Thursday February 27, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Treat everyone as if they have a wounded heart for they probably do-

2-Talent is God given so be humble, fame is man given so be grateful, conceit is self given so be careful-

3-We are vulnerable to the fear of rejection because we are so full of self doubt-

4-Grace is the WD-40 for relationships-

5-Sin always opposes the gospel-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If the plural of tooth is teeth, why isn't the plural of booth, beeth?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness is based on grace. Trust is based on works.  You earn trust but you don't earn forgiveness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Anteaters prefer termites to ants.  They don't have any teeth or jaws, and their sticky tongue measures more than a foot long-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did rain fall all over the planet at the great flood or just in the ark area?

2-Since it had not rained on the earth prior to the great flood, were the skies always blue without any dark storm clouds?

3-Could some of the water for the great flood have come from melted ice at the north and south poles?

4-Was Noah's family the only living humans on the planet when the great flood was over?

5-Were any children born on the ark?

 

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked God the question-"Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable?"

Answer for today   Jeremiah  15:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    I Corinthians 3:18-19

¹⁸ Do not fool yourselves. If you think you are wise in this world, you should become a fool so that you can become truly wise, ¹⁹ because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. It is written in the Scriptures, “He catches those who are wise in their own clever traps.”^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 3:19 “He . . . Traps.” Quotation from Job 5:13.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we thank You for Godly messengers who faithfully feed Your children by diligently teaching the whole counsel of Your Holy Word. Some attend church with an intense spiritual hunger, while others may come out of a sense of duty and still some to be seen by others. Give us a hungry heart that yearns for more of You so that our lives are set apart to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all that we do. May we be attentive to Your life-transforming truths as You impart them to our hearts in our personal devotions and through Your anointed messengers. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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

Wednesday February 26, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-When you are down to nothing, God is up to something-

2-Tears are words from the heart that can't be spoken-

3-Our fingerprints don't fade from the lives of those we've touched-

4-Love doesn't give you a license to own a person-

5-Kindness is the language the deaf can hear and the blind can see-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT FOR TODAY-Why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers don't groce and hammers don't ham-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness does not mean instant restoration of trust.  Forgiveness is instant , trust must be rebuilt over time-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are more goats than cows in mountainous countries because goats can survive well be eating grass and other brush-

 

5 THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Was all vegetation killed when covered by the great flood?

2-What kind of food did Noah put on the ark for all the creatures to eat?

3-What did the flesh eating creatures eat while on the ark?

4-What is the difference in the pairs of animals taken on the ark as mentioned in Genesis 6 and the 7's of animals mentioned in Genesis 7?

5-Since it had not rained prior to the great flood were all the people of the earth fearful when it did rain?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked the question-"Why dost thou show me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance?"

Answer for today-Habakkuk  1:1-3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Proverbs 2:3-5

³ Cry out for wisdom,
    And beg for understanding.
⁴ Search for it like silver,
    And hunt for it like hidden treasure.
⁵ Then you will understand respect for the Lord,
    And you will find that you know God.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father God, Your magnificence surrounds us from every direction. Your glory is revealed throughout Your creative design in nature, humanity, and all throughout the universe. Even as You rule over nature and the universe I am grateful that You are the Supreme Ruler of my life. Bring into conformity my thoughts and actions as You search my mind and know my heart. I am in awe of Your greatness and declare with the Psalmist today, “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”  Amen.

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

Tuesday February 25, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A sad spirit can kill you quicker than a serious infection-

2-The greatest obstacle to discovery is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge-

3-God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him-

4-The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken-

5-It is only possible to live happily ever after one day at a time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A guinea pig is neither from New Guinea nor is it a pig-

I'VE LEARNED-As a Christian, I have more wealth than I could ever imagine and more than I'll ever deserve-

DID YOU KNOW-The porcupine's love for salt often leads the animal to roadways or walkways where salt has been sprinkled to melt the ice-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-From where did all the water come from for the great flood and where did it recede to?

2-How could the dove have returned with an olive branch when the olive tree would have been under water for approximately a year?

3-What kind of food did Noah put on the Ark for his families consumption?

4-Did Noah have a water collection system built into the Ark to have drinking water for them and the animals?

5-Where did the water come from to clean out all the animal stalls?

BIBLE TRIVIA-In answer to Elijah's prayer, where did fire from the Lord consume both the sacrifice and the altar?

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Proverbs 8:17-21

I7 I love those who love me,
    And those who seek me find me.
¹⁸ Riches and honor are mine to give.
    So are wealth and lasting success.
¹⁹ What I give is better than the finest gold,
    Better than the purest silver.
²⁰ I do what is right
    And follow the path of justice.
²¹ I give wealth to those who love me,
    Filling their houses with treasures.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the words of a song come to mind; “I’m not what I wanna be, I’m not what I’m gonna be, but thank God I’m not what I was.” There is a major difference in my actions and attitudes since I made You the Lord of my life. If I trace back to the beginning of my relationship with You I see more clearly the major changes You made in my heart.  But since my life is a living sacrifice there are always new challenges to tackle, temptations to resist, and trials to endure as a believer. It is not in my own physical strength or power that I am equipped to conquer the enemy, but it through Your Holy Spirit that I come against the giants of doubt, fear, bitterness, greed, lust, discontent and all the other negative foes Satan throws in my path. Though I’m far from perfect and always will be on this side, help me to endure to the end when that which is imperfect will be gone. Sin will no longer have a grip and finally I will be completely whole. All because of Your amazing grace as revealed in the person of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray.  Amen.

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

Monday February 24, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't be cold to someone you care about for indifference hurts more than angry words-

2-Don't tell half truths and expect trust when the full truth comes out-

3-Say what you mean and mean what you say-

4-Don't expect someone to read your mind and don't play games with heads or hearts-

5-Beautiful people do not just happen-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Quick sand can work slowly-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Success is more attitude that aptitude-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The koala is one of the few land animals that does not need to drink water to survive-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How big of an area would the ark have floated in?

2-Did the great flood cover the whole planet or just the known world of the middle east?

3-Is it possible the whole planet had an additional 15,000 feet of water covering it in the great flood?

4-When the great flood covered the earth, did it melt the mountain ice caps?

5-Was the great flood the same depth over all the earth?

 

BIBLE  TRIVA-What two men saw a chariot of fire drawn by horses of fire?

Answer for today    Elijah and Elisha   2 Kings2:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Proverbs 2:20

²⁰ But wisdom will help you be good
    And do what is right.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, there are so many things about our future that we can’t foresee, but we can entrust our future to You for safekeeping. It will keep us from troublesome worries that worsen our present circumstances by causing us to falter or doubt. It will keep us from making improper choices and will help us maintain a healthy outlook from day to day. But as we build ourselves up on our most holy faith, and pray in the Holy Spirit, we will keep ourselves in Your love, Father, as we anxiously await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday February 23, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To follow Jesus means to "go  fish"-

2-Christians are not better just better off-

3-Maybe, it is not always about trying to fix something broken.  Maybe, it is about starting over and creating something better-

4-Stand for what is right even if it means standing alone

5-A candle loses nothing of itself in lighting another candle-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Sweet meats are candies while sweet breads are meat (which are not sweet)-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness is a life style-

 

DID YOU KNOW-An armadillo can walk under water

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is repentance a one time act?

2-Is repentance a mind set?

3-How do you "work out your salvation"?

4-What made the great flood diminish and where did the water go?

5-How high over the mountaintop of Mount Everest would the great flood have been

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How did Elijah respond to an army captain's summons to present himself to King Ahaziah?

Answer for today   He called down fire from heaven on the captain and his men   2 Kings 1:9-12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Psalm 141:1-4

Lord, I call to you. Come quickly.
    Listen to me when I call to you.
² Let my prayer be like incense placed before you,
    And my praise like the evening sacrifice.

³ Lord, help me control my tongue;
    Help me be careful about what I say.
⁴ Take away my desire to do evil
    Or to join others in doing wrong.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it is the desire of every earnest believer to remain faithful to You. The world often uses the expression, “Be true to yourself” intending that people stand up for what they believe in, but those of the world, by and large, stand for causes and beliefs that often conflict with the holy Word of God. We are also subject to error and our emotions cannot be trusted, so with absolute resolve we choose to be true to You, rather than self. Once we put our hands to the plow we choose to cultivate Christian values and Biblical principles.  We fix our gaze on Jesus so that we don’t lose our way. We join with others of the Christian faith who hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, even as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Amen.

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

Friday February 21, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The message of the cross is foolishness unless you have received Jesus as savior-

2-Being sanctified is a balance of both experience and discipline-

3-We never receive the gifts of the Spirit so that we can be recognized but to bring glory to God-

4-Don't let your talents go to your head, but let them go to your heart-

5-We can love God so much that we won't want to sin-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There is no egg in eggplant, no ham in hamburger and no pine or apple in pineapple-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do not seek to be important-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The honey badger can withstand hundreds of African bee stings that would kill any other animal-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is your spouse God's gift to you?

2-What is spiritual risk?

3-Was the old testament worship of God legalistic?

4-Before Jesus came, was there a personal God the people could experience?

5-How do you "fear God and keep his commandments"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How did God deal with the Israelites who were complaining about their misfortunes in the wilderness?

Answer for today   His fire devoured them  Numbers 11:1-3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 5:26-29

²⁶ Life comes from the Father himself, and he has allowed the Son to have life in himself as well. ²⁷ And the Father has given the Son the approval to judge, because he is the Son of Man. ²⁸ Don’t be surprised at this: A time is coming when all who are dead and in their graves will hear his voice. ²⁹ Then they will come out of their graves. Those who did good will rise and have life forever, but those who did evil will rise to be judged guilty.

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, Your love for us is most visible in the great sacrifice You made in giving us Your only Son to die for our sins. John writes, “God is love” and it is Your love for us that shows us how to love one another. The love we have for our spouse doesn’t always bring about a warm, fuzzy feeling but at times is costly requiring great sacrifice. Help us to take our vows seriously and carry out that which we promise so that our tested love becomes an enduring love. As we do so, we honor the sacrament of marriage that You ordained, we honor our spouse, we are an example to others especially our children, and we fulfill the Scriptural command to be faithful to our mate.

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

Thursday February 20, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Random acts of kindness in the name of Jesus are the greatest gifts you can give because others cannot reciprocate back to you-

2-How you live your life each day shows others how important God is to you and how much you love him-

3-I need to ask myself daily, what kind of witness am I to God's loving kindness and forgiveness-

4-Jesus died so we can be free from all sin to live in victory every day of our lives-

5-In the natural world, the gospel of Jesus doesn't make sense-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Wrinkles are something other people have.  I have character lines-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The hand that gives, gathers-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Porcupines are excellent swimmers because their quills are hollow-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can we be a believer in and follower of Jesus without a total submission and surrender to him?

2-Why didn't Jesus' body decompose over 3 days?

3-The Bible reports that at Jesus' death  many people were brought back to life.  Why was there no first hand interview and recording of the event?

4-Did any of the town people or the religious leaders come to verify that Jesus' tomb was empty?

5-How were the women planning on anointing Jesus' body when his tomb had been covered, sealed and guarded?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two sons of Aaron were devoured by fire for making an improper offering to the Lord?

Answer for today    Nadab and Abihu     Leviticus   10:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 5:6-9

⁶ When Jesus saw the man and knew that he had been sick for such a long time, Jesus asked him, “Do you want to be well?”⁷ The sick man answered, “Sir, there is no one to help me get into the pool when the water starts moving. While I am coming to the water, someone else always gets in before me.”⁸ Then Jesus said, “Stand up. Pick up your mat and walk.” ⁹ And immediately the man was well; he picked up his mat and began to walk.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, in the midst of our trials may the problem at hand not be the single focus of our prayers. Help us to seek You for godly understanding and patient endurance, so that our lives are spiritually maturing in the process of waiting upon You to answer our prayers. May seeking You be our primary focus in fulfillment of Christ’s command in Matthew 6:33, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto You.” In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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

Wednesday February 19, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Heaven's best suffered earth's worst to win the hand of the bride, the church-

2-As a Christian, you must hate evil and sin or it will be impossible to love God with all your heart-

3-A holy God and evil cannot coexist in a person at the same time-

4-If you want to impact the world, love is the greatest way-

5-The good news of Jesus is a gospel of love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A yawn is an honest opinion openly expressed-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing the heart gives away is lost, it is kept on the heart of others-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A woodchuck normally breathes twenty one hundred times an hour, but it only breathes ten times an hour while it is hibernating.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean "to be crucified with Christ"?

2-Are Christians ever completely "dead to sin"?

3-When we sin, are we recrucifing Jesus?     

4-Could there have been a resurrection of Jesus without a crucifixion?

5-What was a scape goat in old testament times?

 

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What mountain did the Lord descend upon in fire?

Answer for today    Sinai    Exodus 19:18    

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 4:39-42

³⁹ Many of the Samaritans in that town believed in Jesus because of what the woman said: “He told me everything I ever did.” ⁴⁰ When the Samaritans came to Jesus, they begged him to stay with them, so he stayed there two more days. ⁴¹ And many more believed because of the things he said.

⁴² They said to the woman, “First we believed in Jesus because of what you said, but now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I want to find out what pleases You and make it my goal to honor You with my life. I want the affections of my heart, the thoughts of my mind, the expression of my emotions, the words voiced from my lips and my actions to please you. May my understanding grow as I read and apply Your written revelation and as I learn from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Since my life may be the only Bible that some people read, may it reflect the person of Christ and that which You teach about Your people being set apart for holy living. I love You, Father, with all my heart and I want to show it with all my life. Amen.

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

Tuesday February 18, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We become Christlike by being in his presence-

2-To chose to love God, we must also have a choice to disobey God-

3-The gospel of Jesus is a faith gospel, we accept it and follow it by obedient faith-

4-Sin taints us, but the blood of Jesus cleans us up again to make us clean enough to have a relationship with a holy God-

5-From the very beginning God's intentions were to have a holy people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Tomorrow is one of the greatest labor saving devices of today-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Giving is the greatest of all pleasures-

 

DID YOU KNOW--A donkey will sink in quicksand, but a mule won't?  Why?

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was it necessary to beat Jesus with a whip prior to his crucifixion?

2-How could Jesus have carried his own cross after being beaten with 39 lashes?

3-From what did Jesus die on the cross-pain-loss of blood-or lack of breath?

4-Were there any other crucifixions on good Friday in the area besides the three on Golgotha?

5-Did our sin contribute to the death of Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What strange phenomenon accompanied the plague of hail in Egypt?

Answer for today   fire that ran along the ground   Exodus 9:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      John 4:21-24

²¹ Jesus said, “Believe me, woman. The time is coming when neither in Jerusalem nor on this mountain will you actually worship the Father. ²² You Samaritans worship something you don’t understand. We understand what we worship, because salvation comes from the Jews. ²³ The time is coming when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, and that time is here already. You see, the Father too is actively seeking such people to worship him. ²⁴ God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

 

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, Your Scriptures teach us that we’re not home yet; we’re just passing through. This world is all we’ve physically known so it is only through our spiritual transformation of salvation that we are able to transport our affections to our future home where we’ve never been.  Fix our hearts and our minds upon that which is imperishable, that which satisfies the soul and lifts us above the allurement to this world along with the troubles it brings.  There is nothing in this world that is of greater worth or has more lasting value than our salvation in Christ, and it is in His name that we pray.  Amen.

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

Monday February 17, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Great faith usually comes from great trials-

2-The land of promise to Abraham had become a land of famine-

3-If you are self directed, you will never get far on your journey of faith-

4-Our greatest problem today is a lack of awe and respect for God-

5-You show respect for the Bible by reading it and following it's instructions-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Toothache is the pain that drives you to extraction-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If your heart is full of God's love,  you'll always have something to give-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Skunks have more than smell to protect themselves.  They can withstand five times the snake venom that would kill a rabbit-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Noah's family the only one at the time of the great flood that God considered righteous.  Of all the other people in the world, was there no one else that God approved of?

2-How did the Old Testament people earn the term "righteous"?

3-How many years after the creation of mankind did the great flood come?

4-What was the Jewish leaders reaction to the temple curtain being torn in two from the top to the bottom at Jesus death?

5-How could Jesus have withstood 39 whip lashes without bleeding to death?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How did God first appear to Moses?

Answer for today   In a burning bush that was not consumed     Genesis 3:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      John 4:10-15

¹⁰ Jesus said, “If you only knew the free gift of God and who it is that is asking you for water, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”
¹¹ The woman said, “Sir, where will you get this living water? The well is very deep, and you have nothing to get water with. ¹² Are you greater than Jacob, our father, who gave us this well and drank from it himself along with his sons and flocks?”
¹³ Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, ¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give will never be thirsty. The water I give will become a spring of water gushing up inside that person, giving eternal life.”
¹⁵ The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so I will never be thirsty again and will not have to come back here to get more water.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, we proclaim You to be the King of Kings and Lord of lords.  Help us to boldly declare this glorious message, not only in a setting where we find receptive listeners, but also to a hostile world that is building its perishable kingdom here on earth. May we be full of conviction and infused with Your power as we courageously tell others “There is another King, one called Jesus.”  You’ve called us to be light in a world full of darkness. You’ve also enjoined us to be peacemakers. Sometimes when we take a stand for righteousness it does not bring peaceful resolution, but instead further conflict arises. Then we go through a surge of emotions and doubts begin to arise regarding our stand.  Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word.  May we not stand in our own strength or be led by aimless ambition. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to be unapologetic in our stand, consistent in our Christian walk, and loving in our approach. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this age, but we serve a King who is ageless and eternal. In Your strength alone we stand. Amen.

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

Sunday February 16, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The God we serve is the God who seeks us-

2-Our relationship with God should be one of a romance-

3-When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change-

4-Because of sin, grace came through Jesus-

5-GRACE-God's Riches At Christ's Expense-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A skeleton is a bunch of bones with the person scraped off-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is possible to give away and become richer.  It is also possible to hold on too tightly and lose everything-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The horns of a big horn sheep can weigh forty pounds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God postpone the destruction of the earth for 120 years for Noah to build the ark?

2-Who were the Nephilum and from where did they come?

3-If God grieved that mankind had turned out so wicked and thus wanted to destroy them, why was he also going to destroy all the living creatures besides mankind?

4-Why was God so surprised that mankind had turned out so evil?

5-For 120 years, did Noah and sons do anything else besides working on the ark?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did the cherubim use to guard the entrance to Eden?

Answer for today  A flaming sword    Genesis 3:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Philippians 4:4-7

⁴ Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.⁵ Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. ⁶ Do not worry about anything, but

Pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. ⁷ And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, help us to contend with those obstacles that are a part of our strict training so that we will receive an everlasting crown.  Help us to patiently endure and prayerfully endear the important truths You teach us in our spiritual training. We want to hold on to Your unchanging hand as we build our lives not on the shifting sands of time, but on that which will never perish! Amen.

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

Saturday February 15, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The Jews not only have a history with God, they also have a future-

2-Defining moments in our life determine who we are-

3-God did not say "be kind" or "be loving" because I am so but "be holy" because I am holy-

4-God's holiness finds expression in truth and grace-

5-If we say that God is simply love, it is not true-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-a secret is something you tell to one person at a time-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Charity gives itself rich, covetousness hoards itself poor-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are close to 100 million sheep in Iceland-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it possible or probable that the genealogical listings in the Old Testament may not list every succeeding generation and therefore may omit hundred of years of mankind's history?

2-How many children did Adam and Eve have in their lifetime.  How many boys and girls?

3-How could the early Genesis people have possibly lived as long as Genesis states?

4-Why did Enoch live such a short life as compared to his older family members?

5-Who were the "sons of God" and "daughters of men" that married each other in Genesis 6?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Revelation, where is the place reserved for those who names are not in the book of life?

Answer for today   a lake of fire and brimstone   Revelation 20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Ephesians 4:29-32

²⁹ When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. ³⁰ And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God’s proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes. ³¹ Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. ³² Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we recognize that we are overcomers because we are children of God.  The battles we conquer and the ultimate victory we attain in our lifetime is wholly because of the power of Christ at work in us. We are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us and gave His life for our sins.  Thank you for the inexhaustible supply of Your grace, power, and provision for our salvation and our steadfast walk with You in the ensuing battles of daily life.


 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 February 14, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God doesn't expect perfection but does expect behavior that will serve as a testimony to others that they are devoted to God-

2-Jesus death is a graphic reminder of how serious sin is.  It is serious enough to warrant the death penalty-

3-In the eyes of a holy God, sin is a capital offense-

4-The story of Ruth shows that Israel's greatest dynasty of kings came from a mixed marriage-

5-The Jewish nation chosen by God was not just for privilege but to become a light that draws people from all over the world to God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A raison is a grape with a sunburn-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The most difficult thing to give away is kindness for it is usually returned-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Lanolin, an essential ingredient of many expensive cosmetics, is, in its native form, a foul smelling, waxy, tar like substance extracted from the fleece of sheep-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-At what point in human history did marrying family members become incest?

2-Did Adam and Eve pair off their sons and daughters to start new family units?

3-Cain had a son named Enoch and Seth had a son named Enosh.  Is there any connection to the similarities in the spelling of their names?

4-Did the men of the Old Testament times really live to be 100's of years old (as we now use calendar years)?

5-Was Enoch really removed from the earth without dying?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did the seraph touch the trembling Isaiah's tongue with?

Answer for today-a live coal from the altar   Isaiah 6:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Isaiah 54:10

¹⁰ The mountains may disappear,
    And the hills may come to an end,
But my love will never disappear;
    My promise of peace will not come to an end,”
    Says the Lord who shows mercy to you.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Jesus, though Satan’s temptations swirl about me in many forms and in various venues I resist the enemy’s desire to reside in my life.  Even as the devil seeks to wrap his noxious tentacles around my heart, I stand firm against him because You, Jesus, are the Protector of my soul, who stands guard at all times.  I am grateful for the warning signals often repeated throughout the Bible that teach me about Satan’s strategy. Thank You for Your still, small voice regularly reminding me that I am a child of God purchased by Your life-giving blood.  May everything that passes before my eyes and all activities I engage in reflect the light of Your redeeming love within me. It is through Your power that I resist the devil and stand firm in the faith.  Amen.

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

Thursday February 13, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The great gift of salvation brings great responsibility-

2-It is impossible for us to understand why Jesus had to die for the sins of human beings, but the Bible teaches that is what happened-

3-Both in Bible teaching and in personal observation, it is clear that everyone has sinned-

4-Decimated is a good word to describe what happened to the intimate relationship between God and humanity-

5-The single act of disobedience by Adam and Eve changed life on earth, for the worse.  The rest of the Bible is the story of God working to correct the damage and to defeat sin-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Mosquito is an insect that makes you like flies better-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Blessed are those who can give without remembering and receive without forgetting-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A single sheep's fleece might contain as many as twenty six million fibers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-After killing his brother Abel, did Cain still have a life of evil character?

2-What was Adam and Eve's reaction to Cain killing his brother?

3-How many children did Adam and Eve have?

4-With whom did Adam and Eve's sons start families with?

5-Did Adam and Eve's sons start families with their sisters as their wives?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Daniel, this astonishing person had a throne like a fire of flame.  Who was he?

Answer for today   The Ancient of Days    Daniel 7:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Psalm 147:7-11

⁷ Sing praises to the Lord;
    Praise our God with harps.
⁸ He fills the sky with clouds
    And sends rain to the earth
    And makes grass grow on the hills.
⁹ He gives food to cattle
    And to the little birds that call.

¹⁰ He is not impressed with the strength of a horse
    Or with human might.
¹¹ The Lord is pleased with those who respect him,
    With those who trust his love

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart overflow through the works of my hands, the causes that I support, and the spiritual encouragement that I give to others.  As I meditate upon Scripture and apply it to my life, it gives me a firm foundation upon which I remain steady when the surges of doubt and fear soar upon me and it is from this firm foundation that I draw wisdom and biblical experience to share with others and challenge them in their faith walk to follow you wholeheartedly.  I have been given so much because of Your benevolent kindness, therefore I have much to give in turn to those who observe my life.  I want to leave plenty of evidence that You have done a great work in me.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.

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

Wednesday February 12, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We carry the DNA of God-

2-"Eternal life" is not the same thing as living forever-

3-Christianity may be complicated but salvation is not-

4-God did not send Jesus because he was angry at us for our sins but because he loved us-

5-We receive salvation by believing it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Inflation is cutting money in half without damaging the paper-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot hold a torch to light anothers path without brightening you own way-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Jack rabbits can reach a speed of fifty miles per hour and can leap as high as five feet-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did "the family unit" mean anything to Adam and Eve?

2-Why wasn't Cain's offering acceptable to God?

3-Was Cain predestined to have an evil character?

4-At what point in their lives did Cain and Abel stop living with mom and dad?

5-How did Cain know the taking of his brother's life was evil?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, what did they follow by night?

Answer for today   A pillar of fire   Exodus 13:21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Luke 4:1-13

4 Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. The Spirit led Jesus into the desert ² where the devil tempted Jesus for forty days. Jesus ate nothing during that time, and when those days were ended, he was very hungry.

³ The devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell this rock to become bread.”
⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures: ‘A person does not live on bread alone.’”^[a]
5 Then the devil took Jesus and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. ⁶ The devil said to Jesus, “I will give you all these kingdoms and all their power and glory. It has all been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish. ⁷ If you worship me, then it will all be yours.”
⁸ Jesus answered, “It is written in the Scriptures: ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”^[b]
9 Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on a high place of the Temple. He said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, jump down. ¹⁰ It is written in the Scriptures:

‘He has put his angels in charge of you
    To watch over you.’ Psalm 91:11

¹¹ It is also written:

‘They will catch you in their hands
    So that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’” Psalm 91:12

¹² Jesus answered, “But it also says in the Scriptures: ‘Do not test the Lord your God.’”^[c]

¹³ After the devil had tempted Jesus in every way, he left him to wait until a better time.

Footnotes:

1. 4:4 ‘A person . . . Alone.’ Quotation from Deuteronomy 8:3.
2. 4:8 ‘You . . . Him.’ Quotation from Deuteronomy 6:13.
3. 4:12 ‘Do . . . God.’ Quotation from Deuteronomy 6:16.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Daily prayer: Father, we are so thankful for Your redeeming grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt. This is possible because of the blood of Jesus which was poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  Where our sin increased, Your grace increased all the more.  Your refuge for our sin-filled souls took place at the cross of Calvary where Jesus shed His precious blood so that we might find forgiveness for our sins. This salvation is marvelous; it is matchless and it is infinitely greater than the animal blood sacrifice that took away sins for only a season. Christ's redeeming blood sacrifice frees us from the penalty of sin in this life and for all eternity. We thank You, Jesus, for freely shedding Your blood on our behalf and it is in Your name that we pray.  Amen.

 

 

 

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

Tuesday February 11, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Gospel is not intuitive, it must be learned-

2-The Christian faith is built on trust on what Jesus did was for everyone-

3-To be a Christian you must first believe and then receive-

4-Boldness is not more volume, but despite the circumstances, speaking up when the opportunity presents itself-

5-Everybody lives forever somewhere-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Handkerchief is cold storage-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The hare can travel up to forty five miles per hour, whereas the rabbit can achieve an average speed of just thirty fire miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Did Adam and Eve know what it was to die when God gave them instructions to not eat of the tree-

2-Why didn't Eve take fruit from "the tree of life" instead of "the tree of good and evil"?

3-Genesis says that God drove Adam from the garden of Eden but didn't mention banishing Eve.  Why not?

4-Did the first family eat both grain and animals?

5-Did God command both Cain and Able to bring animal sacrifices?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two sinful cities were destroyed by fire and brimstone from heaven? 

Answer for today   Sodom and Gomorrah   Genesis 19:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Isaiah 26:3-4

³ You, Lord, give true peace
    To those who depend on you,
    Because they trust you.
⁴ So, trust the Lord always,
    Because he is our rock.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY   

Daily prayer: Father, as we faithfully serve You it is not for our own fulfillment but for the fulfillment of the Great Commission that the Gospel message be delivered at home and abroad to the outermost parts of the earth. No matter our Christian service, whether great or small, when it is offered in Your name it brings reward, often visible here and now but at times unseen by the human eye. Help us to go forth in confidence and walk in obedience, no matter the fruit we see or don't see, as we seek to glorify Your name. We can take heart within our spirit knowing that we will hear "the rest of the story" on the other side. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

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

Monday February 10, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Those in love, give to those they love-

2-Believe in, means to trust in-

3-"There is no other name by which we must be saved"-

4-Good people don't go to heaven forgiven people do-

5-The Christian faith is grounded in history and is based on an event-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-An egotist is someone who is me deep in conversation-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best gifts are tied with heart strings-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Thinking that a giraffe was a cross between a camel and a leopard, the Europeans once called the animal a camelopard-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the serpent possessed by satan?

2-Was the serpent satan in disguise?

3-Why did God say to Eve, I will greatly increase your pain in childbearing".  At this point in her short life did she know what having children was or even what pain was?

4-God also said "Your husband will rule over you".  What did that mean to Eve?

5-When did Adam and Eve become husband and wife?  Isn't that a marriage terminology?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed to Samuel that he had not obeyed God by not destroying all the spoils of war?

Answer for today   Saul   1 Samuel 15:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Isaiah 25:1

Lord, you are my God.
    I honor you and praise you,
Because you have done amazing things.
    You have always done what you said you would do;
    You have done what you planned long ago.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, even as we hunger and thirst for physical substance intensify our hunger and thirst for godly discernment, spiritual knowledge, and righteous living. You declare “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness.” Only as we regularly nurture our spiritual appetite will we delve into the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Through the daily grind of life the inexhaustible truths revealed in Your Word brighten our outlook and make certain of our eternal hope. Jesus is the living bread for hungry souls so it is our prayer that He satisfies our hunger today.  Amen.

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