Wednesday December 31, 2014 thought for the day

          THE PASING OF TIME

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Good or bad, once a practice is accepted by the conservative element of society, the church often follows in stride-

2-The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those that speak it-

3-Those we love don't have to be exactly like us,  life is too short for drama and petty things so kill slowly, laugh insanely, love truly, forgive quickly and pray often-

4-Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest, it is about those who came into your life and never left your side-

5-Just because you don't like what someone does doesn't mean you can't accept them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I had amnesia once--or twice-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable--be honest and frank anyway-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A Chinese checkerboard has 121 holes

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What would happen to the earth if it were hit by a space object as big as the moon?

2-What color was Jesus skin?

3-What made Jesus the Savior, his birth, crucifixion or resurrection?

4-How would our life change if we deeply believed God loved us?

5-Have all religions at one time or another advocated killing those who didn't believe in their religious views?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Gospel records the ability of the resurrected Jesus to walk through locked doors?

Answer for today    John 20:19-21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Mark 6:21-29

²¹ Then the perfect time came for Herodias to cause John’s death. On Herod’s birthday, he gave a dinner party for the most important government leaders, the commanders of his army, and the most important people in Galilee. ²² When the daughter of Herodias^[a] came in and danced, she pleased Herod and the people eating with him.So King Herod said to the girl, “Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you.” ²³ He promised her, “Anything you ask for I will give to you—up to half of my kingdom.”²⁴ The girl went to her mother and asked, “What should I ask for?”Her mother answered, “Ask for the head of John the Baptist.”²⁵ At once the girl went back to the king and said to him, “I want the head of John the Baptist right now on a platter.”²⁶ Although the king was very sad, he had made a promise, and his dinner guests had heard it. So he did not want to refuse what she asked. ²⁷ Immediately the king sent a soldier to bring John’s head. The soldier went and cut off John’s head in the prison ²⁸ and brought it back on a platter. He gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother. ²⁹ When John’s followers heard this, they came and got John’s body and put it in a tomb.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Loving Father, Paid In Full is engraved on the loving hands and feet of our Lord Jesus Christ who gave His all that we could be fully pardoned. We accept this marvelous provision though it is incomprehensible by our finite minds to fully grasp. So many refuse Christ’s substitutionary death and continue to bemoan their pitiful plight in life, wallowing in their dismal existence. But for those of us who accept Christ’s full pardon we enjoy an abundant life, freed from the guilt of our past, and unfearful of our future. Our reservations for the New Jerusalem were secured upon our acceptance of Your free gift of salvation. It’s a win/win situation for all who forsake their sinful life and take up the cross of Jesus. We will still be praising You and giving thanks one million years from now, for never has there been such a gift offered by human hand. It’s because of Jesus and Your amazing grace that we have access to the throne. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday December 30, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Those who are supposed to be known for their love have been the most hated of all people-

2-Trusting God should mean believing that even if obedience to God entails great suffering, God is trustworthy to bring a person through it-

3-A person who does not do what God has commanded shows he really does not believe in God-

4-The supreme example of early Christians absolute trust in God was their acceptance of persecution-

5-In many places where the Bible uses the word "witness", the early Christians were really "martyrs"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I planted some bird seed and a bird came up.  Now I don't know what to feed it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.  Do good anyway-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sleeping beauty slept 100 years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How is forgiveness and redemption related?

2-Do you have to learn of God before you learn of Jesus?

3-Is there anything that can make the earth go off its axis?

4-Is there anything that can make the earth go out of its orbit?

5-Would the earth crust collapse if all the magna from it's center was released?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What man of Bethany did Jesus bring back to life?

Answer for today    Lazarus    John 11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 6:17-20

¹⁷ Herod himself had ordered his soldiers to arrest John and put him in prison in order to please his wife, Herodias. She had been the wife of Philip, Herod’s brother, but then Herod had married her. ¹⁸ John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to be married to your brother’s wife.” ¹⁹ So Herodias hated John and wanted to kill him. But she couldn’t, ²⁰ because Herod was afraid of John and protected him. He knew John was a good and holy man. Also, though John’s preaching always bothered him, he enjoyed listening to John.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, our hearts are heavy when we awaken each day with widespread evil, whether it’s in our region of the world or in a distant land like Pakistan where over 100 innocent children were slaughtered by Islamic terrorists recently. It could drive us to despair when we consider the continuous chipping away of Biblical morals and godly restraint sweeping across the globe. Additionally so many deal with these troubling situations through a politically correct lens instead of the black and white truth. The only lasting answer to our soul’s diseases and widespread evil is provided for us in the arrival of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Though the majority reject Your answer for our sin problem, how grateful we are that Jesus came, for He lives within the hearts of those who see their need and receive His forgiveness. In the midst of the prevailing darkness, like Longfellow, we declare that You are not dead and You do not sleep. Darkness is a temporary state, but Yours is an everlasting light.  The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee, O God of light! Help us, in the midst of our own despair, to hear the bells. Amen.

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

Monday December 29, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The kindest hearts expect no reward and deserve it all the more-

2-If you don't get God's grace in your life, life will make you bitter-

3-Forgiveness is not about fairness, it is not about justice, it is about grace-

4-Forgiveness is free but it is not cheap-

5-Leave justice with God.  Heal your anger and hurt with his grace-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Zucchini-a vegetable that can be baked, boiled, fried,or steamed before your kids refuse to eat it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives-do good anyway-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Smokey the Bear's zip code is 20252-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How/when did the name Jesus come into being?

2-How true is it "like father, like son"-

3-Did anyone in Bethlehem or Nazareth challenge the legitimacy of Jesus' birth?

4-How could Paul say "I have been crucified with Christ"?

5-Why shouldn't the "law" which Jesus lived by also apply to  the gentiles?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-In what town did Jesus heal a demon possessed man in the synagogue?

Answer for today     Capernaum    Luke 4:31-37

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 6:14-16

¹⁴ King Herod heard about Jesus, because he was now well known. Some people said,^[a] “He is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why he can work these miracles.”

¹⁵ Others said, “He is Elijah.”^[b]
Other people said, “Jesus is a prophet, like the prophets who lived long ago.”
¹⁶ When Herod heard this, he said, “I killed John by cutting off his head. Now he has risen from the dead!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Lord Jesus, we are inspired by those very special people that You have called out from among the ordinary. They look to You for physical strength and extraordinary faith to overcome the obstacles that would otherwise hinder their ability to live a productive life. They’re living examples of the redeemed who have invited Your strength to be perfected in their weakness. When we are powerless, You are all-powerful and You receive the glory due Your name.  So help us not to resent our weaknesses or limitations, for it is in these challenges that we can take no credit but rather give honor to the One who makes all things possible for those who believe.  Amen.

 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy-

Sunday December 28, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Forgiveness is an act of spiritual liberation, for it frees us from feelings that are toxic to the soul-

2-When we forgive we move closer to God-

3-The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after you-

4-Today is the oldest you have ever been, yet the youngest you'll ever be so try to enjoy this day while it lasts-

5-Faith without actions is just mental acknowledgement-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-YOGA-a Sanskrit word that means "heal your back without health insurance"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-People are illogical, unreasonable and self centered but love them anyway-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Gone with the wind is the only Civil War epic ever filmed without a single battle scene-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean "to find yourself"?

2-Can you believe in God as divine and not believe Jesus is divine?

3-For the Christian, shouldn't the manager be the symbol of Christmas instead of the Christmas tree?

4-Should Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday?

5-What was Jesus' Hebrew name at birth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which apostle cut off a man's ear at Jesus arrest and then watched Jesus heal the ear?

Answer for today    Peter       Luke 22:49-51

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 6:6-13

Then Jesus went to other villages in that area and taught. ⁷ He called his twelve followers together and got ready to send them out two by two and gave them authority over evil spirits. ⁸ This is what Jesus commanded them: “Take nothing for your trip except a walking stick. Take no bread, no bag, and no money in your pockets. ⁹ Wear sandals, but take only the clothes you are wearing. ¹⁰ When you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. ¹¹ If the people in a certain place refuse to welcome you or listen to you, leave that place. Shake its dust off your feet as a warning to them.”

¹² So the followers went out and preached that people should change their hearts and lives. ¹³ They forced many demons out and put olive oil on many sick people and healed them.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Merciful Father, may I never consider my good works or righteous acts to be payment or a cover-up for the hidden sin I harbor in my heart. Instead I want my attitude to be that of the publican in Luke who humbly came before You and cried out, “God be merciful to me a sinner!” If I exalt myself it will  lead to my downfall. But if I humble myself I will exalt You.  So I come to You with a contrite heart,  confess my sins, and ask Your forgiveness through Christ Jesus my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

 

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

Saturday December 27, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Elizabeth was Mary's proof that  "Nothing is impossible with God"-

2-The best way to have the last word is to apologize-

3-You can have sad sorrow or happy sorrow-it is your choice-

4-Forgiveness is the most difficult thing God asks us to do-

5-The message of the cross is the message of forgiveness which is the central tenant of Christianity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-X RAY-an image often used by persons interested in becoming bone models-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Life becomes free when you accept an apology you never got-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Peanuts is the world's most read comic strip-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God's love always constant?

2-How do you reconcile God's judgement and God's compassion?

3-If we love God will we still struggle to love people?

4-Does god need us to defend him?

5-Does true repentance always follow with a change of behavior?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Gospel records the miraculous catch of fish after Jesus' resurrection?

Answer for today      John     John 21:3-11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 6:1-6

6 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, and his followers went with him. ² On the Sabbath day he taught in the synagogue. Many people heard him and were amazed, saying, “Where did this man get these teachings? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? And where did he get the power to do miracles? ³ He is just the carpenter, the son of Mary and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon. And his sisters are here with us.” So the people were upset with Jesus.

⁴ Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his hometown and with his own people and in his own home.” ⁵ So Jesus was not able to work any miracles there except to heal a few sick people by putting his hands on them. ⁶ He was amazed at how many people had no faith.
Then Jesus went to other villages in that area and taught.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, as You call us to walk the narrow path the vast majority rejects, we thank You for the godly examples who have gone before us and shown us the way. Such giants of the faith as Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Paul and countless others throughout the generations have shown us the way to be faithful even in the midst of adversity. They made great sacrifices in their lifetime to gain an eternal inheritance in heaven. Their sacrifice was temporal and short in duration compared to the eternal pleasures they now enjoy. Help us not to resent the struggles that lead us to seek You in a deeper more intimate relationship. May we, like Job, declare “I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted. My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You” (Job 42:2,5).

 

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 26, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Repentance is turning away from your sins-

2-God's mercy is his showing us kindness when we deserve punishment-

3-Personal heart change is a necessary first step toward personal life change-

4-Mercy is kindness when anger is wanting to be expressed-

5-God gives you reason to praise him-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Vegetarian-an old Indian word meaning "lousy hunter"-

I'VE LEARNED-say what you mean, mean what you say, and do not be mean when you say it-

DID YOU KNOW-Dennis the Menace's dog is named Gnasher-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it okay to lie to avoid hurting some's feelings?

2-Is the Spirit of God always with the Christian?

3-Why do Christians sometimes feel alone and abandoned by God?

4-Are there consequences to every action, behavior  and decision?

5-Does God ever get angry with his people and if so what does he do?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had her daughter healed, even after Jesus told her that he had been sent to the Jews, not to foreigners?

Answer for today-The Canaanite woman    Mathew 15:22-28

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 5:35-43

³⁵ While Jesus was still speaking, some people came from the house of the synagogue leader. They said, “Your daughter is dead. There is no need to bother the teacher anymore.”

³⁶ But Jesus paid no attention to what they said. He told the synagogue leader, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
³⁷ Jesus let only Peter, James, and John the brother of James go with him. ³⁸ When they came to the house of the synagogue leader, Jesus found many people there making lots of noise and crying loudly. ³⁹ Jesus entered the house and said to them, “Why are you crying and making so much noise? The child is not dead, only asleep.” ⁴⁰ But they laughed at him. So, after throwing them out of the house, Jesus took the child’s father and mother and his three followers into the room where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking hold of the girl’s hand, he said to her, “Talitha, koum!” (This means, “Young girl, I tell you to stand up!”) ⁴² At once the girl stood right up and began walking. (She was twelve years old.) Everyone was completely amazed. ⁴³ Jesus gave them strict orders not to tell people about this. Then he told them to give the girl something to eat.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, it comes very naturally to encourage and instruct others in Your teachings.  But it is far more difficult to bring loving rebuke and correction to one who has chosen to live in disobedience to Your commands.  Help me to go forth as one pure in heart, humble in spirit, and earnest in prayer when I am commissioned to be Your messenger of a life-giving rebuke. It wasn’t Nathan who went after David, but it was You who sent Nathan, which served as the beginning of David’s spiritual restoration. When the messenger is pure in motive and obedient to the Spirit’s prompting, and the message is received in the right spirit, then correction will take place, just as it did with David. Though I cannot be assured of the desired results help me to find blessing in having been obedient to Your Spirit’s leading. When I am the recipient of a rebuke may I respond in humility and receive the correction as though it were delivered personally from You and respond accordingly.  In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

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

Thursday december 25, 2014 thought for the day

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS  (MERRY CHRISTMAS)

Wednesday December 24, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We could not live in a world of absolute justice and no mercy-

2-We want mercy for ourselves and justice for others-

3-You can't have a relationship without being troubled by the trouble of others-

4-Mercy is compassion in action-

5-If you are a true Christian you will be a merciful person-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Ultimatum-a last demand before resorting to concessions-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The formula for hell is to offer humans an ever increasing craving for an ever decreasing pleasure-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It was only after 440 AD that December 25 was celebrated as the birth date of Jesus-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does a Christian need to repent?

2-Do we ever play hide and seek with God like Adam and Eve did?

3-Does God always want to forgive and restore?

4-Can anything be hidden from God?

5-Why do lies sometimes seem more attractive than the truth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many loaves did Jesus use to feed the four thousand?

Answer for today     seven    Matthew 15:32-39

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 5:24-34

A large crowd followed Jesus and pushed very close around him. ²⁵ Among them was a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years. ²⁶ She had suffered very much from many doctors and had spent all the money she had, but instead of improving, she was getting worse. ²⁷ When the woman heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his coat. ²⁸ She thought, “If I can just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” ²⁹ Instantly her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was healed from her disease.

³⁰ At once Jesus felt power go out from him. So he turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”
³¹ His followers said, “Look at how many people are pushing against you! And you ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”
³² But Jesus continued looking around to see who had touched him. ³³ The woman, knowing that she was healed, came and fell at Jesus’ feet. Shaking with fear, she told him the whole truth. ³⁴ Jesus said to her, “Dear woman, you are made well because you believed. Go in peace; be healed of your disease.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, each of us make our dwelling on Thankful Lane when we daily attribute thanksgiving to You who provides for all our needs. You give us shelter from the harsh elements, food on our tables, clothing for our bodies and people who love and care for us. We’ve been blessed beyond measure, both physically and spiritually as You provided for our greatest need; salvation. Worthy is the Lamb who died on the cross for our sins. We will eternally praise You for Your goodness to us. Amen.

 

 

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

Sunday December 21, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Show me your vision and I'll show you your future-

2-The power of a single prayer can change the course of history-

3-The New Testament wasn't completed until nearly the end of the first century so the first century church relied largely on the oral teachings of the apostles-

4-No one living the Christian life by the power of the Holy Spirit walks in the way of the world-

5-The life that Jesus lived qualified him for the life he died, the death that he died qualified us for the life he lived-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Savings-a very fine thing, especially when your parents have done it for you-

I'VE LEARNED-Hurt people hurt people, ignored people ignore people, loved people love people-

DID YOU KNOW-Dagwood Bumstead's dog is named Daisy-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How many men in Israel's history came proclaiming they were the promised Messiah?

2-What is an "uncircumcised heart and ears"?

3-Was there ever a prophet that the Hebrews did not persecute?

4-How good do we have to be to be a child of God?

5-Was Jesus the son of Mary who became the son of God, or was Jesus the son of God who became Mary's son?

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Jesus healed a man of dumbness, what did the Pharisees accuse him of?

Answer for today        Having demonic power    Matthew 9:34

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Mark  5:11-17

¹¹ A large herd of pigs was feeding on a hill near there. ¹² The demons begged Jesus, “Send us into the pigs; let us go into them.” ¹³ So Jesus allowed them to do this. The evil spirits left the man and went into the pigs. Then the herd of pigs—about two thousand of them—rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned.

¹⁴ The herdsmen ran away and went to the town and to the countryside, telling everyone about this. So people went out to see what had happened. ¹⁵ They came to Jesus and saw the man who used to have the many evil spirits, sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. And they were frightened. ¹⁶ The people who saw this told the others what had happened to the man who had the demons living in him, and they told about the pigs. ¹⁷ Then the people began to beg Jesus to leave their area.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we desire to clothe ourselves in Christ Jesus, whose Spirit resides within our hearts. We pray that our behavior would honor You as we seek to behave decently and live according to the pattern of Holy Scripture, for “we were taught, regarding our former way of life, to put off our old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of our minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like You in true righteousness and holiness.” May lust of the flesh be burned up by the fire of the Spirit that ignites us as we redirect our affections, energies, and time to that which is righteous and eternal. Make us like You, Father, as we follow after You in righteousness and holiness.  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!!!

Tuesday December 23, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Giving is a privilege not as punishment and should be done joyfully and generously even while in great need-

2-Giving is an opportunity not an obstacle, a blessing not a burden-

3-A loving gift is an act of grace-

4-Your giving benefits others,  it also benefits you the giver-

5-Christmas is love in action, not a once a year attraction.  Every time we love, every time we give, it is Christmas-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Tool-an object that enables you to take advantage of the laws of physics in such a way that you can seriously injury yourself-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Gift suggestions-to your enemy, forgiveness-to an opponent, tolerance-to a friend, your heart-to a customer, good service-to all, charity-to every child, a good example-to your self, respect- 

DID YOU KNOW-The practice of exchanging presents at Christmas originated with the Romans-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God know if our repentance is truly sincere?

2-Was most of the Old Testament's worship of God ritualistic?

3-What is the evidence of true repentance?

4-Why do we try to scare children into doing what is right?

5-Does a mirror always tell the truth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Jesus healed ten lepers, how many came back to thank him?

Answer for today     one    Luke 17:11-19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 5:21-24

²¹ When Jesus went in the boat back to the other side of the lake, a large crowd gathered around him there. ²² A leader of the synagogue, named Jairus, came there, saw Jesus, and fell at his feet. ²³ He begged Jesus, saying again and again, “My daughter is dying. Please come and put your hands on her so she will be healed and will live.” ²⁴ So Jesus went with him.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we pray that we will continue to mature in our Christian walk. Scripture, repeatedly, indicates that spiritual maturity is a result of enduring trials of various kinds. In the midst of these trials Your faithful promptings and guidance through Scripture, other believers, and the circumstances we face can be ignored or silenced when self gets in the way. Today we make every effort to add to our faith those characteristics that will sustain and grow us in our Christian walk. In doing so we will be effective and productive in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, during times of ease but even more so during times of difficulty. Keep us faithful and growing, and expressing thanks in everything, according to the Scripture, “In all things give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward You.” In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Monday December 22, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Through the Spirit of God we can live like the Son of God-

2-Surely there is more to the life of the Christian faith than church meetings, bible study, religious jargon and repetitious prayers-

3-The original disciples were a group of unlikely misfits but who later turned the world upside down-

4-The Holy Spirit transformed the frightened, reluctant disciples into strong hearted, unintimidated, invincible messengers of God-

5-After the disciples had been filled with the Holy Spirit, those who were troubled and fearful no longer struggled with those feelings-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Synonym-a word you use when you can't spell the word you first thought of-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A moment of patience is a moment of anger saves you a hundred moments of regret-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Pokemon stands for "pocket monster"

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus vulnerable to all conditions of human life?

2-Was there any uncertainty or hesitancy in Mary to receive what the angel told her?

3-How do you know someone is sincere when they say "I'M SORRY"?

4-Does God test the quality of our love for him?

5-Can we apologize with selfish motives?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Jesus healed a paralyzed man, what did the man pick up and carry home?

Answer for today    his bed    Matthew 9:1-8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 5:18-20

¹⁸ As Jesus was getting back into the boat, the man who was freed from the demons begged to go with him.

¹⁹ But Jesus would not let him. He said, “Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ So the man left and began to tell the people in the Ten Towns^[a] about what Jesus had done for him. And everyone was amazed.

Footnotes:

1. 5:20 Ten Towns In Greek, called “Decapolis.” It was an area east of Lake Galilee that once had ten main towns.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You have given me many treasures that cannot be bought with money and friendship is among them. I thank You for the special friends who brighten my outlook and challenge me to be a better person. Thank You for my caring friend who loves me and never gives up on me even when I feel like giving up on myself. For that dear friend who comes alongside me and helps carry the burdens that I bear, I am especially thankful. My life is enriched and my spirit is refreshed as I share my heart with a close friend who does not criticize but accepts my frailties; who prays for me and expresses love for me in ways that build me up and strengthen me in the trials of life. Father, You are the greatest and most trusting Friend that I will ever know so help me to draw near to You so that You draw near to me.  Amen.

 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy-

Saturday December 20, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Humility honors God and God honors humility-

2-All of life is meant to be a prayer just as all of life is meant to be an act of worship-

3-If you allow them to, your doubts will nose dive your dreams-

4-If you make good wise decisions on a daily basis, it has a cumulative effect that pays dividends the rest of your life-

5-Setting goals are a great way of thinking long and dreaming big-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Rotisserie- a morbid ferris wheel for chickens-

 

I'VE LEARNED-All it takes for evil to prevail is for Christians to do nothing-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Felix the Cat was the first cartoon character to ever have been made into  a balloon for a parade-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are mental health problems of today really evil spirit problems?

2-In Acts, who was Theudas and who was Judas the Galilean?

3-Do Christians in America today count it worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus?

4-Peter told the Sanhedrin "God exalted Jesus to his own right hand as prince and savior...."  Why was the word prince used and what did it mean?

5-Peter also said"...that he might give repentance and forgiveness to Israel".  Just to Israel only?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did Jesus say to calm the storm on the lake?

Answer for today     Peace, be still     Matthew 8:23-27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 5:1-10

5 Jesus and his followers went to the other side of the lake to the area of the Gerasene^[a] people. ² When Jesus got out of the boat, instantly a man with an evil spirit came to him from the burial caves. ³ This man lived in the caves, and no one could tie him up, not even with a chain. ⁴ Many times people had used chains to tie the man’s hands and feet, but he always broke them off. No one was strong enough to control him. ⁵ Day and night he would wander around the burial caves and on the hills, screaming and cutting himself with stones. ⁶ While Jesus was still far away, the man saw him, ran to him, and fell down before him.

⁷ The man shouted in a loud voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I command you in God’s name not to torture me!” ⁸ He said this because Jesus was saying to him, “You evil spirit, come out of the man.”
⁹ Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
He answered, “My name is Legion,^[b] because we are many spirits.” ¹⁰ He begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of that area.

Footnotes:

1. 5:1 Gerasene From Gerasa, an area southeast of Lake Galilee. The exact location is uncertain and some Greek copies read “Gergesene”; others read “Gadarene.”
2. 5:9 Legion Means very many. A legion was about five thousand men in the Roman army.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Jesus, You are the Light of the world. And because You reside in our hearts we are a reflection of Your holy light. The world we live in is dark and growing even darker as Satan’s sinister and deceitful schemes are being played out. Help us not to dismiss the darkness that is spreading lest the darkness overshadow us in time. Instead we ask You to empower us through the light of Your Holy Spirit to shine in a wicked and decadent society. We come against the darkness by speaking against wickedness in all forms. And, Lord, help us to be consistent not only in what we speak but the manner in which we live, for our actions often speak louder than our words.  May the “fruit of the light consisting in all goodness, righteousness, and truth” be evident in all we do since we have “put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”  It is in Your name, Jesus, that we pray.  Amen.

 

TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BLESSING. BE A FRIEND. ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND!

Friday December 19, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God closes doors to open bigger and better doors-

2-You can't pray for open doors if you aren't willing to accept closed doors, for one leads to the other-

3-We all like miracles.  We just don't like being in a situation that requires one-

4-Prayer is the inheritance we receive and the legacy we leave-

5-You never know how, when or where God will answer your prayers-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Reality-a leading cause of stress for those in touch with it-

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing is more useless than a Christian in name only-

DID YOU KNOW-Mr Munster's first name is Herman-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was the biggest problem the early church had?

2-Was Ananias and his wife Sapphira killed by God for lying to Peter or did the great fear of punishment of being discovered cause them to die?

3-What effect did the sudden death of Ananias and Sapphira have on the believers?

4-When the Bible refers to "miraculous signs and wonders" done by the apostles, what were they?

5-The Bible often refers to people tormented by evil spirits.  Do we have this same situation today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What little girl did Jesus raise from the dead after telling people she was only asleep?

Answer for today     Jairus's daughter    Matthew 9:23-25

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 4:35-41

³⁵ That evening, Jesus said to his followers, “Let’s go across the lake.” ³⁶ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him in the boat just as he was. There were also other boats with them. ³⁷ A very strong wind came up on the lake. The waves came over the sides and into the boat so that it was already full of water. ³⁸ Jesus was at the back of the boat, sleeping with his head on a cushion. His followers woke him and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are drowning!”

³⁹ Jesus stood up and commanded the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind stopped, and it became completely calm.
⁴⁰ Jesus said to his followers, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
⁴¹ The followers were very afraid and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Daily prayer: Father, You have called upon us to be sober and vigilant believers who are instant in season and out of season. We’re ready to spring into action to do Your bidding when we might least expect to be called upon. May the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, be evident in our attitudes and actions as we live out our daily lives and relate to others while living self-controlled and sober minded lives. Through Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday December 18, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-I have a lot of unanswered questions and many of them come from unanswered prayers-

2-By definition, praying hard is praying when it is hard to pray and it is the hard times that teach us to pray hard-

3-What we perceive as unanswered prayers are often God's greatest answers-

4-Our heavenly father is far too wise and loves us far too much to give us everything we ask for-

5-Sometimes God gets in the way to show us the right way-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Psychiatrist-Someone who asks you a lot of expensive questions your spouse asks you for nothing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-No one can be salt and light for you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Every episode of Seinfeld contains a Superman reference somewhere-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When you repent of your sins and are baptized in Jesus name, is the Holy Spirit automatically in you then?

2-When you say "The Holy Spirit is in you," where is he?

3-Is receiving the Holy Spirit as a gift after repentance and baptism the same as being baptized in the Holy Spirit?

4-After the Holy Spirit came upon the people at Pentecost, how long did they stay in Jerusalem?

5-The early church grew astonishingly fast.  Why does it not do so today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who announced Jesus' conception to Mary?

Answer for today    The angel Gabriel     Luke 1:26-38

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 4:30-34

³⁰ Then Jesus said, “How can I show you what the kingdom of God is like? What story can I use to explain it? ³¹ The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, the smallest seed you plant in the ground. ³² But when planted, this seed grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants. It produces large branches, and the wild birds can make nests in its shade.”

³³ Jesus used many stories like these to teach the crowd God’s message—as much as they could understand. ³⁴ He always used stories to teach them. But when he and his followers were alone, Jesus explained everything to them.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, we seek to be alert and sober-minded in this generation where messages come from every direction seeking to confuse, delude, and undermine that which we learn from Your holy Scriptures. Instead of feeling despair help us to see it as a challenge to more deeply embrace and live the ancient Holy Word. Its truth does not change according to the whim of society. We resolve not to interpret Scripture in light of our generation, but instead we interpret our generation in light of Scripture, clearly defining right and wrong, good and bad as taught in Scripture not in the “scholarly” academia of our time. We must keep our head in all situations on a personal level as well as that which affects our society at large. We desire a clear mind, trusting spirit, and a steady aim at following You no matter the cost. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday December 17, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God is great not just because nothing is too big for him but also because nothing is too small for him-

2-If you stay in your boat you will never walk on water-

3-If you want to see unexplainable miracles, obey the unexplainable promptings of the Holy Spirit-

4-Some of the hardest moments in life are when you've prayed earnestly and yet the answer seems to be no and you don't know why-

5-I have a lot of unanswered questions and many of them come from unanswered prayers-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Pessimist-Someone who is constantly being proven right or pleasantly surprised-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Grandmas hold our hand for just a little while but our hearts forever-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Brady Bunch kids went to elementary school at Dixie Canyon Elementary-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did those speaking in languages not their native language on Pentecost day know what they were saying?

2-When on the day of Pentecost, people from areas who spoke these different languages heard the group speak in their native language. Could they communicate with each other?

3-When Peter addressed the crowd, what language did he speak to those listening to him?

4-When Peter proclaimed Jesus as the Christ to the crowd he said what was happening was what the prophet Joel had spoken of "in the last days, God says I will pour out my spirit on all people".  Were those the last days?

5-Peter told the crowd "repent and be baptized in he name of Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."  So, the Holy Spirit came to the people without asking him to do so?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How was Joseph told about Jesus' miraculous conception?

Answer for today     In a dream   Matthew 1:18-21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 4:26-29

²⁶ Then Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like someone who plants seed in the ground. ²⁷ Night and day, whether the person is asleep or awake, the seed still grows, but the person does not know how it grows. ²⁸ By itself the earth produces grain. First the plant grows, then the head, and then all the grain in the head. ²⁹ When the grain is ready, the farmer cuts it, because this is the harvest time.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father of all wisdom, we who are children of the light, do not live as those in darkness. Instead You have shown us right from wrong, truth from error, and You have given us discernment to test the spirits to see that which is from You and that which is from the evil one. The foundations seem to be shaking as we are flooded with a tidal wave of twists and spins that seeks to confuse or demean the believer. We clothe ourselves daily with godly armor, both defensive and offensive weaponry since our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but rather the authorities from this world. Keep our souls untainted by the changing rhetoric and sliding standards from our decadent society as we stand against the spiritual forces of evil like the men of Issachar. Help us to walk boldly in the conviction power of the Holy Spirit today, we pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

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

 

Tuesday December 16, 2014 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Often what is considered conservative today was considered liberal a few decades ago-

2-God doesn't honor those who abstain from wickedness by force, but those who abstain by their own choice-

3-Most Christians today in America have no concept of what it means to suffer for Christ-

4-If wealth is from God, a Christian can't lose it by obeying God's word and sharing their wealth with the poor-

5-God doesn't bless disobedience but does bless obedience-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nascar is the act of turning left in a Chevrolet for four hours-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn,

 And people we can't live without but have to let go of-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Of the six men who made up The Three Stooges over the years, only three of them were real brothers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why don't we know anything about any of Jesus' grandparents?

2-When the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles waiting in Jerusalem for him to arrive, how many people were waiting there together?

3-What was the "tongues of fire" that came to rest on each person waiting in the upper room?

4-How many different languages were spoken that day by the group who received that ability to speak in languages they didn't know?

5-Were all the languages spoken that Pentecost day known languages or also unknown ones?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many loaves of bread were used to feed the five thousand?

Answer for today     five    Matthew 14:15-21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 4:21-25

²¹ Then Jesus said to them, “Do you hide a lamp under a bowl or under a bed? No! You put the lamp on a lampstand. ²² Everything that is hidden will be made clear and every secret thing will be made known. ²³ Let those with ears use them and listen!

²⁴ “Think carefully about what you hear. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you, but God will give you even more. ²⁵ Those who have understanding will be given more. But those who do not have understanding, even what they have will be taken away from them.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

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

 

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

Monday December 15, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-A Spirit filled heart is never a grumbling and complaining heart-

2-When you are filled with the Holy Spirit your heart is grateful with an overflowing sense of thankfulness-

3-A heart filled with the Holy Spirit is humble-

4-To be free from sin doesn't mean we are freed from ever sinning again.  It means we are freed from it's domination-

5-No one is poor in God's sight except the one lacking in justice.  No one is rich except the one with an abundance of virtue-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Humans are the only creatures on earth that allow their children to come back home-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Abortion is not a 20th century invention.  The early church faced the same issue under the Roman Rule-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Daytime TV dramas are called soap operas because they were originally used to advertise soap power-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What ever happened to the man not chosen to be Judas' replacement, Joseph called Barrsabbas

2-John said in his book that Jesus did many other miraculous signs which he had not recorded.  What were they? Why were they not mentioned?  Were they not important enough?   Were they just more of the same?

3-How do we know that some of teaching that Jesus did which the Gospels don't record, would not be necessary for us to know?

4-Whatever happened to Jesus' human body?

5-Did Jesus' grandparents play any role in his life?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the other affliction of the deaf man Jesus healed in the Decapolis? 

Answer for today   almost mute   Mark 7:31-35

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 4:13-20

¹³ Then Jesus said to his followers, “Don’t you understand this story? If you don’t, how will you understand any story? ¹⁴ The farmer is like a person who plants God’s message in people. ¹⁵ Sometimes the teaching falls on the road. This is like the people who hear the teaching of God, but Satan quickly comes and takes away the teaching that was planted in them. ¹⁶ Others are like the seed planted on rocky ground. They hear the teaching and quickly accept it with joy. ¹⁷ But since they don’t allow the teaching to go deep into their lives, they keep it only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the teaching they accepted, they quickly give up. ¹⁸ Others are like the seed planted among the thorny weeds. They hear the teaching, ¹⁹ but the worries of this life, the temptation of wealth, and many other evil desires keep the teaching from growing and producing fruit^[a] in their lives. ²⁰ Others are like the seed planted in the good ground. They hear the teaching and accept it. Then they grow and produce fruit—sometimes thirty times more, sometimes sixty times more, and sometimes a hundred times more.”

Footnotes:

1. 4:19 producing fruit To produce fruit means to have in your life the good things God wants.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Jesus, just like the shepherd willingly lays his life down for his sheep, You also willingly laid down Your life for us. You took on our adversary, the devil, who takes people captive for his own diabolical plans. You struck down the devil’s scheme to enslave and devour us, and his plan for death and the grave. Instead You became the doorway to the Father when You told the disciples, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” We thank You for being the door to our eternal salvation, when You laid down Your life for us, through Your shed blood. Amen.

 

 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy-