Tuesday April 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Education is the mother of leadership-

2-Don't be one whose motive for action is reward-

3-The best part of being a mother or father is being paid with pure love-

4-The darkest hour only has 60 minutes-

5-Laughter is an instant vacation-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT- How much love can the heart hold?

 

I'VE LEARNED-"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Male monkeys lose the hair on their heads in the same manner men do-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do rituals sometimes go hand in hand with insincere worship?

2-Did rituals ever "save" anyone?

3-Are there any writings of Paul that are not considered scripture?

4-In Paul's time, how could a Christian leader be a slave holder?

5-When and where were the first Christian churches built?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest of Midian taught Moses how to administer justice among the Hebrews?

Yesterday's answer-Melchizedek    Hebrews 7:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Acts 3:1-10

 One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock, the time set each day for the afternoon prayer service. ² There, at the Temple gate called Beautiful Gate, was a man who had been crippled all his life. Every day he was carried to this gate to beg for money from the people going into the Temple. ³ The man saw Peter and John going into the Temple and asked them for money. ⁴ Peter and John looked straight at him and said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The man looked at them, thinking they were going to give him some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, stand up and walk!” ⁷ Then Peter took the man’s right hand and lifted him up. Immediately the man’s feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk. He went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God. ^9-10 All the people recognized him as the crippled man who always sat by the Beautiful Gate begging for money. Now they saw this same man walking and praising God, and they were amazed. They wondered how this could happen.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we greatly rejoice that our Lord is risen. He is risen indeed! Therefore we walk in the resurrected power of Jesus Christ who gives us power to take our stand against the enemy and to stand up for righteousness and truth. Because You raised up Jesus in power You also raise us up by Your own power so that we are not dependent on our own wisdom or strength but we are able to conquer every foe by the power You grant to us through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Monday April 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It doesn't matter how poor someone is, if they have someone who loves them they are rich-

2-Don't compromise your dream-

3-The harder you work, the more luck you have-

4-Keep your principles constantly in readiness-

5-Excellence is not a skill but an attitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What does it mean to pre board.  Do you get on before you get on?

 

I'VE LEARNED-"If we confess our sins, he will forgive our sins"- we can trust God to do what is right-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Thirty thousand monkeys were used in the massive three year effort to classify the various types of polio-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do Jewish Christians observe all the Jewish traditions?

2-What makes people pleasing to God?

3-Is ritual right or wrong in Christian religious practices?

4-What was Abraham's original homeland before moving to Israel?

5-Are there any rituals God wants us to obey still today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest was the "king of priests"?

Yesterday's answer-Eleazar, Aaron's son    Numbers 3:32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 2:43-47

⁴³ The apostles were doing many miracles and signs, and everyone felt great respect for God. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and shared everything. ⁴⁵ They would sell their land and the things they owned and then divide the money and give it to anyone who needed it. ⁴⁶ The believers met together in the Temple every day. They ate together in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. ⁴⁷ They praised God and were liked by all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

 Loving Father, we thank You for Jesus who was wounded for our transgressions, who bore our sins in His body on the tree. For our guilt He gave us peace, and from our bondage to sin He gave sweet release. The triumph of the cross is witnessed by the myriads of believers who follow Christ into heaven. We thank You for Jesus who is our victorious and soon coming King! We honor Him by surrendering our lives wholly to His set purpose. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Amen.

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

Sunday April 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The energy spent in struggling against the inevitable could often prevent it from becoming inevitable-

2-A person who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of it-

3-In the book of life, the answers are not in the back-

4-Do more than hear, listen-

5-Peace should be the other name for home-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No person was ever honored for what he received.  Honor was the reward for what he gave-

 

I'VE LEARNED-"If we say we have no sin we are fooling ourselves and the truth is not in us"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of tigers is called a streak-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why and when did the Jews stop animal sacrifices?

2-When and where have Christians suffered the worst possible persecution?

3-Do angels worship Jesus?

4-Who of all the old testament characters is most revered by Jews of all ages?

5-Why did the Romans outlaw Christianity?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest was the first head of the Levites?

Yesterday's answer-Nadab and Abihu     Numbers 3:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 2:40-42

⁴⁰ Peter warned them with many other words. He begged them, “Save yourselves from the evil of today’s people!” ⁴¹ Then those people who accepted what Peter said were baptized. About three thousand people were added to the number of believers that day. ⁴² They spent their time learning the apostles’ teaching, sharing, breaking bread,^[a] and praying together.

Footnotes:

1. 2:42 breaking bread This may mean a meal as in verse 46, or the Lord’s Supper, the special meal Jesus told his followers to eat to remember him (Luke 22:14–20).

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Lord Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me. You willingly became the sacrificial Lamb whose substitutionary death freed me from the heavy shackles of sin, degradation, and eternal damnation. My response to Your act of mercy and grace toward me is that I place my faith in You and recognize that Your love; so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.

 

 

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

Saturday April 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Trying to squash a rumor is like trying to unring a bell-

2-Somebody is always doing what somebody else said couldn't be done-

3-The secret to getting ahead is getting started-

4-Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves-

5-People love their country not because it is great, but because it is their own-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?

 

I'VE LEARNED-People are attracted to honesty-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of whales is called a gam-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is Christianity God's replacement for Judaism?

2-When God speaks of a "new covenant, does that mean the original one is obsolete?

3-Why doesn't the book of Hebrews state who the author is?

4-Could Paul have written Hebrews and if not, who then?

5-Since the writer of Hebrews quotes the Greek version of the old testament, could a gentile have written it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priests, two of Aaron's sons, were killed because they offered "strange fire" to the Lord?

Yesterday's answer-Leviticus  

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 2:36-39

³⁶ “So, all the people of Israel should know this truly: God has made Jesus—the man you nailed to the cross—both Lord and Christ.”

³⁷ When the people heard this, they felt guilty and asked Peter and the other apostles, “What shall we do?”
³⁸ Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ This promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father we thank You for Jesus who endured suffering, humiliation, and the reproach of sinners that He came to save. He could do this because He never lost sight of the future joy that would be His when He accomplished His earthly mission and would return to sit at Your right hand. Though He endured the opposition of sinners, Jesus became obedient to death, even death on the cross in fulfillment of Scripture so that we might inherit eternal life through the forgiveness of our sins. How eternally grateful we are. We thank You in Jesus’ name. 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 April 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The more a person is satisfied with Jesus, the more they will find their satisfaction in satisfying him-

2-"A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret"-

3-Ability is a good thing, but stability is even better-

4-Security depends not so much on how much you have, as on how much you can do without-

5-Repetition does not establish validity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a train station is where a train stops, what is a work station?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Trust God's grace-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of cats is called a clowder

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Paul says that faith is all you need to be a righteous person.  James says that faith without works is useless.  Which is it?

2-Martin Luther called the book of James a "letter of straw"  and bad theology.  Did he ever change his mind?

3-Are the Jews a"race" of people?

4-What is the main reason people change from Christianity to other religious faiths?

5-Has God's covenant with Abraham which sets the Jews as God's chosen people ever expired?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What bible book mentions the priests of Israel more than any other?

Yesterday's answer-A turban      Exodus 28:39

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 2:32-35

 

³² So Jesus is the One whom God raised from the dead. And we are all witnesses to this. ³³ Jesus was lifted up to heaven and is now at God’s right side. The Father has given the Holy Spirit to Jesus as he promised. So Jesus has poured out that Spirit, and this is what you now see and hear. ³⁴ David was not the one who was lifted up to heaven, but he said:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit by me at my right side,
³⁵ until I put your enemies under your control.”’^[a] Psalm 110:1

Footnotes:

1. 2:35 until . . . Control Literally, “until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father God, I’m often tempted to add my voice to the crowd or simply blend in with the majority opinion. But because I choose to follow You I want to hear Your voice rather than the conflicting voices of others; I want to yield to the guidance of Your Holy Spirit rather than the prevailing philosophy of our day. I choose to follow You and I want to do so no matter the cost. Make me strong enough, courageous enough, and prayerful enough that I will stand even when others fall. When it feels as though I am standing alone remind me that You and I are a majority. When I stand up for You I stand in victory no matter the temporal consequences. It would seem that Jesus stood alone and was defeated in His physical death. Hope diminished over the days following His crucifixion. But His triumph over death finally became evident when He rose from the dead. Remind us that today’s obedience brings tomorrow’s victory. In the precious name of Jesus our Lord. Amen.

 

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

Thursday April 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Every time you practice something, you are succeeding at getting better, not failing at being perfect-

2-A successful person is one who can lay a foundation with the bricks others have thrown at them-

3-Seek to understand before seeking to be understood-

4-If you want your needs to be met, first start meeting the needs of other people-

5-Love does not make you blind to someone's faults, rather you choose to over look them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you never express your opinion, do you have one?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Grace goes beyond mercy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of turtles is a bale-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can the wealthy be rich in faith?

2-James reminded Christians that rich people are generally the biggest sinners.  Is this really true?

3-James tells Christians not to favor some people over others for if you do you are committing a sin.  Is this possible to do?

4-James says "the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."  What are they?

5-Do demons believe there is one God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What kind of head covering did the priest wear?

Yesterday's answer-Ezra and Ezekiel

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 2:29-31

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can tell you truly that David, our ancestor, died and was buried. His grave is still here with us today. ³⁰ He was a prophet and knew God had promised him that he would make a person from David’s family a king just as he was.^{[a] 31} Knowing this before it happened, David talked about the Christ rising from the dead. He said:

‘He was not left in the grave.
    His body did not rot.’

Footnotes:

1. 2:30 God . . . Was See 2 Samuel 7:13; Psalm 132:11.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 Father, our hearts are stirred as we consider the extent of Your love in sending Jesus to die for our sins.  As He wept over Jerusalem we see His tender humanity in relation to our sin problem.  How grateful we are that Jesus yielded Himself fully to be used as a sin sacrifice, once for all, not just for Jerusalem but for peoples of every tribe and language; for all generations prior to His sacrificial death and for all who follow. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Amen.

 

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

Wednesday April 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you have a need plant a seed-

2-God doesn't bless dishonesty-

3-If you sow criticism, you will reap criticism.  If you sow generosity,you will reap generosity-

4-With each step of obedience to God we take, God will increase the magnitude of his promises-

5-Profit made dishonestly always brings trouble-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If everyone is unique, how can one be normal?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Where grace is lacking, bitterness abounds.  Where grace abounds, forgiveness grows-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of toads is called a knot-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Which is more important-faith or endurance?

2-How were the Bible's books kept before being made into scripture?

3-Does God ever test or tempt us?

4-What was the primary reason most Jews didn't accept Jesus as the Messiah?

5-Why has God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What are the only books of the Bible named after priests?

Yesterday's answer-Josiah  2 Kings 23:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 2:22-28

² “People of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus from Nazareth was a very special man. God clearly showed this to you by the miracles, wonders, and signs he did through Jesus. You all know this, because it happened right here among you. ²³ Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don’t know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God’s plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen. ²⁴ God raised Jesus from the dead and set him free from the pain of death, because death could not hold him. ²⁵ For David said this about him:

‘I keep the Lord before me always.
    Because he is close by my side,
    I will not be hurt.
²⁶ So I am glad, and I rejoice.
    Even my body has hope,
²⁷ because you will not leave me in the grave.
    You will not let your Holy One rot.
²⁸ You will teach me how to live a holy life.
    Being with you will fill me with joy.’ Psalm 16:8–11

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, even as a spring lake bubbles forth with fresh, clear water may my heart be like a wellspring bubbling forth with light and life. May the choices I make today reflect the Voice of Truth that points me in the way of life everlasting. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday April 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Most people have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted-

2-If we want to be true people of God we must stop being people pleasers and be God pleasers-

3-Contentment is when your happiness is not dependent on your circumstances-

4-True Godliness with contentment is itself great wealth-

5-People are like stained glass windows.  They sparkle and shine when the sun is out.  But in the darkness, beauty is seen only if there is a light within-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Does everything have to mean something?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Grace refuses to let hurts poison the heart-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of rhinos is called a crash-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What exactly do Christians do?

2-James says that there are 3 things that Christians do-1-control your tongue, 2-don't favor rich people, 3-treat     hardship as a good thing.  Is that all there is?

3-Why is faith without good deeds worthless?

4-Which James wrote the book of James, the apostle James or James the brother of Jesus?

5-What is the oldest book of the New Testament?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What righteous priest fired all the priests that had been appointed to serve pagan gods?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiada   2 Kings 12:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 2:14-21

¹⁴ But Peter stood up with the eleven apostles, and in a loud voice he spoke to the crowd: “My fellow Jews, and all of you who are in Jerusalem, listen to me. Pay attention to what I have to say. ¹⁵ These people are not drunk, as you think; it is only nine o’clock in the morning! ¹⁶ But Joel the prophet wrote about what is happening here today:

¹⁷ ‘God says: In the last days
    I will pour out my Spirit on all kinds of people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy.
    Your young men will see visions,
    And your old men will dream dreams.
¹⁸ At that time I will pour out my Spirit
    Also on my male slaves and female slaves,
    And they will prophesy.
¹⁹ I will show miracles
    In the sky and on the earth:
    Blood, fire, and thick smoke.
²⁰ The sun will become dark,
    The moon red as blood,
    Before the overwhelming and glorious day of the Lord will come.
²¹ Then anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved.’ Joel 2:28–32

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to bless You at all times and in all circumstances. May praise continually be uttered from our lips as it overflows from our heart. Whatever we are going through, and however long its duration may it not deter us from giving You praise and thanksgiving for who You are and all that You do on our behalf. As we seek You we find Your all-sufficiency to be our strength, power and might. In the wonderful name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Monday April 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Under promise and over deliver-

2-The word "heart" in a spiritual sense means the source of all your motivations and passions.  It is what you love to do and what you care most about-

3-If you plant crab apple seeds, don't expect golden delicious apples-

4-Don't settle for the good life.  Aim for the better life, serving God in a way that expresses your heart-

5-"A person without self control is like a city with broken down walls"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you had one day to live and one phone call to make, who would you call, what would you say and why are you waiting-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It's always easier to borrow than to pay back-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of owls is called a parliament-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What were the "fiery trials" the Christians were having that Peter wrote about in 1 Peter?

2-Where did the word "Pope" come from?

3-Is anyone God's spokesperson on earth?

4-What does 1 Peter mean saying "Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven"?

5-Do Christians tell who they are by what they do and how they live?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest made the first piggy bank by placing a chest with a hole in it near the altar of the temple?

Yesterday's answer-Olive oil  Exodus 30:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 2:5-12

⁵ There were some religious Jews staying in Jerusalem who were from every country in the world. ⁶ When they heard this noise, a crowd came together. They were all surprised, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ They were completely amazed at this. They said, “Look! Aren’t all these people that we hear speaking from Galilee? ⁸ Then how is it possible that we each hear them in our own languages? We are from different places:  But we hear them telling in our own languages about the great things God has done!” ¹² They were all amazed and confused, asking each other, “What does this mean?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, to know You is to know the way to eternal life. Help us to hold fast to the directions we receive through Your Word. Thank You for sending Jesus who bridged the gap that stood between heaven and earth. And thank You that, because of Your mercy, we have entrance into heaven as we walk over Your bridge of mercy and forgiveness. Amen.

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

Sunday April 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Cold is not the opposite of heat, just the absence of it-

2-Hate is not the opposite of love, just the absence of it-

3-Darkness is not the opposite of light, just the absence of it-

4-Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it-

5-Evil is not the opposite of God, only the absence of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight?

I'VE LEARNED-Grace is not blind, it sees the hurts full well-

DID YOU KNOW-A group of kangaroos is called a mob-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean to love God "with all your heart"?

2-What should the Christian's response be after being treated unfairly?

3-Does being submissive to a non Christian spouse mean they will always be won over by Godly lives?

4-Is Peter telling the Christian women of his day not to have fancy hairdos and expensive jewelry?

5-Is the "Christ like life" one of suffering?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What oil was supposed to be used to anoint Israel's priests?

Yesterday's answer-Zacharias    Luke 1:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 2:1-4

 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a noise like a strong, blowing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ They saw something like flames of fire that were separated and stood over each person there. ⁴ They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages^[a] by the power the Holy Spirit was giving them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we are confronted with deception on many fronts every day, so much so, that we can be deceived without even realizing it. Would You help us to watch out and be on our guard so that we are not deceived by man’s words, no matter how convincing or how charming their personality, nor how cunning their craft. Help us not to fall for Satan’s deceptive tactics that have brought down believers throughout the church age. We seek You for strength and discipline and search the Scriptures for discernment and the true revelation of who Jesus, the Son of the Living God, is. It is in His name that we pray, Amen.

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

Saturday April 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To know how to do some thing well is to enjoy it-

2-You are one choice away from a new beginning-

3-Acts of kindness are simply the result of living the golden rule-

4-Faith is the ability to believe even though you cannot see-

5-No one can help others without helping themselves-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do banks leave the front doors open and then chain the pens to the counters?

 

I'VE LEARNED-You don't endorse the deeds of the offender when you forgive and extend grace-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of hares is called a husk-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Peter put in charge of leading the beginning Christian churches?

2-Why is there confusion or at least disagreement as to when the various Bible books were written?

3-When is the term "born again" first used in scripture?

4-How can we be "holy" in everything we do?

5-Does being "holy" mean you are morally perfect?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest was made mute because he did not believe the prophecy given by an angel?

Yesterday's answer-death   Deuteronomy  17:12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 1:21-26

^21-22 “So now a man must become a witness with us of Jesus’ being raised from the dead. He must be one of the men who were part of our group during all the time the Lord Jesus was among us—from the time John was baptizing people until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.”

²³ They put the names of two men before the group. One was Joseph Barsabbas, who was also called Justus. The other was Matthias. ^24-25 The apostles prayed, “Lord, you know the thoughts of everyone. Show us which one of these two you have chosen to do this work. Show us who should be an apostle in place of Judas, who turned away and went where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they used lots to choose between them, and the lots showed that Matthias was the one. So he became an apostle with the other eleven.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that often are not of our own choosing. It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations that overall benefit us, perhaps in areas we otherwise neglect. Help us to be patient as we search Your Scriptures and prayerfully seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives. Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours. May we not be overcome by adversity but we ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your child, You will have the final say. 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 April 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life is an echo, for what you send out comes back-

2-All of nature is a canvas painted by the hand of God-

3-One today is worth two tomorrows-

4-We will be known forever by the tracks we leave behind us-

5-Some things have to be believed to be seen-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do people buy double cheeseburgers, large fries and a diet coke?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Of all the things we must earn in life, God's unending affection is not one of them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of goats is called a trip-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Should all Christians expect to suffer for being Christian?

2-Should Christians submit to everyone in authority over them?

3-Does God reward all suffering done by Christians?

4-Why is there some challenge to whether or not Peter was the author of 1st Peter?

5-What were the "keys to the kingdom of heaven" Jesus said he would give to Peter?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the penalty in Israel for disobeying a priest?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph    Genesis 41:45

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 1:15-20

¹⁵ During this time there was a meeting of the believers (about one hundred twenty of them). Peter stood up and said, ^16-17 “Brothers and sisters, in the Scriptures the Holy Spirit said through David something that must happen involving Judas. He was one of our own group and served together with us. He led those who arrested Jesus.” ¹⁸ (Judas bought a field with the money he got for his evil act. But he fell to his death, his body burst open, and all his intestines poured out. ¹⁹ Everyone in Jerusalem learned about this so they named this place Akeldama. In their language Akeldama means “Field of Blood.”) ²⁰ “In the Book of Psalms,” Peter said, “this is written:

‘May his place be empty;
    Leave no one to live in it.’ Psalm 69:25

And it is also written:

‘Let another man replace him as leader.’ Psalm 109:8

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we who have received Your grace, place our faith in You. We choose to walk uprightly with integrity and conviction. Our words and actions declare the pure, unadulterated counsel of Your Holy Word to other faithful leaders, trusting them to pass on that which has been entrusted to us. In doing so we are faithful stewards of that which You commanded of us through the great commission: “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every nation…”. We do this through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday April 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-What we call adversity, God call opportunity.  What we call tribulation, God calls growth-

2-The thrill of soaring begins with the fear of falling-

3-Nothing changes until something moves-

4-There are many things in life that will catch your eye, but very few that will capture your heart.  Pursue these-

5-Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do drugstores make sick people walk to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes in the front?

 

I'VE LEARNED-We so fear failure that we create the image of perfection-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of geese on the ground is called a gaggle; a group of geese in the air is a skein-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the delayed return of Jesus show his patience?  If so, what will trigger the end of his patience?

2-Are we to be or not to be concerned about the timing of Jesus' return?

3-Are Christians generally poor in waiting and patience?

4-Why did Peter write 1 Peter to people he doesn't seem to know since he doesn't call them by name?

5-To what people group seems to be Peter's primary ministry?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Hebrew married the daughter of an Egyptian priest?

Yesterday's answer-Melchizedek   Hebrews 7:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 1:12-14

¹² Then they went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. (This mountain is about half a mile from Jerusalem.) ¹³ When they entered the city, they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon (known as the Zealot), and Judas son of James were there. ¹⁴ They all continued praying together with some women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be set apart as a people who care about others, regularly expressing care to them as we follow the Biblical mandate that each of us should look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others. Paul charged his readers to have the same attitude as Christ Jesus who is the supreme example of putting other’s needs before His own. May we be more interested in giving energy to others than taking it for ourselves, for when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. We are replenished as we give to others, for Your reservoir never runs dry and we thank You for it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday April 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-People who are grateful are happy people-

2-We all need to cultivate the attitude of gratitude-

3-The root cause of stress is the way I choose to think-

4-"One of these days" usually means "none of these days"-

5-The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace and the brightest lightening comes from the darkest storm-

 

STRANGEST THOUGHT-Why can a pizza get to your house faster than an ambulance?

 

I'VE LEARNED-We need to trust God's grace-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A group of frogs is called an army-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What is the word "tartarus" used by Peter to describe hell and what is it's location?

2-Who were the giant Nephalites and were they real people?

3-Why did the early apostles say that Jesus was coming back soon when it has now been over 2000 years?

4-What is the significance of Jesus' delayed return?

5-Did the early Christian leaders expect Jesus to return in their lifetime?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest in the Bible is mentioned as having no mother or father?

Yesterday's answer-Manasseh   2 Kings 21:3-5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 1:6-11

⁶ When the apostles were all together, they asked Jesus, “Lord, are you now going to give the kingdom back to Israel?”
⁷ Jesus said to them, “The Father is the only One who has the authority to decide dates and times. These things are not for you to know. ⁸ But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”
⁹ After he said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud hid him from their sight. ¹⁰ As he was going, they were looking into the sky. Suddenly, two men wearing white clothes stood beside them. ¹¹ They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking into the sky? Jesus, whom you saw taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you saw him go.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, You are the Great Provider who meets all our needs.  There is nothing we lack when we commit our ways to You and ask You to provide for us. You know what we have need of before we ask it, but You are pleased that we bring it to You and acknowledge You to be the One who provides for all our natural, physical, and spiritual needs. When our hearts are secure, we will have no fear, for in the end we will look in triumph on our foes. That’s because we serve You, our faithful, caring, and generous God, who faithfully watches over us providing us with Your daily mercies.  We thank You as we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Tuesday April 16, 2013 thought for the day

My appologies-- there was no posting for today.  Hoping to be back tomorrow, Wednesday 4/17

Monday April 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If your life is fruitless, it doesn't matter who praises you, and if it is fruitful, it doesn't matter who criticizes you-

2-Worrying doesn't change anything-

3-There is no such thing as a born worrier.  Worry is a learned response-

4-The fact that worry is learned means it can also be unlearned-

5-The healthiest human emotion is not love, but gratitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you notice this notice you will notice this notice isn't worth noticing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We cannot appreciate what God's grace does until we understand who we are-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In 1859, twenty four rabbits were released in Australia.  Within six years, the population grew to two million-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you know when a false messiah or prophet rises up and performs great signs and wonders, even in Jesus name?

2-Do angels know what is going on in the earth?

3-Has God had to remove from heaven any angels since the time he removed satan and his followers?

4-Why did Peter use a different word for "hell" than what is used elsewhere in the Bible?

5-Was satan and his fellow angels exiled to the earth or to a place called hell?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wicked king of Judah built altars for the worship of Baal and the stars?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiada   2 Kings 11:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 1:1-5

He first book I wrote was about everything Jesus began to do and teach ² until the day he was taken up into heaven. Before this, with the help of the Holy Spirit, Jesus told the apostles he had chosen what they should do. ³ After his death, he showed himself to them and proved in many ways that he was alive. The apostles saw Jesus during the forty days after he was raised from the dead, and he spoke to them about the kingdom of God. ⁴ Once when he was eating with them, he told them not to leave Jerusalem. He said, “Wait here to receive the promise from the Father which I told you about. ⁵ John baptized people with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, there is nothing on earth that compares with the joy and peace that wells up within our hearts when our sins are forgiven and we begin our journey on the straight and narrow path that leads to righteousness. There are many other messages out there attempting to detour us from the straight and narrow path. Certainly there are testings and trials that will weigh us down or attempt to sidetrack us. But we believe these testings will become a testimony in our lives of the Good News that Jesus who is the Christ has forever changed us. It spurs us on to share this good news with others to equip for them for here and now, and prepare them for eternity in heaven. May we be faithful in sowing the seeds. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday April 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A test of maturity is the ability to get more satisfaction from keeping a secret than passing it on-

2-Prove all things, hold fast that which is good-

3-The way to love anything is to realize it might be lost-

4-Every day may not be a good day, but there is something good in every day-

5-Never let your comforts overcome your convictions-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-This is your life, are you who you want to be?

 

I'VE LEARNED-We must choose-Do we believe our advocate or our accuser?

 

DID YOU KNOW-Surprisingly, when leaving their nests for the first time, chicks are very rarely hurt after falling to the ground-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who were the "false teachers" that Peter referred to in 2 Peter?

2-What is a Gnostic?

3-How does the physical and spiritual world relate to each other?

4-Can people do whatever they please and it not affect their spirituality?

5-How much pleasure should Christians seek?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest led a movement in which the people tore down the Baal altars and killed Mattan,  the priest of Baal?

Yesterday's answer-Exodus  34:13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 21:20-25

²⁰ Peter turned and saw that the follower Jesus loved was walking behind them. (This was the follower who had leaned against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who will turn against you?”) ²¹ When Peter saw him behind them, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

²² Jesus answered, “If I want him to live until I come back, that is not your business. You follow me.”
²³ So a story spread among the followers that this one would not die. But Jesus did not say he would not die. He only said, “If I want him to live until I come back, that is not your business.”
²⁴ That follower is the one who is telling these things and who has now written them down. We know that what he says is true.
²⁵ There are many other things Jesus did. If every one of them were written down, I suppose the whole world would not be big enough for all the books that would be written.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, Your grace abounds like a fountain that never exhausts its flow. We testify to the gospel of Your grace as it overflows into every area of our being. It refreshes, forgives, ignites, strengthens, fortifies, and sets our hearts ablaze with the fire of the Holy Spirit. Where would we be and what would our future hold without Your amazing grace? We shudder to imagine life without Your ever-present, all-sufficient grace. We proclaim to all the world that Your grace is available to all who call upon the name of Jesus. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday April 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Always laugh when you can, it is cheaper than medicine-

2-In order to be someone, you must first be yourself-

3-A friend accepts us as we are yet helps us to be what we should-

4-A smile is a language that even a baby understands-

5-There is no limit to the different things people would do, if they were you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Isn't it strange how people want a place in heaven but don't want to believe, do, or say anything to get there-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We are who God says we are-

 

DID YOU KNOW-To be called a mammal, the female must feed her young on milk she has produced-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Peter consider himself a "slave" of Jesus?

2-Would 1st and 2nd Peter have been literally written by Peter in his life or could one of his followers have written it after his death?

3-Were both Peter and Paul sentenced to death by the same Roman emperor?

4-To whom was 2nd Peter written to?

5-How do you know when false Christian ministers entice you away from genuine faith?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what book does the Lord tell Moses to tear down all the pagan altars he finds?

Yesterday's answer-Jesus    Matthew 5:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 21:15-19

¹⁵ When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
¹⁶ Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”
¹⁷ A third time he said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” Peter said, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you!”
He said to him, “Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ I tell you the truth, when you were younger, you tied your own belt and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you will put out your hands and someone else will tie you and take you where you don’t want to go.” ¹⁹ (Jesus said this to show how Peter would die to give glory to God.) Then Jesus said to Peter, “Follow me!”
  
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we live in a world where “waiting” seems almost inconceivable for everyday needs. Because of marvelous technological breakthroughs we get instant mail, same day deliveries, immediate test results, meals in two minutes, and the list goes on and on.  But, Lord, You work in our lives day after day, year after year and season upon season. Father, You are developing fruit in our lives as we are in the waiting process. We’ve seen faithfulness, self-control, endurance, patience and other fruit grow in our spiritual walk as we endure the rod of discipline. May it bring about the peaceful fruit of righteousness that is a result of our sharing in Your holiness as we undergo discipline. We pray this in Jesus’ name. 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.