Wednesday October 30, 2013 thought for the day

THIS IS TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I WILL BE OFF THIS COMPUTER UNTIL I RETURN ON NOVEMBER 9/10-TALK TO YOU THEN--JASPER

Tuesday October 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The church helps us face life's problems-

2-The church helps us strengthen our faith-

3-The church helps us find our place of ministry-

4-All Christians are "called" from God to live and help spread the gospel-

5-We should not be shy in talking about spiritual things with other people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What was the best thing before sliced bread?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Growing requires risk and risk sometimes includes failure.  Failure is often an opportunity to learn and grow

 

DID YOU KNOW-The electric eel is the most shocking animal on earth.  The larger the eel, the bigger the charge-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can humans understand the concept of eternity?

2- Is eternity and infinity related?

3-Was a day in Adam and Eve's time a 24 hour period?

4-Will the new earth have a day and night cycle?

5-Will the new earth have weather patterns as we do now?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who founded the church at Colossae?

Answer for today-Epaphras   Colossians 1:7

 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 23:23-30

²³ Then the commander called two officers and said, “I need some men to go to Caesarea. Get two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred men with spears ready to leave at nine o’clock tonight. ²⁴ Get some horses for Paul to ride so he can be taken to Governor Felix safely.” ²⁵ And he wrote a letter that said:

²⁶ From Claudius Lysias.
To the Most Excellent Governor Felix:
Greetings.
²⁷ Some of the Jews had taken this man and planned to kill him. But I learned that he is a Roman citizen, so I went with my soldiers and saved him. ²⁸ I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him before their council meeting. ²⁹ I learned that these people said Paul did some things that were wrong by their own laws, but no charge was worthy of jail or death. ³⁰ When I was told that some of them were planning to kill Paul, I sent him to you at once. I also told them to tell you what they have against him.


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

Monday October 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wise counsel may come from unlikely sources-

2-Jesus never said it would be easy to be his disciple-

3-The Christian life is not just believing, it is also belonging (family)-

4-The church was created for our good and God's glory-

5-The church helps us focus on God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do they get the deer to cross at the yellow road sign?

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is much more to life than increasing its speed-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Unlike most fish, electric eels cannot get enough oxygen from water.  Approximately every five minutes they must surface to breathe or they will drown-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will inhabitants of heaven live in a spatial place?

2-Will inhabitants of heaven be able to be at more than one place at a time?

3-Will heaven be a place of night and day?

4-Will heavenly occupants need rest?

5-Will occupants of heaven have any limitations-if so, what?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church were believers first called Christians?

Answer for today-Antioch  Acts 11:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 23:16-22

¹⁶ But Paul’s nephew heard about this plan and went to the army building and told Paul. ¹⁷ Then Paul called one of the officers and said, “Take this young man to the commander. He has a message for him.”
¹⁸ So the officer brought Paul’s nephew to the commander and said, “The prisoner, Paul, asked me to bring this young man to you. He wants to tell you something.”
¹⁹ The commander took the young man’s hand and led him to a place where they could be alone. He asked, “What do you want to tell me?”
²⁰ The young man said, “The Jews have decided to ask you to bring Paul down to their council meeting tomorrow. They want you to think they are going to ask him more questions. ²¹ But don’t believe them! More than forty men are hiding and waiting to kill Paul. They have all taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him. Now they are waiting for you to agree.”
²² The commander sent the young man away, ordering him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have told me about their plan.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we’re reminded of the important role people like Barnabas play in our lives. They give us the benefit of the doubt; they reach out to us when others turn away from us; they see our need even when we don’t verbally express it; they steer us in the right direction when we’ve taken a wrong turn; they model for us the reflection of Christ. I thank You, Father, for Your Spirit manifested through these encouragers who physically, emotionally, and spiritually bless my life by their encouraging words and actions toward me. Prompt me often to spread the same kind of encouragement to those whom I have opportunity to bless.  In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.


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

Sunday October 27, 2013 thought for the day-from jasper

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There comes a time when a nation's sins so completely condemn it that not even a remnant of righteous citizens can stop the destruction inherent in evil-

2-Wise people know when they don't know-

3-Wise people are not afraid to hear the truth-

4-No one is so successful that they no longer need wise counsel-

5-You will never realize your potential without seeking the counsel of wise people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Evil always bears within it the seeds of it's own destruction-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sin sometimes sets in motion certain consequences which even good intentions cannot forestall-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Electric eels are not really eels but a kind of fish.  Although they look like eels, their internal organs are arranged differently-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will the new heaven be a place where space and time are meaningless things?

2-Will God's current dwelling place be replaced or relocated when the New Jerusalem is brought down to the new earth?

3-Will the inhabitants of the new heaven be able to travel through the entire universe.  If so, how-

4-If God is going to destroy the earth and the stars, how will it last forever?

5-What is the "morning star" of revelations 2?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was the scene of a burning of wicked books?

Answer for today   Ephesus    Acts 19:19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 23:12-15

¹² In the morning some evil people made a plan to kill Paul, and they took an oath not to eat or drink anything until they had killed him. ¹³ There were more than forty men who made this plan. ¹⁴ They went to the leading priests and the elders and said, “We have taken an oath not to eat or drink until we have killed Paul. ¹⁵ So this is what we want you to do: Send a message to the commander to bring Paul out to you as though you want to ask him more questions. We will be waiting to kill him while he is on the way here.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, as we live in the Light of Your Word the devil’s venomous plots are exposed.  We are not caught by surprise but rather we are filled with Your Spirit which prepares us to be on the offense rather than defense. We walk in truth and confidence as we stand strong on the day of evil. As we wear the full armor You have provided for our protection we can fight against the devil’s evil tricks. Our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the powers of this world’s darkness and the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. So we pray in the spirit continuously asking for Your help, strength, and guidance. We also pray for our brothers and sisters that together we will stand firm against the enemy of our souls.  Amen.


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

Saturday October 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Charity is-

  -Silence when your word would hurt-

  -Patience when your friend is curt-

  -Deafness when a scandal flows-

  -Thoughtfulness for others woes-

  -Promptness when duty calls-

  -Courage when misfortune falls-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Would a fly without wings be called a walk?

I'VE LEARNED-Big is not better, better is better-

DID YOU KNOW-The gray whale is not really gray.  It is black and just appears gray from a distance-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could it be that the leaves of the "tree of life," like its fruit, have life sustaining or life enhancing properties?

2-Will the inhabitants in heaven need food and water to live?

3-Will the new earth have geographical properties as our earth does now?

4-Will the new earth have natural calamities as earth does now?

5-Will all the inhabitants of heaven have the same interests?

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what church did Paul raise up Eutychus, who had fallen to his death out of a window?

Answer for today   Troas  Acts 20:7-12

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 23:10-11

¹⁰ The argument was beginning to turn into such a fight that the commander was afraid some evil people would tear Paul to pieces. So he told the soldiers to go down and take Paul away and put him in the army building.
¹¹ The next night the Lord came and stood by Paul. He said, “Be brave! You have told people in Jerusalem about me. You must do the same in Rome.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, citizenship affords many accommodations and provisions as well as their national identity. Most of us take our citizenship for granted since it comes to us when we’re naturally born into a particular country. But when we are born again we become citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives…for our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we come to You in prayer. 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 October 25, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In the final analysis, such things as wealth, power, pleasure, popularity and human wisdom are all vanity, meaningless and empty-

2-All things find their fulfillment in acknowledging the creator's purpose for mankind and in obeying his will-

3-Whoever loves money never has enough of it-

4-The person who does things that count usually doesn't stop to count them-

5-Kind words have good echoes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Spend time with those you love.  One of these days you will either say "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The humpback whale's flippers grow to a maximum of 31 percent of is body length-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Adam and Eve eat from the "tree of life" in Eden?

2-Will occupants in the New Heaven eat from the "tree of life"?

3-Could it be the term "tree of life" stands for an orchard of trees?

4-What does "the leaves of the tree of life are for the healing of the nations" mean in Revelation 22?

5-Will the inhabitants of heaven be separated into nations?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church had two bickering women named Euodis and Syntyche?

Answer for today--   Philippi   Philippians 4:1-3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 23:7-9

⁷ When Paul said this, there was an argument between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the group was divided. ⁸ (The Sadducees do not believe in angels or spirits or that people will rise from the dead. But the Pharisees believe in them all.) ⁹ So there was a great uproar. Some of the teachers of the law, who were Pharisees, stood up and argued, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Maybe an angel or a spirit did speak to him.”

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, as we watch our life and doctrine closely we  will regularly examine our lives to see if the prevailing philosophy of our day is governing our lives or the timeless principles and commands established in the Word. Likewise attitudes and behaviors condoned by this world are not the template from which we build a framework for daily living. Instead our choices, attitudes, and actions must originate from the teachings of Scriptures where we see it modeled in godly leaders throughout the ages, right down to our present generation. May we be counted among the faithful in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Thursday October 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Disappointments are like road bumps, they slow you down a bit but you enjoy the smooth road afterwards-

2-You can't make someone love you, they must realize your worth-

3-The measure of love is when you love without measure-

4-It is better to lose your pride to the one you love than to lose the one you love because of pride-

5-We spend way too much time looking for the right person to love and finding fault with those we already love.  Instead, we should be perfecting the love we give-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do practice?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Grace doesn't remove the consequences of our sin, it eliminates the shame and guilt from our sin-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A forty two foot sperm whale has about seven tons of oil in it-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will all areas of heaven be made out of the same material?

2-Will all streets in heaven lead to the throne of God?

3-Is there more than one "tree of life" in heaven since Revelations states "on each side of the river stands the tree of life"?

4-Is "paradise" a literal place other than heaven?

5-If the new heaven is to be located on the new earth, will it also circle the sun as our present earth does?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church was Paul accused of turning the world upside down?

Answer for today-Thessalonica    Acts 17:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 23:4-6

⁴ The men standing near Paul said to him, “You cannot insult God’s high priest like that!”

⁵ Paul said, “Brothers, I did not know this man was the high priest. It is written in the Scriptures, ‘You must not curse a leader of your people.’”^[a]
6 Some of the men in the meeting were Sadducees, and others were Pharisees. Knowing this, Paul shouted to them, “My brothers, I am a Pharisee, and my father was a Pharisee. I am on trial here because I believe that people will rise from the dead.”

Footnotes:

1. 23:5 ‘You . . . People.’ Quotation from Exodus 22:28.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I thank You for deliverance from the dominion of darkness and being transferred into the kingdom of Your Son where I find redemption, the forgiveness for my sins.  It is in Your holy Kingdom that my heart is transformed from an earthly nature to that of a heavenly nature.  As I walk in newness of life I must deny myself of any sinful craving for that which was familiar to my earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed. “I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world’s desires. Things that are higher, things that are nobler; these have allured my sight.” Remind me of this lifelong resolve when I am tempted to give up that which brings lasting joy for that which brings momentary pleasure. In the name of Jesus I pray.  Amen.


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

Wednesday October 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Our days are happier when we give people a bit of our heart rather than a piece of our mind-

2-The true test of generosity comes when you don't have a surplus.  Do you still give from what little you have to help somebody else.

3-Strength in prayer is better than length in prayer-

4-No one can go back and make a brand new start.  But you can start from now and make a brand new beginning-

5-God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for tears and light for the way-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is there another word for synonym?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes even the encouragers need encouraging-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Measuring about eight feet at birth, killer whale bulls can grow to twenty five feet and weigh as much as six tons-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In scripture, does a pearl have a symbolic meaning?

2-In scripture, what is the "river of the water of life"?

3-What will heaven's occupants eat and drink?

4-How can the river of the water of life flow from the throne of God and not come from the ground or air?

5-Is the river of the water of life literal or symbolic?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church began in the home of Lydia, the seller of purple?

Answer for today    Philippi    Acts 16:15, 40

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 23:1-3

1Paul looked at the council and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life without guilt feelings before God up to this day.” 2Ananias, the high priest, heard this and told the men who were standing near Paul to hit him on the mouth. 3Paul said to Ananias, “God will hit you, too! You are like a wall that has been painted white. You sit there and judge me, using the law of Moses, but you are telling them to hit me, and that is against the law.”

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, often the days converge into another and before we know it another year has passed.  Help us to be keenly aware of each new day and the opportunity it holds for us to build character and be engaged in our Father’s business. We want to daily turn to Your holy Word for wisdom so that we will present to You a heart full of godly wisdom and a life fully surrendered to You. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.



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

Tuesday October 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Repentance is not changing your behavior, it is changing your mind, learning to think differently-

2-I am deeply flawed, but I am also deeply loved-

3-It is religion without love that has been responsible for most of the misery in the world-

4-A Christian is not a person who has made a new start in life, but a person who has received a new life to start with-

5-There is no salvation without a new birth-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Money can't buy you happiness, but it can bring you a more pleasant form of misery-

 

I'VE LEARNED-No kindness is ever wasted or completely lost-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The killer whale, or orca, is the fastest sea mammal.  It can reach speeds up to thirty four miles per hour in pursuit of prey-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will the sun ever cease to shine?

2-Wherever the New Jerusalem will be, will there be other cities besides and beyond it?

3-Can gold be refined to be as clear as glass?

4-Is Jasper a precious stone and why is it included in the walls of heaven?

5-How big will the gates of heaven be since they are said to be made out of a single pearl?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was neither hot nor cold?

Answer for today-Laodicea    Revelation 3:15-16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 22:30

³⁰ The next day the commander decided to learn why the Jews were accusing Paul. So he ordered the leading priests and the council to meet. The commander took Paul’s chains off. Then he brought Paul out and stood him before their meeting.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the spiritual leaders You have placed in our lives. We thank You for those who express personal concern when they see that we’re troubled and offer Bible-based counsel and encouragement. We thank You for those who contend earnestly for the faith as taught in the Bible. We’re strengthened as they kneel before You and lift us up in prayer as You’ve given them a burden to care for our soul. We hold them in the highest regard as they carefully deliver Scriptural truths that will keep us from being shaken as the slide to decadence continues to increase. Keep them and their family members safe from the evil one so that they are victorious in their Christian walk and remain a solid example to those whom they shepherd. We pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

 

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

Monday Octrober 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Mercy owed is no mercy-

2-The secret to personal change is not will power, it is in knowing and facing the truth-

3-The battle with sin starts in your mind, not in your behavior-

4-The way you think determines the way you feel and the way you feel determines the way you act-

5-You are not what you think you are, but rather, what you think, you are-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A verbal contract isn't worth the paper it is written on-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The Bible wasn't given to increase our knowledge but rather to change our lives-

 

DID YU KNOW-Tuna will suffocate if they ever stop swimming.  They need a continual flow of water across their gills to breathe, even while they rest-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do angels travel-walk-fly-divinely appear?

2-Will people be able to leave the New Jerusalem and if so where would they go?

3-When will we be able to understand all there is to know of God?

4-Will Christians have anything to do with the universe as we know it?

5-If the sun is a ball of fire, why has it never burned itself out?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to tradition, what apostle lived to a ripe old age after miraculously living through being boiled in oil?

Answer for today   John

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 22:26-29

²⁶ When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. The officer said, “Do you know what you are doing? This man is a Roman citizen.”

²⁷ The commander came to Paul and said, “Tell me, are you really a Roman citizen?”
He answered, “Yes.”
²⁸ The commander said, “I paid a lot of money to become a Roman citizen.”
But Paul said, “I was born a citizen.”
²⁹ The men who were preparing to question Paul moved away from him immediately. The commander was frightened because he had already tied Paul, and Paul was a Roman citizen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the divine power of Your Holy Word which is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword. It cuts through the facade we present to others and reveals the contents of our heart since nothing in all creation is hidden from Your sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before You, our Creator, to whom we must give an account. Search our hearts and cleanse us of our sins. Replace our selfish pursuits and prideful thoughts with Your love divine so that we will magnify Your holy name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.



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

Sunday October 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I wish you enough need that you appreciate what you have-

2-They who give only when they have been asked have waited too long-

3-Success is not getting the most you can but giving the best you can-

4-By practicing the kindness of sharing a person is storing up treasure for himself.  Gifts are investments-

5-Give not from the top of your wallet but from the bottom of your heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I always arrive late at the office, but I make up for it by leaving early-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is not what you look at that matters, it is what you see-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Estimates indicate that a fifteen year old tuna travels one million miles in its lifetime-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How will the New Jerusalem compare to the city today?

2-Are the 1400 miles dimension of heaven literal or symbolic?

3-Are there levels of heaven?

4-Will there be enough space (1400 miles cube) for all of God's family to live in heaven?

5-Why are there 12 gates in the New Jerusalem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle, a traveling companion of Paul, was sometimes called Silvanus?

Answer for today   Silas  1 Thessalonians  1:1; 2:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 22:22-25

²² The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they began shouting, “Get rid of him! He doesn’t deserve to live!” ²³ They shouted, threw off their coats,^[a] and threw dust into the air.^[b]
24 Then the commander ordered the soldiers to take Paul into the army building and beat him. He wanted to make Paul tell why the people were shouting against him like this. ²⁵ But as the soldiers were tying him up, preparing to beat him, Paul said to an officer nearby, “Do you have the right to beat a Roman citizen^[c] who has not been proven guilty?”

Footnotes:

1. 22:23 threw off their coats This showed that the people were very angry with Paul.
2. 22:23 threw dust into the air This showed even greater anger.
3. 22:25 Roman citizen Roman law said that Roman citizens must not be beaten before they had a trial.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I want to present to You a pure, steadfast and undivided heart that follows hard after You. A heart that hides Your Word so that sin will not dominate. May my heart beat compassion, devotion, and absolute allegiance to the One who gave His all that I might be forgiven my sins and live eternally with You. May I present to You a sweet aroma of worship that rises to Your throne. In the name of My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Saturday October 19, 2013 thought for the day-from jasper

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is our favorite sins that that do us in-

2-A friend is more valuable than a fortune-

3-Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction-

4-How you climb the mountain is just as important as how you get down the mountain-

5-Oh, the volume of our boasting and the heartbreak of our shame-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is not hard to meet expenses, they are everywhere-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tuna swim at a steady rate of nine miles per hour for an indefinite period of time-and they never stop moving-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will we do other things in heaven beside worshiping God?

2-Does worshiping always include singing and praying?

3-What are angels primary responsibility?

4-Is heaven a place, a destination, a city, a country,etc?

5-Will heaven be a physical environment?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What young friend of Paul, a co-author of 1 Thessalonians, was an apostle?

Answer for today-Timothy      1 Thessalonians  1:1, 2:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 22:17-21

¹⁷ “Later, when I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple, and I saw a vision. ¹⁸ I saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem now! The people here will not accept the truth about me.’ ¹⁹ But I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I put the believers in jail and beat them. ²⁰ They also know I was there when Stephen, your witness, was killed. I stood there agreeing and holding the coats of those who were killing him!’ ²¹ But the Lord said to me, ‘Leave now. I will send you far away to the other nations.’ ”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, Your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. It is through Your engrafted divine nature that we are able to escape the corruption in this world caused by evil desires. As we add to our faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love, then we possess these godly qualities in increasing measure and they will keep us from being swayed by the deceitfulness of the enemy who masquerades as an “angel of light.” It is in the powerful name of Jesus that we discern good from evil and it is in His strength that we are able to cast off that which hinders our spiritual growth. 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 October 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anyone will be discontented if they ignore their blessings and look at their burdens-

2-The future is as bright as your faith-

3-No failure ever needs to be final-

4-He who thinks himself the happiest person, really is so, but he who thinks himself the wisest is generally the greatest fool-

5-There are great men who make other men feel small, but the really great man is the one who makes everyone feel great-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If all is not lost, where is it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Children spell words differently than adults.  For example the word "love" is spelled "time" by them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Shrimp swim backwards-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Revelations says that the present earth and heavens will pass away, does it mean they will go out of existence?

2-Will the earth be destroyed or renewed?

3-Why can no one see God's face and still live?

4-What is the essence of heaven?

5-Will heaven be a continuous church service?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What brother of Jesus does Paul call an apostle?

Answer for today   James   Galatians 1:19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 22:12-16

¹² “There a man named Ananias came to me. He was a religious man; he obeyed the law of Moses, and all the Jews who lived there respected him. ¹³ He stood by me and said, ‘Brother Saul, see again!’ Immediately I was able to see him. ¹⁴ He said, ‘The God of our ancestors chose you long ago to know his plan, to see the Righteous One, and to hear words from him. ¹⁵ You will be his witness to all people, telling them about what you have seen and heard. ¹⁶ Now, why wait any longer? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, trusting in him to save you.’

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, may our heart’s cry be the same as that of the Apostle Paul who declared, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Physical suffering and persecution for the sake of Christ will prove our faith to be genuine and will gain for us a crown of life. Suffering and persecution here on earth is temporal, but a crown of life is eternal!  Help us to live not just for the here and now, but set our affections on that which lasts forever so that we stay the course!  May our faith in You increase as we build treasures in heaven rather than chasing after fool’s gold here on earth. And may our resolve to stand firm intensify as we see the day of Your return approaching.   In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Thursday October 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Every day begins with new possibilities-

2-Living for the approval of others is a weight that keeps holding you back-

3-Never let a problem to be solved be more important than a person to be loved-

4-Learn from the past, prepare for the future, live in the present-

5-Find joy in the journey-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Funny, I don't remember getting absent minded-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The largest species of seahorse measures eight inches-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we know that our labor in the Lord is not in vain?

2-Does what we do in this life have a direct carryover to the next life?

3-Will God dwell  with his people on the new earth?

4-Does the phrase "heaven and earth" refer to the entire universe?

5-Will the present earth and the entire universe be destroyed and the new earth and universe be made from nothing?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was  bitten by a viper on the island of Malta?

Answer for today-Paul   Acts 28:1-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 22:6-11

⁶ “About noon when I came near Damascus, a bright light from heaven suddenly flashed all around me. ⁷ I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ ⁸ I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The voice said, ‘I am Jesus from Nazareth whom you are persecuting.’ ⁹ Those who were with me did not understand the voice, but they saw the light. ¹⁰ I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord answered, ‘Get up and go to Damascus. There you will be told about all the things I have planned for you to do.’ ¹¹ I could not see, because the bright light had made me blind. So my companions led me into Damascus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You love us and work in our lives to accomplish Your eternally good purpose. We can have full confidence in You especially in times of suffering and senseless loss, but only as we learn to trust You. Like a master weaver, You weave the dark strands as well as the threads of gold and silver and intertwine them to accomplish Your eternally good purpose in our lives. Keep us steady, trusting, and looking to Your promise to work good in our lives in the midst of the bad that life throws our way. We’ll be better for it and can use that good to funnel Your love to others in similar pain. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Tuesday October 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success is not the key to happiness, happiness is the key to success-

2-It is not good to have zeal without knowledge-

3-A person's heart reflects who they are-

4-A single rose can be your garden, a single friend your world-

5-When you blame others, you give up your power to change-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-While there is bad in the best of mankind, there is also good in the worst-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Children need models, not critics-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A scallop has a total of thirty five eyes, which are all blue-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Garden of Eden have change of seasons?

2-Was suffering and death a part of the earth that God called very good?

3-Were there carnivores on earth before Adam and Eve's sin?

4-Did the animals in Eden look like the animals of today?

5-Will those in heaven remember their lives on earth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was reluctant to have Jesus wash his feet?

Today's answer-   Peter  John 13:6-9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 22:1-5

Paul said, “Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense to you.” ² When they heard him speaking the Hebrew language,^[a] they became very quiet. Paul said, ³ “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in the country of Cilicia, but I grew up in this city. I was a student of Gamaliel,^[b] who carefully taught me everything about the law of our ancestors. I was very serious about serving God, just as are all of you here today. ⁴ I persecuted the people who followed the Way of Jesus, and some of them were even killed. I arrested men and women and put them in jail. ⁵ The high priest and the whole council of elders can tell you this is true. They gave me letters to the brothers in Damascus. So I was going there to arrest these people and bring them back to Jerusalem to be punished.

Footnotes:

1. 22:2 Hebrew language Or Aramaic, the languages of many people in this region in the first century.
2. 22:3 Gamaliel A very important teacher of the Pharisees, a Jewish religious group (Acts 5:34).

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we thank You for the person of Jesus who  showed us how to live a life set apart for You and all the while endured loss, pain, temptation, and other emotions common to mankind. When Jesus wept upon hearing of Lazarus’ death He showed His humanity in a way that all of us who’ve suffered loss can relate. He wept with those who wept and rejoiced with those who rejoiced. We too have opportunity to share in the grief of others as we remind them that they are not alone but have our prayerful and loving support as they endure their loss.  Help us to reach out and extend ourselves to those in need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Monday October 14, 2013 thought for the day

WHAT IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE?

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Repentance is a course adjustment-

2-God is more than able to enable you-

3-Even men and women of great faith can lapse into great sin.  We must always be on guard-

4-The Edomites, a constant enemy of Jacob's descendants,  were descendants from Esau-  

5-If you believe in the resurrection of Jesus, it should radically change your life- 

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A cell phone is a device asking for the right to interrupt your life no matter what you are doing-I

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't worry that children don't always listen to you, worry that they are always watching you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Only 30 percent of the famous Maryland blue crab are actually from Maryland; the rest are from North Carolina and Virginia-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the human deterioration of aging a result of sin?

2-Since there was no death before Adam and Eve sinned, were their bodies indestructible or self repairing?

3-How long had Adam and Eve been alive in the Garden of Eden prior to their disobedience of God?

4-Did animal death predate Adam and Eve sin?

5-Could it be that God's original intention of man's dominion over the earth would ultimately extend to the entire physical universe?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who brought to Jesus the boy with loaves and fishes?

Today's answer-Andrew   John 6:8-9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 21:37-40

³⁷ As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the army building, he spoke to the commander, “May I say something to you?”

The commander said, “Do you speak Greek? ³⁸ I thought you were the Egyptian who started some trouble against the government not long ago and led four thousand killers out to the desert.”
³⁹ Paul said, “No, I am a Jew from Tarsus in the country of Cilicia. I am a citizen of that important city. Please, let me speak to the people.”
⁴⁰ The commander gave permission, so Paul stood on the steps and waved his hand to quiet the people. When there was silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, none of us knows the hour nor manner in which we will leave this life. Deaths result from accidents and natural disasters for both the godly and ungodly. But there is sweet assurance for those who remain when our loved ones who die before their prime are believers. It’s a fact that we will all one day perish so we want to be prepared for great and final event by repenting of our sins and living a life that properly prepares us for the final judgment. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Sunday October 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A hero is one who holds on for one more minute-

2-Heroes are ordinary people doing what others think are extra ordinary-

3-Backsliders are lost at sea though insight of the harbor-

4-Commitment is what I give to God, surrender is when I let God give to me-

5-You get rid of darkness by letting the light in, nothing else will push it out-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-To get success you have to risk failure-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We learn from our children how much patience we have-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A winkle is an edible sea snail-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is meant by "Jesus was the last Adam"?

2-Was Jesus a Jew simply because his mother was?

3-What is meant by "death is swallowed up in victory"?

4-Did the risen Jesus have a DNA?

5-Was Jesus an actual descendant of Adam, Abraham, and David?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had a problem with a Greek silversmith named Demetrius?

Today's answer-Paul   Acts 19:23-41

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 21:30-36

³⁰ All the people in Jerusalem became upset. Together they ran, took Paul, and dragged him out of the Temple. The Temple doors were closed immediately. ³¹ While they were trying to kill Paul, the commander of the Roman army in Jerusalem learned that there was trouble in the whole city. ³² Immediately he took some officers and soldiers and ran to the place where the crowd was gathered. When the people saw them, they stopped beating Paul. ³³ The commander went to Paul and arrested him. He told his soldiers to tie Paul with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what he had done wrong. ³⁴ Some in the crowd were yelling one thing, and some were yelling another. Because of all this confusion and shouting, the commander could not learn what had happened. So he ordered the soldiers to take Paul to the army building. ³⁵ When Paul came to the steps, the soldiers had to carry him because the people were ready to hurt him. ³⁶ The whole mob was following them, shouting, “Kill him!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, from our birth to our death all our opportunities are governed by time. Every pursuit during our earthly sojourn has a beginning and an end, an orderly and purposeful arrangement designed by You. We must learn to accept Your plan along with its limitations which time and season impose including that of life and death. Since Your plan is revealed in Scripture we know how it will come to an end. Therefore we join our spirit with the Spirit of Christ so that we will, at the end of our earthly journey, hear the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.”That’s onesupreme invitation we don’t want to miss! And we’re invited because of Jesus who gave His all for us. We thank You, Father, for giving and we thank You, Jesus, for coming. Amen.



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

Saturday October 12, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christianity is the only religion that has as its highest example a man who was taken and put to death publicly-

2-The Jewish culture of Jesus day considered crucifixion the most inhumane way to die-

3-There would be no resurrection of Jesus without his death-

4-As long as there is life there is still hope-

5-Even if your life is long in years, it is still short-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-To love, one has to risk not getting love back-

 

I'VE LEARNED-In the descendents of Seth and Cain, two distinct groups of people developed.  From Seth were people who lived righteously.  From Cain were people who degenerated into unrighteousness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The glue of a barnacle cannot be dissolved with strong acids or temperature set as high as 440 degrees Fahrenheit-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the "glorified Christ" always associated with a brilliance of light?

2-Did Jesus have any genetic relationship with Adam?

3-Would Jesus have had DNA from Mary?

4-What is meant by "Jesus was fully human"?

5-Was Jesus subject to temptation with a potential to succumb?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who expressed dismay over how to feed the five thousand?

Today's answer-Philip    John 6:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 21:27-29

²⁷ When the seven days were almost over, some of his people from Asia saw Paul at the Temple. They caused all the people to be upset and grabbed Paul. ²⁸ They shouted, “People of Israel, help us! This is the man who goes everywhere teaching against the law of Moses, against our people, and against this Temple. Now he has brought some Greeks into the Temple and has made this holy place unclean!” ²⁹ (They said this because they had seen Trophimus, a man from Ephesus, with Paul in Jerusalem. They thought that Paul had brought him into the Temple.)

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we know that drinking fresh water is essential to our health, and without it we battle bodily disease and struggle to survive. Drinking from the springs of living water is essential to our spirit as we battle sin diseases of pride, jealousy, rage, bitterness, lying and so many other carnal attitudes that can result in spiritual death. As we drink from the springs of living water we flush out those carnal diseases that would seek to destroy us. Scripture assures us that we will be fully alive in Your Spirit as we drink regularly from Your life giving streams of living water.  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.