Sunday June 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Intuition is reason in a hurry

2-Don't replace what God has put in place-

3-Among my most prized possessions are words I have never spoken-

4-It is better to sleep on things beforehand than to lye awake about them afterwards-

5-A smile is a whisper of a laugh-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The joy of motherhood is what a woman experiences when all the children are finally in bed-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Everything is fair to someone-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Rome has more homeless cats per square mile than any other city in the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Samaritans have their own "Holy Book" as did the Jews and what was it?

2-Jesus spent a lot of time with "sinners".  Should we do so also?

3-Why was Luke the only gospel writer to write about the prodigal son?

4-If the Jews were not supposed to eat pork, why did they still raise them?

5-What is the "Gospel of Outcasts"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest gave David the ritual bread when David fled from Saul?

Yesterday's answer-Zechariah  

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 9:10-16

¹⁰ There was a follower of Jesus in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision, “Ananias!”
Ananias answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street. Find the house of Judas,^[a] and ask for a man named Saul from the city of Tarsus. He is there now, praying. ¹² Saul has seen a vision in which a man named Ananias comes to him and lays his hands on him. Then he is able to see again.”
¹³ But Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and the terrible things he did to your holy people in Jerusalem. ¹⁴ Now he has come here to Damascus, and the leading priests have given him the power to arrest everyone who worships you.”
¹⁵ But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I have chosen Saul for an important work. He must tell about me to those who are not Jews, to kings, and to the people of Israel. ¹⁶ I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Footnotes:

1. 9:11 Judas This is not either of the apostles named Judas.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, may words of encouragement, comfort, instruction, and exhortation flow from our lips so that we may spur others on in the faith, most especially our own children. We pray that You would help Christian fathers everywhere to verbalize their faith and live in a way that honors You and shows others where their source of strength lies. Help them to be the spiritual leaders of their homes so that a harvest of righteousness and peace will be upon their households.  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 June 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"Do not worry" means you stop fretting over your life and stop letting all the things in life consume and take over your mind-

2-Worry is a sure thing we lack faith in God-

3-"Not to worry" does not mean "not to act"-

4-All the worrying today will not help us tomorrow-

5-Don't start tackling tomorrow's problems until tomorrow.  You do not have tomorrow's strength yet.  You simply have enough for today-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-God gave you two ears and one mouth so you could listen twice as much as you talk-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is a large difference in acting and reacting-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Kittens can clock an amazing thirty one miles per hour at full speed and can cover about three times their body length per leap

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did it take a lot of courage for the unclean woman to attempt to get to Jesus?

2-How do you get the faith that God will provide a way where there seems to be no way?

3-Will loving God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself get you to heaven?

4-When Christians "do good" should it first be to other Christians in need or to the non Christian as well?

5-Who were the Samaritans and as a people do they exist today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest was the father of John the Baptist?

Yesterday's answer-Blasphemy    Matthew 26:65

 

 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 9:3-9

³ So Saul headed toward Damascus. As he came near the city, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. ⁴ Saul fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me?”
⁵ Saul said, “Who are you, Lord?”
The voice answered, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ⁶ Get up now and go into the city. Someone there will tell you what you must do.”
⁷ The people traveling with Saul stood there but said nothing. They heard the voice, but they saw no one. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but he could not see. So those with Saul took his hand and led him into Damascus. ⁹ For three days Saul could not see and did not eat or drink.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it seems that each new day brings changes, some of which we welcome but others that bring uncertainty and even dread. How wonderful to know that You are our Rock and our Shield upholding us with Your gracious right hand. No night is so dark that the light of Your Son, Jesus, does not penetrate the darkness that would otherwise over take us. Keep us joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer through Christ 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.

Fridasy June 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Best friends can hear what you don't say-

2-If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins-

3-The time to make friends is before you need them-

4-Failure is an event, not a person-

5-Worry gives you the illusion of control-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The smartest advice on raising children is to enjoy them while they are on your side-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You never know what affect kind words will have -

 

DID YOU KNOW-Kittens are born both blind and deaf, but the vibrations of their mother's purring is a physical signal that the kittens can feel-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did the unbelief of the people keep Jesus from doing miracles in their midst?

2-The Jewish faith was very narrow toward gentiles in Bible times.  Is it still that way today?

3-To the Jew, is there such a good thing as a good non believer?

4-Was Jesus harsh about the attitudes of many of his own people?

5-Why did so much energy flow out of Jesus when the unclean woman touched his robe?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What crime did the high priest charge Jesus with?

Yesterday's answer-Revelation  1:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 9:1-2

 In Jerusalem Saul was still threatening the followers of the Lord by saying he would kill them. So he went to the high priest ² and asked him to write letters to the synagogues in the city of Damascus. Then if Saul found any followers of Christ’s Way, men or women, he would arrest them and bring them back to Jerusalem.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we need our minds stirred up by those things which are true, honorable, right and pure. Stimulate our minds to wholesome thinking as we consider Your Word which not only purifies us within, but also guides us as we develop godly character. Help us to maintain a teachable heart that is open to a new perspective on ancient truth but is also blessed when we receive the reminders of truths well established in our life. Remind us often that our words and actions give us opportunity to bring You glory as we reflect Your image. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

 

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

Thursday June 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-April is a promise that May is bound to keep-

2-Success is not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over-

3-Experience is what you get when you were expecting something else-

4-A person is not finished when they are defeated, they are finished when they quit-

5-Relationships are easy, dealing with another's choices and actions is the difficult part-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Raising a teenager is like nailing jello to a tree-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you have something nice to say to someone, say it.  You never know when it will be too late-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Cats cannot survive on a vegetarian diet-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the people consider Jesus a rabbi when he had no formal training?

2-Did Jesus try to be controversial?

3-Does God have the ability to open our minds to him?

4-Was there a location that was considered the headquarters of Jesus' ministry?

5-Were there other men during Jesus's time that were claiming to be the Messiah?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament book says that God has made his people to be a kingdom of priests?

Yesterday's answer-Peter   Matthew 26:51

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 8:36-40

³⁶ While they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The officer said, “Look, here is water. What is stopping me from being baptized?” [³⁷ Philip answered, “If you believe with all your heart, you can.” The officer said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]^{[a] 38} Then the officer commanded the chariot to stop. Both Philip and the officer went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away; the officer never saw him again. And the officer continued on his way home, full of joy. ⁴⁰ But Philip appeared in a city called Azotus and preached the Good News in all the towns on the way from Azotus to Caesarea.

Footnotes:

1. 8:37 Philip . . . God.” Some Greek copies do not contain the bracketed text.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, there are people you bring alongside us on our path of suffering who bring us comfort, assurance, and encouragement. They know just what to say or do that lifts our spirit to give us courage for another day just like Onesiphorus refreshed Paul while he was in chains.  In some cases, it is their own gracious example of suffering that teaches us a great deal without their saying a word.  But there are those instances when we grow fearful, doubtful, and wonder if you’re mindful of our suffering and, if so, why you don’t eliminate it.  But until our suffering is over we thank you for those who come to refresh us. We, too, need to be the ones who refresh others who are weary, sick, or struggling in some way. Bring those individuals to our mind so that we can reach out to them and refresh their spirit while reminding them of their importance in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Wednesday June 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The more you understand "grace", the more you will be amazed by it-

2-A good laugh and a long sleep are two good cures-

3-A true friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart-

4-Experience teaches better than books-

5-You can tell more about a person by what they say about others than what others say about them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Shouting to make your children obey is like using the horn to steer your car and you get about the same results-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is a real danger of excessive pride from excessive compliments that are meant to encourage you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Despite its reputation for being finicky, the average cat consumes about 130,000 calories a year, nearly twenty times its own weight in food and the same amount again in liquids-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus need to spend time learning the Jewish faith-

2-Has God always been the God of all people of all times or did it happen at the coming of Jesus the messiah?

3-Was the "Godhead" incomplete when Jesus was a human for 33 years?

4-Did any of the heavenly beings watch Jesus' crucifixion?

5-When Jesus was considered an adult, how did he live and what did he do during that time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What disciple angrily cut off the ear of the high priest's servant when Jesus was arrested?

Yesterday's answer-Caiaphas' home   Matthew 26:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 8:30-35

³⁰ So when Philip ran toward the chariot, he heard the man reading from Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
³¹ He answered, “How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?” Then he invited Philip to climb in and sit with him. ³² The portion of Scripture he was reading was this:

    “He was like a sheep being led to be killed.
    He was quiet, as a lamb is quiet while its wool is being cut;
    He never opened his mouth.
³³ He was shamed and was treated unfairly.
He died without children to continue his family.
    His life on earth has ended.” Isaiah 53:7–8

³⁴ The officer said to Philip, “Please tell me, who is the prophet talking about—himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Philip began to speak, and starting with this same Scripture, he told the man the Good News about Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the commandments that You give are not only to be impressed upon our thoughts but also implanted in our hearts.  Help us to be cautious and prayerful about new teachings that are pleasing to the ear and popular with our present generation, but do not bear witness with the eternal Scripture. Keep us on guard against the easy-isms of a shallow Christian experience, for that will eventually give way to our surrendering during intense enemy warfare.  We hold on to that which is of most importance and pass on to those who come behind the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints of all generations. We want to contend for the faith no matter the cost.  In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.


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

Tuesday June 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Contentment is learned, it does not come naturally-

2-Comparing ourselves with others causes discontent-

3-If you don't learn contentment you will never be happy-

4-Worry is a form of atheism-

5-Love is lovely when it is easy, but much truer when it is hard-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what happened-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Words that you speak and actions that you do often live on long after you've left this earth-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Wild cats hold their tails horizontally or tucked between their legs while walking-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary and Joseph ever celebrate Jesus' birthday?

2-Did Jesus learn to pray as a child?

3-How old was Jesus when he had a personal verbal conversation with his father?

4-Jesus calls God his father,so is God masculine?

5-Did Jesus know all the laws of Moses or did he have to learn them from the rabbis?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what priest's home did the enemies of Jesus meet to plot against him?

Yesterday's answer-Leprosy   Matthew 8:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 8:26-29

 An angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get ready and go south to the road that leads down to Gaza from Jerusalem—the desert road.” ²⁷ So Philip got ready and went. On the road he saw a man from Ethiopia, a eunuch. He was an important officer in the service of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians; he was responsible for taking care of all her money. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship. ²⁸ Now, as he was on his way home, he was sitting in his chariot reading from the Book of Isaiah, the prophet. ²⁹ The Spirit said to Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I am so grateful for the many passages in Scripture that provide strength and reassurance in our moments of weakness and doubt. I’m doubly grateful for brothers and sisters in our present day and those in the historic record who took hold of these truths and modeled for us what it is to live a victorious life in the midst of the daily uncertainties of this world. Our inner person is renewed with each passing day as we loosen our grip in that which passes away and take hold of that which never passes away till we reach the blessed, promised land. Amen.


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

Monday June 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can't give love if your emotional battery is low-

2-God give us great strength through tough times when we trust in him-

3-Before you pay for it, pray about it-

4-Joyful Christians are a joyful testimony-

5-Contentment means my happiness is not dependent on circumstances-

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

I'VE LEARNED-Forget what hurt you in the past, but never forget what it taught you-

DID YOU KNOW-The domestic cat is the only species able to hold its tail vertically while walking-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary ever tell Jesus the story of his birth?

2-When did the human Jesus know he was more than human?

3-Why didn't the gospel writers write about Jesus' life between his birth and age 12 and then again till he started his ministry?

4-Was the story of Jesus at age 12 in the temple talking to the Jewish teachers the first important event of his life following his birth?

5-Why is there no writings from Jesus mother Mary about anytime of Jesus life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the affliction of the man who was healed by Jesus and then sent to the priest?

Yesterday's answer-Zechariah   3:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 8:25

⁵ After Peter and John told the people what they had seen Jesus do and after they had spoken the message of the Lord, they went back to Jerusalem. On the way, they went through many Samaritan towns and preached the Good News to the people.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it is in our weaknesses that Your power is made most visible in our lives. The “thorn in our flesh” is representative of those trials common to all followers of Christ. We call out for deliverance and yet endure the discomfort and affliction as a true soldier of the faith, all the while being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer.” Because of the blood of Christ we can overcome the opposition and triumph in our faith to the glory of God the Father in whose name we praise. Amen.


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

Sunday June 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you don't feel loveable, you can't love anyone else-

2-Don't confuse self worth with net worth-

3-Your value has nothing to do with your valuables-

4-Laughter is a load lightener, an emotional recharger and a love rebuilder-

5-To love others, you have to keep your emotional tank full for when it gets low, it will make a difference in your relationship-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I couldn't afford to repair my brakes so I made my horn louder-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It takes 20 years to become an overnight success-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Cats have more than one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God have the angel tell the lowest members of society, like shepherds, to go and see baby Jesus?

2-When the shepherds told others of their seeing the Messiah as a baby in a cattle stall would anyone have believed their whole story?

3-Is anything abut Luke's background and family known about him?

4-Does the term "to the ends of the earth" as used in the Gospels refer to the known Roman Empire or the total planet (which was an unknown concept)?

5-How and when did Luke first come to know Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had a vision of the high priest Joshua standing beside satan?

Yesterday's answer-Haggai

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 8:18-24

¹⁸ Simon saw that the Spirit was given to people when the apostles laid their hands on them. So he offered the apostles money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me also this power so that anyone on whom I lay my hands will receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ Peter said to him, “You and your money should both be destroyed, because you thought you could buy God’s gift with money. ²¹ You cannot share with us in this work since your heart is not right before God. ²² Change your heart! Turn away from this evil thing you have done, and pray to the Lord. Maybe he will forgive you for thinking this. ²³ I see that you are full of bitter jealousy and ruled by sin.”
²⁴ Simon answered, “Both of you pray for me to the Lord so the things you have said will not happen to me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the shepherds whose hearts are fashioned in Your likeness, who lead us with knowledge and understanding. Protect them from the evil one. We look to our shepherds for example, guidance, and clarity and affirmation of the teachings from the Word of God. It is Your wisdom given to wise men and Your knowledge given to those of understanding who illumine our way in these days of confusion where wrong is upheld and right is disdained by the current philosophies and Mindset of the world. We will persevere even if the foundations are destroyed, living for Jesus drawing others to Him in whom the light dwells. Amen.



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

Saturday June 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice-

2-Your beliefs always influence your behavior-

3-Your self talk influences your self esteem-

4-When God looks at you, he sees you through Jesus-

5-"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If being a mother was going to be easy, it would never have started with something called labor-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The heavy givers are light complainers-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Jaguars are scared of dogs-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How were Mary and Elizabeth related?

2-What angel appeared to the shepherds saying the savior (the messiah) is born?

3-How did the shepherds know where to find baby Jesus in Bethlehem?

4-Was there only one village inn, in which the Holy Family tried to stay at in Bethlehem?

5-Why would God want his holy Son to be born in such unhealthy conditions around livestock and in such earthly surroundings?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet was sent to encourage the rebuilding of the temple under the priest Joshua?

Yesterday's answer-The raising of Lazarus  John 11:47

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 8:14-17

¹⁴ When the apostles who were still in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. ¹⁵ When Peter and John arrived, they prayed that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ These people had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them. ¹⁷ Then, when the two apostles began laying their hands on the people, they received the Holy Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, just as the author of Hebrews commended the patriarchs, prophets, kings, and the many unnamed saints who endured opposition yet persisted in their faith, we too want to be listed among them. Certainly they prayed for deliverance and in many instances they received it such as Daniel and the three Hebrew young men. In other accounts saints gave their lives even while praying for deliverance. You had planned something better for them that they would only be able to experience in the new country of their own. We too live by faith and therefore we pray in faith believing You are working for our good. We want to be persistent so that we will receive the reward You grant to those who diligently seek You, on this side of eternity as well as the next. We love You Father and thank You for Your Son Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Friday June 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God determines your greatness by how many people you serve, not by how many people serve you-

2-Great opportunities often disguise themselves in small tasks-

3-The race to be a leader is crowed, but the field is wide open for those willing to be servants-

4-Less than perfect service is always better than the best intentions-

5-Faith, not feelings please God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you return to a place that remains unchanged, you find the ways in which you yourself have changed-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Belize is the only  country in the world with a jaguar reserve-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does the book of Luke have a nickname of "Gospel of the outcasts"?

2-The books Luke and Acts, most likely written by Luke, were letters to a person named Theophilus.  Who was he and why were the letter written to him?

3-Is there any record of any additional books (letters) written by Luke?

4-Why didn't Matthew and Mark use the word "Savior" when referring to Jesus?

5-Why does the angel Gabriel seem to the the primary messenger of God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What miracle of Jesus led the priests to conspire to have him executed?

Yesterday's answer-Amos 7:10-17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 8:9-13

⁹ But there was a man named Simon in that city. Before Philip came there, Simon had practiced magic and amazed all the people of Samaria. He bragged and called himself a great man. ¹⁰ All the people—the least important and the most important—paid attention to Simon, saying, “This man has the power of God, called ‘the Great Power’!” ¹¹ Simon had amazed them with his magic so long that the people became his followers. ¹² But when Philip told them the Good News about the kingdom of God and the power of Jesus Christ, men and women believed Philip and were baptized. ¹³ Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he stayed very close to Philip. When he saw the miracles and the powerful things Philip did, Simon was amazed.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, You are great and greatly to be praised.  You are the Builder of everything we see and so much that we’ve not yet laid eyes upon, both on the earth and the heavens above.  We are looking forward to the future city with eternal foundations where You are the architect and builder.  Our everlasting home in heaven is not built with human hands, but by Your divine design. Keep us faithful till that glorious promotion day!  Amen.


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

Thursday June 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Forgiveness must be immediate but not necessarily immediately-

2-Forgiveness is letting go of the past, trust has to do with future behavior-

3-We need to show mercy to one another and be willing to receive it from each other-

4-Great people are just ordinary people with an extra ordinary amount of determination-

5-You are never a failure until you quit-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The bonds of matrimony are a good investment, but only when the interest is kept up-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God will bless us materially if we will use those blessings to "do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There is no single cat called the panther.  The name is commonly applied to the leopard, but it is also used to refer to the puma and the jaguar.  A black panther is really a black leopard-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Was foot washing ever a regular practice in Christian worship?

2-Does foot washing have any spiritual meaning or is it strictly a ritual to commemorate what Jesus did?

3-Why is there uncertainty as to the exact location of Jesus' tomb?

4-Why was Thomas not with the rest of the disciples when Jesus appeared to them?

5-What is the longest time anyone has been dead and then returned to life and lived?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet locked horns with the wicked priest Amaziah at Bethel?

Yesterday's answer-The good Samaritan   Luke 10:31

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Luke 8:5-8

Philip went to the city of Samaria and preached about the Christ. ⁶ When the people there heard Philip and saw the miracles he was doing, they all listened carefully to what he said. ⁷ Many of these people had evil spirits in them, but Philip made the evil spirits leave. The spirits made a loud noise when they came out. Philip also healed many weak and crippled people there. ⁸ So the people in that city were very happy.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we are called to imitate You.  When we imitate You there is not a hint of evil in our behavior; we are not deceived by empty words but live as children of light and have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. Help us to be careful, then, how we live; not as unwise or uninterested learners, but as wise, quick and enthused learners of that which pleases You. We want to learn what is pleasing to You all the days we inhabit the earth. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Wednesday June 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Normal is in the eye of the beholder-

2-What you see mainly depends on what you look for-

3-Those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future-

4-Listen much, speak little-

5-What you are doing today may eventually affect someone you don't even know-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everyone has a photographic memory, some just don't have film-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The Bible doesn't say that "money is the root of all evil", rather "the love of money is the root of all evil"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Running in short bursts, the cheetah can reach a speed of sixty two miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where was Lazarus' soul the days he was dead?

2-Is there a place the soul goes after the body dies to wait for the judgement?

3-Why is foot washing not a common practice in church services today?

4-Jesus washed the disciples feet, but did they then wash others feet?

5-Did Jesus wash any other peoples feet beside that of the disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the only parable of Jesus to have a priest as a character?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 8:1-4

 Saul agreed that the killing of Stephen was good.

Troubles for the Believers

On that day the church of Jerusalem began to be persecuted, and all the believers, except the apostles, were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
² And some religious people buried Stephen and cried loudly for him. ³ Saul was also trying to destroy the church, going from house to house, dragging out men and women and putting them in jail. ⁴ And wherever they were scattered, they told people the Good News.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are so many enticements this world has to offer that rival for my devotion. I must be careful not to let the  allurements this world has to offer deter me from the bigger picture; my eternal home in heaven or the promises that are yet to be filled. So that I don’t lost sight of the kingdom of God I desire godly discernment day in and day out in the choices I make that will help me remain faithful and fully committed to You in my Christian walk. I ask for Your help in the strong name of Jesus, my Lord and Savior.  Amen.


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

Tuesday June 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Finding and maintaining the balance between "freedom to" and "freedom from" is the essence of America-

2-We need to learn to live together as friends or perish together as fools-

3-The United States is never a finished product, it is always in the making-

4-Even perfect days sometimes end in rain-

5-Sometimes it is not enough to do our best, sometimes we must do what is required-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Those who walk in other people's footprints leave no footprints of their own-

 

I'VE LEARNED-World peace will never exist until Jesus returns-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The cheetah can reach a speed of up to forty five miles per hour in only two seconds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus said to the Samaritan woman at the well--"I would give you living water", did the phrase mean literally running water as from a stream as opposed from a pool or cistern?

2-What "Living water" was Jesus referring to?

3-When Jesus stayed at the Samaritan woman's village for a couple of days, he convinced many that he was the savior.  Since the Samaritans and the Jews disliked each other, why would they be accepting of Jesus?

4-Is suffering God's punishment for sin?

5-Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  Did he have an out of body experience or did his soul leave his body at death and then had to return to his body?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest, a prisoner in Babylon, was also a prophet?

Yesterday's answer-Zephaniah   Jeremiah 29:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 7:54-60 ⁵⁴ When the leaders heard this, they became furious. They were so mad they were grinding their teeth at Stephen. ⁵⁵ But Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit. He looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right side. ⁵⁶ He said, “Look! I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God’s right side.”
⁵⁷ Then they shouted loudly and covered their ears and all ran at Stephen. ⁵⁸ They took him out of the city and began to throw stones at him to kill him. And those who told lies against Stephen left their coats with a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ While they were throwing stones, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ He fell on his knees and cried in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” After Stephen said this, he died.
PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your works surround us and add such depth and beauty to our daily experiences in life.  You not only tend to our daily needs but through Your great works You delight our senses by that which we see, touch, hear, and feel as we admire Your handiwork. Help us to pause in our busy schedules to listen to the rippling brook, smell the tree blossoms, observe the mountain grandeur and  recognize Your creative power in the plentiful ornamentals that we have the privilege of planting, growing and tending over the warm months each year. Your great works are observed in the Scriptures and admired in our daily lives.  How wonderfully extravagant is Your works that we enjoy each day, for it is truly the heavens declaring Your glory and the firmament showing Your handiwork. For them we are grateful. Amen.

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

Monday June 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Truth is its own reward-

2-The door of opportunity won't open if you don't do some pushing-

3-Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself-

4-When you give joy, joy is your reward-

5-Smiling increases your face value-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Hard work pays off in the future, laziness pays off now-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best peace the world can offer is a restless peace-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tigers have stripes to help them hide in the rain forest undergrowth.  The black and gold stripes break up the outline of the tiger's body, making it very hard to see-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is the turning of water into wine told only in the book of John and not also in the other gospels?

2-Isn't it most likely that the wine that Jesus made and drank at the wedding was a full bodied wine?

3-What is the correct meaning of the term "born again"?

4-Jesus said a person must be "born of water and the spirit".  Is the water part referring to physical birth or baptism?

5-Do Palestinians and Samaritans have anything in common?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest received a letter criticizing him for not putting an iron collar on Jeremiah's neck?

Yesterday's answer-Abiathar   1 Kings 2:27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 7:51-53

⁵¹ Stephen continued speaking: “You stubborn people! You have not given your hearts to God, nor will you listen to him! You are always against what the Holy Spirit is trying to tell you, just as your ancestors were. ⁵² Your ancestors tried to hurt every prophet who ever lived. Those prophets said long ago that the One who is good would come, but your ancestors killed them. And now you have turned against and killed the One who is good. ⁵³ You received the law of Moses, which God gave you through his angels, but you haven’t obeyed it.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we know that without a fresh manifestation of Your Holy Spirit power in our lives, our faith will not prevail in the midst of the evil that abounds in our day. Just as Habakkuk pleaded for You to manifest Yourself to Him, we also pray for renewal in our spirit so that we remain a part of the faithful remnant fully committed to You. We choose to rejoice in the Lord our God who enables us to hold tightly to our godly faith in the midst of enemy invasion. We pray for deliverance and sustaining power so that we emerge victorious during the battle even as Job declared, “Though God slay me yet I’ll trust Him”.  Amen.

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

Sunday June 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed-

2-Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave, and grow old wanting to get back to-

3-The best way to predict your future is to create it-

4-Make someone's day by giving them a hug-

5-Other things may change us, but we start and end with family-

 

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

 

I'VE LEARNED-To violate the innocence of a child is the greatest evil known to man-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tigers have fully developed canines by sixteen months of age, but they do not begin making their own kills until about eighteen months of age-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does the book of John only tell 7 of Jesus' miracles?

2-The book of John says that Jesus was at the creation.  How did he know that?

3-Did John, the writer of the book of John, read the other 3 gospels?

4-Why isn't John's name mentioned in the book of John when all other disciples are named?

5-Are the names Palestine and Philistines related?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest was banished by Solomon, fulfilling a prophecy that Eli's descendants would be stripped of the priesthood?

Yesterday's answer-Passhur   Jeremiah  20:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 7:48-50

⁴⁸ “But the Most High does not live in houses that people build with their hands. As the prophet says:

⁴⁹ ‘Heaven is my throne,
    And the earth is my footstool.
So do you think you can build a house for me? Says the Lord.
    Do I need a place to rest?
⁵⁰ Remember, my hand made all these things!’” Isaiah 66:1–2

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for those who paid the ultimate price in laying down their lives to defend our freedoms. Many of us don’t know even one of these faithful warriors by name and yet their sacrifice has freed us from the takeover of our enemies. There are also those who do not know the Person of Jesus who laid down His life to free us from the takeover of our archenemy, the devil. The vast majority give little to no thought of the immense burden Jesus bore as He took our sins upon Himself that we might receive forgiveness. We thank You, Father, for Jesus who is the Hero of heroes in that He gave His all that we might receive Your all; forgiveness for our sins and eternal life in Heaven. We thank You for Your undeserved love and mercy. Amen.

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

Saturday June 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Where there is risk there also is reward-

2-Love all, trust a few, do wrong to no one-

3-Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home-

4-To enjoy a good future, waste none of your present-

5-Look at everything as if you were seeing it for the first time-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments-

 

I'VE LEARNED-All peoples are vulnerable to sin-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tiger cubs live on milk for six to eight weeks before the female begins taking them to kills to feed-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Paul told gentiles they were not bound by Jewish tradition, so then why were the Jews?

2-What is the cult known in Paul's time as Nazarenes?

3-Where did Paul spend most of his time speaking?

4-Why does the book of Acts end without knowing what happens to Paul?

5-Why does the book of John skip Jesus' parables?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What evil priest had Jeremiah beaten and placed in chains?

Yesterday's answer-Uriah    Isaiah 8:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 7:44-47

⁴⁴ “The Holy Tent where God spoke to our ancestors was with them in the desert. God told Moses how to make this Tent, and he made it like the plan God showed him. ⁴⁵ Later, Joshua led our ancestors to capture the lands of the other nations. Our people went in, and God forced the other people out. When our people went into this new land, they took with them this same Tent they had received from their ancestors. They kept it until the time of David, ⁴⁶ who pleased God and asked God to let him build a house for him, the God of Jacob.^{[a] 47} But Solomon was the one who built the Temple.

Footnotes:

1. 7:46 Jacob Some Greek copies read “the house of Jacob.” This means the people of Israel.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You’ve called us all to a life of obedience. This includes the command that we are to raise our families in such a way that they will come to know You and grow in godliness in accordance to their individual faith. We also have opportunity to influence others for Jesus as we follow the great commission in reaching out to those who don’t know Him, whether it’s our neighbor, co-worker, team member or the homeless living on the streets. We want to make a difference in our world, one person at a time, since You touch individual hearts for the kingdom one at a time. We want to faithfully do our part through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.


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

Friday June 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your aspirations are your possibilities-

2-No matter what accomplishments you achieve, somebody has helped you-

3-The gates of wisdom and truth are forever closed to those who are wise in their own conceits-

4-Shower the people you love with love-

5-Don't wait for opportunity to knock, just keep your door open-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Change is inevitable except from the vending machine-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Salvation is free (paid for by Jesus) but not cheap-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tiger cubs are born blind and weigh only about 2-3 pounds, depending on the subspecies-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-When Paul traveled by ship, did he go as a  paying passenger or a working ship hand?

2-How did Paul live during the 12 years of isolation?

3-Does a Christian have to follow the "law of Moses"?

4-Since James was a sibling of Jesus, why wasn't he more influential in the early days of the church?

5-Are the Kosher food laws irrelevant to Jesus' followers today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest served as a witness when Isaiah gave his son the bizarre name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz?

Yesterday's answer-Psalms   110:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 7:39-43

³⁹ “But our ancestors did not want to obey Moses. They rejected him and wanted to go back to Egypt. ⁴⁰ They said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will lead us. Moses led us out of Egypt, but we don’t know what has happened to him.’^{[a] 41} So the people made an idol that looked like a calf. Then they brought sacrifices to it and were proud of what they had made with their own hands. ⁴² But God turned against them and did not try to stop them from worshiping the sun, moon, and stars. This is what is written in the book of the prophets: God says,

‘People of Israel, you did not bring me sacrifices and offerings
    While you traveled in the desert for forty years.
⁴³ You have carried with you
    The tent to worship Molech
    And the idols of the star god Rephan that you made to worship.
So I will send you away beyond Babylon.’ Amos 5:25–27

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we want to trust You at all times – in times of rejoicing and times of trouble.  You promise to be our refuge who will rescue us from danger. Certainly we don’t read anywhere in Scripture that we will not face danger, for it is in these intensely dangerous situations that we find refuge in the shadow of Your wings. Daily we witness Your rescue from dangerous situations on this side of eternity, but we also daily witness (by faith) Your rescue that takes place on the other side of eternity. We consider the children who perished during the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma as well as scores of believers who, through other circumstances, passed on from here to eternity. Everyone of them found You to be their refuge as You rescued them from the many dangers, toils and snares that will always be a part of this life. Comfort those who remain. Give strength, hope and a determined faith to those who must rebuild their lives in the wake of the Oklahoma tragedy. May our faith increase and our devotion deepen as we lean hard on You. Amen.

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