Saturday February 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Even if you have been since your youth a bigot or racist, you don't have to die one-

2-When the disciples shouted for fear in the storm, Jesus slept through it-

3-Refuse to be guided by vengeance-

4-If you have given yourself to God, he has given himself to you-

5-Christians are to shift their glance away from the one who hurt us and set our eyes on the one who saved us-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Money is the root of all wealth-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness doesn't change the past but it can enlarge the future-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Forget me not"-according to "German legend, this flower gets its name from the last word of a knight, who was drowned while trying to pick some from the riverside for his lady-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where are all of the disciples and apostles buried?

2-Where are Mary and Joseph (Jesus' earthly parents) buried?

3-How can we be sure of our understanding of who God is and how we relate to him?

4-How would our life change if we accepted God's grace and forgiveness and let go of all our regrets?

5-Could we still say "God is love" if Jesus had not died for our sins?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English translation was made in Europe by scholars who fled the persecution of protestants under Bloody Mary?

Answer for today   The Geneva Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 9:9-13

⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

¹⁰ So the followers obeyed Jesus, but they discussed what he meant about rising from the dead.
¹¹ Then they asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
¹² Jesus answered, “They are right to say that Elijah must come first and make everything the way it should be. But why does the Scripture say that the Son of Man will suffer much and that people will treat him as if he were nothing? ¹³ I tell you that Elijah has already come. And people did to him whatever they wanted to do, just as the Scriptures said it would happen.”

 

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.

 

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

Friday February 27, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-It is a wonderful day when we stop working for God and begin working with God-

2-It is one thing not to know, it is another to know and not learn-

3-So many want employment but not work-

4-God may delay our requests but he will never disappoint our trust-

5-Even if you worried every day of your life, you needn't worry the rest of your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The love we give away is the only love we keep-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most difficult tongue twister is "The sixth sick Sheik's sixth sheep's sick"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-For the Christian, is there ever a non sacred moment?

2-Did Jesus' disciples have to "repent" before they could be his followers?

3-Can you become a Christian for selfish reasons?

4-Does living the Christian life make us "good"?

5-If the men whom Jesus called to be his disciples didn't know Jesus ahead of time, why would they want to be his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What text of the Old testament-the first to include vowel marking along with the Hebrew consonants- is considered the authoritative text for most Bible translators?

Answer for today    The Masoretic text

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:2-8

² Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus’ appearance was changed. ³ His clothes became shining white, whiter than any person could make them. ⁴ Then Elijah and Moses^[a] appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶ Peter did not know what to say, because he and the others were so frightened.
⁷ Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
⁸ Suddenly Peter, James, and John looked around, but they saw only Jesus there alone with them.

Footnotes:

1. 9:4 Elijah and Moses Two of the most important Jewish leaders in the past. God had given Moses the Law, and Elijah was an important prophet.

 

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.

 

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

Thursday February 26, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Don't consider your desires without first considering your skills or lack of them-

2-It is not that God will not or that he has chosen not to lie, he simply cannot lie-

3-"Be careful of what you think because your thoughts run your life"-

4-How you look at life determines how you live your life-

5-Relationships don't survive because the guilty are punished but because the innocent are merciful-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Silence is golden, duct tape is silver-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There are very few monsters that warrant the fear we have of them-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Phobatrivaphobia is fear of trivia about phobias-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Were the fishermen that Jesus called to be disciples already believers in Jesus?

2-Are all followers of Jesus to become fishers of men?

3-Should Christian witnessing be awkward or comfortable to the Christian?

4-Should everyone be considered "fish" to the Christian?

5-What was Jesus' primary purpose and desire in choosing his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What widely used revision of the KIng James Version was published in 1952 under the auspices of the International Council of Religious Education?

Answer for today   The Revised Standard Version

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 8:34-38

³⁴ Then Jesus called the crowd to him, along with his followers. He said, “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me. ³⁵ Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me and for the Good News will have true life. ³⁶ It is worthless to have the whole world if they lose their souls. ³⁷ They could never pay enough to buy back their souls. ³⁸ The people who live now are living in a sinful and evil time. If people are ashamed of me and my teaching, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes with his Father’s glory and with the holy angels.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You have chosen the foolish things of this world to shame the wise, and the weak things of this world to shame the strong. That which is despised, even discarded by the world may be among some of Your most precious treasures. It reminds us that we must realign our values according to Your value system, regarding those things which are precious in Your sight to be precious in ours as well. As we walk in humility we will value others in the same way You do and respond in accordingly. Thank You for these precious individuals You place in our life’s experience and in our families that show us the way to the heart of the Father. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday February 25, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We all need silence and solitude at some point in our life-

2-Our democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not-

3-The US constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it,  you have to catch up with it yourself-

4-Rarely , if ever, will God ask you to do something you hate-

5-God uses your interest to turn your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Be what you is, not what you ain't, cause when you is what you ain't, then you ain't what you is-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Children have more need of models than of critics-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Xenophobia is the fear of strangers or foreigners-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God always present as three persons?

2-When were the disciples "saved"?

3-What is the "fullness of the Holy Spirit?

4-What is the primary proof of the Holy Spirit in your life?

5-How big is your God?  He will only be as big as you let him be in your life-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What large English Bible, published in 1539, was chained to the reading desk in English churches?

Answer for today     The great Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 8:27-30

²⁷ Jesus and his followers went to the towns around Caesarea Philippi. While they were traveling, Jesus asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

²⁸ They answered, “Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah,^[a] and others say you are one of the prophets.”
²⁹ Then Jesus asked, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”
³⁰ Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone who he was.

Footnotes:

1. 8:28 Elijah A man who spoke for God and who lived hundreds of years before Christ. See 1 Kings 17.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we thank You for the greatest hero of our faith, Jesus Christ, who took on flesh, walked in holiness and gave His all, that we might have access to You and become Your children. But You’ve also chosen ordinary folks who walk right alongside us in our earthly journey who have taken us by the hand, tucked us in their heart, and committed us to prayer, while also living in a manner worthy of honor. We do give them our utmost respect and honor, and pray that You will bless them and assure them that their investment will bring eternal reward. We give You thanks for their life, their devotion to us, and the lasting difference it has made in us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday February 24, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God is better to us than we deserve-

2-How we look at life determines how we live life-

3-Anytime we find ourselves doing something we wish we could stop but cannot, it ought to raise some concerns to us-

4-Your heart can be broken----literally-

5-To live in ignorance of spiritual warfare is the most naive and dangerous thing a person can do-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A day without sunshine is like night-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best thing to hold on to is each other-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Tonsurphobia is the fear of haircuts

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Scripture says to be holy for God is holy.  Can we ever get to that level of holiness?

2-Most of us Christians seem to live a life void of the power of God.  Why is that?

3-Can anyone explain how prayer works?  Is it a mystery?

4-If God doesn't make a difference in our lives, why would anyone want to be Christian like us?

5-What make the Bible "The Word of God"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What medieval Englishman translated the Latin Bible's new testament into English, and encouraged further translation work?

Answer for today     John Wycliffe

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Mark 8:22-26

²² Jesus and his followers came to Bethsaida. There some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch the man. ²³ So Jesus took the blind man’s hand and led him out of the village. Then he spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on the man and asked, “Can you see now?”

²⁴ The man looked up and said, “Yes, I see people, but they look like trees walking around.”
²⁵ Again Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then the man opened his eyes wide and they were healed, and he was able to see everything clearly. ²⁶ Jesus told him to go home, saying, “Don’t go into the town.”^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 8:26 town Some Greek copies continue, “Don’t even go and tell anyone in the town.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father in heaven, we ask You to help us apply Your teachings to our lives so that our foundation will be unshakable and storm-proof when the howling winds and surging rains beat against us. The foundation of this world is temporal and growing more and more decadent, so we choose instead to build our lives on the eternal foundation of Your everlasting Holy Word, as You teach us all throughout Scripture. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Monday February 23, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God has a promised land for your life-

2-Vision is the ability to see, the faith to believe, the courage to do-

3-The word "quit" is not in scripture-

4-Vision is hope with a blue print-

5-Vision ignores those who say "it can't be done"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Always be sincere, even if you don't mean it-

I'VE LEARNED-If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there-

DID YOU KNOW-Zoophobia is the fear of animals-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How holy does God want us to be?

2-How holy can we humans get-

3-How holy does a follower of Jesus need to be?

4-What does scripture mean saying "pray without ceasing"?

5-Is it possible to live without ever grieving the Holy Spirit?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English king ordered the execution of  Bible translator Tyndale and then had a translation dedicated to him by Tyndales's friend Coverdale?

Answer for today    Henry VIII

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Mark 7:14-21

¹⁴ His followers had only one loaf of bread with them in the boat; they had forgotten to bring more. ¹⁵ Jesus warned them, “Be careful! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”

¹⁶ His followers discussed the meaning of this, saying, “He said this because we have no bread.”
¹⁷ Knowing what they were talking about, Jesus asked them, “Why are you talking about not having bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your minds closed? ¹⁸ You have eyes, but you don’t really see. You have ears, but you don’t really listen. Remember when ¹⁹ I divided five loaves of bread for the five thousand? How many baskets did you fill with leftover pieces of food?”
They answered, “Twelve.”
²⁰ “And when I divided seven loaves of bread for the four thousand, how many baskets did you fill with leftover pieces of food?”
They answered, “Seven.”
²¹ Then Jesus said to them, “Don’t you understand yet?”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, I make it my goal to please You. So many worthy goals I set last only for a season, and the rewards may last only for a season as well. But when I make a resolve to live righteously, making every effort to please You, my rewards will last not only for this life, but for all of eternity. In setting my goals help me to be willing to lay aside that which hinders and the sin that so easily entangles so that I reap a harvest of righteousness, peace, and joy. I want my primary goal to be that of perseverance so that no circumstances in life will deter me from my daily walk with Christ. Above all I want to spend my whole life finding out what pleases You and carry it out as the Holy Spirit enables me. It is in Jesus’ name that I pray. 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 February 22, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Our deepest thoughts are held in our heart not in our mind-

2-It is the thoughts and intent of the heart that shapes a person's life-

3-It is with your heart that you believe-

4-The attainment of knowledge does not necessarily mean you are wise-

5-It is the foolish person who despises wisdom-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Talk is cheap until you hire a lawyer-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Those who follow in the foot steps of Jesus find that they still lead to a cross-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Arachibutyrophobia is the fear of peanut butter sticking to he roof of your mouth-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-I find so much of the Bible is hard to understand.  Why is that?

2-How can a person fall away from God once they have known the love of God?

3-How much of anything is enough?

4-How holy do we have to be to make it to heaven?

5-Are there degrees of being holy?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the alternate title of the American Bible Society's translation Today's English Version?

Answer for today    "The Good News Bible"

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Ephesians 4:25

So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You’ve created us as individual human beings and by Your design You placed us in families.  Within one family unit there are many different personalities, giftings, and varying interests. Thank you for the important things we learn about sharing, assuming responsibility, working, loving, and forgiving.  Help us to do our part in keeping our family of primary importance and taking the time to appreciate those dear ones who make up our family.  It is a blessing that only You can give and it is a privilege that we must never take for granted. Make each of us a blessing as we give unreservedly of our love to one another. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Saturday February 21, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Love is the life of our heart-

2-Motives are the real reason we do any of the things we do-

3-The problems with the Pharisees was that their actions looked good but their motives were not-

4-A person's character is determined by their motives-

5-God judges us by our hearts, nothing else-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't judge a book by it's movie-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Those who commit to do God's will always find themselves kneeling next to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane praying "not my will but yours be done"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Arnold Schonberg suffered from triskaidecphobia, the fear of the number thirteen.  He died thirteen minutes from midnight on Friday the thirteenth-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you know if you are truly sanctified?

2-Is being sanctified just being separated from worldly things?

3-Love sent Jesus to the cross.  Was it love for his father or love for us to reconcile us to the father?

4-Besides Christianity, does any religion have love at it's core?

5-What can we do for others that would express God's love for them?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What, until recent years, was the most popular English Bible used by Roman Catholics?

Answer for the day     The Douay Version

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 8:11-13

¹¹ The Pharisees came to Jesus and began to ask him questions. Hoping to trap him, they asked Jesus for a miracle from God. ¹² Jesus sighed deeply and said, “Why do you people ask for a miracle as a sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to you.” ¹³ Then Jesus left the Pharisees and went in the boat to the other side of the lake.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we ask for clean hands, a pure mind, and a steadfast heart that follows hard after You. Temptation regularly knocks at our door, but with Your Holy Spirit residing within, we have the will and desire to turn it away.  We don’t want even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, or anything considered improper for Your holy people. It is through Christ that we can live such a life above reproach and honoring to You. 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 February 20, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The glory of God is man fully alive as God intended-

2-Jesus said "I have come that they may have life and have it to the fullest"-

3-It is the minds responsibility to take in and process information-

4-In the hours of Jesus' greatest trial, his love overcame his fear of what loving would cost him-

5-Emotions are the voice of the heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't change the past but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future-

 

I'VE EARNED-Those who pray "your kingdom come" find themselves at odds with the world-

 

DID YOU KNOW-a gynaephobic man fears a woman

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What part does a person play in being sanctified?

2-When do you become sanctified?

3-Is sanctification a prerequisite for going to heaven?

4-Is sanctification a "second work of grace"?

5-Can you be or are you sanctified when you are saved?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of England and Scotland authorized a translation of the Bible that was published in 1611?

Answer for today     James 1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 8:6-10

⁶ Jesus told the people to sit on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, gave thanks to God, and divided the bread. He gave the pieces to his followers to give to the people, and they did so. ⁷ The followers also had a few small fish. After Jesus gave thanks for the fish, he told his followers to give them to the people also. ⁸ All the people ate and were satisfied. Then his followers filled seven baskets with the leftover pieces of food. ⁹ There were about four thousand people who ate. After they had eaten, Jesus sent them home. ¹⁰ Then right away he got into a boat with his followers and went to the area of Dalmanutha.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 

Father, we thank You for the record of Scripture that not only encourages, guides, and instructs us, but also provides examples of those who choose to follow or disobey Your commands. The consequence of their actions further instructs us about Your promise of judgment. We also see Your provision of Jesus who mercifully saves us from the awful mess we make of our lives when we forsake Your commands. Though technology has advanced exponentially with each passing generation we find that human behavior remains the same as that from the time of Adam and Eve. We are great sinners and You provide a great Saviour for which we are thankful. In living for Christ we are able to heed the warnings written in Scripture and experience the peace and blessing that comes in walking faithfully with You, our Father and our God. We love You and thank You for Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday February 19, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Jesus did not die for an idea, he died for a person, you and me-

2-God's heart is broken because ours is fallen-

3-Jesus died for us and better yet was raised for us-

4-It has always been God's plan not to just forgive you but also to restore you-

5-Wisdom is not filling our minds with information, it is developing a discerning heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A full year of life takes a full year of experience-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Those who live according to Jesus' example and do what is right find that it can be costly-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Clinophobia is the fear of beds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What part does cleansing play in sanctification?

2-If sanctification includes the cleansing of our sinful nature, how then are we able to choose a sinful act or thought after being sanctified?

3-Is sanctification a one time event?

4-Can you sanctify yourself or can only God do it?

5-Do you lose your salvation and or sanctification if you do a sinful act or have a sinful thought?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What famous church scholar made the much used Latin translation known as the Vulgate?

Answer for today    Jerome

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 8:1-5

Another time there was a great crowd with Jesus that had nothing to eat. So Jesus called his followers and said, ² “I feel sorry for these people, because they have already been with me for three days, and they have nothing to eat. ³ If I send them home hungry, they will faint on the way. Some of them live a long way from here.”

⁴ Jesus’ followers answered, “How can we get enough bread to feed all these people? We are far away from any town.”
⁵ Jesus asked, “How many loaves of bread do you have?”
They answered, “Seven.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 

 Father, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, we want to do our part in standing firm against the growing tide of evil. So we go on the offensive by applying the Sword of the Spirit which helps us understand, interpret and spiritually prepare for that which we were not subjected to in the past. We go on the defensive by suiting up in our spiritual armor; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation.  Like a blanket we cover all these weapons of spiritual warfare in prayer, asking You to prepare us for the daily challenges of living for Christ. We also pray that we will remain faithful and uncompromising to Your Holy Word should we face any cataclysmic event in our lifetime. In the holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

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

Wednesday February 18,2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light-

2-The mind is a fine faculty but the heart is the dwelling place of our true beliefs-

3-Everything you love is what makes a life worth living-

4-To hear God's voice you must listen with your heart-

5-The "heart" is the real you, the real self-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-We all get heavier as we get older because there is so much information in our heads-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Never judge what you don't understand-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Eosophobia is the fear of dawn-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does "full salvation" mean?

2-What does "fallen nature" mean?

3-Jesus' death and resurrection paid the price for salvation for all our sins.  Did this cover just acts, thoughts and behavior or even the desire to do them in the first place?

4-Did God pick and choose who will be saved?

5-Does the word "sanctify" mean any more than to be set apart?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible, now in the British Museum, is the oldest complete Bible in existence?

Answer for today    Codex Sinaitcus

 

 SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 7:31-37

³¹ Then Jesus left the area around Tyre and went through Sidon to Lake Galilee, to the area of the Ten Towns.^{[a] 32} While he was there, some people brought a man to him who was deaf and could not talk plainly. The people begged Jesus to put his hand on the man to heal him.

³³ Jesus led the man away from the crowd, by himself. He put his fingers in the man’s ears and then spit and touched the man’s tongue. ³⁴ Looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to the man, “Ephphatha!” (This means, “Be opened.”) ³⁵ Instantly the man was able to hear and to use his tongue so that he spoke clearly.
³⁶ Jesus commanded the people not to tell anyone about what happened. But the more he commanded them, the more they told about it. ³⁷ They were completely amazed and said, “Jesus does everything well. He makes the deaf hear! And those who can’t talk he makes able to speak.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, as children of the light, we no longer desire the attitudes or behavior we practiced when living in ignorance where darkness reigns. After dying to self You took up residence and equipped us with the necessary tools to battle our struggle against sin. Help us to throw off everything that hinders, entangles, or identifies us with the enemy. Your discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in Your holiness. Self-control is a difficult exercise since it requires self-denial, restraint and full surrender to You. The reward follows as we enjoy a wonderful harvest of right living. Not only will it benefit us personally, but it will result in a testimony of thanksgiving to You, make us more like Christ and be an example to those we seek to influence. We ask Your help in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday February 17, 2015 thought for the day

    HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Love that does not have friendship for it's base is like a mansion built on sand-

2-Be grateful for those who bring happiness to you-

3-Love at first sight is easy to understand but love over a lifetime is a miracle-

4-You and your spouse do not have to think alike to love each other-

5-The faithful love of a woman snoring on the pillow next to mine is the best valentine of all-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The benefit of exercising every day is so when you die they'll say "well, they look good don't they"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Prosperity is only an instrument to be used, not a deity to be worshiped-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Entomophobia is the fear of insects-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is "the way of holiness"?

2-Is it ever right for the Christian to hate?

3-Are we ever guilty of trying to turn evil into something good?

4-Is the term "entire sanctification" a biblical term?

5-Did the Old Testament sacrifices take away the people's sins?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What are the oldest existing copies of pieces of several Old Testament books called?

Answer for today    Dead sea scrolls

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     1 PETER 5:6-7

⁶ Be humble under God’s powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes. ⁷ Give all your worries to him, because he cares about you.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, it is our lifelong desire to love You without reserve, to never be lacking in zeal, and to keep our spiritual fervor as we serve You. We devote ourselves to You only and want to do what is good and right in Your sight so that it may go well with us and we will bring You pleasure. We want to be careful that we do not forget You or fail to observe Your commands You have set forth in Your Word. Otherwise our hearts will grow proud and we will forget our first love. Keep us on the right path all the days of our life we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


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

Monday February 16, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-If you do not quit, you cannot lose-

2-Too many Christians focus on their failures instead of the victory that is theirs through a relationship with God-

3-The secret to success is always the same thing--not talent, luck, good timing, great personality--it is never giving up-

4-Everyone who got where they are had to start where they were-

5-Suffering for being a Christian is a witness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Every time I hear the bad word "exercise" I wash my mouth out with a bottle of soda pop-

 

I'VE LEARNED-No matter how hard you hug your money, it never hugs you back-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Lachanophobia is the fear of vegetables-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If the Holy Spirit is in the world to help us, why do we then pray to God, or Jesus and not the Holy Spirit?

2-Can you be sanctified and not know it?

3-Are all "saved" believers sanctified?

4-Is a holy life a sin free life?

5-What is "inbred sin" and does everyone have it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What famous Greek version of the Old Testament, usually designated by LXX, was supposed to have been completed by seventy scholars working in Alexandria, Egypt, around 250 BC?

Answer for today   The Septuagint

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Mark 7:24-30

²⁴ Jesus left that place and went to the area around Tyre. When he went into a house, he did not want anyone to know he was there, but he could not stay hidden. ²⁵ A woman whose daughter had an evil spirit in her heard that he was there. So she quickly came to Jesus and fell at his feet. ²⁶ She was Greek, born in Phoenicia, in Syria. She begged Jesus to force the demon out of her daughter.

²⁷ Jesus told the woman, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and give it to the dogs. First let the children eat all they want.”
²⁸ But she answered, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs under the table can eat the children’s crumbs.”
²⁹ Then Jesus said, “Because of your answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.”
³⁰ The woman went home and found her daughter lying in bed; the demon was gone.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, far too often our minds can be consumed with things that only money can buy which can also bring discontent for that which we already have. Help us to focus our hearts on that which has lasting value, that brings eternal dividends. As we lift our voice to You this day and turn our hearts toward Your unfailing love we find joy and satisfaction that will not be determined by the events or non-events of this day. When human love is fleeting or disappoints help us to look to Your unfailing love which satisfies. We want to listen carefully to You, eat what is good, and delight ourselves in Your abundance. In the name of Jesus we pray. 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 February 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We will invest in the things which are important to us-

2-You can act your way into feelings-

3-Being grateful can solve a great deal of your problems-

4-Praise is a form of worship-

5-The purpose of praising God is to surrender our pride and thank him by bragging on him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I like long walks especially when they are taken by people who annoy me-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Nycrophobia is the fear of darkness-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can we become "holy" when we are imperfect and flawed?

2-Does letting God be Lord of your life mean you will never make wrong choices or decisions?

3-Can we ever walk before God and live blameless (without sin)?

4-Does God need a holy people to show his holiness?

5-Does holiness make a difference in human relationships?  If so, how?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible translation, popular with contemporary evangelicals, was done under the auspices of the New York International Bible Society and published in 1978?

Answer for today      the NIV (The New International Version)

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 7:17-23

⁷ When Jesus left the people and went into the house, his followers asked him about this story. ¹⁸ Jesus said, “Do you still not understand? Surely you know that nothing that enters someone from the outside can make that person unclean. ¹⁹ It does not go into the mind, but into the stomach. Then it goes out of the body.” (When Jesus said this, he meant that no longer was any food unclean for people to eat.)

²⁰ And Jesus said, “The things that come out of people are the things that make them unclean. ²¹ All these evil things begin inside people, in the mind: evil thoughts, sexual sins, stealing, murder, adultery, ²² greed, evil actions, lying, doing sinful things, jealousy, speaking evil of others, pride, and foolish living. ²³ All these evil things come from inside and make people unclean.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Our Father and God, help us to live our life in a way that does not gratify our flesh, but rather feeds our spirit that is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You have given us opportunity to make a positive difference in this degenerate world. May we, by exercising restraint bring light into this darkened, sin-indulged world. May the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, be evident in our lives so that these attitudes bring about good deeds which glorify You, Father. Others will look at our lives and see beyond our human frailties to recognize the Spirit of God at work in our lives providing example and stimulus to those seeking an alternative to the coarsening darkness of this troubled world.  We pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

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

Saturday February 14, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Good words come from good thoughts-

2-Plan for your future for that is where you will spend the rest of your life-

3-Greed is not defined by what it costs, it is measured by what it costs you-

4-Many a person will die for what they believe in but no one will die for what they know to be a lie-

5-What is the spiritual meaning of the word "heart"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Walking can add minutes to your life.  This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional five months in a nursing home at $9, 000 per month-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The chains of bad habits are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Telephonophobia is the fear of telephones-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean to "grow in grace"?

2-Is God's grace sufficient for all situations?

3-What is meant by "the throne of grace"?

4-What kind of animals had to die for God to provide clothing for Adam and Eve?

5-Should we be comfortable with our walk with God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, published in its entirety in 1971, has been the best selling paraphrase of the Holy Bible?

The Living Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY  Mark 7:9-16

⁹ Then Jesus said to them, “You cleverly ignore the commands of God so you can follow your own teachings. ¹⁰ Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’^[a] and ‘Anyone who says cruel things to his father or mother must be put to death.’^{[b] 11} But you say a person can tell his father or mother, ‘I have something I could use to help you, but it is Corban—a gift to God.’ ¹² You no longer let that person use that money for his father or his mother. ¹³ By your own rules, which you teach people, you are rejecting what God said. And you do many things like that.”

¹⁴ After Jesus called the crowd to him again, he said, “Every person should listen to me and understand what I am saying. ¹⁵ There is nothing people put into their bodies that makes them unclean. People are made unclean by the things that come out of them. [ ¹⁶ Let those with ears use them and listen.]”^[c]

Footnotes:

1. 7:10 ‘Honor . . . Mother.’ Quotation from Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16.
2. 7:10 ‘Anyone . . . Death.’ Quotation from Exodus 21:17.
3. 7:16 Let . . . Listen. Some Greek copies do not contain the bracketed text.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, it is with love that You teach us through the Word that we are not to be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is in our transformation that we finally see clearly the spiritual forces of evil that seek to devastate our lives and destroy us for all of eternity. But now the evil one’s masquerade is over and the light of truth is revealed. Your Word accomplishes that which You desire and achieves the purpose for which You sent it, to set us free us from our sins, to teach us the way to live, to make us bud and flourish, even as You do the plant life on earth. Keep us on the straight and narrow and spur us on to bring as many as possible along with us as we journey onward toward our eternal home. 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 Februay 13, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-It is impossible to go as high as you are capable of going if you are carrying the burden or hate, revenge and bitterness-

2-Grace reveals love, love produces joy-

3-You can tell the caliber of a person by the type of questions they ask-

4-You can't change your life until you change something you do every day-

5-You don't know what you don't know-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't confuse your path with your destination-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You don't always get what you want, you can get what you work for-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Taphephobia is the fear of being buried alive-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What gives us the right to stand in the presence of God?

2-Why would God want a relationship with us?

3-How would our life be different if we allowed God to give us a "God moment of time"?

4-Do Christians have to deal with as many painful circumstances as non Christians?

5-Was there "grace" before Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What were the Israelite priests carrying when they crossed the Jordan on dry ground?

The Ark of the Covenant     Joshua 3:7-17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁷ Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to make you great in the opinion of all the Israelites so the people will know I am with you just as I was with Moses. ⁸ Tell the priests who carry the Ark of the Agreement to go to the edge of the Jordan River and stand in the water.”

⁹ Then Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. ¹⁰ Here is proof that the living God is with you and that he will force out the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites, and Jebusites. ¹¹ The Ark of the Agreement with the Lord of the whole world will go ahead of you into the Jordan River. ¹² Now choose twelve men from among you, one from each of the twelve tribes of Israel. ¹³ The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Master of the whole world, into the Jordan ahead of you. When they step into the water, it will stop. The river will stop flowing and will stand up in a heap.”
¹⁴ So the people left the place where they had camped, and they followed the priests who carried the Ark of the Agreement across the Jordan River. ¹⁵ During harvest the Jordan overflows its banks. When the priests carrying the Ark came to the edge of the river and stepped into the water, ¹⁶ the water upstream stopped flowing. It stood up in a heap a great distance away at Adam, a town near Zarethan. The water flowing down to the Sea of Arabah (the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed the river near Jericho. ¹⁷ The priests carried the Ark of the Agreement with the Lord to the middle of the river and stood there on dry ground. They waited there while all the people of Israel walked across the Jordan River on dry land.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

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



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

Thursday February 12, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Your life is not over but your past is-

2-There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience-

3-The way to get what you want is to want less-

4-The simple message that changed the world forever was "He is not here, he is risen..."

5-The nail pierced hand of Jesus reveals the love filled heart of God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Telephones never nap when we do-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There are 5 deadly words used by a woman-1 Fine, 2 nothing, 3 Go ahead, 4 whatever, 5 that's okay--

 

DID YOU KNOW-Pyrophobia is the fear of fire-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Besides holding the original 10 commandments from God, what was so special about the ark of the covenant?

2-When in scripture did the Hebrew people become the Jewish people?

3-The people on earth from Adam to Abraham were what race of people?

4-Why are most of the stories in 1 and 2 Chronicles also in 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings?

5-Since the Jews broke the covenant with God by sinning so badly that he took away the promised land, does that mean they are no long God's chosen people?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who parted the Jordan by striking it with his mantle?

Elijah     2 Kings 2:8-14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY

⁸ Elijah took off his coat, rolled it up, and hit the water. The water divided to the right and to the left, and Elijah and Elisha crossed over on dry ground.

⁹ After they had crossed over, Elijah said to Elisha, “What can I do for you before I am taken from you?”
Elisha said, “Leave me a double share of your spirit.”^[a]
10 Elijah said, “You have asked a hard thing. But if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours. If you don’t, it won’t happen.”
¹¹ As they were walking and talking, a chariot and horses of fire appeared and separated Elijah from Elisha. Then Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. ¹² Elisha saw it and shouted, “My father! My father! The chariots of Israel and their horsemen!” And Elisha did not see him anymore. Then Elisha grabbed his own clothes and tore them to show how sad he was.
¹³ He picked up Elijah’s coat that had fallen from him. Then he returned and stood on the bank of the Jordan. ¹⁴ Elisha hit the water with Elijah’s coat and said, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” When he hit the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and Elisha crossed over.

Footnotes:

1. 2:9 Leave . . . Spirit By law, the first son in a family would inherit a double share of his father’s possessions. Elisha is asking to inherit a share of his master’s power as his follower. He is not asking for twice as much power as Elijah had.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we know that none of us are 100% humble, for we are clothed in these mortal, fallible bodies. But we do know that Jesus is the model of One completely humble in His humanity and divinity. He did not consider equality with You, our Father, something to be grasped but took on His person hood as a man and became obedient to death on the cross. We look to Him as the supreme example of humility and obedience. As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us, but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that the attitude of gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.


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