Saturday August 31, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus will do what he has always done and be what he has always been-

2-There is Christianity and then there is churchianity-

3-We put God  in a time frame and when there is no answer to our prayers, we think he is uncaring-

4-For 15 years when God didn't communicate with Joseph, Joseph still believed in God--that took faith-

5-Giving is a confirmation of faith-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is there really any difference in men's and women's razors?

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you believe you are not, you are-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Because of their size and thickness, Ostrich eggs take forty minutes to hard boil-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God always give second chances?

2-Is their any correlation to the story of Jonah and the giant sea creature and Jesus and the resurrection?

3-Why was there no "Book of Jesus" written to be a part of the new testament?

4-Angels appeared many times in scripture.  Is it still a way that God communicates with people today?

5-Was Joseph given any special gifts to be Jesus earthly father?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is supposed to have been executed by being sawn in pieces?

Yesterday's answer-Levi

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 16:11-15

¹¹ We left Troas and sailed straight to the island of Samothrace. The next day we sailed to Neapolis.^{[a] 12} Then we went by land to Philippi, a Roman colony^[b] and the leading city in that part of Macedonia. We stayed there for several days.

¹³ On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the river where we thought we would find a special place for prayer. Some women had gathered there, so we sat down and talked with them. ¹⁴ One of the listeners was a woman named Lydia from the city of Thyatira whose job was selling purple cloth. She worshiped God, and he opened her mind to pay attention to what Paul was saying. ¹⁵ She and all the people in her house were baptized. Then she invited us to her home, saying, “If you think I am truly a believer in the Lord, then come stay in my house.” And she persuaded us to stay with her.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we are thankful that You are present in the daily routine of our lives but also in the quiet, seemingly inactive periods when we are forced to slow down, think more, and do less. Your Spirit is at work in us as we invite You into the throne-rooms of our mind and into the recesses of our heart to shape us into Your likeness. You take negative circumstances and make them work for our good, when we acknowledge that “all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.” We pray that You will achieve Your intended purpose in our lives as we fully submit our circumstances to Your divine plan.  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 August 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When people abandon their faith, it's usually because of lifestyle decisions or unexplainable circumstances-

2-We all have an element of circumstantial faith-

3-Faith based on circumstances is very fragile-

4-The foundation of our Christian faith is not God's answers to our prayers, or our experiences, or our ability to figure out God but rather on a person named Jesus-

5-Do not confuse faith in faith with faith in God-

 

SRRANGE THOUGHT-With Tonto always hanging around, the lone ranger was never very lonely.  So, how did he get his name?

 

I'VE LEARNED-In life we often fail (fall).  Just make sure you fall forward-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ostrich eggs are from six to eight inches long-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How are Christians to live and act in a culture of spiritual hostility?

2-How do you practice spiritual discipline?

3-Was "casting lots" an accepted way of knowing God's will in the Old Testament?

4-Could Jonah really have survived three days in the stomach of a giant sea creature?

5-If God punished old testament cities for extreme wickedness, why hasn't he done it in our day and time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-By what other name was Matthew known?

Yesterday's answer-James the less

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 16:6-10

  Paul and those with him went through the areas of Phrygia and Galatia since the Holy Spirit did not let them preach the Good News in Asia. ⁷ When they came near the country of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not let them. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went to Troas. ⁹ That night Paul saw in a vision a man from Macedonia. The man stood and begged, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we immediately prepared to leave for Macedonia, understanding that God had called us to tell the Good News to those people.

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, kingdom principles that Jesus taught and modeled such as, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is especially true when we give ourselves fully to the work of the Gospel, encouraging and spurring one another on toward growth in Christ and the good deeds that follow. When we share with others and invest in their lives, we find ourselves mutually blessed, encouraged and built up in the faith as Christ is at work in our hearts. It in His name that we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Thurday August 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You act and live differently when you have spent time with God-

2-Obedience to God is an external demonstration of loyalty to him-

3-Faith is a life line and a heart and mind set-

4-You cannot have faith in someone you cannot trust-

5-It is critical to know what is the real foundation of your faith-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do most dogs eat standing up while cats often eat sitting down?

 

I'VE LEARNED-So often our prayers are nothing more than asking God to fix something-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The largest bird egg in the world today is that of the ostrich-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In the old testament why did God so often appear to people in dreams?

2-Does God still appear to people today in dreams?

3-Why did Daniel insist on praying openly and in sight of other people instead of in his "prayer closet"?

4-Why does an act of obedience to God so often result in criticism or even worse, suffering?

5-Does our culture parallel that of Babylon?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is thought to have been pushed from a summit of the temple, then beaten to death?

Yesterday's answer-Bartholomew

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 16:1-5

Paul came to Derbe and Lystra, where a follower named Timothy lived. Timothy’s mother was Jewish and a believer, but his father was a Greek.

² The believers in Lystra and Iconium respected Timothy and said good things about him. ³ Paul wanted Timothy to travel with him, but all the people living in that area knew that Timothy’s father was Greek. So Paul circumcised Timothy to please his mother’s people. ⁴ Paul and those with him traveled from town to town and gave the decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. ⁵ So the churches became stronger in the faith and grew larger every day.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Everything within the universe was formed and is sustained by Your command. We are awestruck at Your design and grateful for the ways it benefits us every moment of every day. You are our Rock; Your ways are perfect, and You are perfectly faithful! We give thanks to You today, faithful God, for Your great work in our lives and in Your wonders formed long ago; for our benefit, our enjoyment and as a reminder of how dependent we are on Your faithfulness and goodness. Amen.

 

 

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

Wednesday August 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-All morally wrong decisions you make are preceded by a series of unwise decisions that lead you to the brink of disaster-

2-The New Testament knows nothing of a salvation that does not change lives-

3-The fruits of the Spirit are for living and not for taking in-

4-To believe means "by my life"-

5-Once a person has truly encountered God, there is a hungering and thirsting to be in his presence-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-In what direction are your eyes facing when you are asleep?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Our relationship with God is not dependant on what is happening to us-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A sheep, a duck, and a rooster were the first passengers in a hot air balloon-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God know our unexpressed feelings and thoughts?

2-Did Daniel expect to be viciously killed when he was put into the lions den?

3-How much of human fear did Daniel experience when put into the lions den?

4-Was King Darius expecting Daniel to be dead or alive when he went to check on him?

5-Why was Daniel and his friends chosen to serve in the kings palace?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was supposed to have been flayed to death?

Yesterday's answer-John

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  15:36-41

³⁶ After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “We should go back to all those towns where we preached the message of the Lord. Let’s visit the believers and see how they are doing.”

³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, ³⁸ but he had left them at Pamphylia; he did not continue with them in the work. So Paul did not think it was a good idea to take him. ³⁹ Paul and Barnabas had such a serious argument about this that they separated and went different ways. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left. The believers in Antioch put Paul into the Lord’s care, ⁴¹ and he went through Syria and Cilicia, giving strength to the churches.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as the slide to decadence deepens, we see the influence it has on the Christian church at large. Fearing rejection and mockery from the world or appearing as unsuccessful in the eyes of the world, many church leaders become accepting of the current philosophies and lifestyles prominent in our day, rather than holding to the unchanging standards prescribed through Your commands in Scripture. In the gray areas, help us to be gracious. But in the black and white commands of Scripture help us to be brave, strong and unambiguous in our position and consistent in our example as permissiveness, false prophesies, and weakened leaders dot the landscape. When seekers want the timeless truth of Scriptures rather than the changing truth of our times we will be prepared to guide them to Your eternal truths. Keep us faithful in doing so. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Tuesday August 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Unexpressed gratitude is ingratitude-

2-Stop comparing yourself to others-

3-Be thankful for what has not happened to you-

4-The key to fool proofing your life against moral failures is to set a standard so high that if violated, there would be no consequences-

5-When faced with a decision the thing we should ask ourselves is "What is the wise thing to do," based on our past experience, our current circumstances and our future hopes and dreams-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What are the little white particles found on the bottom of English muffins?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Too often our emotions depend on the circumstances of our life-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A duck has three eyelids-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where did Jeremiah's boldness to speak out come from?

2-What was it that kept Jeremiah continuing to be a prophet of doom when he knew he would be severely punished for doing so?

3-Why do we not hear any preaching today about God's anger and wrath over our sinful behavior and life style?

4-Is anything ever too hard for God?

5-Is God's judgement always tempered by his mercy?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was banished to the island of Patmos?

Yesterday's answer-Matthias

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 15:30-35

³⁰ So they left Jerusalem and went to Antioch where they gathered the church and gave them the letter. ³¹ When they read it, they were very happy because of the encouraging message. ³² Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, said many things to encourage the believers and make them stronger. ³³ After some time Judas and Silas were sent off in peace by the believers, and they went back to those who had sent them [, ³⁴ but Silas decided to remain there].^[a]

³⁵ But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch and, along with many others, preached the Good News and taught the people the message of the Lord.

Footnotes:

1. 15:34 but . . . There Some Greek copies do not contain the bracketed text.

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.

 

 

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

Monday August 26, 2013 thought for the day

This makes me hungry for a good deli sandwich-

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The cross is the supreme revelation of love-

2-God's love is not a license to sin nor an acceptance of our disobedience-

3-God's love is not based on our response to Him-

4-To some extent, our love for another in the human realm is based on "what you do for me"-

5-The naive overcomes foolishness through experience, the fool overcomes foolishness through consequences, the scoffer overcomes foolishness only through a radical change of heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If nothing sticks to Teflon, how does Teflon stick to the pan?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty for they merely move it from their faces to their hearts-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ducks will only lay eggs in the early morning-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is a heart that is "responsive to God"?

2-How did King Josiah become such a good king when his father and grandfather were so evil?

3-Was Job's life a cosmic game of tug of war?

4-Why was Jeremiah so insecure and so depressed?

5-How was God able to use such an insecure and depressed person as Jeremiah?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is supposed to have suffered martyrdom in Ethiopia?

Yesterday's answer-Peter

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 15:22-29

²² The apostles, the elders, and the whole church decided to send some of their men with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They chose Judas Barsabbas and Silas, who were respected by the believers. ²³ They sent the following letter with them:

From the apostles and elders, your brothers.
To all the non-Jewish believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:
Greetings!
²⁴ We have heard that some of our group have come to you and said things that trouble and upset you. But we did not tell them to do this. ²⁵ We have all agreed to choose some messengers and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul— ²⁶ people who have given their lives to serve our Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁷ So we are sending Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things. ²⁸ It has pleased the Holy Spirit that you should not have a heavy load to carry, and we agree. You need to do only these things: ²⁹ Stay away from any food that has been offered to idols, eating any animals that have been strangled, and blood, and any kind of sexual sin. If you stay away from these things, you will do well.
Good-bye.

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.


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

Sunday August 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-While the Bible promises that we will experience innocent suffering for the cause of Christ, it nowhere speaks of our being "victims" in the contemporary sense of the word-

2-Hope is not always about things getting better-

3-Both love and life will do strange things to us-

4-We need to go to God with our hurts-

5-God brings good things to those who are willing to wait-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are miniature dogs, why aren't there miniature cats?

 

I'VE LEARNED-A grudge is too heavy of a thing to carry-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The European eagle owl is the largest owl in the world.  It can measure twenty eight inches tall with a wingspan of five feet wide-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What prophet, after he had died, brought a dead man back to life?

2-Does what we do on earth have ramifications in heaven?

3-Ultimately, is trust about obedience?

4-What did Elisha ask Elijah for when he said "let me inherit a double portion of your spirit"?

5-What is the lost book called "Book of the law"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who preached at Pentecost?

Yesterday's answer-Bartholomew

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 15:19-21

¹⁹ “So I think we should not bother the other people who are turning to God. ²⁰ Instead, we should write a letter to them telling them these things: Stay away from food that has been offered to idols (which makes it unclean), any kind of sexual sin, eating animals that have been strangled, and blood. ²¹ They should do these things, because for a long time in every city the law of Moses has been taught. And it is still read in the synagogue every Sabbath day.”

 

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.

 

 

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

Saturday August 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is nothing as powerful as unused power-

2-You can't separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless they are free-

3-Do more than belong-participate, do more than care-help, do more than believe-practice, do more than be fair-be kind, do more than forgive-forget, do more than dream-work-

4-Always be yourself-

5-To get started, quit talking and begin doing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways?

I'VE LEARNED-When we get tangled up in our problems, God wants us to be still so he can untangle the knot

DID YOU KNOW-The great horned owl can turn it's head 270 degrees-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Bathsheba have resisted King David's interest in her or was she interested, or as a subject of the king did she have no choice in the matter?

2-In the old testament God punished children for the sins of their fathers.  Does he still do that today?

3-Is prosperity dangerous to your spiritual health-

4-What is the connection between having faith for something you can't see and then praying for its fulfillment?

5-Who was the first person in the Bible to raise someone form the dead back to life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is supposed to have been a missionary to Armenia?

Yesterday's answer-Andronicus and Junias

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 15:12-18

¹² Then the whole group became quiet. They listened to Paul and Barnabas tell about all the miracles and signs that God did through them among the people. ¹³ After they finished speaking, James said, “Brothers, listen to me. ¹⁴ Simon has told us how God showed his love for those people. For the first time he is accepting from among them a people to be his own. ¹⁵ The words of the prophets agree with this too:

¹⁶ ‘After these things I will return.
    The kingdom of David is like a fallen tent.
But I will rebuild its ruins,
    And I will set it up.
¹⁷ Then those people who are left alive may ask the Lord for help,
    And the other nations that belong to me,
Says the Lord,
    Who will make it happen.
¹⁸ And these things have been known for a long time.’ Amos 9:11–12

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.

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 August 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Displays of God's power are not enough to create faith in a person's heart-

2-The hope of the Christian is found in the resurrection of Jesus-

3-The story of the prodigal son is not about just one man but the story about three men-

4-The story of the prodigal son is a story of sin, repentance and loving forgiveness-

5-Pilate was faced with making a choice between popularity or integrity, compromise or character-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why does "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?

 

I'VE LEARNED-That which is most important in your home are the people-

 

DID YOU KNOW-To see at night as well as an owl, you would need eyeballs as big as grapefruits-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jacob receive the new name Israel?

2-Should putting out fleeces be a part of Christian living today?

3-Did David ever tell Jonathan that he had been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel?

4-Did Jonathan not have a wife to take care of his crippled son when he and his father Saul were killed in battle?

5-How many times had David and Bathsheba spent together before she became pregnant?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who, in Romans 16, did Paul refer to as apostles?

Yesterday's answer-Barnabas

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 15:6-11

⁶ The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this problem. ⁷ After a long debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the nations. They heard the Good News from me, and they believed. ⁸ God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, accepted them. He showed this to us by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. ⁹ To God, those people are not different from us. When they believed, he made their hearts pure. ¹⁰ So now why are you testing God by putting a heavy load around the necks of the non-Jewish believers? It is a load that neither we nor our ancestors were able to carry. ¹¹ But we believe that we and they too will be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Displays of God's power are not enough to create faith in a person's heart-

2-The hope of the Christian is found in the resurrection of Jesus-

3-The story of the prodigal son is not about just one man but the story about three men-

4-The story of the prodigal son is a story of sin, repentance and loving forgiveness-

5-Pilate was faced with making a choice between popularity or integrity, compromise or character-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why does "overlook" and "oversee" mean opposite things?

 

I'VE LEARNED-That which is most important in your home are the people-

 

DID YOU KNOW-To see at night as well as an owl, you would need eyeballs as big as grapefruits-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jacob receive the new name Israel?

2-Should putting out fleeces be a part of Christian living today?

3-Did David ever tell Jonathan that he had been anointed by Samuel to be the next king of Israel?

4-Did Jonathan not have a wife to take care of his crippled son when he and his father Saul were killed in battle?

5-How many times had David and Bathsheba spent together before she became pregnant?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who, in Romans 16, did Paul refer to as apostles?

Yesterday's answer-Barnabas

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 15:6-11

⁶ The apostles and the elders gathered to consider this problem. ⁷ After a long debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God chose me from among you to preach the Good News to the nations. They heard the Good News from me, and they believed. ⁸ God, who knows the thoughts of everyone, accepted them. He showed this to us by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. ⁹ To God, those people are not different from us. When they believed, he made their hearts pure. ¹⁰ So now why are you testing God by putting a heavy load around the necks of the non-Jewish believers? It is a load that neither we nor our ancestors were able to carry. ¹¹ But we believe that we and they too will be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus.”

 

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.

 

 

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

 

  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.

 

 

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

Thursday August 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Evil is the direct result of sin and sin is the result of evil-

2-Faithfulness is more important than success-

3-God's grace often inhabits the worst of families-

4-Because of God's love, evil is never inevitable-

5-To hearts that are open to God's love, anything is possible-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are "wise guy" and "wise man" opposites-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be bent out of shape-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The owl is the only bird to drop its upper eyelid to wink.  All other birds raise their lower eyelids-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Esau and his mother Rebekah ever reconcile?

2-Why did God put his blessing on the Jews in the old testament to the obvious exclusion of other peoples?

3-Was Jacob slighted by his father's favoritism of Esau?

4-Did Jacob feel manipulated by his mother's schemes as she used him to fulfill her own plans?

5-Can adversity be a gift to you?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What hard working companion of Paul was called an apostle?

Yesterday's answer-Philip

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 15:3-5

³ The church helped them leave on the trip, and they went through the countries of Phoenicia and Samaria, telling all about how the other nations had turned to God. This made all the believers very happy. ⁴ When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the apostles, the elders, and the church. Paul, Barnabas, and the others told about everything God had done with them. ⁵ But some of the believers who belonged to the Pharisee group came forward and said, “The non-Jewish believers must be circumcised. They must be told to obey the law of Moses.”

 

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.

 

 

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

Wednesday August 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Time and again throughout his life, God tested Abraham's resolve to obey him, and time and again God reconfirmed his promise to Abraham--a land, a nation and a promise-

2-Faith grows not in the absence of struggles but in the midst of it-

3-Obedience is the key to God's blessing-

4-Though Joseph had every reason to be bitter, there is no indication in scripture that he ever allowed himself to hate those who mistreated him-

5-Friendship knows no bravery like the bravery of a brutal, truthful confrontation-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Doesn't expecting the unexpected make the unexpected expected-

 

I'VE LEARNED-As a child of God, prayer is like calling home every day-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The horned owl is not horned.  Two tufts of feathers were mistaken for horns-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there a place for successful, competitive business people in God's plan for his people?

2-Should a Christian pursue excellence in all they do?

3-How would Isaac consider his near death experience at the hands of his father?

4-Why did Esau's mother have such a dislike for him and favor his brother Jacob?

5-Why didn't Jacob release his father's blessing back to the rightful owner Esau?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who, according to tradition, preached in Phrygia?

Yesterday's answer-Peter

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 15:1-2

Then some people came to Antioch from Judea and began teaching the non-Jewish believers: “You cannot be saved if you are not circumcised as Moses taught us.” ² Paul and Barnabas were against this teaching and argued with them about it. So the church decided to send Paul, Barnabas, and some others to Jerusalem where they could talk more about this with the apostles and elders.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, there are many choices I will make today based upon the variables that I cannot foresee. But above all I must deny my own selfish desires, take up my cross daily, and follow Christ. In denying myself I will be careful never to deny Christ nor the work He wants to do in me. I don’t know what my cross will look like today, whether it be in the form of physical pain, ridicule of my faith, rejection from one that I love, a major letdown, or another difficulty that may arise. The wonderful blessing is that I don’t carry my cross in my own strength but You carry it for me as I lean upon You for strength, guidance, endurance and the assurance that today’s cross will soon be exchanged for tomorrow’s crown. Until then I remain faithful through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name I pray. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday August 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God  did not completely destroy the world with the great flood but carried out a plan to renew it-

2-"To remember" in the Bible refers not  simply to realize something but to being concerned for or caring for it-

3-The meaning of Noah's name is connected to ideas or rest or bringing relief-

4-There had never been a rainbow prior to the great flood as it had never rained-

5-No matter how difficult it may be to remain faithful, no matter how insignificant your life may sometimes seem, no life is small in God's sight-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is it called "after dark" when it really is "after light"?

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you worry you don't pray, if you pray you don't worry-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The owl parrot can't fly and builds its nest under tree roots-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What kind of conversation did Abraham and Isaac have going down the mountain after the canceled human sacrifice?

2-Is the story of Abraham and Isaac one of blind trust?

3-Where is Mount Moriah located which Abraham and Isaac went to?

4-Did Isaac have any siblings at the time God tested Abraham's love and willing obedience?

5-Is there a place for successful, competitive business people in God's plan for his people?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is supposed to have provided the background information for theGospel of Mark?

Yesterday's answer-John

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 14:24-28

²⁴ Then they went through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia. ²⁵ When they had preached the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia. ²⁶ And from there they sailed away to Antioch where the believers had put them into God’s care and had sent them out to do this work. Now they had finished.

²⁷ When they arrived in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas gathered the church together. They told the church all about what God had done with them and how God had made it possible for those who were not Jewish to believe. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the followers.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, thank You for Your wonderful salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. You created in my body a thirst and hunger for physical food just as You created in my soul a hunger and thirst for spiritual food.  My soul thirsts for You, the living God. As I drink from Your living water my soul’s desires are satisfied. I am refreshed as I taste and see that You are good and Your mercies are everlasting and very personal. As I partake of the Living Water and the Bread of Life I am led by Your hand. I am no longer my own, for I have been bought with a tremendous price – Your Son, Your only Son, who gave His life that I might experience forgiveness for sin. Thank You for forgiving me and leading me in the paths of righteousness where I find love, joy and peace forevermore. My heart and my flesh, they may fail, but You are my strength and my portion for ever and ever.  Amen.

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

Monday August 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Praying for our enemy is the best revenge-

2-Loving God is a way of life that does not depend on circumstances but depends on who God is-

3-If you are asking the wrong question, it doesn't matter what the answer is-

4-Following your heart is not always the right or best thing to do-

5-The interiors of many great cathedrals were built to resemble the inside of a boat--a shelter in the time of storm-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are they called "stands" when they are made for sitting?''

I'VE LEARNED-Laugh every day, it is like inner jogging-

DID YOU KNOW-The nest of the African Grey Parrot is a hole in a large tree.  The bird uses no nesting material-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If God had not found Noah, a righteous man, would the world simply have vanished?

2-Why would God order Abraham to sacrifice his only son, when it would have been an immoral act of murder?

3-What made Abraham so positive that God was telling him to sacrifice his son as an offering to God?

4-Did Abraham think that God would bring Isaac back to life after he had killed him or did he think God would provide yet another son with his wife Sarai?

5-Did God not know that Abraham truly feared and loved him without testing him with the possible sacrifice of Isaac?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Of all the apostles, which is the only one who is supposed to have died a natural death?

Yesterday's answer-Peter, Andrew, James and John-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 14:21-23

²¹ Paul and Barnabas told the Good News in Derbe, and many became followers. Paul and Barnabas returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ²² making the followers of Jesus stronger and helping them stay in the faith. They said, “We must suffer many things to enter God’s kingdom.” ²³ They chose elders for each church, by praying and fasting^[a] for a certain time. These elders had trusted the Lord, so Paul and Barnabas put them in the Lord’s care.

Footnotes:

1. 14:23 fasting The people would give up eating for a special time of prayer and worship to God. It was also done sometimes to show sadness and disappointment.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, we thank You for our brothers and sisters who, because of Your redemptive love, share together in the work of furthering the kingdom of God. Thank you for those who see a need and are quick to respond. We also know of those who see the need but feel inadequate for the task. Would You empower and embolden them to take a step of faith by moving in the direction You’re leading to the point of commitment. We’re mindful of Tychicus’ example of faithfulness in his duties and his loving spirit toward Paul and his fellow servants. We also want to be faithful in our thoughts, our conversation, and our duties this day.  We pray to You through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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

Sunday August 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Without forgiveness the cycle of hatred never ends-

2-The best reason to be free from unforgiveness is so that our prayers will not be hindered-

3-Unforgiveness binds us to the one we resent and hatred keeps us focused on them-

4-When we forgive others, it doesn't mean they won't have to account for what they have done-

5-It is not God's desire for us to go after someone in order to get revenge-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do we sing "Take me out to the ball game" when we are already there?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Faith is the ability to not panic-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Macaws are the largest and most colorful species of the parrot family-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does submission to God look like?

2-What can Christians expect as a result of obedience to God?

3-Did Noah ever have any doubts about what he was doing in response to God calling him to build an ark?

4-How long did it take for the post flood earth to become absolutely wicked again?

5-Why didn't the great flood kill all vegetation that it covered for so long?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which of the apostles were fishermen?

Yesterday's answer-Andrew

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 14:19-20

¹⁹ Then some evil people came from Antioch and Iconium and persuaded the people to turn against Paul. So they threw stones at him and dragged him out of town, thinking they had killed him. ²⁰ But the followers gathered around him, and he got up and went back into the town. The next day he and Barnabas left and went to the city of Derbe.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Jesus, You are the Solid Rock that keeps us anchored in this vast landscape of shifting sands. Our unfading hope is secured in Your finished work on the cross and our guide map is the inspired Holy Scriptures that make us wise unto salvation. Help us to resist the temptation to look further or to add to Your clearly prescribed plan for living a life that pleases You. We offer to You our lives as living sacrifices. May they be holy and pleasing to You. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Saturday August 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Good fear will cause us to do positive and productive things-

2-We must trust God's timing in answering our prayers even when it is hard to have faith in the midst of frightening circumstances-

3-Fear keeps us from moving successfully into the future while grief keeps us from moving successfully out of the past-

4-Healing from grief doesn't mean we won't ever again feel the loss.  It means we won't become so gripped by the loss that we never get over it's torment-

5-If our country ever ceases to be great, it will be because we stopped acknowledging God's greatness on our behalf-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do tug boats push their barges?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do the math-count your blessings

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are more than 300 species of parrots-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-From how far of a distance were the creatures coming to the ark?

2-Did the great flood cover the entire planet including the highest mountain peaks and the north and south pole?

3-Where did all the water come from for the great flood and where did it all go when it receded?

4-Were Noah's parents dead before the great flood?

5-Did Noah have close relatives that did not make it into the ark?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which apostle, originally a disciple ofJohn the Baptist, was supposed to have been crucified on an X shaped cross?

Yesterday's answer-James the less

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 14:16-18

¹⁶ In the past, God let all the nations do what they wanted. ¹⁷ Yet he proved he is real by showing kindness, by giving you rain from heaven and crops at the right times, by giving you food and filling your hearts with joy.” ¹⁸ Even with these words, they were barely able to keep the crowd from offering sacrifices to them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

   Father, we desire to have You lead us in the paths of righteousness that lead us in the way everlasting. Sometimes the next step we take is clearly visible and other times it is a step of faith as darkness seems to veil Your leading. As we earnestly pray we can trust You who stilled the tempest and turned darkness into light. We pray for discernment and a willing spirit to follow Your leading in all matters, no matter the outcome. 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 August 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Faith is not believing in something that is not true-

2-Bad company corrupts good character-

3-They who lose their honesty have nothing more to lose-

4-God is always where he is invited to be-

5-Satan can't have our souls unless we let him have it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When it comes to giving, don't stop at nothing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silence is often misinterpreted but never misquoted-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The albatross drinks sea water-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Noah unable to convince any of his friends, neighbors or extended family to repent because of what was coming-

2-How do we know for sure when we have heard God's voice?

3-How did Noah collect two of every creature?

4-Did Noah know all the creatures that would be coming to the ark?

5-How did Noah know what food to gather in for the creatures and how much of everything?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which apostle was traditionally supposed to have been crucified in Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Paul

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 14:8-15

⁸ In Lystra there sat a man who had been born crippled; he had never walked. ⁹ As this man was listening to Paul speak, Paul looked straight at him and saw that he believed God could heal him. ¹⁰ So he cried out, “Stand up on your feet!” The man jumped up and began walking around. ¹¹ When the crowds saw what Paul did, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like humans and have come down to us!” ¹² Then the people began to call Barnabas “Zeus”^[a] and Paul “Hermes,”^[b] because he was the main speaker. ¹³ The priest in the temple of Zeus, which was near the city, brought some bulls and flowers to the city gates. He and the people wanted to offer a sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas. ¹⁴ But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard about it, they tore their clothes. They ran in among the people, shouting, ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing these things? We are only human beings like you. We are bringing you the Good News and are telling you to turn away from these worthless things and turn to the living God. He is the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

Footnotes:

1. 14:12 “Zeus” The Greeks believed in many false gods, of whom Zeus was most important.
2. 14:12 “Hermes” The Greeks believed he was a messenger for the other gods.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we enjoy positive results and favorable comments when we do good. But there are many times that we do good or take a position, in accordance to the Bible, that results in our being ridiculed, mocked and even persecuted. Would You enlarge the importance of eternity in our hearts so that we don’t become weary of doing good and always expect reward here and now. Help us to remember, in many instances, the proper time that we reap a harvest will not be on this side but on the other side of eternity. Above all, remind us through Your Holy Spirit, that we choose to do good because it pleases You. May the fulfillment of pleasing You be of much greater importance than pleasing or impressing those among us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

 

 

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