Monday September 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Character is made by what you stand for, reputation is made by what you fall for-

2-When people enter a real relationship with Jesus, they are never the same again-

3-Start by doing what is necessary, then do what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible-

4-The longer you grow in your relationship with God, the easier it is to know when he is talking to you-

5-There is no such thing as dirty money, the stain is only on  the hand that holds it as giver or taker-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you loan someone $20 and never see them again, it was probably worth it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love and to let it come in-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are more species of fish than mammals, reptiles and birds combined-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said often "fear not", so why do we?

2-Is anyone immune to fear?

3-Why does resolve sometimes win and sometimes fail?

4-Can fear and happiness coexist at the same time?

5-What has fear accomplished?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was baptized by a man named Ananias?

Today's answer-Paul  Acts 9:10-18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   ACTS 19:35-41

³⁵ Then the city clerk made the crowd be quiet. He said, “People of Ephesus, everyone knows that Ephesus is the city that keeps the temple of the great goddess Artemis and her holy stone^[a] that fell from heaven. ³⁶ Since no one can say this is not true, you should be quiet. Stop and think before you do anything. ³⁷ You brought these men here, but they have not said anything evil against our goddess or stolen anything from her temple. ³⁸ If Demetrius and those who work with him have a charge against anyone they should go to the courts and judges where they can argue with each other. ³⁹ If there is something else you want to talk about, it can be decided at the regular town meeting of the people. ⁴⁰ I say this because some people might see this trouble today and say that we are rioting. We could not explain this, because there is no real reason for this meeting.” ⁴¹ After the city clerk said these things, he told the people to go home.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we solemnly consider the catastrophic impact that terrorists have permanently etched in our painful memories from the events of 9/11/01. Though we witnessed mayhem and saw evil at its worst, mercifully, we also witnessed acts of goodness at their best.  We pray today for those who follow you who this very day are dealing with persecution especially those in the Middle East. Fill their hearts with assurance and hope. We are not without hope, for we know that You are a God of hope that fills believers with all joy and peace as they trust in You, so that they may overflow with hope by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Our declaration today is the very same as Job’s, “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth.” In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.


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

Sunday September 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken ones-

2-How we treat something depends on how much we value it-

3-Most failures come from people who have the habit of excuses-

4-Death ends a life, not a relationship-

5-Worry works on us, it does not work for us-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Drive carefully.  It is not only cars that can be recalled by their maker-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You serve God by serving others-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All 17 varieties of Penguins are found below the equator, primarily in Antarctica-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If you have a strong Christian faith, will you ever have any questions of God or doubt?

2-What does a Christian do with  the happenings they cannot explain?

3-If a Christian has doubts about their Christian faith, have they sinned?

4-Does God ever ask us "Why did you ask me for that"?

5-If God doesn't need anything, why does he ask people to give?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who healed a paralytic named Aeneas in Lydda?

Today's answer-Peter   Acts 9:32-35

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 19:28-34

²⁸ When the others heard this, they became very angry and shouted, “Artemis, the goddess of Ephesus, is great!” ²⁹ The whole city became confused. The people grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus, who were from Macedonia and were traveling with Paul, and ran to the theater. ³⁰ Paul wanted to go in and talk to the crowd, but the followers did not let him. ³¹ Also, some leaders of Asia who were friends of Paul sent him a message, begging him not to go into the theater. ³² Some people were shouting one thing, and some were shouting another. The meeting was completely confused; most of them did not know why they had come together. ³³ They put a man named Alexander in front of the people, and some of them told him what to do. Alexander waved his hand so he could explain things to the people. ³⁴ But when they saw that Alexander was a Jew, they all shouted the same thing for two hours: “Great is Artemis of Ephesus!”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY' 

Father, we pray that You will give us Biblical thoughts and expressions of blessing that we can share with those whom we seek to influence. Not only can we pray for them, but we can also bless them in the name of Jesus. We are instructed to bless even those who curse us, hard as that may be to do. When Jesus instructed His disciples to enter the house where they lodged and place their blessings upon that family saying, “Peace be to this house” Your peace rested upon it. So, we too have power with our prayerful words to make a positive difference in one’s life as we speak blessings upon them. Grant us confidence and meaningful expressions of blessings as we reach out in the name of Christ, for it is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday September 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your faith in Jesus is reveled most clearly by how much you surrender to his will-

2-Faith in God is not about moving God to embrace our agenda but to embrace his agenda-

3-You can't have wisdom without learning-

4-If we are obedient to God, then wherever we are, it is where God wants us to be-

5-Understanding the "big bang" theory-Nothing plus nobody equals everything-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Always read stuff that will make you look good if you die in the middle of reading it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Money doesn't change you, it magnifies who you are-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are no penguins anywhere in the northern hemisphere (outside of zoos)-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does unanswered prayer cause some to lose their faith in God?

2-How can we be sure we have understood God's direction?

3-How can we be sure we haven't misinterpreted God's direction?

4-Do most Christians have inadequate faith?

5-What does it mean to "fix your eyes on Jesus"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who healed the crippled man at the Beautiful Gate?

Today's answer-Peter and John   Acts 3:1-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   19:23-27

²³ And during that time, there was some serious trouble in Ephesus about the Way of Jesus. ²⁴ A man named Demetrius, who worked with silver, made little silver models that looked like the temple of the goddess Artemis.^[a] Those who did this work made much money. ²⁵ Demetrius had a meeting with them and some others who did the same kind of work. He told them, “Men, you know that we make a lot of money from our business. ²⁶ But look at what this man Paul is doing. He has convinced and turned away many people in Ephesus and in almost all of Asia! He says the gods made by human hands are not real. ²⁷ There is a danger that our business will lose its good name, but there is also another danger: People will begin to think that the temple of the great goddess Artemis is not important. Her greatness will be destroyed, and Artemis is the goddess that everyone in Asia and the whole world worships.”

Footnotes:

1. 19:24 Artemis A Greek goddess that the people of Asia Minor worshiped.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the Psalmist assures us that You provide food to those who fear You, to those who remember Your covenant. Moses admonished the Israelites to follow Your commands so that You would give them rain for their land in its season, the early rain for germination and the latter rain that grows and strengthens the plants. Through all generations You have supplied for all our needs and poured out Your abundance on us. We thank You for it through Christ Jesus 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.

Thursday September 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The promises of God are the bridge between our hope and our faith-

2-Since the very first followers of Jesus, Christians have been marked by suffering and persecution-

3-God does not promise to reverse the negative consequences of our bad decisions or choices-

4-Our greatest weakness can become God's greatest opportunity-

5-Great faith in God means great surrender to God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Always keep your words soft and sweet just in case you have to eat them-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God determines who walks into your life.  It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay and who you refuse to let go-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are no penguins at the North Pole-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What make God trustworthy?

2-How does faith really work?

3-What is the usual cause of people abandoning their faith-

4-What happens to our faith when God disappoints us by not answering our prayers?

5-Can "God moments" serve as a foundation for our faith-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was a Roman citizen?

Today's answer-Paul    Acts 23:27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:21-22

²¹ After these things, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, planning to go through the countries of Macedonia and Southern Greece and then on to Jerusalem. He said, “After I have been to Jerusalem, I must also visit Rome.” ²² Paul sent Timothy and Erastus, two of his helpers, ahead to Macedonia, but he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

 

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

Wednesday September 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The foundation of the Christian faith is not God's answers to prayer, or our experiences,but on the person of Jesus the Christ-

2-There is a difference in Christianity and churchianity-

3-The object of our faith is more important than the amount of faith we have-

4-Faith if God is simply the confidence that he is who he says he is and will do what he has promised to do-

5-The goal of faith is to get us to love in accordance with the character and promises of God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do figure skaters keep from getting dizzy while spinning?

 

I'VE LEARNED-faithfulness requires integrity-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The emperor penguin is the deepest diving penguin, reaching depths of 870 feet and staying there for up to 18 minutes-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are faith and reality related in any way?

2-What makes Christianity different from all other religions or philosophies?

3-What should we expect from God when our prayers are not answered?

4-Why does God intervene in some of our life's circumstances and not in others?

5-Are faith and trust related?  If so, how?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which apostles were present at the raising of Jairus' daughter?

Today's answer-Peter, James and John    Mark 5:37

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:16-20

¹⁶ Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them. Because he was so much stronger than all of them, they ran away from the house naked and hurt. ¹⁷ All the people in Ephesus—Jews and Greeks—learned about this and were filled with fear and gave great honor to the Lord Jesus. ¹⁸ Many of the believers began to confess openly and tell all the evil things they had done. ¹⁹ Some of them who had used magic brought their magic books and burned them before everyone. Those books were worth about fifty thousand silver coins.^[a]

²⁰ So in a powerful way the word of the Lord kept spreading and growing.

Footnotes:

1. 19:19 fifty thousand silver coins Probably drachmas. One coin was enough to pay a worker for one day’s labor.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You command us to observe the day of rest, by keeping it holy. You also command us to work on the other six days. You made this commandment for our benefit that we might be renewed spiritually and physically on the Lord’s Day. Help us to be careful to set this day apart and make it the highlight of our week as we honor You in corporate worship, as we spend quality time with our family members and as we take time to rest from our labor. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Monday September 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be kindled-

2-The biggest room is room for improvement-

3-Love is better than knowledge in making decisions-

4-Christian freedom should be tempered by voluntarily relinquishing one's right for the sake of love-

5-We make decisions everyday based on our belief system, whatever it is-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are there holes in Swiss cheese and not in other cheeses?

I'VE LEARNED-Whatever is rewarded is repeated-

DID YOU KNOW-The emperor penguin is the largest type of penguin-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does our faith ebb and flow based on our ability to see God at work in the present moment?

2-What causes our faith to collapse?

3-What is the difference in "trusting God" for something and hoping for something?

4-Can we get God to do what we want him to do?

5-What props up our faith?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had Silas as a traveling companion on his second journey?

Today's answer-Paul   Acts 15-18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:11-15

¹¹ God used Paul to do some very special miracles. ¹² Some people took handkerchiefs and clothes that Paul had used and put them on the sick. When they did this, the sick were healed and evil spirits left them.

¹³ But some people also were traveling around and making evil spirits go out of people. They tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus to force the evil spirits out. They would say, “By the same Jesus that Paul talks about, I order you to come out!” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this.
¹⁵ But one time an evil spirit said to them, “I know Jesus, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, though we’re uncertain of the date that we will leave this world, we can be certain of our readiness to meet You when we depart. Jesus sacrificed His life to take away our sins; to make provision for our forgiveness here and now and to provide for our eternal resting place in heaven. We leave an example for others to know the way to life eternal by the narrative of our life. We want to take as many as possible with us, so we must tell the story of Jesus and live in such a way that we show others the way to His love and forgiveness; and thereby make proper preparations for their day of departure. Our time of expiration may surprise others but You have our days numbered and await our arrival on the other side. We rest in Your hands and walk in the power of Your resurrected life. We thank You, Father, through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.


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

Sunday September 22, 2013 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Knowledge talks, wisdom listens-

2-Don't let victories go to your head, or your failures to your heart-

3-An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest-

4-It is a terrible thing to see and yet have no vision-

5-The tragedy of life is not that it ends so seen, but that we wait so long to begin it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why can't you keep your eyes open when you sneeze?

 

I'VE LEARNED-You don't need to compromise your convictions to be compassionate-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The deepest penguin dive ever recorded was 1,261 feet under the water-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is partial obedience the same as disobedience?

2-What happens when we spend time with God?

3-Is there a cause and effect relationship between what we do and what God will do?

4-How much faith is enough?

5-Is our faith constantly being reshaped by whatever is going on in our lives?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who brought Greeks to Jesus?

Today's answer-Phillip and Andrew  John 12:20-28

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:8-10

⁸ Paul went into the synagogue and spoke out boldly for three months. He talked with the people and persuaded them to accept the things he said about the kingdom of God. ⁹ But some of them became stubborn. They refused to believe and said evil things about the Way of Jesus before all the people. So Paul left them, and taking the followers with him, he went to the school of a man named Tyrannus. There Paul talked with people every day ¹⁰ for two years. Because of his work, every Jew and Greek in Asia heard the word of the Lord.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I want to store up Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You.  It is my Guiding Light so that as I live by faith I will triumph over evil. Help me to rebuke the devil’s temptations with Scripture just as Jesus did during the wilderness temptations. I may be weak, but Your Word is powerful to fight off the temptation to sin and to reassure me that You are with me even when others may forsake me. As a sign of my love for You I will obey Your commands and heed Your instruction. I can do this because I have stored up Your truths and commands in my heart and because Christ gives me strength.  Amen.


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

Saturday September 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only proper foundation for optimism is the redemptive work of Jesus-

2-No Christian should be a pessimist-

3-Don't place your hope in favorable circumstances but rather in Jesus and his promises-

4-Thinking of heaven leads to the pursuit of holiness-

5-Sin lives off what is good-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why don't traffic signal lights ever seem to burn out?

 

I'VE LEARNED-God trains you.  He shows you how you can stay on the path he has for you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Penguins do not tip over when an airplane flies over them-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-A thought to consider-To what degree are you willing to go to protect what is important to you?

2-Does being Christlike mean being tolerant of others?

3-Why does the church have a bad record of policing its own? 

4-What is crucifying the sinful nature"?

5-How radical would it be if "everything the Lord has said we will do"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was absent when the risen Jesus appeared to  the apostles?

Today's answer-Thomas  John 20:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 19:1-7

19 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul was visiting some places on the way to Ephesus. There he found some followers ² and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They said, “We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit.”
³ So he asked, “What kind of baptism did you have?”
They said, “It was the baptism that John taught.”
⁴ Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of changed hearts and lives. He told people to believe in the one who would come after him, and that one is Jesus.”
⁵ When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ Then Paul laid his hands on them,^[a] and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They began speaking different languages^[b] and prophesying. ⁷ There were about twelve people in this group.

Footnotes:

1. 19:6 laid his hands on them The laying on of hands had many purposes, including the giving of a blessing, power, or authority.
2. 19:6 languages This can also be translated “tongues.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, our ability to work is a blessing. The drive and dedication to be a good worker, rather than one who does as little as possible to draw a paycheck, is pleasing to You and a testimony to others. We are further motivated because You give us a healthy mind, strong bodies and a desire to provide for our own. In addition we are spurred on to help others who are truly in need and joyfully give of our resources to help provide for them. We pray for those seeking employment but have found one door after another closed. Provide for their needs, open doors for employment and grow them in ways they never imagined during this dry season of their lives. We delight in doing Your will; we joyfully contribute to the needs of others; and we seek to positively influence those around us. 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 September 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus died also for our sins of racism-

2-Racial groups that purport to be Christian are self deceiving-

3-There will be no racial prejudice in heaven-

4-God can bring good out of what Satan meant for evil-

5-God doesn't merely wipe away our tears, he replaces those tears with corresponding joys-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is a watch called a "watch"?

 

I'VE LEARNED-God corrects you.  He shows you how to get back on the path he has for you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The penguin is the only bird that walks upright-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is submission to one another a part of love?

2-Does God listen to the prayers of the unrighteous?

3-Why did Jesus have to suffer for our sins?

4-What do we do with the things we regret?

5-If you were God, what would you say to you?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who criticized the woman who anointed Jesus?

Today's answer-Judas Iscariot  John 12:3-5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 18:24-28

²⁴ A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was born in the city of Alexandria and was a good speaker who knew the Scriptures well. ²⁵ He had been taught about the way of the Lord and was always very excited when he spoke and taught the truth about Jesus. But the only baptism Apollos knew about was the baptism that John^[a] taught. ²⁶ Apollos began to speak very boldly in the synagogue, and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him to their home and helped him better understand the way of God. ²⁷ Now Apollos wanted to go to the country of Southern Greece. So the believers helped him and wrote a letter to the followers there, asking them to accept him. These followers had believed in Jesus because of God’s grace, and when Apollos arrived, he helped them very much. ²⁸ He argued very strongly with the Jews before all the people, clearly proving with the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Footnotes:

1. 18:25 John John the Baptist, who preached to people about Christ’s coming (Luke 3).

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, help us to view work as a blessing from You that gives us opportunity to participate in gathering adequate provisions for our family as well as making a positive difference in our work setting. We seek to overcome challenges in the workplace and are able to do so because we do our work heartily, as for You, Lord primarily. We seek to be just and diligent in our work not just when we’re being observed by our supervisors or fellow-employees, but we remain aware that You are always watching over us. We don’t resent or dwell on the negatives of our work or workplace, but recognize how we serve You well when we work with a cheerful heart. And we can do so knowing that our reward is not just the weekly paycheck but most importantly the glorious eternal inheritance we receive in heaven. Keep us faithful we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday September 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-None of hell's misery will ever veto any of heaven's joy-

2-Not all disagreements are rooted in sin-

3-Equality is not sameness-

4-Unity is not uniformity-

5-Diversity, not conformity characterizes a perfect world-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why does "pipe down" mean "shut up"?

 

I'VE LEARNED-God rebukes you.  He shows you when you are off the path he has for you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The penguin is the only bird that walks upright-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What might happen if we decided to live our life gratefully and thankfully?

2-How do you become grateful and thankful in the midst of problems?

3-What time is it in your life?

4-Does Jesus ever complain to his father God about his children's behavior?

5-Can a Christian be a complaining, nagging person?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who, in John's Gospel, is the "son of perdition?"

Today's answer-Judas Iscariot     John 17:12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  18:8-23

¹⁸ Paul stayed with the believers for many more days. Then he left and sailed for Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchrea Paul cut off his hair,^[a] because he had made a promise to God. ¹⁹ Then they went to Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. While Paul was there, he went into the synagogue and talked with the people. ²⁰ When they asked him to stay with them longer, he refused. ²¹ But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you again if God wants me to.” And so he sailed away from Ephesus.

²² When Paul landed at Caesarea, he went and gave greetings to the church in Jerusalem. After that, Paul went to Antioch. ²³ He stayed there for a while and then left and went through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia. He traveled from town to town in these regions, giving strength to all the followers.

Footnotes:

1. 18:18 cut . . . Hair- Jews did this to show that the time of a special promise to God was finished.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father,  I make it my goal to please You.  So many goals I make reap rewards that last only a season, but when I set goals for righteous living the rewards last not only for this life, but for all of eternity. In setting my goals help me to be willing to lay aside that which hinders and the sin that so easily entangles so that I will reap a harvest of righteousness and peace. I want my primary goal to be that which pleases You, and the only way I can learn about that is to read and heed the Scriptures. My overall goal is to persevere to the very end of this life so that when I enter the other side I hear these words of commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Amen.

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

Wednesday September 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Heaven is not the absence of longing but it's fulfillment-

2-If you truly love God wholeheartedly, you can do as you please-

3-Heaven will be completely devoid of evil with no threat of becoming tainted-

4-Since the wages of sin is death, if in heaven we will not die, then we will not sin there-

5-Innocence is the absence of sin, and righteousness is the presence of God's holiness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do they put the hole in the needle of a syringe?

 

I'VE LEARNED-God teaches you.  He shows you the path on which you should walk-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The penguin is the only bird that can swim but not fly-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can we be wise in one area of our life and a fool in another?

2-How would we live if we knew the end of life was near?

3-Why is the word "yeast" never used with the word "righteousness"?

4-Would you want your family to imitate your Christian walk?

5-Why is there so little gratitude in our society today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who spoke for all the apostles at Caesarea Philippi?

Today's answer-Peter  Mark 8:27-33

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 18:12-17

¹² When Gallio was the governor of the country of Southern Greece, some people came together against Paul and took him to the court. ¹³ They said, “This man is teaching people to worship God in a way that is against our law.”

¹⁴ Paul was about to say something, but Gallio spoke, saying, “I would listen to you if you were complaining about a crime or some wrong. ¹⁵ But the things you are saying are only questions about words and names—arguments about your own law. So you must solve this problem yourselves. I don’t want to be a judge of these things.” ¹⁶ And Gallio made them leave the court.
¹⁷ Then they all grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him there before the court. But this did not bother Gallio.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for soil, one of Your great creations from the very beginning that we simply take for granted. We want to be like the good soil mentioned in the Parable of the Sower; the one that hears the Word, absorbs its message and understands its meaning and as a result brings forth an abundance of fruit; the kind that has lasting eternal value such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. Just like water, soil and air produce good vegetation, so also the Bible, prayer, and worship produce godliness in the believer. May we faithful in doing our part. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday September 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You cannot get heaven without Jesus or Jesus without heaven-

2-Most of Jesus' miracles are miracles of restoration-

3-We don't just say what we believe, we end of believing what we say-

4-God's greatest gift to us is, and always will be, himself-

5-God is a lavish giver-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What is the difference in a kit and a caboodle?

 

I'VE LEARNED-A golden chain binds just as tight as an iron one-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Flamingos can live up to eighty years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does hope ever disappoint us?

2-What is hope based on?

3-Is there always a basis for hope?

4-Should a Christian ever be satisfied?

5-How do we learn to be like Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the only apostle that we know for sure was married?

Today's answer-Peter     Mark 1:30

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 18:5-6

⁵ Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia and joined Paul in Corinth. After this, Paul spent all his time telling people the Good News, showing them that Jesus is the Christ. ⁶ But they would not accept Paul’s teaching and said some evil things. So he shook off the dust from his clothes^[a] and said to them, “If you are not saved, it will be your own fault! I have done all I can do! After this, I will go to other nations.”

Footnotes:

1. 18:6 shook . . . Clothes This was a warning to show that Paul was finished talking to the people in that city.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we want to resemble You in our attitudes and our actions, as we are being transformed into Your likeness with ever-increasing glory. How grateful we are that the people we are today will improve with time as we stay the course and invite the work of the Holy Spirit to continue its sharpening chisel making less of us and more of You. May all our thought and words and doings honor You and reflect Your Holy Spirit. Be magnified in our lives, whether in our suffering affliction and loss, or achieving a life-long goal. In all we do we seek to honor You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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

Sunday September 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-People who do not respond to Jesus' invitation to forgive their sins are people whose names are not written in the Lamb's Book of Life-

2-To sin is to fall short of God's holy standard-

3-Sin deceives us and makes us think that wrong is right, and right is wrong-

4-Spiritual forgiveness is not automatic.  If we want to be forgiven, we must recognize and repent of our sinning-

5-We don't just need salvation, we need Jesus the Savior-

STRANGE THOUGHT-What happens to the ink when newspapers are recycled?

I'VE LEARNED-It is very hard to keep abundance in proper balance-

DID YOU KNOW-Flamingoes are pink because they consume vast quantities of algae-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is a "living hope" spoken of in the new testament?

2-In what way is our salvation secure?

3-Is salvation a one time event?

4-Are there any positives in "suffering for Christ"?

5-To the Christian, why is suffering inevitable?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was with Jesus at the transfiguration?

Todays answer-Peter, James and John     Mark 9:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 18:1-4

Later Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. ² Here he met a Jew named Aquila who had been born in the country of Pontus. But Aquila and his wife, Priscilla, had recently moved to Corinth from Italy, because Claudius^[a] commanded that all Jews must leave Rome. Paul went to visit Aquila and Priscilla. ³ Because they were tentmakers, just as he was, he stayed with them and worked with them. ⁴ Every Sabbath day he talked with the Jews and Greeks in the synagogue, trying to persuade them to believe in Jesus.

Footnotes:

1. 18:2 Claudius The emperor (ruler) of Rome, a.d. 41–54.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the sweet glorious message that simple faith claims; that yesterday, today and forever Jesus is still the same. For still He loves to save the sinful, heal the sick and lame.  He cheers the mourner and stills the tempest, we give glory to His name. Yesterday, today and forever Jesus is the same.  Everything else changes but Jesus never, glory to His name! Be magnified in our lives we pray. Amen.

Prayer adapted from the hymn, “Yesterday, Today, Forever” by A.B. Simpson

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

Saturday September 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Unless and until we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are not headed for heaven-

2-Hell is the single greatest tragedy in the world-

3-God and satan are not equal opposites-

4-Because God is the source of all good, and hell is the absence of God, then hell must be the absence of all good-

5-Apart from Jesus, people's eternal future will be spent in hell-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do dogs have black lips?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Anything beyond sufficiency is insignificant-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The hummingbird's tiny brain, 4.2 percent of its body weight, is proportionately the largest in the bird kingdom- 

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Paul predestined to be the one who besides Jesus had the greatest impact on the early church and it's doctrine?

2-Did Paul ever "repent" of his actions against the early Christians, especially Stephen?

3-Who changed Saul's name to Paul and why?

4-Who is the source of our salvation-Father, Son or Holy Spirit?

5-Do people today feel the need to be "Saved"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who were "the sons of thunder"?

Today's answer-James and John  Mark 3:17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 17:32-34

³² When the people heard about Jesus being raised from the dead, some of them laughed. But others said, “We will hear more about this from you later.” ³³ So Paul went away from them. ³⁴ But some of the people believed Paul and joined him. Among those who believed was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, a woman named Damaris, and some others.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit.  May Your Words be impressed upon our hearts as we give regular attention to them through reading and memorizing the Scriptures.  We don’t want a casual attitude about Your Holy Word, but rather we want to be earnest students of Your Word earnestly contending for the faith. May we never weary of the basics of the gospel or lose the awe and wonder of seeing a life that is changed when redemption takes place. We want to hunger and thirst after righteousness and never lose sight of the old, old story that will be our theme throughout eternity.  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 September 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You cannot anticipate or desire what you cannot imagine-

2-Heaven is not our default destination-hell is-

3-All roads do not lead to heaven-

4-Hell is inhabited by people who haven't received God's gift of salvation-

5-Hell is a place of conscious punishment for sins, with no hope of relief-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is blue the color of the ribbon for first place prize?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is not dependant on money-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It would require an average of eighteen hummingbirds to weigh in at one once-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the story of Judas betraying Jesus the story of a group of believers neglecting their responsibility of lovingly holding one another accountable?

2-Are Christians really supposed to confess their sins to each other as scripture seems to indicate?

3-What was the result of the Jewish leaders, who at the time of Jesus facing Pilate said "Let his blood be on us and on our children"?

4-What happened to Pilate after Jesus' crucifixion?

5-Why did Steven not answer directly the false charges made against him?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father?

Today's answer-Philip  John 14:8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 17:29-31

²⁹ Since we are God’s children, you must not think that God is like something that people imagine or make from gold, silver, or rock. ³⁰ In the past, people did not understand God, and he ignored this. But now, God tells all people in the world to change their hearts and lives. ³¹ God has set a day that he will judge all the world with fairness, by the man he chose long ago. And God has proved this to everyone by raising that man from the dead!”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, shape my thinking into that which will bring about growth and conformity to Your will. Teach me to think not in accord with my own human instincts but with the truth as it is revealed in Your Word.  It will keep me from lusting after deadly forbidden fruit if I plant myself into that which is holy and righteous.  As the world continues to slide into decadence help me to delve deeper into Your Word and faithfully commune with You so that my heart does not grow cold or indifferent. Nor will I be drawn into every kind of impurity with a continual lust for more.  I want to stand firm to the end so that I am saved from this world of sin.  In Jesus’ name and in His strength I pray.  Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Thursday September 12, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remember, being last is better than did not finish which is way better than did not start-

2-Life is about the people around you, not your cell or I phone-

3-Change before you have to-

4-You have to dream before your dreams can come true-

5-Thinking well is wise, planning well is wiser,  doing well is wisest of all-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do people get goose bumps on their arms and legs but not on their faces?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Rich and poor are relative terms-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backward-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Judas made the treasurer of the disciples?

2-What was Judas background before he became a disciple?

3-Did the other 11 disciples have any indication of Judas' insincere and betraying heart?

4-Why did Jesus pick Judas to be a disciple?

5-Was Judas evil from the very beginning or was he a good man gone bad?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said to Jesus, "My Lord and my God"?

Today's answer-Thomas   John 20:28

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 17:22-23

²² Then Paul stood before the meeting of the Areopagus and said, “People of Athens, I can see you are very religious in all things. ²³ As I was going through your city, I saw the objects you worship. I found an altar that had these words written on it: to a god who is not known. You worship a god that you don’t know, and this is the God I am telling you about!

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, as we set You apart in our heart from everything that is common, we begin to lay hold of Your holiness, Your power and goodness, justice and truth which also gives us an even greater reason for the hope that we have in You. The basis of our hope is in the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, who conquered the enemy of our soul. We defend our faith with gentleness and respect lest we espouse a superior attitude or reveal any attitude that is inconsistent with Your compassionate and just nature. May Your indwelling Spirit guide us in love and truth as we seek to reach others with the message of hope and forgiveness through Christ Jesus our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Wednesday September 11, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A big God translates into big courage-

2-Happiness is not the end of the road, it is the beginning-

3-If you do what you fear, you won't fear what you do-

4-If you live your life worried about the "what if's", you will never enjoy the "what's happenings"-

5-Adversity is wisdom's testing grounds-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Can a spider get caught in the web of another spider?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Neither the New Testament or any of the teachings of Jesus promise material wealth-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Even the slower beat of bigger hummingbirds' wings is so fast you can only see a blur-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The story of the prodigal son that Jesus told, was it based on a true story or just fictional characters?

2-Was there any punishment the prodigal brother and the elder brother had to endure for their sinful actions?

3-Why does the name Judas always appear last in a list of the disciples names?

4-Why was Judas so obsessed with money?

5-What were the motives for Judas' act of treachery?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who brought Nathanael to Jesus?

Today's answer-Philip  John1:43-46

 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 17:16-21

¹⁶ While Paul was waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens, he was troubled because he saw that the city was full of idols. ¹⁷ In the synagogue, he talked with the Jews and the Greeks who worshiped God. He also talked every day with people in the marketplace.

¹⁸ Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers^[a] argued with him, saying, “This man doesn’t know what he is talking about. What is he trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be telling us about some other gods,” because Paul was telling them about Jesus and his rising from the dead. ¹⁹ They got Paul and took him to a meeting of the Areopagus,^[b] where they said, “Please explain to us this new idea you have been teaching. ²⁰ The things you are saying are new to us, and we want to know what this teaching means.” ²¹ (All the people of Athens and those from other countries who lived there always used their time to talk about the newest ideas.)

Footnotes:

1. 17:18 Epicurean and Stoic philosophers Philosophers were those who searched for truth. Epicureans believed that pleasure, especially pleasures of the mind, were the goal of life. Stoics believed that life should be without feelings of joy or grief.
2. 17:19 Areopagus A council or group of important leaders in Athens. They were like judges.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, You are faithful to supply all our physical needs even as You replenish the earth with fresh moisture from above and raise up the crops in their proper season. We are showered with Your common grace as You bless us each day with Your abundance of good things. Because we know that all things work together for good and to accomplish Your intended goal for our lives, we can remain joyful in hope even in the difficult things we are experiencing today. How reassuring to know that Your kindness indeed leads people to repentance and faith in you. Amen.



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