefits those who listen. As we establish Biblical principles in our heart, they will act as filters for that which flows from our tongue. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Amen.

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

Tuesday February 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich-

2-You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong-

3-You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift-

4-You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling the wage payer down-

5-You cannot promote the brotherhood of man by inviting hatred-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-For the ladies-Don't think of it as getting hot flashes, think of it as your inner child playing with matches-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Feelings are not facts-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The 111th element is known a unnilenilenium

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary ever explain to her other children who Jesus was?

2-Did any of Mary's children ever question Jesus' divine birth?

3-Is there such a thing as "worldly wisdom"?

4-Was all of Jesus' family present at his crucifixion?

5-What does it mean to be a "friend of the world"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked Elisha's forgiveness for worshiping in the temple of the god Rimmon?

Yesterday's answer-The temple of Ashtoreth   1 Samuel 31:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:27-30

²⁷ “I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going, but I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you should be happy that I am going back to the Father, because he is greater than I am. ²⁹ I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it happens, you will believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, ³¹ but the world must know that I love the Father, so I do exactly what the Father told me to do.
“Come now, let us go.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I consider the depth of one’s faith and how far-reaching it is when fleshed out in one’s life. Timothy’s sincere faith was due in great part to the influence of a godly grandmother and equally devoted mother. As we stay in communion with You through prayer and obedience to Your Holy Word we ask You to keep the flame burning within our hearts. It is not just compliance to Your Word, but also fervency in our spirit that will convince others of their need to walk in Your ways. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday February 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you keep your mind on the Lord, that keeps you from getting it on your problems-

2-Sometimes, everything we want is opposite from everything we need-

3-Thank God that he has the wisdom to not give us all we want or ask for-

4-Dwell not on what the world has become, but on who has come to the world-

5-There are many sides to gossip, but all sides of gossip are equally bad-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-About half the stuff in my shopping cart these days says "for fast relief"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You don't need all the answers-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The metal part at the end of a pencil is 20 percent sulfur

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can the tongue always be controlled?

2-How do you honor the Lord with your wealth?

3-How do we submit our speaking to the control of God's spirit?

4-Why didn't Jesus chose any family members to be one of his disciples?

5-When did James (Jesus half brother) become a believer in who Jesus was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-After Saul's death, where did the Philistines carry his armor?

Yesterday's answer-Ahab     1 Kings 16:32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 14:22-26

²² Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you plan to show yourself to us and not to the rest of the world?”
²³ Jesus answered, “If people love me, they will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. This teaching that you hear is not really mine; it is from my Father, who sent me.
²⁵ “I have told you all these things while I am with you. ²⁶ But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we limit our faith when we pray and then expect You to provide for our needs in the natural human way. But when we read the Scriptures we’re reminded me that You are Omnipotent and You work in supernatural ways to restore broken lives and mend broken hearts. You do extraordinary things in ordinary lives who’ve plunged into desperate messes of their own making. We place our loved ones in Your hands and ask You to reveal Your immeasurable, not for sale grace to their lives, even as You have shown to us. Thank You for grace, God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Amen.

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

Sunday February 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Joy is not necessarily in the circumstances but in the verdict-

2-Heavy givers are light complainers-

3-A good thing is not necessarily a God thing-

4-Good times become good memories, bad times become good lessons-

5-Keep looking up for there is only mud under your shoes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness is the greatest expression of love-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The densest substance on earth is the metal osmium-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can we ever be free of all prejudices?

2-Is showing favoritism sin?

3-Why is faith without works dead?

4-Is mere belief in God enough to be a Christian?

5-What is spiritual discipline and how do you develop it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built a temple for Baal in Samaria?

Yesterday's answer-Solomon     1 Kings 6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 14:18-21

¹⁸ “I will not leave you all alone like orphans; I will come back to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live, too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me and I am in you. ²¹ Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, the devil communicates with us daily by tempting us to do that which displeases you. It seems there are days when he talks non-stop. But You make a way of escape as we come to You in prayer, as we search and apply the Scriptures, and as we practice self-control. We can endure temptation by keeping our hearts pure and our eyes fixed upon the future rewards that come from obeying You and walking in Your ways. Amen.

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

Saturday February 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There are few ideal and leisurely settings for the disciplines of growth-

2-Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God-

3-Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong-

4-Sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you growing, God keeps you going-

5-If you love until it hurts, you find there is no more hurt, only more love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I'm getting into swing dancing, not on purpose, it is just that some parts of my body are just prone to swinging-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God gave us two hands.  If we hang on to the past, we can't embrace the future-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are five trillion atoms in one pound of iron-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Jesus washed the disciples feet as an example to us, why don't we practice it today?

2-Are we as Christians to offer unconditional grace to everyone?

3-What was the primary purpose of Jesus "washing the feet" of the disciples?

4-Why isn't the "washing of feet" considered a sacrament?

5-Is it possible to love/like everyone the same?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built the first temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-The ark of the covenant    1 Samuel 5:2-4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:15-17

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will obey my commands. ¹⁶ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper^[a] to be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he lives with you and he will be in you.

Footnotes:

1. John 14:16 Helper “Counselor” or “Comforter.” Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we want to thank You for diversity in the body of Christ. There is so much incredible variety in personalities, giftings, ethnicity, and varied interests. As we dwell together in unity You help us to become like minded, having the same love, being of one accord. Your work goes forward when we set aside our personal agenda, and for the sake of the body, focus on that which we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, as much as it is possible, help us to be at peace with our church family, our immediate and extended family as well that You have blessed us with. In the name of Jesus 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 February 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't bother to be better than your contemporaries or ancestors, try to be better than yourself-

2-If you live your life worrying about the "what ifs" you'll never enjoy the "what nows"-

3-If ever there is a time when we need the Lord, it is in the good times-

4-Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else-

5-Most of the significant things done are done by people who are too busy-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Know how to prevent sagging?  Just eat until the wrinkles fill out-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not about having it all, it is about having what you value most-

DID YOU KNOW-The ashes of the metal magnesium are heavier than magnesium itself-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we know if/when we are "Godly"?

2-Can there be anger in the "Godly life"?

3-How is "pure and undefiled religion" lived?

4-How can you have "ears to hear" God's word?

5-In what ways does our life demonstrate to other that we are a Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What holy object was taken by the Philistines into the temple of Dagon, causing Dagon's image to fall down?

Yesterday's answer-His body  John 2:19-21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 14:8-14

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.”
⁹ Jesus answered, “I have been with you a long time now. Do you still not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you don’t come from me, but the Father lives in me and does his own work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the miracles I have done. ¹² I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, it is an irrefutable spiritual truth that the human spirit is renewed and empowered day by day because Christ has chosen to store His treasure within us, His earthen jars of clay. It is because this treasure is stored within us that we do not lose hope or give up our faith when adversity strikes. Instead we show that this all-surpassing gift is from You and not of our own origin. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us, empowers us, and sustains us!  Praise be to God!  Amen.

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

Thursday February 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is sad that people today can be committed to the success of the church yet not really be committed to God's will-

2-God's love for people extends beyond just Christians but to the lost people everywhere also-

3-Man is never impressed with his insignificance until he compares himself with the majesty of God-

4-Unless you can create the universe in 6 days, then perhaps giving advice to God isn't such a good idea-

5-So many times it is not what you say but how you say it that turns the switch from off to on-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-My memory is not as sharp as it used to be, also, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Methane gas can often be seen bubbling up from the bottom of ponds.  It is produced by the decomposition of dead plants and animals in the mud-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it our tendency to tally our temptations and count our complaints rather than count our blessings?

2-Why do so many people blame God as the source of temptation?

3-What temptations are most difficult to resist?

4-Is temptation itself sin?

5-Are Christians ever set free from the temptations of sin?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Jesus talking about when he spoke of destroying the temple and raising it up in three days?

Yesterday's answer-Nebuchadnezzar   2 Chronicles 36:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:1-7

14 Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. ² There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³ After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”^[a]

⁵ Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. So how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. ⁷ If you really knew me, you would know my Father, too. But now you do know him, and you have seen him.”

Footnotes:

1. John 14:4 You . . . Going. Some Greek copies read “You know where I am going and the way to the place I am going.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are numerous subject matters that are troubling to the believer as darkness continues to spread throughout our land. What a blessing to know that the darkness of sin cannot overcome the light of Truth revealed through Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, the Life.  But we, as believers, must be very careful not to distort, dilute, or digress from Your Biblical instruction. We ask that those walking in darkness will see the light of Christ shining through us. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday February 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is up to the person afflicted with bitterness to deal with it and bring peace to himself-

2-It is not only how you act but also how you react-

3-When we sin we are turning away from God-

4-When you pray you must believe that your prayers are heard by God-

5-God is moved with compassion for sinners who truly repent-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The nicest thing about being senile is that you can hide your own Easter eggs-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You will either worry or worship, pray or panic-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we love those who are not loveable?

2-Does love have to be expressed?

3-Can a broken promise be fixed?

4-What is the difference in the words-renewal, revival and awakening?

5-What is the Christian's right response to trails?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who carried away furnishings from the Jerusalem temple and put them in the temple at Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-John  Revelation 11:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:36-38

³⁶ Simon Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
³⁷ Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!”
³⁸ Jesus answered, “Are you ready to die for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, when we are angry You tell us to stay above the fray and sin not. There are times when it is appropriate to be angry such as when we see a person harming another individual; when we have been lied to, when we have been unfairly accused or when we see the rotting decay around us due to the forces of evil. These circumstances along with many others stir up strong emotions with us and often require a response to the matter. Keep us prayerful as we are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. May we respond as Jesus did to His many accusers, though innocent, He spoke not a word in His defense. And may we be careful not to keep a scoreboard of other’s offenses. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus who forgives us and does not count our sins against us, but rather took them upon Himself.  Amen.

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

Tuesday February 12, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger is sometimes right and justified, but bitterness is always sinful and unjustified-

2-You will never conquer bitterness unless the problem is acknowledged-

3-Do you ever wonder why there is so much about confession in scripture?  It is because the only way the disease of sin can be healed and removed is by first acknowledging it is present-

4-Forgiveness is the only action that will heal bitterness, not revenge, spite or retaliation will do it-

5-You can forgive because God has forgiven you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If sports players get athletes feet, do astronauts get mistletoe?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Spend time with those you love.  Someday you will say either "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Hydrogen is the most common atom in the universe-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do you have to prove your love to others?

2-Can love be imitated?

3-What is the real test of love?

4-How can we not love someone and yet say we love God?

5-Are some people not loveable?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told in a vision to measure the temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Sennacherib     2 Kings 19:37

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 13:31-35

³¹ When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man receives his glory, and God receives glory through him. ³² If God receives glory through him,^[a] then God will give glory to the Son through himself. And God will give him glory quickly.”
³³ Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and what I told the Jews, I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come.
³⁴ “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. ³⁵ All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

Footnotes:

1. John 13:32 If . . . Him Some Greek copies do not have this phrase.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, when You took the dust of the ground to form man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life You had a purpose for his existence on earth. And You have a purpose for all human life. Forgive us for assuming that we know more than You, the Creator of life, in willfully choosing whether one is allowed to live and another is destined to die before one breathes his or her first independent breath. We thank You for the millions who take a visible stand for life, based not on a popular theme but on truths established in Your Holy Word. Help us to be vigilant in doing what is right and good in Your sight, even when it is inconvenient and costly to our personal lives. In our disposable society help us never to dispose of human life that You created or to dispose of truths that You intended for us to live by in favor of a political, intellectual, or financial agenda. Amen.

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

Monday February 11, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A bitter root always bears bitter fruit-

2-Bitterness grows when you bottle up anger inside you-

3-Bitterness can be more destructive than anger-

4-Resentment, bitterness and self pity build up inside of us and destroys us like a slow growing cancer-

5-Bitterness depresses you and destroys your health-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Back up my hard drive?  How do I put it in reverse?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't judge what you don't understand-

 

DID YOU KNOW-DuPont is the world's largest chemical company-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does Jesus live in side of the Christian or is it the Holy Spirit?

2-How does God abide in us?

3-How do we abide in God?

4-Why do Christians so often not act and live lovingly?

5-Is there any fear in love?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Assyrian emperor was assassinated by his sons while he was worshiping in his pagan temple?

Yesterday's answer-All believers   1 Corinthians 6:19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 13:26-30

²⁶ Jesus answered, “I will dip this bread into the dish. The man I give it to is the man who will turn against me.” So Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. ²⁷ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus said to him, “The thing that you will do—do it quickly.” ²⁸ No one at the table understood why Jesus said this to Judas. ²⁹ Since he was the one who kept the money box, some of the followers thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast or to give something to the poor.
³⁰ Judas took the bread Jesus gave him and immediately went out. It was night.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I want to be vigilant in equipping myself today as I battle the spiritual forces of evil. Though I wage war in this present and evil generation I have a body guard in the presence of the Holy Spirit who gives me power over the enemy of my soul. Today, I stand against the devil’s schemes because I take on the full armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  As I prayerfully cover my vulnerable self with godly armor I am fully equipped with the necessary provisions to overcome discouragement, disappointment and seeming defeat. Instead I am an enduring conqueror who stands triumphant by Your grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name I pray!  Amen.

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