Wednesday September 30, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You seldom make wise decisions in a hurry-

2-When you wait on God, your situation may not change but you will-

3-Sin does have temporary pleasures and disobedience has its exhilarating moments-

4-If God does not exist then objective moral values do not exist-

5-The only way a Christian really knows Christianity is true is through the witness of the Holy Spirit-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Diet ice cream

 

I'VE LEARNED-The human spirit can endure sickness but the crushed spirit is hard to bear-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The McDonald's at the Skydome in Toronto is the only one in the world that sells hot dogs-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Whatever happened to Job's wife when God restored to him all he had lost?

2-Wasn't God's verbal response to Job rather sarcastic?

3-In the God story, why did God have to prove anything to Satan?

4-Was/is Satan really the chief of a group of fallen angels?

5-Is there an angry side to God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, one of the prophets, gets quoted in the New Testament more than any Old Testament book-419 times

Isaiah

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 10:29-37

²⁹ But the man, wanting to show the importance of his question, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

³⁰ Jesus answered, “As a man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, some robbers attacked him. They tore off his clothes, beat him, and left him lying there, almost dead. ³¹ It happened that a priest was going down that road. When he saw the man, he walked by on the other side. ³² Next, a Levite^[a] came there, and after he went over and looked at the man, he walked by on the other side of the road. ³³ Then a Samaritan^[b] traveling down the road came to where the hurt man was. When he saw the man, he felt very sorry for him. ³⁴ The Samaritan went to him, poured olive oil and wine^[c] on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put the hurt man on his own donkey and took him to an inn where he cared for him. ³⁵ The next day, the Samaritan brought out two coins,^[d] gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of this man. If you spend more money on him, I will pay it back to you when I come again.’”
³⁶ Then Jesus said, “Which one of these three men do you think was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by the robbers?”
³⁷ The expert on the law answered, “The one who showed him mercy.”
Jesus said to him, “Then go and do what he did.”

Footnotes:

1. 10:32 Levite Levites were members of the tribe of Levi who helped the Jewish priests with their work in the Temple. Read 1 Chronicles 23:24–32.
2. 10:33 Samaritan Samaritans were people from Samaria. These people were part Jewish, but the Jews did not accept them as true Jews. Samaritans and Jews disliked each other.
3. 10:34 olive oil and wine Oil and wine were used like medicine to soften and clean wounds.
4. 10:35 coins Roman denarii. One coin was the average pay for one day’s work.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Loving Father, if only we heard “the wages of sin is death” we would be without hope, for none of us can boast that we are without sin. Yet forgiveness is extended to all who bow their knee and confess with their tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord, who live in accordance with Scripture. Yes, the wages of sin is death but Jesus’ death on the cross provides the transitional word, “but” in this Romans 6:23 Scripture. “The wages of sin is death, BUT the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” No treasure or experience on earth compares with the awesome news that we will spend eternity in heaven because of Your gift provided to us through Jesus. We thank You now and for all eternity. Amen.


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

Tuesday September 29, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God doesn't give a temporary relief, he gives a permanent solution-

2-There is no such thing as an insignificant step on the road to temptation -

3-Few things are more infectious than a Godly lifestyle-

4--Anger is a learned reaction to frustration in which you behave in ways you wished you had not-

5-There is always two sides on the road of conflict-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-definite maybe-

 

I'VE LEARNED-To answer before listening is folly-

 

DID YOU KNOW-McDonald's in New Zealand serves apricot pies instead of cherry ones-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why would God accept a challenge from satan over Job?

2-Is the land of Oz an actual place?

3-Was it fair to Job that God allowed satan to inflict such terrible suffering on him?

4-Were the men who came to Job to console him really his friends?

5-The family that God gave to Job at the end of the book, was it the one he had before his testing or all new children?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "I find no fault in this man"

Answer for today    Pilate    Luke 23:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 10:25-28

²⁵ Then an expert on the law stood up to test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to get life forever?”

²⁶ Jesus said, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?”
²⁷ The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.”^[Also, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
²⁸ Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will live.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, though many of us have sung “This Little light of Mine” since we were small children we’ve often done the opposite of what we’ve sung. We’ve shined our light when it’s safe to do so where others are accepting of who we are as we walk in step with You. But we’ve also “hidden it under a basket” in settings where it was an unwelcome sight. If we are true followers of Christ we will not waver by concealing our light since the “Light of Life” dwells within us. Your indwelling light shows us the way in this land infiltrated with darkness. We choose to walk in the light of Christ which enables us to recognize and overcome the evil tactics of the prince of darkness. Amen.


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

Monday September 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Your best friend gives you complete freedom to be yourself-

2-When imagination is fueled by jealousy, suspicion takes over-

3-Not knowing the future forces us to live one day at a time-

4-Walking in victory is the difference between doing what pleases us or what pleases God-

5-The very people who are out to get us are often the ones who are afraid of us-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Clearly misunderstood-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Humility comes before honor-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The big M on McDonald's signs in Paris is the only one in the world that is white, rather than yellow: it was thought that yellow was too tacky-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the story of Esther a very moral story as it concludes with a blood bath in which more than 75,000 Persian enemies of the Jews are massacred?

2-Was Job a Jew?

3-What is the main message of the book of Job?

4-Was the story of Job an actual event or a story based on folklore?

5-Why would satan challenge God to a bet over Job?  Wouldn't he know God would win it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Will  you also destroy the righteous with the wicked"?

Answer for today      Abraham     Genesis 18:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 10:23-24

²³ Then Jesus turned to his followers and said privately, “You are blessed to see what you now see.
 ²⁴ I tell you many prophets and kings wanted to see what you now see, but they did not, and they wanted to hear what you now hear, but they did not.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, I separate myself from the distracting desires and destructive deeds that pull me back into the world where Satan rules with his power of darkness. No longer do I seek after that which gratifies only the flesh, but I find lasting satisfaction in that which feeds my soul and guides me all the days of my life. There is absolutely nothing of worth here on earth that equals the gift of salvation through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ which also includes the bonus of eternity in heaven. 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-

Friday September 25, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God is never at a loss to know what he is going to do in our situations-

2-Faith is trusting God when we don't know what tomorrow  holds-

3-Hindsight always gives a lot of insight-

4-When work becomes pleasure there is no reason to complain-

5-God is good to not show us tomorrow until tomorrow-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Civil war-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Even in laughter the heart may ache-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A man named Ed Peterson is the inventor of the Egg McMuffin-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God send Jonah to Ninevah, the capital of the Assyrians when they were non Jewish enemies of Israel?

2-Why is the name of God never mentioned in the book of Esther?

3-Who wrote the book of Esther and when was it written?

4-Was the book of Esther an actual event that happened or a story that was told?

5-Is there any historical evidence linking the story of Esther to authentic Persian history?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Behold, the day comes, that all this in your house, and that which your fathers have laid up in store unto this day, shall be carried into Babylon"-

Answer for today    Isaiah      2 Kings 20:17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 10:21-24

²¹ Then Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the people who are wise and smart. But you have shown them to those who are like little children. Yes, Father, this is what you really wanted.

²² “My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father. And no one knows who the Father is, except the Son and those whom the Son chooses to tell.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, I pray that You will guard my heart so that I am not lured into reckless desires that originate from worldly thinking and godless behavior. I know, in my heart, that these worldly desires lead to ruin and destruction as they gradually lead me to abandon godly principles and holy living. May godless trends and philosophies be evident to me as I reject the enemy’s plan to gradually dull my senses to what is falsely called knowledge and the enlightenment of our age. May I always pursue righteousness through a vibrant faith in You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Master regardless of the consequences.  Amen.

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

Thursday September 24, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Christianity isn't true because it works, it works because it is true-

2-A person resists God because of a moral resistance that refuses to admit their need for God-

3-It is the person who wants to know God that God reveals himself to-

4-It is in the little things and the lonely places that we prove ourselves capable of the big things-

5-The conversion of a soul is the miracle of a moment, the making of a saint is a task of a lifetime-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Campaign promise-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Most of the Psalms speak to God or about God-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Four hundred quarter pounders can be made out of one cow-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What land is the actual land of Magog?

2-Who was Zerubbabel and what happened to him?

3-Was Malachi a real person and did he write the book with his name?

4-Was Malachi the last old testament book written?

5-Was the story of Jonah an actual happening or a parable written 400 years after he lived?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Am I a dog, that you come to me with staves?

Answer for today    Goliath    1 Samuel 17:43

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 10:17-20

¹⁷ When the seventy-two^[a] came back, they were very happy and said, “Lord, even the demons obeyed us when we used your name!”

¹⁸ Jesus said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. ¹⁹ Listen, I have given you power to walk on snakes and scorpions, power that is greater than the enemy has. So nothing will hurt you. ²⁰ But you should not be happy because the spirits obey you but because your names are written in heaven.”

Footnotes:

1. 10:17 seventy-two Some Greek copies read “seventy.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner. I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me.  I place my faith in You and ask You to forgive me of my sins.  I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You. Thank You for what You have done for me and for hearing my prayer.

 

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

Wednesday September 23, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Faith for faith's sake is meaningless-

2-It is not the amount of faith you can muster up, it must be based on something solid-

3-Being a disciple means you are a follower learner-

4-Faith is active, it is never just mental assent-

5-When we begin to have faith, God will validate it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Awful good-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Our actions speak louder than our words-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Seven percent of Americans eat at McDonald's every day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why wasn't Gomer stoned to death as ordered in the mosaic laws?

2-Why has the book of Isaiah been called "the fifth gospel"?

3-Why is the book of Isaiah considered to be a composition of at least three different narratives?

4-Did Mary have to be a virgin in order to give birth to Jesus?

5-Who wrote the book of Lamentations?

 

BIOBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands"?

Answer for today     the women of Israel       1 Samuel 18:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 10:13-16

¹³ “How terrible for you, Korazin! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! If the miracles I did in you had happened in Tyre and Sidon,^[a] those people would have changed their lives long ago. They would have worn rough cloth and put ashes on themselves to show they had changed. ¹⁴ But on the Judgment Day it will be better for Tyre and Sidon than for you. ¹⁵ And you, Capernaum,^[b] will you be lifted up to heaven? No! You will be thrown down to the depths!

¹⁶ “Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever refuses to accept you refuses to accept me. And whoever refuses to accept me refuses to accept the One who sent me.”

Footnotes:

1. 10:13 Tyre and Sidon Towns where wicked people lived.
2. 10:13, 15 Korazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum Towns by Lake Galilee where Jesus preached to the people.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, when we take up the full armor of God, we are able to stand even as the fiery darts of the devil are hurled in our direction. As we consider those who are standing for the right and being attacked by the enemy we lift them up in prayer and esteem them as people of solid integrity. Though at the present their circumstances may make them feel less than victorious, soon theirs will be the victory march. For when we are not hesitant to proclaim the whole will of God we truly are victorious, when we have not allowed the enemy to overcome us, but we instead overcome our enemy. Keep us faithful, trusting, and demonstrating in love the whole will of God. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday September 21, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You can have doubts even when you believe-

2-Where there is absolutely no doubt, there is probably no healthy faith-

3-A faith that is challenged by adversity or tough  times is often a stronger faith in the end-

4-Doubts can sometimes serve as a positive purpose but it can be deceiving to take all doubts at face value-

5-Faith is simply a choice to believe, a decision of the will-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-artificial intelligence-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silence is argument carried out by other means-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ray Kroc bought McDonalds for $2.7 million in 1961 from the McDonald brothers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do David and Solomon deserve the title of ancient Israelite "party animals"?

2-Why are the Jews called "God's chosen people"?

3-Why did God ask Hosea to marry a prostitute?

4-Hosea's wife Gomer did lots of sexual waywardness.  How could he possibly want her back as a wife?

5-How could Hosea's love always turn away anger?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "This is one of the Hebrew's children".

Answer for the day      Pharaoh's daughter     Exodus 2:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 10:9-12

⁹ Heal the sick who live there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’ ¹⁰ But if you go into a town, and the people don’t welcome you, then go into the streets and say, ¹¹ ‘Even the dirt from your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you.^[a] But remember that the kingdom of God is near.’ ¹² I tell you, on the Judgment Day it will be better for the people of Sodom^[b] than for the people of that town.

Footnotes:

1. 10:11 dirt . . . You A warning. It showed that they had rejected these people.
2. 10:12 Sodom City that God destroyed because the people were so evil.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You teach us to work, to do something useful with our hands, that we may care for our own as well as sharing with those in need. Help us to be mindful of the daily blessing of health and strength that makes it possible for us to be productive, contributing members of our society. Forgive us when we grumble and complain, thinking only on the negative when it comes to the type of work we do or the employees associated with it. Instead help us to recognize the blessing of labor and do our work heartily as for You, knowing that it is from You that we receive Your blessing through our obedience. We can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.  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 September 20, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-An unaccountable life is a dangerous life- 

2-What a deterrent to sin it would be if before the fact we could see the impact of our choices-

3-The older I get, the more questions I have-

4-The measure of love is not feelings but behavior-

5-Faith is not about always having positive emotional feelings toward God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Alone together

 

I'VE LEARNED-Arguing is not communication, it is just noise-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A tea in China called white tea is simply boiled water-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Chronicles is said to be the readers digest version of everything that had already taken place in the Bible from Genesis on.  Why are things stated so different, or overlooked here than previous books?

2-When were the Hebrew scriptures (books) put in the order they are now?

3-What is the "Babylonian Talmud"?

4-When and where did antisemitism start?

5-Is it correct to call Jews "Christ killers" as some have done?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Is it hard for you to kick against the pricks"?

Answer for the day   Jesus     Acts 9:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 10:1-9

10 After this, the Lord chose seventy-two^[a] others and sent them out in pairs ahead of him into every town and place where he planned to go. ² He said to them, “There are a great many people to harvest, but there are only a few workers. So pray to God, who owns the harvest, that he will send more workers to help gather his harvest. ³ Go now, but listen! I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. ⁴ Don’t carry a purse, a bag, or sandals, and don’t waste time talking with people on the road. ⁵ Before you go into a house, say, ‘Peace be with this house.’ ⁶ If peace-loving people live there, your blessing of peace will stay with them, but if not, then your blessing will come back to you. ⁷ Stay in the same house, eating and drinking what the people there give you. A worker should be given his pay. Don’t move from house to house. ⁸ If you go into a town and the people welcome you, eat what they give you. ⁹ Heal the sick who live there, and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God is near you.’

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, the Psalmist writes that we are to be still and know that You are God. And yet we run to and fro looking for solutions to the problems at hand. We purchase the newest and latest book to hopefully make us more victorious Christians. We charge up our phone or other electronic device playing Christian music that will surely elevate us to higher ground in You. We listen to great teachers of Scripture and expect that we will be stronger, wiser, and more sensitive to Your Spirit. While all of these things serve us well and build us up in the faith, there is also needed time for solace that we need to work into our schedule, a time where we block out noise, activity, and other people so that we can listen carefully for Your still small voice in an unrushed and quiet setting. For most of us that’s early in the morning before the phone rings and family members, job duties or chores demand our attention. Just as the Psalmist requested in Psalm 5, “Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation…for unto Thee will I pray, my voice shalt Thou hear in the morning…unto Thee I will look up.” Or as Job spoke these words, “Teach me, and I will be quiet…” (Job 6:24).

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

Friday September 18, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Old age is no guarantee of maturity-

2-We are never immune from sin's appeal-

3-There is no such thing as outgrowing the lure of sin-

4-We are most vulnerable to falling immediately following a spiritual victory-

5-The real battle for the control of our lives occurs in the mind-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Oxymoron-almost exactly-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The most wasted of all days is one without a prayer-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Less than 2% of the water on earth is fresh-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When some boys made fun of Elisha's bald head, he cursed them in God's name and 42 were killed by bears.  Did they die simply for making fun of the prophet?

2-What was the end of the kingdom of Israel?  It was composed of 10 tribes.  Whatever happened to them?

3-Where did the people known as Samaritans come from?

4-Why was there so much enmity between the Samaritans and the Jews?

5-What was the "Book of the Law" found in Josiah's time"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons"?

Answer for today      Peter    Acts  10:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 9:57-62

⁵⁷ As they were going along the road, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you any place you go.”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “The foxes have holes to live in, and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head.”
⁵⁹ Jesus said to another man, “Follow me!”
But he said, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
⁶⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Let the people who are dead bury their own dead. You must go and tell about the kingdom of God.”
⁶¹ Another man said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me go and say good-bye to my family.”
⁶² Jesus said, “Anyone who begins to plow a field but keeps looking back is of no use in the kingdom of God.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, You have instructed us through Scripture to bear one another’s burdens so that we fulfill the law of Christ. The law is fulfilled in one commandment, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself”. This compels us to express loving compassion toward our brothers and sisters as they undergo trial helping to bear their burden as they bear our burden as well. Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Thursday September 17, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Indifference is rage controlled-

2-The humbled forgiven make good forgivers-

3-Being aware of your own shortcomings should give you patience with others wrong doings-

4-The proud have a hard time forgiving-

5-God's power is best displayed when we are weak-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Oxymoron-airline food-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Raise your words, not your voice.  It is rain that grows glowers, not thunder-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It is impossible to get water out of  a rimless tire except by vacuuming-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who did the actual building of Solomon's temple in Jerusalem?

2-Who designed the layout of Solomon's Jerusalem temple?

3-Solomon's Jerusalem temple had twelve bull statues.  This animal was typically associated with the Canaanite god baal.  What were they doing in a Jewish temple?

4-The Queen of Sheeba came from where to see Solomon.  Where was Sheeba located?

5-Why did Israel and Judah stop having kings and went to prophets instead-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Behold the handmaiden of the Lord"-

Answer for today        Mary     Luke 1:38

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke  9:51-56

⁵¹ When the time was coming near for Jesus to depart, he was determined to go to Jerusalem. ⁵² He sent some messengers ahead of him, who went into a town in Samaria to make everything ready for him. ⁵³ But the people there would not welcome him, because he was set on going to Jerusalem. ⁵⁴ When James and John, followers of Jesus, saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven and destroy those people?

⁵⁵ But Jesus turned and scolded them. [And Jesus said, “You don’t know what kind of spirit you belong to. ⁵⁶ The Son of Man did not come to destroy the souls of people but to save them.” Then they went to another town.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we thank You for the New Testament Scriptures that highlight the many miracles of Jesus as He made Himself available to the common people, the sick people, and even the people driven mad by demons. Not only did You break the chains and fetters that people used to bind the demon possessed Gerasene when he was out of his mind, but You broke the chains and fetters that bound him to the evil control of Satan. He had a great, miraculous story of deliverance to spread throughout the community and in his own home. Our stories may seem to us much less spectacular, but when our bonds of sin are broken our deliverance is just as miraculous. So we pray for courage and motivation to share Your love by telling what You have done for us. We want to share Your love by sharing of our faith so that we show the world that Jesus Christ is real to us every moment, every day. Amen.

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

Wednesday September 16, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Most of us would rather sit on the judgement seat than on the mercy seat-

2-You will never be more alone emotionally than when you are in the whirlwind of consequences-

3-Forgiveness is not just about the other person, it is also about us-

4-Forgiveness comes easier when we remember times in our own past when we failed and were forgiven-

5-The worst sin toward others is not to hate them but to be indifferent to them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Advanced basic

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silence is never more golden than when a quarrel is brewing-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Drinking water after eating reduces the acid in your mouth by 61 percent-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was "the book of the Chronicles of the King of Judah" and what ever happened to it"?   

 2-King Solomon built shrines or "high places" for many of his wives.  Which foreign god was the most reprehensible?

3-In King Solomon's time, what was a valley called "Gehennah" known for?

4-In the Bible, the name of what place came to be a synonym for hell?

5-Solomon may have been intelligent but was he wise?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "if it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him"?

Answer for today      Esther      5:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   

⁴⁹ John answered, “Master, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of people. We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group.”

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Don’t stop him, because whoever is not against you is for you.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY  

Father, in our responsibility of neighborliness, You call us to reach not just our family or those with whom we share space in our neighborhood. But You call us to connect with the unlovely, the lonely, the outcast, and those who besmirch Your name. We often shirk our responsibility by reasoning that we don’t have the giftings, tools, training or resources to reach outside our own neighborhood. But if You have brought people to our attention You will provide us with all that is needed to show Your love, for we do it by telling what You have done for us. We share Your love by sharing of our faith so that the world knows that Jesus Christ is real to us every moment, every day. We pray for the desire and the will to be vessels suited for Your purpose in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday September 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-When you sin, the pleasure of the planting is surpassed by the pain of the harvest-

2-If sin were never pleasurable, we would never do it-

3-Confession and forgiveness do not stop the harvest-

4-You cannot sow wild oats and then pray for a crop failure-

5-Those who have no close friends have to be the loneliest people on earth-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-act naturally

 

I'VE LEARNED-Be calm in arguing, for fierceness makes error a fault and truth discourtesy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most common name for a pastor's boat is "visitation"-When someone calls to talk to the pastor the secretary can say "He is out on visitation!"

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is there no evidence outside of the Bible to verify the existence of an Israelite king named David?

2-Why was David's first wife childless?

3-What was the "book of Solomon" and what happened to it?

4-What was Abishag the Shunamite's primary duty?

5-Why would King Solomon want so many women as princesses or concubines?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "I know that thou can do everything, and that no thought can be withheld from thee?"

Answer for the day      Job     Job 42:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 9:46-48

⁴⁶ Jesus’ followers began to have an argument about which one of them was the greatest. ⁴⁷ Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he took a little child and stood the child beside him. ⁴⁸ Then Jesus said, “Whoever accepts this little child in my name accepts me. And whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me, because whoever is least among you all is really the greatest.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we could bemoan the fact that there are so many heartless people in the world, that evil dominates the headlines, that people in general are not trustworthy, and that terrorism is always a looming threat. But we are heartened and find deep joy in knowing that there are scores and scores of good people who seek to make this world a better place. One of the best ways we can do this is to share Your love by telling others what You have done for us, by sharing of our faith and showing others that Jesus Christ is real to us. Grant us courage to witness to others of the salvation You provide to all who surrender their hearts to You. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen


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

Monday September 14, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God not only does the right thing, he does it at the right time-

2-When there is true repentance, there is a desire to make a complete break from sin-

3-Forsaking of sin follows a true confession of sin-

4-A contrite heart makes no demands and no expectations-

5-All sins are forgivable when confessed and forsaken but some sins carry tremendous consequences-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't feel well, make an appointment to see the doctor.  By the time you get there, you will feel better. 

 If you don't make an appointment you will stay sick-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Say what you mean, but don't say it mean-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most common name for a boat in 1996 was "Serenity"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Saul an old man or a young man at the time of the Goliath battle?

2-After David killed Goliath, why didn't Saul know who he was?

3-1 Samuel says Goliath was about 9 feet tall.  In a version of the Goliath story found in the dead sea scrolls he was reported to be 7 feet tall.  Which is correct and why the difference?

4-In 2nd Samuel chapter 21, it is stated that a soldier kills Goliath.  Why the difference.  Who really killed Goliath?

5-How and why did David join up with the Philistines?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "My father chastised you with whips, I will chastise you with scorpions"?

Answer for today      Rehoboam     1 kings 12:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 9:43-45

While everyone was wondering about all that Jesus did, he said to his followers, ⁴⁴ “Don’t forget what I tell you now: The Son of Man will be handed over to people.” ⁴⁵ But the followers did not understand what this meant; the meaning was hidden from them so they could not understand. But they were afraid to ask Jesus about it.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as genuine Christians we have forsaken the darkness and choose to walk in the light of Christ. In doing so we must be very careful not to substitute darkness for light or light for darkness. Otherwise we are expecting You to alter Your commands to accommodate the errant principles and philosophies of every nation, culture, and generation. You are the One True Supreme God who established Your unchanging, inerrant truths and commands before the world came into being. We choose to obey You not because it’s popular, rather we choose to obey You because You created us and made it possible through Christ that we would spend eternity with You in heaven. Though shadows surround us they never conceal our Saviour and Guide; for He is the light, in Him there is no darkness at all as He is ever walking close to our side. 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-

Friday Sepember 11, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-There is no real resistance to satan in lust other than fleeing-

2-If you do not flee temptation you will fall-

3-Satan never tips his hand while tempting you-

4-When you are in the midst of panic, you don't make wise decisions-

5-When you act in panic, you don't think logically-you react-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-As soon as you find a product you like, they will stop making it or the store will stop selling it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Let angry words be answered only with a kiss-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most common Swedish surname is Johansson-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the writer of I and ll Samuel, Samuel himself or of several writers?

2-How many women in scripture were without children who were divinely blessed after making a vow that a son would be consecrated to God?

3-How long was Saul king over the Israelites?

4-God chose Saul to be king but did Samuel like the man?

5-Why did God chose Saul to be king when he was such a tragic person with fatal flaws?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee, for wither thou goest, I will go?"

Answer for the day      Ruth     1:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 9:37-43

³⁷ The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. ³⁸ A man in the crowd shouted to him, “Teacher, please come and look at my son, because he is my only child. ³⁹ An evil spirit seizes my son, and suddenly he screams. It causes him to lose control of himself and foam at the mouth. The evil spirit keeps on hurting him and almost never leaves him. ⁴⁰ I begged your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they could not do it.”

⁴¹ Jesus answered, “You people have no faith, and your lives are all wrong. How long must I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
⁴² While the boy was coming, the demon threw him on the ground and made him lose control of himself. But Jesus gave a strong command to the evil spirit and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. ⁴³ All the people were amazed at the great power of God.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, Your love comes like a light in the darkness, the bright star in the east that burst forth in the Bethlehem skies. The hosts of heaven made it a song of joy and celebration as Jesus was born into the world, the Saviour for all mankind. In the darkness of night the light of Christ appeared drawing people near and far to follow Him, then and now. And at the same time there are many who are drawn to darkness who are indifferent or intolerant of anything that pertains to Jesus and the salvation He provided. And, tragically, there are those who once walked in the light who have entered into the caverns of darkness and taken on the attitudes and actions consistent with those who walk in darkness. We don’t understand such thinking since we who once were blind can now see, but we know it to be true. Thank You for the freedom to choose, and Lord, we choose You now and for all eternity! Amen.

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

Wednesday September 9, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The best proof of your love for God is obedience-nothing more, nothing less, nothing else-

2-When God says no, it is not necessarily discipline or rejection, it may be redirection-

3-Grace-extending special favor to someone who doesn't deserve it, who hasn't earned it and can never repay it-

4-All the men and women in scripture have feet of clay-

5-Pride happens when everything is going your way-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-a closed mouth gathers no feet-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The more gratitude, the less criticism-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most common Russian name is Ivanov-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was the book of Judges put in  the Bible?  You wouldn't want your children to read it-

2-Why would anyone want to read the Book of Judges with its "x rated" material--violence, sex, warfare?

3-The Moabites are descendants from whom?

4-Ruth laid next to a sleeping Boaz and uncovered his feet.  What did that mean?

5-Why was the Book of Samuel expanded into two books and when was it done?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Cast out this bondwoman and her son, for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son"?

Answer for the day      Sarah       Genesis 21:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     LUKE 9:28-36

²⁸ About eight days after Jesus said these things, he took Peter, John, and James and went up on a mountain to pray. ²⁹ While Jesus was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became shining white. ³⁰ Then two men, Moses and Elijah, were talking with Jesus. ³¹ They appeared in heavenly glory, talking about his departure which he would soon bring about in Jerusalem. ³² Peter and the others were very sleepy, but when they awoke fully, they saw the glory of Jesus and the two men standing with him. ³³ When Moses and Elijah were about to leave, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” (Peter did not know what he was talking about.)

³⁴ While he was saying these things, a cloud came and covered them, and they became afraid as the cloud covered them. ³⁵ A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to him!”
³⁶ When the voice finished speaking, only Jesus was there. Peter, John, and James said nothing and told no one at that time what they had seen.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we thank You that we no longer belong to the night or to the darkness. Instead You’ve turn our redeemed hearts toward that which is bright, full of life, truth, and power placing eternity’s values in view. There is much that allures us to that which that which would engulf us in darkness again since the enemy is cunning, deceptive and persuasive. Help us to be stronger and wiser so that we are not prey to the devil’s tactics, because we have put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. Through Christ we overcome darkness through His marvelous light and it is in His name that we pray. Amen.


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

Friday September 8, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-No character trait is more important than genuine integrity-

2-Prosperity and ease are perilous times, not just blessings-

3-Gross sin is a culmination of a process not just a sudden act-

4-Confession and repentance help heal a wound but they never erase all the scars-

5-Do nothing until it is right, then do it with all your might-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If the clothes fit, they are ugly-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no success without the risk of failure-

 

DID YOU KNOW-    The most common Spanish surname is Garcia-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who was JEPHTHAH and how did he become one of the Israelite judges?

2-Why did God allow Jephthah to sacrifice his daughter and not stop him as he did with Abraham and Isaac?

3-Was Delilah a Philistine or an Israelite?

4-Who cut Samson's hair that caused him to lose his strength?

5-Whatever happened to Delilah after Samson was killed by the temple falling on him and others.  Could she have been killed when Samson was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "Can the blind lead the blind?  Shall they not both fall into the ditch?"

Answer for the day      Jesus    Luke 6:39

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY-Luke 9:23-27

²³ Jesus said to all of them, “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing to give up their lives daily to follow me. ²⁴ Those who want to save their lives will give up true life. But those who give up their lives for me will have true life. ²⁵ It is worthless to have the whole world if they themselves are destroyed or lost. ²⁶ If people are ashamed of me and my teaching, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and with the glory of the Father and the holy angels. ²⁷ I tell you the truth, some people standing here will see the kingdom of God before they die.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we are grateful for the various means and the variety of people to whom You choose to deliver the life-changing Gospel message that gives us a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. As we have been tremendously blessed in receiving this gift of eternal life, stir us to action in reaching others with the same message of salvation so that they are snatched from the fire, bearing fruit and growing as we journey together here below. Bless our missionaries who use unconventional means to present the Gospel and protect them from enemy warfare. We do pray for our many brothers and sisters who are jailed, persecuted, and separated from family because they stand for Christ. Keep us strong in our spiritual walk as we experience growing ridicule and the passage of laws that mock our faith and strip us of our Christian freedoms. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.

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

Monday September 7, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-There is nothing wrong with roots, but we can love them too much-

2-If you are determined to leave the familiar, faith must be your security-

3-We either live by faith or fear-

4-Faith is not belief without proof but trust without reservation-

5-Nothing is more important than the cultivation of a Godly family-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I realize every morning that nothing I say today will teach me anything.  So if I am going to learn something today I'll have to do it by listening-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most common name in Italy is "Mario Rossi"

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When the walls of Jericho fell, what happened to all of the inhabitants?

2-The prostitute rahab was the mother of who?

3-How did Deborah rise to prominence as a woman judge leader?

4-Should the book of judges receive an "R" rating for all the sex and violence contained in it?  

5-When did human sacrifices stop for the Israelites?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you"?answer for today       Rahab       Joshua   2:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 9:21-22

²¹ Jesus warned them not to tell anyone, saying, ²² “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He will be rejected by the Jewish elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law. He will be killed and after three days will be raised from the dead.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY    

Father, Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations right down to our own. You are faithful to all Your promises and loving toward all that You have made so we rely on Your faithfulness and love to guide us and hold us firm when the world around us is shaking. When fear and doubt preoccupy our thoughts turn our minds instead to Scripture that speaks of Your many promises reminding us that You will never fail us and You will never forsake us but You will graciously give us all things to build us up and grow us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For spiritual nurturing we feed daily on Your Word. And for vitamins we enjoy many other godly sources that strengthen our Christian sojourn here below. In the name of Jesus we thank You for all that You provide. 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-