Saturday January 31, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We did not deserve the cross but we are worthy of it-

2-Christians should be people of praise, gratitude and worship-

3-"Put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness"-

4-"God inhabits the praise of his people-

5-Joy comes from the Lord, it has nothing to do with circumstances-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Bible is the number one shoplifted book in America-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did God need someone to love?

2-When God created humans, was he lonely?

3-By whom, how and when were the books of the Bible put in the order we have them today?

4-Why weren't the books of the Bible put in chronological order?

5-Why isn't the Old Testament referred to as the First Testament?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who made an axe head float on the water?

Elisha    2 Kings 6:1-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

1 The groups of prophets said to Elisha, “The place where we meet with you is too small for us. ² Let’s go to the Jordan River. There everyone can get a log, and let’s build a place there to live.”

Elisha said, “Go.”
³ One of them said, “Please go with us.”
Elisha answered, “I will go,” ⁴ so he went with them. When they arrived at the Jordan, they cut down some trees. ⁵ As one man was cutting down a tree, the head of his ax fell into the water. He yelled, “Oh, my master! I borrowed that ax!”
⁶ Elisha asked, “Where did it fall?” The man showed him the place. Then Elisha cut down a stick and threw it into the water, and it made the iron head float. ⁷ Elisha said, “Pick up the axhead.” Then the man reached out and took it.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, in a world filled with broken promises resulting in broken lives, how comforted we are to know that You keep every promise You make. You heal the broken-hearted and bind up their wounds. You call us to Yourself, poor and needy, bruised and broken by the fall, and You stand ready to save us. We must doubt no more but fully trust You on the merit of the blood given for us through the death of Your Son, Jesus. We confess our brokenness and celebrate Your wholeness as we serve You and transfer our citizenship to Your kingdom that is eternal.

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 January 30, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The Bible tells you where you are and where you need to go-

2-If you are deceived, you don't know it-

3-You are a fool if you are a hearer of the Word but not a doer of the Word-

4-The only way you can relate to God is with faith-

5-The Bible is how you know God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Efficiency is intelligent laziness-

I'VE LEARNED-The greatness of a person can nearly always be measured by their willingness to be kind-

DID YOU KNOW-There are more than 1,700 references to gems and precious stones in the KIng James Version of the Bible-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Deuteronomy 15:4 says "there shall be no poor among you". Jesus said "the poor will always be with you".  Is this a contradiction?

2-If women were to have equality with men, why wasn't it so from the beginning of time?

3-Why did Ruth want to stay with Naomi when she returned to her native land Israel and not her own people of Moab?

4-Why is the writer of the Book of Ruth unknown?

5-Why did God choose an Arab woman and not a Jew to be David's great grandmother (Ruth)-

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many times was Peter delivered from prison by an angel?

Twice      Acts 5:17-29;  12:1-17

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

¹⁷ The high priest and all his friends (a group called the Sadducees) became very jealous. ¹⁸ They took the apostles and put them in jail. ¹⁹ But during the night, an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and led the apostles outside. The angel said, ²⁰ “Go stand in the Temple and tell the people everything about this new life.” ²¹ When the apostles heard this, they obeyed and went into the Temple early in the morning and continued teaching.

When the high priest and his friends arrived, they called a meeting of the leaders and all the important elders. They sent some men to the jail to bring the apostles to them. ²² But, upon arriving, the officers could not find the apostles. So they went back and reported to the leaders. ²³ They said, “The jail was closed and locked, and the guards were standing at the doors. But when we opened the doors, the jail was empty!” ²⁴ Hearing this, the captain of the Temple guards and the leading priests were confused and wondered what was happening.
²⁵ Then someone came and told them, “Listen! The men you put in jail are standing in the Temple teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the captain and his men went out and brought the apostles back. But the soldiers did not use force, because they were afraid the people would stone them to death.
²⁷ The soldiers brought the apostles to the meeting and made them stand before the leaders. The high priest questioned them, ²⁸ saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in that name. But look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying to make us responsible for this man’s death.”
²⁹ Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God, not human authority!

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 

Father, You sustain all things by Your powerful Word and through Your sovereign control. The natural order of Your creation is the means by which we live day after day, year after year. Just as there are variables in the seasons there are variables in our lives as we walk this pilgrimage on earth. There are bright, clear days in which we feel on top of the world, and there are dark, cold days when we feel our world has come to a halt. But we are encouraged as we look to Your powerful Word that reminds us You are our loving God who sustains us in the variables of our daily circumstances. Because of that we can trust You even in the extremes of life. We thank You in the powerful name of Jesus who is Your exact representation on earth. Amen.


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

Thursday January 29, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Whatever you give to God and don't live it out, it is worthless-

2-The world says "show me and I'll believe". God says "believe and I'll show you".-

3-The Old Testament emphasizes God's holiness.  The New Testament emphasizes his love-

4-The cross of Christ shows us God loves us-

5-God says "whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There is no beef in a cow pie-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing is ever lost by courtesy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalms 119-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why would God have wanted Samson to be a judge when he was not a leader or interested in spiritual matters and had an insatiable desire for women and revenge?

2-Of the 12 judges of he Old Testament, how many were women?

3-How could any women in the Bible be in leadership positions when they were considered property?

4-Were the judges who led Israel in the Old Testament like the judges we know in the court system of today?

5-In there book of Ruth, whatever happened to Naomi?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What dangerous creature did not affect Paul when it bit him?

A viper    Acts 28:3-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

³ Paul gathered a pile of sticks and was putting them on the fire when a poisonous snake came out because of the heat and bit him on the hand. ⁴ The people living on the island saw the snake hanging from Paul’s hand and said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He did not die in the sea, but Justice^[a] does not want him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and was not hurt. ⁶ The people thought that Paul would swell up or fall down dead. They waited and watched him for a long time, but nothing bad happened to him. So they changed their minds and said, “He is a god!”

Footnotes:

1. 28:4 Justice The people thought there was a god named Justice who would punish bad people.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, the commandments that You give are to be impressed upon our hearts. When our acts of obedience come from the heart love motivates us to heed Your Word and align our desires with Your own. As we love You with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength we will never forget our miraculous deliverance. For You delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. May we ever be mindful and walk in humility as we realize Your great work in our lives!  Amen.



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

Wednesday Januaray 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Pursing wealth doesn't make you good at managing it-

2-Money does two things to people-it makes many arrogant and overtime it becomes our primary source of hope-

3-Wealth has its own gravitational pull, the more I have the more I want-

4-If your desires are endless your cares and fears will be also-

5-God's grace is always greater than our sin-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am not wearing a diaper so don't try to change me-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The last word in the Bible is Amen-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Joshua prayed, did the earth stop it's rotation and if so what kept it in orbit?

2-Joshua prayed that the sun and moon would stand still so his soldiers could win the battle.  Just exactly what happened?

3-How many military battle defeats did Joshua suffer?

4-Why did 2 of the 12 spies which Joshua sent out to spy out the land go to the house of Rahab a prostitute?

5-Why did Samson's long hair mean he had great strength?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What happened when Paul placed his hands on the believers at Ephesus?

Answer for today     they spoke in tongues and proclaimed the gospel    Acts 19:1-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

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

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

Footnotes:

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

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

  Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being. Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief. Remind us often, since we can’t see them, so that we support them in prayer and thought. When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation,  from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect. It will be an experience beyond description so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope. We pray in the precious name of Jesus.  Amen.


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

Tuesday January 27, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The richer you get, the more your priorities separate from your actual needs-

2-When all of our needs are met, our appetites for progress don't turn off.  We simply turn from the things we need to the things we want-

3-Guilt rarely results in positive behavior-

4-Great things flow from a heart of gratitude-

5-Studies show that the richer people get, the smaller the percentage of money they give away-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How did Moses make his tea.  Hebrewed it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The thing about a true gift is you never know how much it means to another person-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Almost all the villains in the Bible have red hair- (is this true?)

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there any value in religious rituals?

2-Is there any meaning in the fact that Rahab was a great grandmother of KIng David?

3-Whatever happened to Rahab after the Israelites spared her life?

4-What is the book of Jashar?

5-The Hebrew word for "stand still" could also mean the sun stopped shining.  Is it possible clouds covered the sky to make it stop shining?

 

BIBE TRIVIA-What part of Peter was supposed to produce healings?

Answer for today    his shadow    Acts 5:15-16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

He people placed their sick on beds and mats in the streets, hoping that when Peter passed by at least his shadow might fall on them. ¹⁶ Crowds came from all the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those who were bothered by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, in certain situations I am fearful when I am called upon to take a stand for righteousness. When You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that’s not within my comfort zone I become fearful of the outcome which prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart. Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading. In my heart take me back to Biblical models of those who stood without compromise and remained faithful no matter the consequence. Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands. Thank You for entrusting me to be a part of your grand purpose. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.


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

Monday January 26, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Worship involves more than singing and prayer-

2-In understanding scripture, our assumptions generally dictate our interpretation-

3-God's story abolishes our religious to do lists-

4-Faith in and obedience to Jesus is what God asks of us- 

5-Paul forcefully proclaimed that people cannot be saved by performing good works in general or by adhering to the laws of Moses in particular-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Be careful to whom you say "be yourself".  It is not for everybody-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Love is always good enough-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Charles Dickens was an insomniac, who believed his best chance of sleeping was in the center of a bed facing directly north-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Scripture says that God "punishes the children for the sin of their parents to the 3rd and 4th generations".  Why should children suffer for the behavior of their parents?

2-When the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness, were they constantly on the move wandering, or were they mostly stuck in one area where water was available?

3-Moses sent out 12 scouts to spy out the land of Canaan.  Two can back with a good report and ten with a negative report.  What happened to these ten?

4-Does the Hebrew Bible have the book of Deuteronomy?

5-Moses is credited with writing the first five books of the old testament.  Did he do it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What happened when Peter and John place their hands on the believers at Samaria?

Answer for today    They received the Holy Spirit      Acts 8:14-17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

¹⁴ When the apostles who were still in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. ¹⁵ When Peter and John arrived, they prayed that the Samaritan believers might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ These people had been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them. ¹⁷ Then, when the two apostles began laying their hands on the people, they received the Holy Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful and trusting You for another year of blessing, challenge and growth.  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 January 25, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The empty tomb is the ultimate proof that Jesus' resurrected body was the same body that died on the cross-

2-If Jesus' resurrected body was a new body, it wouldn't have had the crucifixion marks-

3-We do not just say what we believe, we end up believing what we say-

4-The expression "heaven and earth" is a biblical expression for the entire universe-

5-However great the wonders of heaven, God himself is heaven's greatest prize-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why were the American Indians the first people of North America---they had reservations-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is the heart that makes a man rich.  He is rich according to what he is, not what he has-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Charles Dickens never finished his schooling-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When God said "Be ye holy as I am holy" was he asking for perfect behavior or perfect devotion?

2-What sin did Moses and Aaron commit when they called water out of a rock for the people?

3-Who was the man Korah who led a rebellion against Moses' leadership?

4-While Moses was leading the Israelites, was he God's favorite son?

5-Was Moses always supported by his brother and sister in all of his decisions?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What miraculous occurrence delivered Paul and Silas from prison in Philippi?

Answer for today      an earthquake   Acts 16:25-33

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing songs to God as the other prisoners listened. ²⁶ Suddenly, there was a strong earthquake that shook the foundation of the jail. Then all the doors of the jail broke open, and all the prisoners were freed from their chains. ²⁷ The jailer woke up and saw that the jail doors were open. Thinking that the prisoners had already escaped, he got his sword and was about to kill himself.^{[a] 28} But Paul shouted, “Don’t hurt yourself! We are all here.”

²⁹ The jailer told someone to bring a light. Then he ran inside and, shaking with fear, fell down before Paul and Silas. ³⁰ He brought them outside and said, “Men, what must I do to be saved?”
³¹ They said to him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all the people in your house.” ³² So Paul and Silas told the message of the Lord to the jailer and all the people in his house. ³³ At that hour of the night the jailer took Paul and Silas and washed their wounds. Then he and all his people were baptized immediately.

Footnotes:

1. 16:27 kill himself He thought the leaders would kill him for letting the prisoners escape.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, it was faithful Joshua who issued this challenge to the Israelites: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” He reminded them that their fathers, before crossing over the Red Sea, lived among those who worshiped heathen gods in Egypt just as they now lived among the Amorites who worshiped heathen gods.  This passage serves as an example to those of us currently experiencing the results of a pluralistic society where God our Creator is being viewed as just one of the gods we might be devoted to. But we hold steady to the words of Scripture, “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.” Like the followers in Scripture, “We want our hearts therefore to be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments.” If it requires that we lay down our life for You, may we do so willingly, knowing that full obedience to You on this side brings great reward in the eternal dwelling that follows. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

 

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

Saturday January 24, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The choices you make not only affect you, but also have an impact on those around you.  It is called the ripple effect-

2-It is impossible to live the right kind of life when you saturate and surround yourself with the wrong kind of influences--choose wisely-

3-Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible-

4-God created father child relationships to display his relationship with us.  Just as he created human marriage to reveal the love relationship between Christ and his bride-

5-God says he is, not he was-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There is a new lip balm that makes you lose weight.  It is called super glue-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can never go wrong by being kind-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Hans Christian Anderson, author of many famous fairy tales, was word blind.  He never learned to spell correctly, and his publishers always found errors in his manuscripts-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did the Israelite killing and burning animals purify the worshipper of sin?

2-Why did God accept the death of animals and then later Jesus as a substitute for sinful human beings?

3-What was the most important old testament Jewish ritual?

4-How do you live in the presence of a holy God?

5-Leviticus is a "How to live book" for the Israelites.  Did the coming of Jesus negate all these rules and regulations?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-On what island did Paul heal the governor's family and many other people?

Answer for today       Malta     Acts 28:8-9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁸ Publius’ father was sick with a fever and dysentery.^[a] Paul went to him, prayed, and put his hands on the man and healed him. ⁹ After this, all the other sick people on the island came to Paul, and he healed them, too.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, it is reassuring that in this ever-changing world some things, dear and precious to us, do not change. Most importantly the sacred truths and basic principles presented in Scripture are not to be altered or amended in conformity to one’s world view or to that of any particular generation. Your inspired truths are useful for teaching, reproof, and training in righteousness. Their intent is to guide us day by day on our earthly journey with daily decisions, lifestyle, and choices as well as keeping our hope and focus on that which can’t be held with our hands, seen with our eyes, or heard with our ears, not down here in our mortal bodies. The Bible only intensifies our longing with these words, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” In these perilous days when so many do what they think is right in their own eyes we want to walk according to what is right in Your eyes according to Scripture. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Friday January 23, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Negative thoughts have no power unless you empower them-

2-You choose to laugh or cry, bless or curse.  It is your decision-

3-The way you look at life will determine how you feel, how you perform, and how well you get along with other people-

4-Negative thoughts, attitudes and expectations feed on themselves, they become a self fulfilling prophecy-

5-What is more powerful than negativism?---a positive affirmation-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What ever happened to preparation A through G?

 

I'VE LEARNED-People will do less than they should unless they do all that they can-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was the most famous editor at Doubleday & Co.-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did the Israelites become slaves of Pharaoh?

2-Did the Jewish food laws ever become obsolete?

3-When, where and why did the Jewish practice of animal sacrifice end?

4-What kind of oil is anointing oil and what makes it holy?

5-What was the difference in burnt offerings and sin or guilt offerings?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What, placed on Paul's body, brought about healings and exorcisms?

Answer for today     Aprons and handkerchiefs    Acts 19:11-12  

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

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

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, it is in Christ alone that my hope and reason for living can be found. There is no Rock, no foundation that can hold me steady on solid ground except that of the master builder of my faith, Jesus Christ, my Master, Saviour and Lord. It seems that there is always a new or recycled ideology that grabs the attention of those who are seeking after the latest ear tickling thrill that fits their worldview. We’re even warned about this in Scripture when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. There is only one Teacher that has authority from heaven to teach truth from error, and to give life in place of death. It is Jesus that I choose and it is by His teaching that I live. And it is through His name that I pray to You, Father God. Amen.

 

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

Thursday January 22, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-It is when you have sunk to rock bottom that you find you have struck the Rock of Ages-

2-The attitude of gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride-

3-May your worries be replaced by blessings, your illness be replace with strengths and may your doubts be replaced with great visions and accomplishments-

4-The Kingdom of God comes as the will of God is done-

5-Your choice of attitude can decide the outcome of your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What hair color do they put on the driver's license of bald men?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The bald eagle's two wings must be balanced in order for the eagle to fly straight-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sherlock Holmes never said, "Elementary, my dear Watson."'

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the burning bush that Moses saw a divine miracle or a natural event with the plant Frayinella which can ignite under a scorching sun?

2-Moses was a shepherd until the age of 80.  Isn't that rather old for a shepherd?    

3-Why did Moses flee to the Mount Sinai area?

4-Did Pharaoh ever try to find Moses when he fled Egypt after killing a slave driver?

5-Do we know exactly when the Israelites left Egypt in the Exodus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What sorcerer was blinded at Paul's command?

Answer for today       Elymas     Acts 13:8-11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁸ But Elymas, the magician, was against them. (Elymas is the name for Bar-Jesus in the Greek language.) He tried to stop the governor from believing in Jesus. ⁹ But Saul, who was also called Paul, was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked straight at Elymas ¹⁰ and said, “You son of the devil! You are an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of evil tricks and lies, always trying to change the Lord’s truths into lies. ¹¹ Now the Lord will touch you, and you will be blind. For a time you will not be able to see anything—not even the light from the sun.”

Then everything became dark for Elymas, and he walked around, trying to find someone to lead him by the hand.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our sole focus.  But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” We want to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen

 

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

Wednesday January 21, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Being religious and being righteous are not the same-

2-Some churches have become a hanger instead of a runway-

3-The greatest use of life is to spend it living for something that will outlast it-

4-People need to see the difference Jesus has made in your life-

5-Show me your friends and I will show you your future-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Do Lipton tea employees take coffee breaks?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The bald eagle is America's national emblem.  It was chosen because it symbolizes strength, courage and freedom-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Dr. Seuss coined the word nerd in his 1950 book If I ran the zoo-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could the book of Genesis have been a collection of stories passed down by word of mouth to each generation and assembled by Jewish scholars into a book hundreds of years after Moses?

2-Did the book of Genesis have a single writer and was it Moses?

3-The fleeing Israelite refugees faced a large body of water which God opened for then to cross to the other side and escape the Egyptian military pursing them.  Was this body of water the Red Sea, the Sea of Reeds, the gulf of Suez, etc. Which one was it and how can we know for sure?

4-Who all returned to Egypt to face pharaoh?

5-How old would Moses's children have been when his family returned to Egypt?

 

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

Answer for today       John       Acts 3:1-6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

One day Peter and John went to the Temple at three o’clock, the time set each day for the afternoon prayer service. ² There, at the Temple gate called Beautiful Gate, was a man who had been crippled all his life. Every day he was carried to this gate to beg for money from the people going into the Temple. ³ The man saw Peter and John going into the Temple and asked them for money. ⁴ Peter and John looked straight at him and said, “Look at us!” ⁵ The man looked at them, thinking they were going to give him some money. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold, but I do have something else I can give you. By the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, stand up and walk!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we who believe are grateful recipients of earnest believers who dedicate their time, energy, giftings and resources to further our growth in Christ. How grateful we are for faithful Sunday School teachers, youth workers, for those who walk alongside us upholding and emboldening us when the howling storms of uncertainty, doubt and fear assail. We thank you for the many lay people who work behind the scenes to keep the church functioning and effective such as kitchen workers, treasurers, trustees, board members, Christian education administrators and on and on the list grows. As we see the value help us to do our part as well to make a spiritual difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday January 20, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You can do the right thing for the wrong reason-

2-Righteousness comes only from God-

3-Goodness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit-

4-Who we are is not what we have but what our heart is filled with-

5-Generosity should be a natural outflow of who we are-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, can electricians be delighted, musicians denoted, cowboys deranged, models deposed, tree surgeons debarked and dry cleaners depressed?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Our red, white and blue flag-red represents hardness and valor, white represents purity and innocents, blue represents perseverance, vigilance and justice-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Dr. Seuss pronounced his name so it would rhyme with rejoice-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it possible that the different items of creation God used could have taken eons to accomplish?

2-Some Christians think the seven days of creation took place in seven 24 hour days.  How is that possible when the sun used to measure 24 hours wasn't created until

 day 4?

3-On day 3 God created plants.  How could they grow without the sun which was created on day 4?

4-What was the light God created on day 1 when the sun, moon and stars were created on day 4?

5-Why weren't the books of the Bible put in chronological order?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Paul heal a crippled man?

Answer for today    Lystra     Acts 14:8-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁸ In Lystra there sat a man who had been born crippled; he had never walked. ⁹ As this man was listening to Paul speak, Paul looked straight at him and saw that he believed God could heal him. ¹⁰ So he cried out, “Stand up on your feet!” The man jumped up and began walking around.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, shape my thinking into that which will bring about growth and conformity to Your will. Teach me to think not in accordance with my own human instincts or that of others, but in accordance with the truth as revealed in Your Word.  There is a growing majority of those with a secular platform whose hearts are hardened against godly teaching. They are darkened in their understanding to the point that they choose and condone sinful behavior. With the growing acceptance and visibility of every kind of impurity I ask You to help me stand firm to that which is taught in Scripture lest I be drawn by the tempter into this contest of depravity that spreads daily in this evil world. I am not discouraged but determined to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and invite others to join me on the straight and narrow way that leads to life eternal. It’s in His name that I pray. Amen.

 

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

Monday January 19, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God's forgiveness restores us into a right relationship with him, but it doesn't erase the consequences of our actions-

2-It takes wisdom to know how to use wisdom-

3-One of the qualities about Jesus that stood out and attracted attention was the way he taught people about God-

4-Our circumstances do not dictate our joy, our relationship with and hope in Jesus do-

5-We should always pray for the right reason-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If it is true that we are here to help others, then what are the others here for?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The apostle John was the only apostle who was not killed for professing their faith in Jesus-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ernest Vincent Wright wrote the fifty thousand word novel Gatsby without any word containing "e"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God allow Satan to be a part of the perfect Garden of Eden?

2-Why was there a tree in the perfect Garden of Eden that had to do with evil and dying?

3-God told Adam not to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree for if he did he would die.  Were Adam and Eve mature enough to know what it was to die?

4-Adam was told by God not to eat from the tree of "the knowledge of good and evil".  Did Adam even know what good and evil were?

5-Does it really matter to the Christian faith if all of creation took place in six 24 hour days or over eons of time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman did Peter raise from the dead?

Answer for today    Dorcas       Acts 9:36-41

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

³⁶ In the city of Joppa there was a follower named Tabitha (whose Greek name was Dorcas). She was always doing good deeds and kind acts. ³⁷ While Peter was in Lydda, Tabitha became sick and died. Her body was washed and put in a room upstairs. ³⁸ Since Lydda is near Joppa and the followers in Joppa heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two messengers to Peter. They begged him, “Hurry, please come to us!” ³⁹ So Peter got ready and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the upstairs room where all the widows stood around Peter, crying. They showed him the shirts and coats Tabitha had made when she was still alive. ⁴⁰ Peter sent everyone out of the room and kneeled and prayed. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, stand up.” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and the widows into the room and showed them that Tabitha was alive.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, though I am sometimes perplexed by that which I don’t understand I have an unshakable confidence in You. Your Word is truth and Your promises never fail. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I have absolute certainty that I can trust You for everything that concerns me. May obedience be an expression of my unwavering trust and devoted love toward You, my Lord and my God.  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 January 18, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Sometime, someone else has to tell us what we are worth before we realize it ourselves-

2-"Almost" never works with God-

3-Israel defeats the Philistines because a teenager trusts God-

4-There is something inside us that wants us to do things our own way no matter the consequences.  The Bible call this  "the flesh"-

5-One of he tragic truths about sin is it's consequences-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is a person who plays the piano called a pianist, but a person who races a car is not called a racist?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The word "eternal" means unending, not later-

 

DID YOU KNOW-For the 66% of Americans who admit to reading in the bathroom, the preferred reading material is Readers Digest-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Eve created by God to originally give birth without all the associated pain?

2-Were crops originally created in the wild without cultivation?

3-Were animals originally created as vegetarians to live in peace with each other?

4-Why was Eve willing to listen to satan and not God in the Garden of Eden?

5-When Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden did God stop walking and talking to them?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Paul exorcise a spirit from a possessed girl, whose owners then became furious?

Answer for today      Philippi    Acts 16:16-18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

¹⁶ Once, while we were going to the place for prayer, a servant girl met us. She had a special spirit^[a] in her, and she earned a lot of money for her owners by telling fortunes. ¹⁷ This girl followed Paul and us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God. They are telling you how you can be saved.”

¹⁸ She kept this up for many days. This bothered Paul, so he turned and said to the spirit, “By the power of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out of her!” Immediately, the spirit came out.

Footnotes:

1. 16:16 spirit This was a spirit from the devil, which caused her to say she had special knowledg

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, I recognize my relationship with You is based solely on the faith You impart to me through the power of Your Holy Spirit when I surrender my heart to You. Your Word declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. Through my words and actions I want to express to a disbelieving world that I do believe! I am not ashamed of the Gospel, even if it would cost me my life on this side of heaven, because it is the power of God to everyone who believes. Help me to be merciful to those who doubt and praying for them to be snatched from the fire as You save them through Your atoning blood. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.

 

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

Saturday january 17, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God, give us an intense distaste for things that displease you-

2-When it comes to sin our curiosity doesn't need to be satisfied-

3-The Christian life boils down to a matter of wills, God's or ours-

4-False humility is worse than raw conceit-

5-Peacemaker is not a synonym for appeaser-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a pig loses it's voice, is it disgruntled?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The Bible talks of freedom and abundant life, peace like a river and joy unspeakable but we see precious little of that lived out-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Shakespeare spelled his own name several ways-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who were the "sons of God" that Genesis says married human women?

2-What was the original sin, the eating of the fruit from a forbidden tree or the act of disobedience to God's instruction?

3-Did Eden's forbidden fruit contain a chemical that tripped our DNA sin switch and that ever since humans have suffered from the effects of "sinful nature"?  In other words, did Adam and Eve's first sin change God's creation in a physical way genetically altering humans?

4-Did Adam and Eve have sexual intimacy while living in the Garden of Eden?

5-For how long of a time did Adam and Eve live in the Garden of Eden?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who did Peter heal of a long term palsy?

Answer for today    Aeneas         Acts 9:33-34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

³³ There he met a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had not been able to leave his bed for the past eight years. ³⁴ Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Stand up and make your bed.” Aeneas stood up immediately.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we find those who speak into our lives words of encouragement and blessing further motivate us to stay on course and dispense the same kind of message to others. Whether in conversation by way of counsel, comfort, affirmation or on occasion, admonition. Harsh, cutting words abound and cut us like a knife, but when people give us a message in love and grace, it appears as an apple of gold – the best there is to offer. It ministers to the responsive heart and thereby edifies and builds us up in the body of Christ. May our words build and not destroy, bring joy and not pain, help rather than hurt, in keeping with Scripture that it might benefit others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

 

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

Friday January 16, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Lord, we follow you willingly because we trust you implicitly-

2-Adam and Eve went from walking with God to hiding from God-

3-God prefers that we do things his way, not because he has to have his way but because he loves us-

4-If being a team player requires doing what is wrong, you are on the wrong team-

5-Depravity is not a sickness, it is a living death-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If people from Poland are called Poles, why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Christians didn't begin to use the cross as a symbol until 400 years after Jesus-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain was born in 1835 when Halley's Comet appeared. He died in 1910 when Halley's Comet returned-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Abraham was from the land of Ur.  What current day country is that?

2-What is the "epic of Gilgamesh" and does it have any significance?

3-How many people and animals died in the great flood?

4-Who were the women that the "sons of God " married and had children with?

5-Who was the woman that Seth had children with?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What dead man at Troas was raised up by Paul after falling out of a window?

Answer for today        Eutychus      Acts 20:9-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁹ A young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window. As Paul continued talking, Eutychus was falling into a deep sleep. Finally, he went sound asleep and fell to the ground from the third floor. When they picked him up, he was dead. ¹⁰ Paul went down to Eutychus, knelt down, and put his arms around him. He said, “Don’t worry. He is alive now.”

 

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, may we be found trustworthy in our relationship to You and in our relationship to our fellow man. In a cold often harsh world help us to be shining lights. As we seek to understand and demonstrate the teachings of Scripture help us to be faithful stewards of all that is entrusted to us. Help us to do the next right thing and live responsible lives as we seek to honor You, showing respect and consideration to others. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Thursday January 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Goodness and mercy are God's sheep dogs-

2-Lord, as you grow us up, grow us deep-

3-God doesn't make us righteous, he declares us righteous-

4-If Jesus found it necessary during his earthly existence to pray "not as I will, but as you will" isn't it wise for us to pray the same prayer every day?

5-Don't seek more days in your life but more life in your days-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do croutons come in airtight packages?  Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no pain so great as the memory of joy in present grief-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, smoked forty cigars a day for the last years of his life-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Garden of Eden stretch from the Persian Gulf all the way north to the source of the Tigres and Euphrates rivers?

2-Was the Garden of Eden an enormous area of perhaps thousands of square mile or perhaps a small place of several acres?

3-Did people really live many hundreds of years before the great flood?

4-Ishmael is considered the father of the Arabs.  Does he also have any standing in Islam?

5-Why did Abraham's father decide to move his family from Ur to Canaan?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Jesus heal a man who had been sick for 38 years?

Answer for today       the pool of Bethesda       John 4:46-54

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁴⁶ Jesus went again to visit Cana in Galilee where he had changed the water into wine. One of the king’s important officers lived in the city of Capernaum, and his son was sick. ⁴⁷ When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to Jesus and begged him to come to Capernaum and heal his son, because his son was almost dead. ⁴⁸ Jesus said to him, “You people must see signs and miracles before you will believe in me.”

⁴⁹ The officer said, “Sir, come before my child dies.”
⁵⁰ Jesus answered, “Go. Your son will live.”
The man believed what Jesus told him and went home. ⁵¹ On the way the man’s servants came and met him and told him, “Your son is alive.”
⁵² The man asked, “What time did my son begin to get well?”
They answered, “Yesterday at one o’clock the fever left him.”
⁵³ The father knew that one o’clock was the exact time that Jesus had said, “Your son will live.” So the man and all the people who lived in his house believed in Jesus.
⁵⁴ That was the second miracle Jesus did after coming from Judea to Galilee.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You know that many of my days are spent at a frantic pace. Often it’s due to my improper use of time, other times it’s responding to unexpected needs that arise. As I invite You to examine my heart and mind, I lay before You the people, projects, and pursuits that drain me of needed peace and rest and further away from a heart and mind that is fully submitted to You. Though You have not removed me bodily from this world, You have raised me up spiritually to find peace and rest even as I carry out my daily duties. As a vehicle needs fuel to properly function, I need Scripture and prayer to uphold and equip me for the day that lies ahead so I place this discipline at the top of my list and submit all other duties in accordance to Your leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

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