Wednesday July 31, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't waste your life by thinking about people you don't like-

2-Sinners are prodigal children whom God wants to welcome home-

3-Jesus' sacrificial death for the sins of everyone made the Jewish temple's sacrificial system obsolete-

4-Sin is not just doing something wrong, it is also failing to do the good and right-

5-How you live today helps determine your destiny-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Life is a coin-you can spend it anyway you wish but you can only spend it once

 

I'VE LEARNED-Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you but trusting them not to-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Roosters cannot crow if they can't fully extend their necks-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-One time the disciples talked to Jesus about the temple and  the wonderful. architecture.  He said that wars, famines, desecration and destruction of the temple and other things would happen and that "this generation would not pass from the scene until all these things take place."  Did all happen as he said?

2-Why did Jesus say that only the father knows the time when "everyone sees the son of man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory".  Does God keep some things away from Jesus knowledge?

3-Is there a judgement taking place at the time of Jesus' return?

4-Jesus seems to say that doing good deeds is very important.  To what degree is this so?

5-What does the word "Eucharist" mean?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In which Gospel does John try to dissuade Jesus from being baptized?

Yesterday's answer-Mark

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 12:19-25

Later Herod moved from Judea and went to the city of Caesarea, where he stayed. ²⁰ Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but the people of those cities all came in a group to him. After convincing Blastus, the king’s personal servant, to be on their side, they asked Herod for peace, because their country got its food from his country.
²¹ On a chosen day Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to the people. ²² They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not a human!” ²³ Because Herod did not give the glory to God, an angel of the Lord immediately caused him to become sick, and he was eaten by worms and died.
²⁴ God’s message continued to spread and reach people.
²⁵ After Barnabas and Saul finished their task in Jerusalem, they returned to Antioch, taking John Mark with them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You have called us to a journey of faith where we learn to trust You for all that we have need of, for the present and the future – in our relationships, our health,  our earthly provisions and our spiritual needs.  Like the songwriter, Louisa Stead, wrote; “I’m so glad I learned to trust You, precious Jesus, Savior, Friend; For I know that You are with me; Will be with me to the end.  Jesus, Jesus How I trust You, How I’ve proved You o’er and o’er;  Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus,  O for grace to trust You more.”  Help us to find the sweetness of wholeheartedly trusting in You, we pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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

Tuesday July 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You become the slave of what you chose to obey-

2-The gospel of Luke seems to revolve around the word savior-

3-In this life, it is not what we take up, but what we give up that makes us rich-

4-Take away the cause and the effect ceases-

5-A different world cannot be built by indifferent people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Work like you don't need money-love like you've never been hurt-dance like no one is watching-give when no one notices-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't recover time after it is gone-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The male argus pheasant of Asia has the longest feathers of all the flying birds.  Its tail feathers can reach a length of six feet-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What did Jesus mean telling Peter "Your name is rock and on this rock I will build my church"?

2-What is the meaning of "the keys of the kingdom" that Jesus gave Peter?

3-Did Jesus put Peter in charge of the new Christian faith?

4-What is the significance of Jesus transforming into a celestial being with Moses and Elijah appearing?

5-Why did Jesus say that a child is the greatest person in the kingdom of heaven?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which gospel opens with John the Baptist preaching in the desert?

Yesterday's answer-Ephesus     Acts 19:1-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 12:16-19

¹⁶ Peter continued to knock, and when they opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. ¹⁷ Peter made a sign with his hand to tell them to be quiet. He explained how the Lord led him out of the jail, and he said, “Tell James and the other believers what happened.” Then he left to go to another place.

¹⁸ The next day the soldiers were very upset and wondered what had happened to Peter. ¹⁹ Herod looked everywhere for him but could not find him. So he questioned the guards and ordered that they be killed.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as we march onward to Zion and uphold the Biblical view of righteous living, we are often mocked or dismissed as a radical bunch of Jesus followers. But we know that it is the righteous remnant who restrain Your wrath in the midst of the flood of evildoers. You are not willing that any should perish, but that all should turn to salvation. You didn’t send Jesus to earth to condemn the world but to provide redemption for all who believe upon Your name. We do believe and respond by walking in the ways of righteousness. It is by grace that we are saved, so we give You thanks through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.


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

Monday July 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When we become God's children, we should act like it-

2-Without a resurrection there is no Christianity-

3-In a physical universe, it is impossible for something to come from nothing.  So, there is more than a physical dimension at work in creating and sustaining the universe-

4-Faith is more basic to righteousness than obeying laws-

5-Faith comes first then comes obedience-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Copies-what you call twin policemen-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot recover the occasion after it is missed-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The American woodcock, with its eyes placed toward the top of its head, can see backward and upward, and forward and upward, with binocular vision and, laterally, almost 180 degrees with each eye-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the donkey on which Jesus rode into town ever get taken back to it's rightful owner?

2-Even though Jesus preformed many miracles, why did the people think he was Elijah or John the Baptist?

3-What mountain did Jesus go up on with Peter, James and John?

4-Why did Jesus change Simon's name to Peter?

5-Didn't Peter act more like sand than a rock?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Paul baptize twelve men who had received he baptism of John?

Yesterday's answer-Corinth   Acts 18:8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 12:11-15

¹¹ Then Peter realized what had happened. He thought, “Now I know that the Lord really sent his angel to me. He rescued me from Herod and from all the things the people thought would happen.”
¹² When he considered this, he went to the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark. Many people were gathered there, praying. ¹³ Peter knocked on the outside door, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so happy she forgot to open the door. Instead, she ran inside and told the group, “Peter is at the door!”
¹⁵ They said to her, “You are crazy!” But she kept on saying it was true, so they said, “It must be Peter’s angel.”

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

Sunday July 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christians reveal who they are not by what they think or say but by what they do-

2-In the face of persecution, a strong survival instinct can overpower a person's faith-

3-Proverbs says "The blessings of the Lord makes a person rich"-

4-May God give you the ability to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do-

5-Our faith in God should change us from the inside out-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Being young you worry about being beautiful, being old you worry about comfort-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't recover the word after it has been spoken-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Herons have been observed to drop insects on the water and then catch the fish that surface for the bugs-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Should Christians be easy to spot?

2-Did Jesus consider himself a rabbi?  If not, why did he let others call him that?

3-Are we sure Jesus' ministry lasted only 3 years?

4-What was the purpose of Jesus' transfiguration?

5-Why did Jesus have to appear in Jerusalem riding on a donkey?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what city did Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believe Paul's message and submit to baptism?

Yesterday's answer-The jailor    Acts 16:26-33

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 12:6-10

⁶ The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Other soldiers were guarding the door of the jail. ⁷ Suddenly, an angel of the Lord stood there, and a light shined in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Hurry! Get up!” the angel said. And the chains fell off Peter’s hands. ⁸ Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And Peter did. Then the angel said, “Put on your coat and follow me.” ⁹ So Peter followed him out, but he did not know if what the angel was doing was real; he thought he might be seeing a vision. ¹⁰ They went past the first and second guards and came to the iron gate that separated them from the city. The gate opened by itself for them, and they went through it. When they had walked down one street, the angel suddenly left him.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, as we deal with the temporal demands of this day, may the principles that guide us be of eternal origin. We seek not to blend in with this sin-darkened world but choose to be the salt of the earth. You have made us a peculiar people who are called to be the light of the world. May our light shine for all the world to see so that our good deeds bring praise to Your holy name. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Saturday July 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best way to silence critics of Christianity is to live honorable lives-

2-When attitudes change, actions change-

3-We should praise God for the privilege of being called Christian-

4-Wealth can consume us like a fire and an uncontrolled tongue is just as incendiary-

5-Christianity isn't just a way of thinking, it is a way of living-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I don't know how I ever got over the hill without getting to the top-

 

I'VE LEARNED-One thing you cannot recover in life is the stone after it is thrown into a body of water-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Mallard nests are sometimes built at a height of forty feet above ground-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What would have happened if Jesus' ministry had been a full lifetime long?

2-What was the main thing that attracted people to follow Jesus?

3-The disciples advised Jesus to send the crowd away so they could buy food somewhere.  Where would 5000 people have gone?

4-How could a crowd of 5-10,000 people have gathered to be near Jesus when there was nothing to provide for their physical needs?

5-What happened to  the 12 baskets of leftovers the disciples gathered up after the people had been fed?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What man of Philippi took Paul and Silas home and was baptized by them?

Yesterday's answer-The Ethiopian eunuch   Acts 8:38

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 12:4-5

After Herod arrested Peter, he put him in jail and handed him over to be guarded by sixteen soldiers. Herod planned to bring Peter before the people for trial after the Passover Feast. ⁵ So Peter was kept in jail, but the church prayed earnestly to God for him.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I am thankful for the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures that provides an objective and accurate guide for every season of my life. The Bible is a lamp unto my feet and a light for the path that lies before me.  It teaches, convicts, corrects, and trains me in the ways of godliness. Though many will choose other authorities to guide their lives, I choose Your Holy Book to equip me for the works You’ve called me to do in Your name. I rely on its inspired texts to sustain me in my lifetime commitment to walk in Your ways as I travel the Bible Road that leads to eternal life. 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 july 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The closer you are to God, the more you become an enemy of Satan and the more he will try to tempt you-

2-Every temptation is an opportunity to do good as well as an opportunity to grow in character-

3-Gratitude is the heart's memory-

4-All creatures except man seem to know that the ultimate joy of life is to enjoy it-

5-The patience of God is like nothing we can understand-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you are dissatisfied about being old and would like to go back to your youth-remember algebra-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Life isn't tied with a bow but it is still a gift-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Some species of rain forest birds migrate every summer from South America to Canada to breed-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jesus move from his home town of Nazareth to the fishing village of Capernum?

2-Why is theSermon on the mount in Matthew called the sermon of the plain in Luke?

3-Why is the Sermon on the mount 3 chapters long in Matthew and only a half chapter in Luke?

4-Could the Sermon on the mount by Jesus have been a series of talks or perhaps a condensed version of his most important teachings?

5-Are the Beatitudes a prescription for spiritual happiness?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What foreign dignitary did Philip baptize?

Yesterday's answer-   a baptism with the Holy Spirit and with fire   

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 12:1-1-3

During that same time King Herod began to mistreat some who belonged to the church. ² He ordered James, the brother of John, to be killed by the sword. ³ Herod saw that some of the people liked this, so he decided to arrest Peter, too. (This happened during the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.)

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You who created the heavens and the earth; You who created Jacob, and formed Israel have also chosen to redeem us. You even call us by Your name as we, Your redeemed, are children of the King. We are joint heirs with You through no goodness of our own or merits that we’ve earned, but only through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, who gave His life that we might have forgiveness of sins and become Your children. We are abundantly grateful for such mercy and grace. Amen.



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

Thursday July 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The twin actions of love are service and giving-

2-Enthusiasm is not based on how fun your job is or how much it pays.  It is based on why you do what you do-

3-Your attitude determines your happiness-

4-Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received.  Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling.  Thanksgiving is the following of that impulse-

5-If you are worrying you are praying to the wrong God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Some people try to turn back their odometers-not me.  I want people to know why I look this way.  I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Let the doctors handle your body, let God handle your life, but you be in charge of your own moods and attitude-

 

DID YOU KNOW-To survive, most birds must eat at least half their own weight in food each day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-John the Baptist baptized people who confessed their sins.  Is this a requirement for baptism?

2-In God's plan of salvation, what was the purpose of Jesus' baptism?

3-Why did Jesus go from his baptism to his 40 days of testing in the wilderness?

4-Did the number of 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness have any special significance?

5-Is there any connection to the 40 days of Jesus testing in the wilderness and the Israelites 40 years of exodus wanderings?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What kind of baptism did John promise the Christ would administer?

Yesterday's answer-Cornelius   Acts 10:23-48

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 11:27-30

²⁷ About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ One of them, named Agabus, stood up and spoke with the help of the Holy Spirit. He said, “A very hard time is coming to the whole world. There will be no food to eat.” (This happened when Claudius ruled.) ²⁹ The followers all decided to help the believers who lived in Judea, as much as each one could. ³⁰ They gathered the money and gave it to Barnabas and Saul, who brought it to the elders in Judea.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, since this pilgrimage on earth is all we’ve known since birth, far too often we consider this earth our permanent dwelling. But the prophet Isaiah gives us a true perspective of our transient life when he writes, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.”  Help us to lift our eyes to the heavens and place our affections on the eternal truths of Your Word. We, as Your redeemed children, desire to be faithful and stay the course as we walk this pilgrim pathway watching expectantly and longing for Your soon return. Amen.



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

Wednesday July 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Grace isn't a prayer you say before eating, it is a way of life-

2-Prayer is a path where there is none-

3-When you let go of what is in your hand, it is now empty to receive greater blessing from God-

4-God doesn't bless you so you can be greedy, he blesses you so you can be generous-

5-It is important to live with an attitude of gratitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Treat sickness with optimism-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The red breasted merganser can fly at 80 miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-No record of Jesus' first 30 years is in scripture.  Were the events of this time period lost or never recorded?

2-Wouldn't it have been special if Mary had recorded things form a mother's viewpoint about Jesus life while he was still living at home?

3-Would Mary have treated Jesus differently than her other children because of who he was?

4-Since baptism symbolizes the spiritual cleansing of God's forgiveness, why did Jesus want to be baptized?

5-Why did God require that Jesus be baptized?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Roman official did Peter baptize?

Yesterday's answer-Ananias     Acts  9:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 11:25-26

²⁵ Then Barnabas went to the city of Tarsus to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found Saul, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year Saul and Barnabas met with the church and taught many people there. In Antioch the followers were called Christians for the first time.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Jesus, Your death on the cross was an act of barbaric cruelty that we would not, in any way, be physically attracted to. But we realize it was God’s redemption plan for all humankind and because of that we can declare along with the hymnist that it indeed “has a wondrous attraction for me.”  Because You willingly took the weight of our sins upon Yourself it provided a precious cleansing fountain, a healing stream that flows from Your saving blood providing forgiveness for our sins. Such amazing sacrifice demands my soul, my life, my all. Amen.



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

Tuesday July 23, 2913 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The purpose of tithing is to teach us to always put God first in our lives.  God doesn't need our money.  He wants what it represents; our gratitude, our priorities and our faith-

2-Turn your mess into a message-

3-Opportunity is missed by many people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work-

4-The only sure thing about luck is that it will change-

5-Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Eventually you reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it-

I'VE LEARNED-Whatever you feel like eating, just eat.  It is most important to be happy-

DID YOU KNOW-The red breasted merganser can fly at 80 miles per hour-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Did Mary and Joseph ever have an official wedding?

2-Did Mary's or Joseph's family ever come to visit?

3-Being born a Jewish boy, would Jesus have had the Jewish rite of circumcision?

4-Did the holy family have any visitors while living in Egypt?

5-Was Mary and Joseph's marriage an arranged one?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who baptized Paul?

Yesterday's answer-About 3000   Acts 2:41

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 11:22-24

²² The church in Jerusalem heard about all of this, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch. ^23-24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith. When he reached Antioch and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad. He encouraged all the believers in Antioch always to obey the Lord with all their hearts, and many people became followers of the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the people of faith listed in Hebrews died without receiving all that You had promised, but they never lost their faith vision of heaven as a “better country – a heavenly one.” We take courage from these fearless heroes of our faith who remained faithful to You in this life so that they could inherit a future life with You for all eternity. We who follow You many generations later trust Jesus’ promise that He returned to heaven to prepare a place for all who remain faithful. We anticipate with great joy the hour that we are joined with You to receive our commendation in the clouds of glory for all eternity. In Jesus mighty Name, Amen.


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

Monday July 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.  So it is, hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that-

2-If you want a rainbow, you must put up with the rain-

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

4-God is not great for what he has done for us but for who he is-

5-Anger destroys the beauty of the heart as well as the beauty of the face-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Many girls like to marry a military man for he can cook, sew, make beds, is in good health and is used to taking orders-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Without money we would all be rich-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The spur winged goose can fly at 88 miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did King Herod realize the wise men were not returning to him?

2-Why did King Herod not seek out the wise men and kill them for disobeying him?

3-How long did the wise men stay and visit the holy family?

4-How long did the holy family live in Bethlehem?

5-Did Mary have any more children while living in Bethlehem or in Egypt?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many people were baptized on the day of Pentecost?

Yesterday's answer-Lydia   Acts 16:14-15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 11:19-21

¹⁹ Many of the believers were scattered when they were persecuted after Stephen was killed. Some of them went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch telling the message to others, but only to Jews. ²⁰ Some of these believers were people from Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch, they spoke also to Greeks,^[a] telling them the Good News about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ The Lord was helping the believers, and a large group of people believed and turned to the Lord.

Footnotes:

1. 11:20 Greeks Some Greek copies read “Hellenists,” non-Greeks who spoke Greek.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, as we look at the ancient paths, we must make choices that reflect truths and principles established from the beginning of time as taught in the Scriptures. Help us to align ourselves with Your teaching and reject anything that would lead us to compromise or forsake that which we learn from Your Holy Manuscript, the Word of God. Change is inevitable and often inviting, but not the kind of change that would lead us to forsake the teachings of old, the lifestyle that reveals to others that we are set apart unto holiness, a people who reflect Christ living within us. Our days on earth are like grass; we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone, as though we had never been here.  In a changing world You are our unchanging holy God and Your love endures forever. You are indeed the same yesterday, today, and forever and because of that we give you our full allegiance. Amen.

 

 

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

Sunday July 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle-

2-Christians are not saved by service but for service-

3-Christians don't serve God out of guilt, fear or duty but out of joy and gratitude for what he had done for us-

4-Through Jesus death and resurrection he offers us salvation for our past to be forgiven, the present is given meaning and our future secured-

5-A saved heart wants to serve others-

 

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

 

I'VE LEARNED-Money kept in the bank may not be really yours. When it is time to spend, just spend.  Treat yourself as you get older-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The frigate bird can fly 95 miles per hour

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Star of Bethlehem appear at Jesus' birth or maybe two years prior-

2-The wise men probably didn't leave at a moment's notice so wouldn't it have taken them some months of planning before leaving?

3-Isn't it probable that the wise men arrived where Jesus was two years or so after Jesus birth and not along with the shepherds?

4-Why did king Herod send the wise men on to Bethlehem.  Why didn't he send his killing agents there directly and immediately?

5-Were the wise men surprised to learn that king Herod didn't have a newborn son?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What tradeswoman was baptized by Paul and Silas?

Yesterday's answer-  Paul   1 Corinthians 10:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 11:11-18

¹¹ Right then three men who were sent to me from Caesarea came to the house where I was staying. ¹² The Spirit told me to go with them without doubting. These six believers here also went with me, and we entered the house of Cornelius. ¹³ He told us about the angel he saw standing in his house. The angel said to him, ‘Send some men to Joppa and invite Simon Peter to come. ¹⁴ By the words he will say to you, you and all your family will be saved.’ ¹⁵ When I began my speech, the Holy Spirit came on them just as he came on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ Then I remembered the words of the Lord. He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ ¹⁷ Since God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I stop the work of God?”

¹⁸ When the believers heard this, they stopped arguing. They praised God and said, “So God is allowing even other nations to turn to him and live.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, in the words of Paul we’re taught that we who are still alive when Christ returns will be caught up together with believers in the clouds to meet You in the air, and so we will always be with You. We encourage each other with these words of Scripture reminding us that as our Christian friends and family go before us we will see each other again at Your appointed time. Keep us faithful, hopeful and always watching for that glorious everlasting reunion. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Saturday July 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A non serving Christian is a contradiction of terms-

2-Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it-

3-Silent gratitude is not of much use to anyone-

4-Life is a long lesson in humility-

5-The events of a person's life have little to do with how happy they are-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-On anniversaries the wise husband always forgets the past, but never the present-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When there is the opportunity, get together with with old classmates, old colleagues and old friends-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The spine tailed swift can fly 106 miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why would non Jewish wise men from eastern lands want to pay homage to  a Jewish boy who they believed was destined to be a great leader?

2-Did the wise men believe Jesus was the prophesied Jewish messiah?

3-Could the wise men have been of Jewish heritage?

4-Even if the wise men were astrologers, how could they know that a star or alignment of stars meant anything?

5-How would the wise men follow a star?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who referred to the Israelites crossing the Red Sea as a baptism?

Yesterday's answer-Simon the Sorcerer  Acts 8:12-13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 11:4-10

⁴ So Peter explained the whole story to them. ⁵ He said, “I was in the city of Joppa, and while I was praying, I had a vision. I saw something that looked like a big sheet being lowered from heaven by its four corners. It came very close to me. ⁶ I looked inside it and saw animals, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. ⁷ I heard a voice say to me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’ ⁸ But I said, ‘No, Lord! I have never eaten anything that is unholy or unclean.’ ⁹ But the voice from heaven spoke again, ‘God has made these things clean, so don’t call them unholy.’ ¹⁰ This happened three times. Then the whole thing was taken back to heaven.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us with the spiritual exercise of observing how You are working in our own heart and in the lives of those around us.  And we especially need to observe the ways You are present in nature and in our everyday lives.  The daily routine can easily squeeze out those special sightings of Your glorious presence and supernatural workings where You make visible that which is not seen with human eyes, but only through the eyes of faith.  Faithful and True God, just as You formed the universe with Your own hands, You also shape the human heart with Your own Spirit, bringing it into conformity to Your will for our lives.  Help us to surrender ourselves fully to You so that we are among those who have supernatural faith which makes us confident of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see with human eyes. 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 July 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Circumstances don't need to be perfect to choose to be happy and thankful for what you have and to make the most of it-

2-Many of God's promises of blessing are based on being generous with people less fortunate because God wants us to learn and practice generosity-

3-God doesn't want you to be God, he wants you to be godly-

4-God's desire for your life is not comfort but character development-

5-You can only manage what you measure-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Too many couples marry for better or worse, but not for good-

 

I'VE LEARNED-As long as it is possible, visit places you  wish to visit-

 

DID YOU KKNOW-The peregrine falcon can fly up to 175 miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why are the women listed in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus bad character women?

2-How could the wise men have traveled 1,000 miles or more by camel to Bethlehem?

3-If a star was leading the wise men, why didn't it lead them directly to Bethlehem?

4-Did the wise men know how to return to their home without the use of a star?

5-When the wise men came to Bethlehem, did they know where they were?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What magician came to be baptized by Philip?

Yesterday's answer-Caiaphas     Matthew 26:62

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 11:1-3

11 The apostles and the believers in Judea heard that some who were not Jewish had accepted God’s teaching too. ² But when Peter came to Jerusalem, some people argued with him. ³ They said, “You went into the homes of people who are not circumcised and ate with them!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

 

 

Father, You provided David with supernatural courage, strength, and skill to defeat the boastful bully of a giant, Goliath. That huge sword was a reminder to David of your help in a time of great need. Remind us of past victories in our own personal lives and those of others to give us strength and faith as we face today’s battles. Nothing in ourselves will defeat the enemies we face, but “with God all things are possible.”

 

 

 

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

Thursday July 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love truly, laugh uncontrollably and let your light shine brightly for all the world to see-

2-HOPE-holding on praying expectantly-

3-Character is both developed and revealed by tests-

4-If you can't find happiness along the way, you'll not find it at the end of the road-

5-Happiness is not something you have in your hands, it is something you have in your heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Trouble in a marriage often starts when a man gets so busy earning his salt that he forgets his sugar-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A friend is more valuable than a fortune-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The optimum depth of water in a birdbath is two and a half inches.  Less water makes it difficult for birds to take a bath, more makes them afraid-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it possible that Jesus and his family ever lived outside of Israel?

2-Who was the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke and John written to?

3-How would Matthew and Luke know what Jesus' genealogy was?

4-Why does the genealogy written in Matthew and Luke differ so significantly?

5-Why are women listed in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus and not in Luke?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What priest examined Jesus before the Council?

Yesterday's answer-  1 Peter 2:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 10:44-48

⁴⁴ While Peter was still saying this, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who were listening. ⁴⁵ The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been given even to the nations. ⁴⁶ These believers heard them speaking in different languages^[a] and praising God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we did!” ⁴⁸ So Peter ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

Footnotes:

1. 10:46 languages This can also be translated “tongues.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we want to show our love to friends in regular conversation and in tangible ways as we reach out to them and express personal interest in their lives. Proverbs 17:17 teaches us that “Friends always show their love”, not only in the good times but we share together in times of trouble upholding, supporting, and bearing their burdens with them on their life’s journey. As we mutually bear our burdens we are strengthened and encouraged together. Our lives are greatly enriched by the friendships we establish and grow from day to day.   Amen.


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

Wednesday, July 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The storms of our life prove the strength of our anchor-

2-Mercy triumphs over judgement-

3-The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts-

4-One thing you can give and still keep is your word-

5-Ideas don't work unless you do-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Whether a man winds up with a nest egg or a goose egg depends a lot on the kind of chick he marries-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your behavior is based on your attitude-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The eyes of some birds weigh more than their brains.  Likewise, their bones weigh less than their feathers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was December 25, chosen as Jesus' birthday?

2-Why don't we know an exact date of Jesus' birth?

3-Exactly how long did Jesus live as a human?

4-How do we know if Matthew wrote the book of Matthew since the writer doesn't identify himself?

5-Where did the wise men live?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament epistle tells Christians that they are all priests?

Yesterday's answer-   Levi   Exodus 4:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 10:39-43

³⁹ We saw what Jesus did in Judea and in Jerusalem, but the Jews in Jerusalem killed him by hanging him on a cross. ⁴⁰ Yet, on the third day, God raised Jesus to life and caused him to be seen, ⁴¹ not by all the people, but only by the witnesses God had already chosen. And we are those witnesses who ate and drank with him after he was raised from the dead. ⁴² He told us to preach to the people and to tell them that he is the one whom God chose to be the judge of the living and the dead. ⁴³ All the prophets say it is true that all who believe in Jesus will be forgiven of their sins through Jesus’ name.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY                                                                                                                                                                                              Father, You made it possible for us to experience this earthly journey in abundance when You sent Jesus to earth. He came that we might have the fullness of the Spirit within our lives. The devil comes to steal from us and destroy our lives but as we test Your Word we find that You supply in abundance Your peace, joy, purpose for living and an overcoming spirit in the midst of the enemy’s arsenal of weaponry. Through many tribulations we will enter Your Kingdom, but it will be worth it all when we see Christ. Keep us faithful till then. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday july 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Courage is being afraid but going on anyway-

2-Courage is as often the outcome of despair as of hope-

3-Faith is daring the soul to go beyond what the eyes can see-

4-We live in the land of the free only because of the brave-

5-Friendship is like good wine, it gets better as it gets older-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a rooster crows before daybreak, is his cluck fast?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Humility and good attitude go hand in hand-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The large hind feet of the chinchilla help it hop like a kangaroo, and its small front legs and feet are similar to those of a squirrel-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who was the angel watching at Jesus' tomb?

2-Why is there confusion and debate over the last verses in the last chapter of Mark (9-20) as to whether or not they are authentic or are an add on ending created by an unknown someone who adapted material from the other 3 gospels?

3-Didn't Jesus' trial break several rules of procedure of Jewish law as collected in the Mishnah?

4-Why was Matthew made the first book of the New Testament?

5-What year was Jesus born?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What tribe of Israel did all the priests come from?

Yesterday's answer-Hebrews

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 10:34-38

 

34 Peter began to speak: “I really understand now that to God every person is the same. 35 In every country God accepts anyone who worships him and does what is right. 36 You know the message that God has sent to the people of Israel is the Good News that peace has come through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Lord of all people! 37 You know what has happened all over Judea beginning in Galilee after John[a] preached to the people about baptism. 38 You know about Jesus from Nazareth that God gave him the Holy Spirit and power. You know how Jesus went everywhere doing good and healing those who were ruled by the devil because God was with him.

Footnotes:10:37 John John the Baptist who preached to people about Christ’s coming (Luke 3)

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, daily there are questions looming; some trivial and others essential to our existence here on earth. But the most vital question we must answer in in a timely manner and in adherence to Scripture has to do with our eternal destiny. Just as the patriarchs of old lived long lives and then were buried by their children, our bodies too will return to dust, while our souls live on for eternity. We want to “be gathered to our people” who’ve made their pilgrimage here on earth with You as their Shepherd. We choose to commit our ways to You and follow Your commands so that our room and board is forever paid up in the great beyond where Christ sits at Your right hand. Keep us faithful till that day is fulfilled in our lives. In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Monday July 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Only if you have been in the deepest valley can you ever know how wonderful it is to be on the highest mountain-

2-If you take no risks you will suffer no defeats, but you will also win no victories-

3-Courage is the first of all human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the others-

4-Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear-

5-Sometimes, courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says "I'll try again tomorrow"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Where do the seeds for seedless watermelons come from?

 

I'VE LEARNED-You are what you think-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Eleven chinchillas were brought from the Andes Mountains in South America in the 1930s.  All chinchillas presently in North America are descended from these eleven chinchillas-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-At his death, did Jesus feel more human than divine?

2-After six hours of pain and labored breathing from hanging on a cross, could Jesus have been delusional?

3-Was Jesus tomb ever used again by it's owner Joseph?

4-Would God ever have abandoned Jesus, even at Jesus taking on the sins of the world?

5-Was Joseph of Arimathea a secret believer in Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament epistle mentions the priesthood more than any other?

Yesterday's answer-Eleazar    Numbers 26:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 10:30-33

³⁰ Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was praying in my house at this same time—three o’clock in the afternoon. Suddenly, there was a man standing before me wearing shining clothes. ³¹ He said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and has seen that you give to the poor and remembers you. ³² So send some men to Joppa and ask Simon Peter to come. Peter is staying in the house of a man, also named Simon, who is a tanner and has a house beside the sea.’ ³³ So I sent for you immediately, and it was very good of you to come. Now we are all here before God to hear everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, how wonderful it is to enjoy the privileges available to those who live in a free country We give thanks for those who enlisted and served in our military, fighting for and maintaining our independence. And how glorious it is to enjoy freedom from sin, thanks to the sacrifice of Your Son Jesus, on our behalf.  Our lives, once enslaved to sin, now enjoy the freedom from that which once held us captive to Satan’s bondage. We live in victory because You have set us free and we are now free indeed.  Thank You, Father, for delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us into the kingdom of Your Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins!  Amen.

 

 

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