Sunday December 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We need to asks ourselves "What am I doing with what I've got"?

2-Extend grace not only to others but yourself as well-

3-Often the only thing that stands between a man and what he wants form life is merely the will to try it and the faith to believe that it is possible-

4-The easiest thing to find is someone to tell you all the things you cannot do-

5-Always be honest, humble, respectful and live with integrity

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A meeting is an event at which minutes are kept and hours lost-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A person who is nice to you but rude to a waitress is not a nice person-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The "charge" of an elephant is a fast walk on long legs, at about fifteen miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was it a whale that swallowed Jonah or a sea monster?

2-Could the big fish that swallowed Jonah be an unknown creature like we've never seen before or since?

3-Did Jonah write the old testament book with his name?

4-Were the old testament Jews primarily seafarers or land dwellers?

5-Did Jonah expect God to kill him when he was thrown overboard from the ship he was on?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What grandson of Noah was cursed for his father's sins?

Answer for today     Canaan  Genesis 4:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Luke 6:40

A student is not better than the teacher, but the student who has been fully trained will be like the teacher.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, thank you today for the simplicity of the Gospel, that it’s not complicated. We profess our faith in the message of the Gospel as taught in the Scriptures. Thank you that you loved the world so much that You sent Your only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life. In a world where so much is complicated we thank you for this wonderful truth and confess our faith in Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.



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

Saturday December 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Follow your dreams but remember, nothing is a substitute for hard work-

2-Success is enjoying what you do for a living because so much of life is spent doing it-

3-The need is not the call-

4-Highly esteem, reverence and cherish God's Word, the Bible-

5-Don't ever feel you are better than someone just because that person is poor-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The most destructive force is gossip-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You only believe the parts of the Bible you live out-

 

DID YOU KNOW-To keep from damaging its skeleton, an African elephant has to move sedately, never jumping or running-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jonah boarded a ship to Tarshish.  Where was this place?

2-Was Tarshish location a city, port or open sea?

3-Did all old testament prophecies have to do with the Jewish people?

4-What was Jonah's main reason for not wanting to go to Ninevah?

5-If Jonah did survive 3 days in the big fish's belly, is there any record of this happening to any other person?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was sent by the king of Moab to put a curse on Israel?

Answer for today-Balaam    Numbers 22:1-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     2 Timothy 3:16-7

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for showing people what is wrong in their lives, for correcting faults, and for teaching how to live right. ¹⁷ Using the Scriptures, the person who serves God will be capable, having all that is needed to do every good work.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Jesus, thank You for clothing Yourself in flesh and making Your home among Your own creation. You are both God and Man, completely divine and completely human. Rather than coming to us only through written precepts and the revelation of Your Word, You came to us through a Person’s life, something we could tangibly see, physically grasp and personally identify with. You revealed the divine nature and perfect will of the Father through the Person of Jesus Christ. Grace flows through You in those whose lives are spiritually transformed and the lives of those who experience miracles and healings. Thank You for emptying Yourself and taking the nature of a servant as You walked in truth and obedience, knowing that it would lead to death on the cross. We praise You, Jesus, for You are exalted to the highest place.  We believe with joy-filled hearts that You became flesh and lived among us, and You are indeed full of grace and truth. Glory to God in the highest!  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 December 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The essential principle of human life is not who we are but rather who Jesus is-

2-Only those who have sinned need redemption and forgiveness-

3-Belonging to Jesus forgives our past, reforms our present and transforms our future-

4-To accept good advice is to increase one's own ability-

5-Truth and time walk hand in hand-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"How can I intimate this to my most intimate friends"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Humility is not denying your strengths, it is being honest about your weaknesses-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The elephant's skeleton supports as much as four tons per leg, and is thus stressed close to  the physical limit for bone-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did Jonah know he was in the big fish for three days?

2-How many Bible prophets have books named after them?

3-What Bible prophet rebelled against God?

4-How many times did Jonah rebel against God?

5-The Ninevites were such wicked people, so what convinced them to confess their wickedness and ask God for forgiveness?

 

BIBVLE TRIVIA-What was the only animal to be cursed by God?

Answer for today  The serpent   Genesis 3:14-15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   1 Timothy 4:16

¹⁶ Be careful in your life and in your teaching. If you continue to live and teach rightly, you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it is through Jesus that we experience light and life because He came as light into the world and provides abundant life to those who follow Him. May we walk faithfully and earnestly in the light of Christ so that deeds of darkness are exposed wherever we go. May those still walking in darkness be drawn to Your light through the things we say, the songs we sing, the things we set before our eyes and the things we do as we represent You in the home, the workplace and wherever we go. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.


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

Thursday December 26, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Be as quick with your thanks to God as you are with your requests-

2-Jesus was crucified because the religious leaders thought he was a messianic pretender-

3-The cross was not merely the instrument of death upon which Jesus died, it became the focal point of his mission-

4-The messianic law was powerless to give life.  It could diagnose the human problem, it could prescribe a cure, but it couldn't empower people to change from rebellion to obedience-

5-The cross marks the end of the old order, the beginning of the new-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"I had to subject the subject to a series of tests"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Humility is total dependance on God-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The massive skeleton of the African elephant accounts for about 15 percent of its body weight, just as in a man of slender build-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the story of Jonah and the big fish a big fish tale or is it a true literal event?

2-What is the message of Jonah and the big fish?

3-Is it physically possible for Jonah to have survived in the big fish for three days?

4-Could Jonah have possibly died in the big fish and then been brought to life when vomited out of the fish?

5-Is there any similarities between Jonah and the big fish and Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who established the church at Ephesus?

Answer for today    Paul;   Acts 18:19, 19:1-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Philippians 3:10-11

¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power that raised him from the dead. I want to share in his sufferings and become like him in his death. ¹¹ Then I have hope that I myself will be raised from the dead.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the incarnation of Jesus who saw our greatest need and gave fully of Himself to reconcile us to You.  We are eternally grateful that our sin debt was paid by the sinless Lamb of God. We thank You for our Redeemer and friend, Jesus, the everlasting Light of Glory who chooses to be revealed in an imperfect people.  What greater love could there be! We humbly thank You, Father, in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

 

 

 

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

Wednesday December 25, 2013 thought for the day

Tuesday Decemer 24, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We may not get over it, but we can get through it-

2-When your hopes are shattered, it is your attitude that matters-

3-Great prosperity is not necessarily a blessing, it can also be a curse-

4-Often, those who criticize us the most need love the most-

5-The great physician still makes house calls-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"When I saw a tear in my coat, I shed a tear"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Humility is a choice.  Not once does the Bible tell you to pray for God to humble you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Elephants get by on only two hours of sleep a day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the connection between Ephrathah and Bethlehem?

2-Could Micah's prediction that a ruler of Israel would come from Bethlehem have meant anyone other than Jesus the messiah?

3-Is it possible someone added to the prophet Micah's writings at a later time since he mentions Babylon?

4-Is a prophecy not of God if it doesn't come true?

5-How long is a prophecy valid for?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what city were Christians guilty of taking other Christian to court?

Answer for today   Corinth  1 Corinthians 6:1-4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Psalm 94:17-19  

¹⁷ If the Lord had not helped me,
    I would have died in a minute.
¹⁸ I said, “I am about to fall,”
    But, Lord, your love kept me safe.
¹⁹ I was very worried,
    But you comforted me and made me happy.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for the incarnation of Jesus who saw our greatest need and gave fully of Himself to reconcile us to You.  We are eternally grateful that our sin debt was paid by the sinless Lamb of God. We thank You for our Redeemer and friend, Jesus, the everlasting Light of Glory who chooses to be revealed in an imperfect people.  What greater love could there be! We humbly thank You, Father, in the name of Jesus.  Amen.


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

Monday December 23, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Spread joy and happiness by giving more than receiving-

2-After Jesus' crucifixion and burial, the drama of his reappearance unfolds with initial fear, amazement and outright disbelief on the part of the disciples-but turns to belief and joyous celebration-

3-Only in the darkness are you able to see the stars-

4-Laughter is the sun that drives winter from your face-

5-No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"The wind was too strong to wind the sail"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Character does not come cheap.  It is who you are and it determines what you say and do-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Elephants have been known to remain standing after they die-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did Old Testament men know they were designated as prophets?

2-Does God care more about his people (Jews) or his land (Israel)?

3-How did Old Testament Jews (people of God) become such evil people?

4-Is the evil and wicked U S due the same fate as the evil and wicked nations of Old Testament times?

5-Why were the Jews of Israel and Judah so despised by the neighboring nations?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was overseen by James?

Answer for today    Jerusalem   Acts 15:13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Psalm 94:1-13

94 The Lord is a God who punishes.
    God, show your greatness and punish!
² Rise up, Judge of the earth,
    And give the proud what they deserve.
³ How long will the wicked be happy?
    How long, Lord?

⁴ They are full of proud words;
    Those who do evil brag about what they have done.
⁵ Lord, they crush your people
    And make your children suffer.
⁶ They kill widows and foreigners
    And murder orphans.
⁷ They say, “The Lord doesn’t see;
    The God of Jacob doesn’t notice.”

⁸ You stupid ones among the people, pay attention.
    You fools, when will you understand?
⁹ Can’t the creator of ears hear?
    Can’t the maker of eyes see?
¹⁰ Won’t the one who corrects nations punish you?
    Doesn’t the teacher of people know everything?
¹¹ The Lord knows what people think.
    He knows their thoughts are just a puff of wind.

¹² Lord, those you correct are happy;
    You teach them from your law.
¹³ You give them rest from times of trouble
    Until a pit is dug for the wicked.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when we were utterly helpless, You sent Jesus at just the right time to die for our sins. Few people are willing to die for a good person, but Jesus died for the good and the bad, even those who nailed Him to the cross. Amazingly, Jesus laid down His life for us while we were still sinners and lived as enemies of the cross. Through Your Holy Spirit You call us to Yourself to begin a wonderful new relationship because Jesus reconciles us to You through His death on the cross that covers our sins. We repent and receive Jesus’ gift of forgiveness, His love and His lordship in our lives. And we see how very much You love us, for You call us Your children and this is what we are! Amen.


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

Sunday December 22, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus used numerous methods of instructing his followers, such as warnings, laments, beatitudes, parables, etc-

2-A parable is an illustration of a moral truth or principal and are usually in the form of a simple comparison-

3-The12 apostles were mostly men of simple education but the power of Jesus had been given them-

4-Many people can accept Jesus as a popular hero or prophet but are unwilling to accept the demands of discipleship-

5-The importance of Jesus death is surpassed only by the good news of his resurrection-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"A seamstress and a sewer fell into a sewer"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God created you to be either a talker, feeler, thinker or doer so love God with all your talk, all your feelings, all your thinking and all your doings-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Elephants communicate in sound waves below the frequency humans can hear-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What would God say to the U S  in light of what he said to old testament nations of both Israel and surrounding nations?

2-Which was the most wicked and cruel nation of old testament times?

3-Which is the most important of the 10 commandments?

4-What was the capital of the old testament nation of Israel?

5-If Jerusalem is the holy city of God, how can God tolerate the Islamic dome of the rock in it's presence?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-From what Asian church was Paul driven out by unbelieving Jews?

Answer for today    Iconium   Acts 14:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Psalm 6:9

9The Lord hath heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, each spring as we see tiny featherless fledglings pressed tightly against their mothers in the hollow of their family nest, we’re reminded of the human love children experience from their parents’ safekeeping. We thank You for the love and care You extend to us through the preordained parents who sacrificially love and care for us all our days on earth. Thank You for their model of love, sacrifice, duty, protection, and for the other virtuous qualities seen in their parentage. Their example greatly influences the way we raise our own children.
We also pray for those whose relationship with their parent is a role reversal where they must act as the adult when their own parent behaves like a needy and at times a defiant child. May Your multiplied mercies sustain these caregivers in their ongoing stress-filled role so that, above all, You are honored and they find Your peace in the midst of the turmoil.  Father, we thank You for our human family and our spiritual family. And we thank You for our heavenly family that awaits our arrival on the other side. In the name of Christ Jesus Your Son we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday December 21, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Goodness is the only investment that never fails-

2-If you don't have Christmas in your heart, you won't find it under the tree-

3-Faith and expectancy is the atmosphere for miracles-

4-Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not-

5-"A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"The buck does strange things when the does are present"-

I'VE LEARNED-What you say has a direct connection to your heart for whatever your heart is filled with is going to come out of your mouth-

DID YOU KNOW-Elephants perform greeting ceremonies when a member of the group returns after a long time away.  The welcoming animals spin around, flap their ears, and trumpet-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was the book Habakkuk placed in the Bible when we know almost nothing about the writer?

2-Was Habakkuk a real prophet?

3-What are we to do when we don't like God's answer to a prayer?

4-Is it possible to put your trust in God no matter what happens?

5-Is most Bible prophecy written as poetry?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who founded the church at Antioch of Pisidia?

Answer for today    Paul   Acts 13:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Luke 5:1-11

1One day while Jesus was standing beside Lake Galilee, many people were pressing all around him to hear the word of God. 2Jesus saw two boats at the shore of the lake. The fishermen had left them and were washing their nets. 3Jesus got into one of the boats, the one that belonged to Simon, and asked him to push off a little from the land. Then Jesus sat down and continued to teach the people from the boat.

4When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Take the boat into deep water, and put your nets in the water to catch some fish.”

5Simon answered, “Master, we worked hard all night trying to catch fish, and we caught nothing. But you say to put the nets in the water, so I will.” 6When the fishermen did as Jesus told them, they caught so many fish that the nets began to break. 7They called to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats so full that they were almost sinking.

8When Simon Peter saw what had happened, he bowed down before Jesus and said, “Go away from me, Lord. I am a sinful man!” 9He and the other fishermen were amazed at the many fish they caught, as were 10James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on you will fish for people.” 11When the men brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Loving Father, I am full of gratitude today as I consider Your abiding presence in my life, day in and day out. When events in my life shake the very foundations of who I am or the path before me is unclear I gain courage and direction when I remember the inspirational words of Moses, *“The Lord is the One who will go before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.” You sustain me in my wilderness journeyings and even if others forsake me, You remain faithful. Remarkable as it seems, even if I am faithless, You will remain faithful, for You cannot deny Yourself. Thank You for being my Supreme Savior and the Sustainer of my soul, my hope and my joy. In the name of Jesus I 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 December 20, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A distraction is an attraction that keeps you from action-

2-Some criticism is helpful and constructive and needs to be expressed and heard-

3-Not all opposition or criticism is evil or wrong, we can often learn things from a critic that we would never learn from a friend-

4-Do the right thing because it is the right thing to do-

5-Forgiveness is a gift of value, yet it costs nothing-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"They were not close enough to the door to close it"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You are on the road to healing when you thank God for what you are learning from a painful experience-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The elephant is the only mammal that cannot jump-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Isn't it ironic that in the holy city of Jerusalem there is an Islamic dome of the rock on the site where the Jewish temple was?

2-If the Islamic dome of the rock in Jerusalem is on the site of the old Jewish temple, will the Temple ever be rebuilt there again?

3-Was Daniel the only prophet ever in the lion's den?

4-Can we ever figure out and understand why God does what he does?

5-Bel and the dragon is a 42 verse addition to the book of Daniel in many Catholic and Eastern Orthodox bibles, that talks about the prophet Habakkuk being taken by angels to feed Daniel in the lion's den.  Is this literally authentic?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle was supposed to be the rock on which the church was built?

Answer for today  Peter   Matthew   16:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Luke 4:38-44

Jesus left the synagogue and went to the home of Simon.^[a] Simon’s mother-in-law was sick with a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. ³⁹ He came to her side and commanded the fever to leave. It left her, and immediately she got up and began serving them.

⁴⁰ When the sun went down, the people brought those who were sick to Jesus. Putting his hands on each sick person, he healed every one of them. ⁴¹ Demons came out of many people, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” But Jesus commanded the demons and would not allow them to speak, because they knew Jesus was the Christ.
⁴² At daybreak, Jesus went to a lonely place, but the people looked for him. When they found him, they tried to keep him from leaving. ⁴³ But Jesus said to them, “I must preach about God’s kingdom to other towns, too. This is why I was sent.”
⁴⁴ Then he kept on preaching in the synagogues of Judea.^[b]

Footnotes:

1. 4:38 Simon Simon’s other name was Peter.
2. 4:44 Judea Some Greek copies read “Galilee.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Jesus, You left the splendor of heaven to take on flesh and dwell among us as You became God in the flesh. In Your humanness You were victorious in the raging battle against the spiritual forces of evil when faced with temptations and trials common to all people. We stand in glorious victory as we follow Your example and hold to Your unchanging truths. How amazing, that You made Yourself nothing, being made in human likeness so that we could relate to Your human condition and partake of Your divine nature. We love You with all our hearts. Amen.



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

Thursday December 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Conviction is a belief we hold that holds us-

2-Sin is often disguised as something good-

3-Almost doing the right thing is not the same as doing the right thing-

4-Often the cares of life and the distractions of the day rob you of what you need most--time with God-

5-Courage is not the absence of fear.  It is the tenacity to do what is right no matter how afraid we might be-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--"There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Money is not real wealth

 

DID YOU KNOW-Wolves were extinct in England by 1500-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does Jesus ever lead you into darkness and lets you walk alone?

2-The book of Malachi--was this the writers name or was it a pseudo name?

3-Angels are often portrayed as having wings--do they?

4-What two books of the Old Testament give more prophecies about Jesus than all the rest of the Old Testament books?

5-Did the Old Testament book of Zechariah have one or two authors?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church did Timothy grow up in?

Answer for today    Lystra    Acts 16:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Luke 4:31-37

³¹ Jesus went to Capernaum, a city in Galilee, and on the Sabbath day, he taught the people. ³² They were amazed at his teaching, because he spoke with authority. ³³ In the synagogue a man who had within him an evil spirit shouted in a loud voice, ³⁴ “Jesus of Nazareth! What do you want with us? Did you come to destroy us? I know who you are—God’s Holy One!”

³⁵ Jesus commanded the evil spirit, “Be quiet! Come out of the man!” The evil spirit threw the man down to the ground before all the people and then left the man without hurting him.
³⁶ The people were amazed and said to each other, “What does this mean? With authority and power he commands evil spirits, and they come out.” ³⁷ And so the news about Jesus spread to every place in the whole area.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I am very grateful for Your continual guidance in my life and for Your steadying hand when the foundations are shaken. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for You are my safe refuge. In Your presence I find renewed hope, resurging strength and safety beneath the shelter of Your wings! Your unfailing love will uphold me and Your sovereign presence will never leave me nor forsake me. What joyous blessings these promises unfold in my life day by day as You will never lead me where Your grace cannot keep me. Thank You for Jesus in whose name we pray! Amen.


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

Wednesday December 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Obedience is not doing a favor for God-

2-Your present circumstances may be God's choice for you-

3-God always blesses us so we can bless someone else-

4-You'll do more for God if you truly love him-

5-Jesus paid for the right to be our Lord-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--"The insurance was invalid for the invalid"

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't confuse your path with your destination-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There is no record of a non rabid wolf attack on a human-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If you only had one wish, what would you ask for?

2-What do you spend most of your time trying to get?

3-Are ownership and stewardship compatible?

4-Who was the first person Jesus revealed himself to as the Messiah?

5-When did Jesus reveal to his disciples he was the Messiah?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church did the Egyptian born Apollos first serve?

Answer for today    Ephesus      Acts 18:24-28

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Luke 4:14-30

¹⁴ Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit, and stories about him spread all through the area. ¹⁵ He began to teach in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
¹⁶ Jesus traveled to Nazareth, where he had grown up. On the Sabbath day he went to the synagogue, as he always did, and stood up to read. ¹⁷ The book of Isaiah the prophet was given to him. He opened the book and found the place where this is written:

¹⁸ “The Lord has put his Spirit in me,
    Because he appointed me to tell the Good News to the poor.
He has sent me to tell the captives they are free
    And to tell the blind that they can see again. Isaiah 61:1
God sent me to free those who have been treated unfairly Isaiah 58:6
¹⁹  and to announce the time when the Lord will show his kindness.” Isaiah 61:2

²⁰ Jesus closed the book, gave it back to the assistant, and sat down. Everyone in the synagogue was watching Jesus closely. ²¹ He began to say to them, “While you heard these words just now, they were coming true!”

²² All the people spoke well of Jesus and were amazed at the words of grace he spoke. They asked, “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?”
²³ Jesus said to them, “I know that you will tell me the old saying: ‘Doctor, heal yourself.’ You want to say, ‘We heard about the things you did in Capernaum. Do those things here in your own town!’” ²⁴ Then Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, a prophet is not accepted in his hometown. ²⁵ But I tell you the truth, there were many widows in Israel during the time of Elijah. It did not rain in Israel for three and one-half years, and there was no food anywhere in the whole country. ²⁶ But Elijah was sent to none of those widows, only to a widow in Zarephath, a town in Sidon. ²⁷ And there were many with skin diseases living in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha. But none of them were healed, only Naaman, who was from the country of Syria.”
²⁸ When all the people in the synagogue heard these things, they became very angry. ²⁹ They got up, forced Jesus out of town, and took him to the edge of the cliff on which the town was built. They planned to throw him off the edge, ³⁰ but Jesus walked through the crowd and went on his way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the prince of darkness has captured the hearts of so many and filled our communities and country and world with great discord, deceit, fear, and hatred. We must not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among us, for it it part of the testing of our faith to see that it is genuine and lasting. Instead we must remain steadfast and firm, focused on Jesus. For at the future appointed hour the kingdom of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord, and of His Christ. And He shall reign forever and ever alongside the saints of all the ages and the angelic beings He created to bring Him praise, glory and honor. I long to be among the redeemed singing Your praises through all of eternity. Amen.


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

Tuesday December 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Strength is not about never having been broken but more about the courage it takes to grow strong again in the broken places-

2-God wants us to focus on that which has eternal value.  The people in your life have eternal value, the things you own do not-

3-Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go and you learn at once how big and precious it was-

4-Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect, it means you've decided to look beyond the imperfections-

5-Holding on to resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--"I did not object to the object"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Each day be thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family and dreams that turned into reality-

 

DID YOU KNOW- The gray wolf is the largest wild dog alive today and can weigh up to 176 pounds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does impatience come from anger?

2-Why are some children born defiant and some compliant?

3-Will people in heaven sorrow over unsaved family and friends?

4-Will people in heaven know which family members are not there?

5-How do you let go of bitterness and forgive?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was told by John to buy white clothing to hide its nakedness?

Answer for today   Laodicea    Revelation 3:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Luke 4:8

⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures: ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 4:8 ‘You . . . Him.’ Quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Gracious Father, through no merits of our own, but on account of Your great compassion, we are redeemed and receive full benefits as Your children. For while we were still helpless and living in sin, Jesus demonstrated His love for us when He died for our sins. No treasure or gift can compare with the gift of salvation freely given to all who will receive Your Son who did not come to condemn the world but came that the world through Him might be saved. Thank You for accepting the all-sufficient merit of Jesus who gave His all-sufficient mercy that we might be completely forgiven and receive eternal life. Amen.


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

Monday December 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Peace is not a place where there is no noise trouble or hard work.. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart-

2-Jealousy is the counting of someone else's blessings instead of your own-

3-Chasing perfection places you further behind happiness-

4-Just because it is stormy now doesn't mean you aren't headed for sunshine-

5-Don't do more for others than you would do for yourself-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Success is not final, failure is not fatal, it is the courage to continue that counts-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Terrier is from the Latin word terra meaning "earth"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How would we live if we envisioned that no matter where we go, God is with us?

2-How would we live if we were aware of God's holiness in our lives?

3-How do we "stand in awe of God"-

4-Is money or wealth in and of itself sinful?

5-Do we learn life's lessons best when we are broken?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church did some people follow the teachings of Balaam?

Answer for today     Pergamum    Revelation 2:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 28:28-30

²⁸ “I want you to know that God has also sent his salvation to all nations, and they will listen!” [²⁹ After Paul said this, the Jews left. They were arguing very much with each other.]^[a]

³⁰ Paul stayed two full years in his own rented house and welcomed all people who came to visit him.

Footnotes:

1. 28:29 After . . . Other. Some Greek copies do not contain the bracketed text.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, when water surges around me or the sand sinks under me Jesus is the immovable and impenetrable eternal Rock on which I can stand. In the midst of trouble He keeps me safe in the cleft of the rock. There no enemy can devour me while I am sheltered, protected and resting in Him. It is in this special place that I find refuge, comfort, protection and rest.  Thank You for this precious provision of security and assurance. Amen.


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

Sunday December 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Happiness is like  a mother's love, the more you give it the more you have of it-

2-For all we know, our blessings may not be the fruits of our own prayers, but those of another praying for us-

3-Worrying is trying to play God-

4-If you love possessions, you will never be happy-

5-Opportunities come in different ways and forms-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language---"A bass was painted on a bass drum"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Seek to do good and you will find that happiness will run after you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The prescribed diet of the Polish lowland sheepdog in present day Poland consists of bread, potatoes, cottage cheese, milk and an occasional egg-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there a difference in understanding and knowledge?

2-Is everything really meaningless as written in Ecclesiastes?

3-What does the phrase "under the sun" mean?

4-Is there a difference in being filled and being content?

5-Should you view your job as a gift from God to be enjoyed?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church did Paul have a "loyal yokefellow"?

Answer for today      Philippi   Philippians 4:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 28":23-27

²³ Paul and the people chose a day for a meeting and on that day many more of the Jews met with Paul at the place he was staying. He spoke to them all day long. Using the law of Moses and the prophets’ writings, he explained the kingdom of God, and he tried to persuade them to believe these things about Jesus. ²⁴ Some believed what Paul said, but others did not. ²⁵ So they argued and began leaving after Paul said one more thing to them: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet, saying,

²⁶ ‘Go to this people and say:
You will listen and listen, but you will not understand.
    You will look and look, but you will not learn,
²⁷ because these people have become stubborn.
    They don’t hear with their ears,
    And they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise, they might really understand
    What they see with their eyes
    And hear with their ears.
They might really understand in their minds
    And come back to me and be healed.’ Isaiah 6:9–10

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re reminded of Your absolute faithfulness as we reflect upon the Israelites journeying in the wilderness.  Even when they were unfaithful and rebellious, in Your compassionate faithfulness, You provided for their daily needs.  Your steadfast love never ceased and Your mercies never came to an end, for they were renewed everyday and are this day as well. All we have need of Your hand provides. Help us to do our part in receiving it with thanksgiving and being careful not to waste, but to share with those in genuine need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Saturday December 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Happiness is not in our circumstances but in ourselves-

2-Happiness is not something we see, feel or have, rather it is something we are-

3-The happiest people are those who do the most for others-

4-The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things-

5-You can only live happily ever after one day at a time-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If we try to bring happiness to others we cannot stop it from coming to us also-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The fastest dog, the greyhound, can reach speeds of up to forty five miles per hour.  The breed was known to exist in ancient Egypt more than five thousand years ago-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-For the Christian, what is the proper place in our lives for personal goals and plans?

2-What would happen if we told God "I'm going to live as if you are who you said you are and will do everything you promised to do".

3-How are wisdom and knowledge related?

4-Does wisdom come from understanding or experience?

5-Does God ever suffer pain?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who reported his vision of unclean animals to the church at Jerusalem?

Answer for today-Peter  Acts 11:1-18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 28:16-22

¹⁶ When we arrived at Rome, Paul was allowed to live alone, with the soldier who guarded him.

¹⁷ Three days later Paul sent for the leaders there. When they came together, he said, “Brothers, I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. But I was arrested in Jerusalem and given to the Romans. ¹⁸ After they asked me many questions, they could find no reason why I should be killed. They wanted to let me go free, ¹⁹ but the evil people there argued against that. So I had to ask to come to Rome to have my trial before Caesar. But I have no charge to bring against my own people. ²⁰ That is why I wanted to see you and talk with you. I am bound with this chain because I believe in the hope of Israel.”
²¹ They answered Paul, “We have received no letters from Judea about you. None of our Jewish brothers who have come from there brought news or told us anything bad about you. ²² But we want to hear your ideas, because we know that people everywhere are speaking against this religious group.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, as we go about the day to day living of eating, building, moving, buying, growing our families and settling down, earning a living we must be vigilant to keep You at the center of all our activity. Living for You is to be our main objective so that everything else falls into proper place. As these daily essentials are met we give thanks to You acknowledging that every single blessing comes from Your Hand. The vast majority place their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but we put our hope in You who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. We are satisfied and give You thanks through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Friday December 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We can't be second chance people until we realize how much of a second chance we have been given-

2-The people who are best able to show God's love to others are those who feel God's love the most-

3-There is no place for bigotry among God's family-

4-Does Jesus call us to blind obedience?

5-Man is fond of counting his troubles but he forgets to count his joy-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Patience is the art of hoping-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Studies show that the breeds of dogs that bite the least are in order:Golden retriever, Labrador retriever, Shetland sheepdog, Old English sheepdog, and the Welsh terrier-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What takes more faith-to endure a no from God or to receive a yes?

2-To what degree does God bring hardships into our lives?

3-What does it take to have big, extraordinary, amazing faith?

4-What was Jesus referring to when he told his followers, "you will do even greater things than these"?

5-Jesus said "I will do whatever you ask in my name".  Does he?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church were Paul and Barnabas set apart by the Holy Spirit to do missionary work?

Answer for today       Antioch     Acts 13:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 28:10-15

We got on a ship from Alexandria that had stayed on the island during the winter. On the front of the ship was the sign of the twin gods.^{[a] 12} We stopped at Syracuse for three days. ¹³ From there we sailed to Rhegium. The next day a wind began to blow from the south, and a day later we came to Puteoli. ¹⁴ We found some believers there who asked us to stay with them for a week. Finally, we came to Rome. ¹⁵ The believers in Rome heard that we were there and came out as far as the Market of Appius^[b] and the Three Inns^[c] to meet us. When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.

Footnotes:

1. 28:10–11 twin gods Statues of Castor and Pollux, gods in old Greek tales.
2. 28:15 Market of Appius A town about twenty-seven miles from Rome.
3. 28:15 Three Inns A town about thirty miles from Rome.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

In thanksgiving we lift our voices of praise from grateful hearts, Father, as we sing songs of praise and adoration to You, our blessed King.  Whether in seasons of prosperity or in seasons of want we find Your grace sufficient to meet each one of our needs.  You guide us, protect us, and You provide for us as we journey here below.  Every good and perfect gift comes from Your hand.  Thank You, faithful Father!  Amen.



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