Saturday October 31, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God transforms our hopeless grief into hope filled grief-

2-We need to live so when Jesus returns we can be without fear and not be ashamed in his presence-

3-God has only one requirement for entrance into heaven, that we clothed in Christ-

4-Heaven will be  wonderful not only because of what is present but because of what is absent-

5-What is missing in heaven will never be missed-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Positive campaigning-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Broken promises shatter trust and destroy relationships-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Onions are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and fiber.  They also help circulation-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my father in heaven.  What is that?

2-Is this true or false, "piety is easy, Christianity is hard"?

3-If false prophets can do miracles in Jesus name, how can we know for sure they are?

4-Of all the things Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, which are the most difficult to do?

5-Why did Jesus often say challenging, demanding, confusing, contradictory, puzzling things?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book-"Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy"-

answer for today        Leviticus  19:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 12:57-59

⁵⁷ “Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? ⁵⁸ If your enemy is taking you to court, try hard to settle it on the way. If you don’t, your enemy might take you to the judge, and the judge might turn you over to the officer, and the officer might throw you into jail. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you will not get out of there until you have paid everything you owe.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we thank You for the way You bless Your people. You richly provide for our needs and supply us with hope that is not diminished by the circumstances of this world. We want to share from our spiritual and material abundance so that we lay up treasure for ourselves in the eternal life that is promised to all believers. Make us aware of opportunities to enrich others with the blessings we receive from You every day. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen
TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BESSING, BE A FRIEND, ENCOURAGE SOMEONE, TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND-

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God transforms our hopeless grief into hope filled grief-

2-We need to live so when Jesus returns we can be without fear and not be ashamed in his presence-

3-God has only one requirement for entrance into heaven, that we clothed in Christ-

4-Heaven will be  wonderful not only because of what is present but because of what is absent-

5-What is missing in heaven will never be missed-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Positive campaigning-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Broken promises shatter trust and destroy relationships-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Onions are low in calories and a good source of vitamin C, calcium, potassium, and fiber.  They also help circulation-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said not everyone who says to me "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of my father in heaven.  What is that?

2-Is this true or false, "piety is easy, Christianity is hard"?

3-If false prophets can do miracles in Jesus name, how can we know for sure they are?

4-Of all the things Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, which are the most difficult to do?

5-Why did Jesus often say challenging, demanding, confusing, contradictory, puzzling things?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book-"Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy"-

answer for today        Leviticus  19:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 12:57-59

⁵⁷ “Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? ⁵⁸ If your enemy is taking you to court, try hard to settle it on the way. If you don’t, your enemy might take you to the judge, and the judge might turn you over to the officer, and the officer might throw you into jail. ⁵⁹ I tell you, you will not get out of there until you have paid everything you owe.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we thank You for the way You bless Your people. You richly provide for our needs and supply us with hope that is not diminished by the circumstances of this world. We want to share from our spiritual and material abundance so that we lay up treasure for ourselves in the eternal life that is promised to all believers. Make us aware of opportunities to enrich others with the blessings we receive from You every day. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen

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

Friday October 30, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Heaven is a perfect place for people made perfect-

2-If we are included in Jesus' sin conquering death, we also are included in his life saving resurrection-

3-The resurrection of Jesus is proof and preview of our own resurrection-

4-The resurrection is the keystone of Christianity-

5-We all must release the hand of one we love into the hand of one we have not seen-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Politically correct-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Broken promises shatter trust and destroy relationships-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Eating raw onions is good for unblocking a stuffed nose-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said "The measure you give will be the measure you get."  So, should we give to get?

2-What did Jesus mean saying "Do not give what is holy to dogs and don't throw pearls before swine"?  How do we do this?

3-Jesus said "Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened".  Is this always true?  Jesus didn't put any qualifications with his statement.

4-Jesus said "In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you.  Is this possible?

5-Is everyone known by their fruits?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book?--"An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth"    Matthew 5:38

Answer for today    Exodus 21:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:54-56

⁵⁴ Then Jesus said to the people, “When you see clouds coming up in the west, you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it happens. ⁵⁵ When you feel the wind begin to blow from the south, you say, ‘It will be a hot day,’ and it happens. ⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You know how to understand the appearance of the earth and sky. Why don’t you understand what is happening now?

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, You make it possible for us to move from defeat to victory with Your many provisions and promises revealed throughout Scripture; the victory verses that show us how to be strong in our weakness, how to exercise self-control in temptation, how to trust instead of doubt, how to be consoled in the midst of our sorrow. And in our death we find life everlasting. You are truly our all in all! So we look to You for victory as You supply everything we need. Amen.


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

Thursday October 29, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The first step after a failure (sin) must be toward the cross-

2-God promises to come at an unexpected time and take us from the world we know to a glorious world we don't yet know-

3-Don't think thoughts you don't want Jesus to know-

4-For the Christian, the return of Jesus is not a mystery to be solved but a day to be anticipated-

5-We make room for Jesus in our hearts and he makes room for us in his father's house-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Political science-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Wealth and luxury bring false security-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Eggplant is a member of the thistle family-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is most of our worship, prayer and praising to be done in private, not in public?

2-If we attempt to have a good savings, are we serving wealth?

3-Jesus said not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth.  Should Christians not save for retirement, their future or unexpected events?

4-Is all worrying a lack of trust in God to provide?

5-Jesus said not to worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Why did he say this when he just told us not to worry at all?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book-"Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.    Matthew 4:10

Answer for today   Deuteronomy    6:13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 12:49-53

⁴⁹ “I came to set fire to the world, and I wish it were already burning! ⁵⁰ I have a baptism^[a] to suffer through, and I feel very troubled until it is over. ⁵¹ Do you think I came to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I came to divide it. ⁵² From now on, a family with five people will be divided, three against two, and two against three. ⁵³ They will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”

Footnotes:

1. 12:50 I . . . Baptism Jesus was talking about the suffering he would soon go through.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY  

Father, we know that Satan is a thief who “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” and millions fall victim to his enticements. You created us to have an emotional desire for physical and sexual intimacy and in Your perfect plan it is to be fulfilled in a marriage covenant. Knowing our inclination to sin, help us to carefully lay boundary lines to keep us from feeding lust since it can spread like gangrene. Forgive us where we have resented, ignored, or disobeyed Your truths in this area of our lives and help us in dealing with the consequences of our disobedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-

Wednesday October 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The cross of Jesus has two beams-the horizontal one represents the width of his love, the vertical one represents the height of his holiness-

2-Saturday is when you are between yesterday's tragedy and tomorrow's triumph-

3-Friday's tragedy is Sunday's  triumph-

4-You could be only a Saturday away from your resurrection-

5-God does more than forgive our mistakes/sins, he removes them from our record-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Plymouth reliant-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is much better to face reality than to live a lie-

 

DID YOU KNOW-You use more calories eating celery than there are in celery itself-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said "be perfect as your heavenly father is perfect".  Does this refer to living without sin?

2-Jesus tells us not to pray repetitious prayers.  What kind are they?

3-Why is "The Lord's Prayer" so shortened in Luke as compared to Matthew?  Is there any importance to the difference?

4-In praying the Lord's prayer, should we use the word "trespasses" or "debts"?  Is there a different meaning in the two words?

5-Jesus said when we pray to go to our room, shut the door and pray in secret.  Should there be no public prayers of any kind?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book?-"Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve"-Matthew 4:7

Answer for today      Deuteronomy  6:17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:41-48

⁴¹ Peter said, “Lord, did you tell this story to us or to all people?”

⁴² The Lord said, “Who is the wise and trusted servant that the master trusts to give the other servants their food at the right time? ⁴³ When the master comes and finds the servant doing his work, the servant will be blessed. ⁴⁴ I tell you the truth, the master will choose that servant to take care of everything he owns. ⁴⁵ But suppose the servant thinks to himself, ‘My master will not come back soon,’ and he begins to beat the other servants, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. ⁴⁶ The master will come when that servant is not ready and is not expecting him. Then the master will cut him in pieces and send him away to be with the others who don’t obey.
⁴⁷ “The servant who knows what his master wants but is not ready, or who does not do what the master wants, will be beaten with many blows! ⁴⁸ But the servant who does not know what his master wants and does things that should be punished will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded. And from the one trusted with much, much more will be expected.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father God, You have called us to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart to show forth the praises of Christ who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Since You have brightened our darkness we will not conceal it in the privacy of our own home or car, but we will shine the light of Christ wherever we are; in the marketplace, in the business place, in the neighborhood, in the voting booth, in church and wherever we have opportunity to bring forth light in this world of darkness. We can make a difference and want to do so. We want to witness faithfully through Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we pray.  Amen.


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

Tuesday October 27, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Jesus work of salvation is complete but the progressive work of salvation is on going-

2-Jesus offers not a single drink of water but a perpetual artesian well-

3-Marriage is both a done deal and a daily development, something you did and something you do-

4-The blood of Jesus does not cover our sins, conceal our sins, postpone our sins or diminish our sins, it removes our sins for good-

5-The cross as a tool of execution came to embody the Christian religion of love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-plastic silverware-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We are all capable of hypocrisy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ninety percent of the vitamin C in Brussels sprouts is lost in cooking-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount "if you are angry with someone you are liable to judgement."  Does that mean we are all murderers?

2-Can we be angry with anyone and not be classified as a murderer?

3-Is it possible for a man to look at a beautiful woman and admire her looks without committing lust in his heart?

4-Jesus said in the Sermon on he Mount that if a man marries a divorced woman, he commits adultery.  Is this always true?

5-Jesus said in the "eye and tooth" section of the Sermon on the Mount-do not resist an evil person, turn the other cheek, give someone more than they take you to court for, give to anyone who begs from you and lend money to anyone who wants to borrow from you.  Is this still required of Christians today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book-"Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of God" ?    Matthew 4:4

ANSWER FOR TODAY     Deuteronomy 8:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 12:39-40

³⁹ “Remember this: If the owner of the house knew what time a thief was coming, he would not allow the thief to enter his house. ⁴⁰ So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at a time when you don’t expect him!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, what tremendous comfort the Scriptures bring when I consider the uncertainties of life. About the time I get comfortable or think I’ve figured out what the future holds I am thrown a ringer. I’m so grateful for passages of reassurance such as Romans 8:28 that reminds me You’re working on my behalf even though evil is prevalent and I’m often affected by its presence. As a blood-bought child of Yours, You have called me to work Your purpose and will for my life. What You have purposed for me cannot be thwarted though the enemy may stalk me or make me his target. After all, since You are for us, who can be against us. Help me to receive Your deep abiding peace even in the midst of difficult and perplexing situations, because I know that You use even those circumstances for our long-range good. May our trusting response to these undesirable sufferings prove to believers and unbelievers alike that we are becoming more and more like Your Son, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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

Monday October 26, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Our guilty conscience becomes a curtain that separates us from God-

2-Because Jesus understands, we can come to him-

3-Don't let your conscience be your guide, let the cross be your guide-

4-Though the work of Jesus is finished for the sinner, it is not yet finished in the sinner-

5-After Jesus' sacrifice, there was no more need for animal sacrifices-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-plastic glasses-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The time is always right to do the right thing-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Vegetarians make up 5 percent of the US population-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Since the Sermon on the Mount is much longer in Matthew than that given in Luke, could it be a compilation of Jesus' teachings and not a record of just what was spoken at one time?

2-Can salt lose it's saltiness?  If so, how?

3-Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, I have not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it.  Was he talking about all of the mosaic laws?

4-Since Jesus didn't come to abolish the law, does he still expect us to obey all of the mosaic law?

5-How can our righteousness exceed that of the scribes and pharisees?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book?- "Prepare ye the way of he Lord, make his paths straight"  Matthew 3:3?

Answer for today      Isaiah 40:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 12:35-38

³⁵ “Be dressed, ready for service, and have your lamps shining. ³⁶ Be like servants who are waiting for their master to come home from a wedding party. When he comes and knocks, the servants immediately open the door for him. ³⁷ They will be blessed when their master comes home, because he sees that they were watching for him. I tell you the truth, the master will dress himself to serve and tell the servants to sit at the table, and he will serve them. ³⁸ Those servants will be blessed when he comes in and finds them still waiting, even if it is midnight or later.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, the love and care expressed to us through Jesus our Lord compels us to express similar love and care to others in need. All who walk in Your ways must go through many hardships, but the blow that comes from such hardships is cushioned and the duration of pain is lessened by those who lovingly reach out to us in tender loving care, as they help bear our burden. Their heartfelt prayers, loving words and kind expressions remind us that You have not forgotten us nor forsaken us. Your loving Spirit descends to us through human endeavors directed toward our need, lifting us from the neighboring pits of despair and discouragement. In Jesus’ name we press on toward the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 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 October 25, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

1-Pride and shame are brother and sister-

2-Pride is what goes before a fall and shame is what keeps you from getting up-

3-Every aspect of the crucifixion was intended not only to hurt Jesus but also to shame him-

4-Jesus bore our sins so we could wear his righteousness-

5-There is one God and one mediator between God and man-Jesus

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-personal computer-

 

I'VE LEARNED-People want to change, they just don't want to be changed-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In the summer walnuts get a tan-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus was in the wilderness, 3 of the gospels report Jesus testing during that time, by his adversary. Matthew called him"tester" in some translations. Mark called him satan and Luke called him devil. What name best describes him? 

2-Why didn't Jesus chose one person from each tribe of Israel to be one of the 12 disciples?

3-Doubting Thomas' name in Aramaic means twin. Who was his twin?

4-What is the difference in disciple and apostle?

4-Did Jesus call any more disciples than the original 12?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-This New Testament passage is from what Old Testament book-   ²³ “The virgin will be pregnant. She will have a son, and they will name him Emmanuel,”^[a] which means “God is with us.”

Answer for today-Isaiah 7:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 12:32-34

³² “Don’t fear, little flock, because your Father wants to give you the kingdom. ³³ Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Get for yourselves purses that will not wear out, the treasure in heaven that never runs out, where thieves can’t steal and moths can’t destroy. ³⁴ Your heart will be where your treasure is.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we read of those in the Bible from generations long ago who lived upright and godly lives. They were discerning and wise, devoted in their duties such as Anna and Simeon who served in the temple. So many serve as examples of those who walked in Your ways from their youth and remained faithful through their golden years.  Some of their choices brought about multiple blessings and other choices brought forth great sacrifice, persecution, or even death. We also read of those who were proud and foolish, thinking only of themselves, such as Samson, Ananias and Sapphira or Demetrius the Silversmith. They also serve as warnings to us. Since we will soon follow in the steps of our elderly friends help us to store up the wisdom, discipline, and overcoming spirit they convey as they deal with the inevitable physical pain, loss of loved ones, and dependency that are a big part of growing old. It’s in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART-PEACE IN YOUR SOUL- JOY IN YOUR LIFE-ALWAYS-

Saturday October 24, 2015 thought for the day-

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God gives us eternal choices and they have eternal consequences-

2-The sheep was lost innocently, the coin was lost irresponsibly but the prodigal son left intentionally-

3-We have no great privilege than choice-

4-Jesus loved the other hanging thief enough to let him mock him-

5-Man needs to hate his sin instead of loving it and to love God instead of hating him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Passive aggression-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness equals satisfaction divided by desire-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The only real food US astronauts are allowed in space are pecan nuts-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus was 12 and was discussing the scriptures in the temple, he impressed the rabbis with his understanding.  Did he win any followers from among them?

2-From the time Jesus was 12, the next 18 years are undocumented in the gospels. Did nothing of importance happen?

3-Was baptism practiced prior to John the Baptist coming on the scene?

4-The girl who danced for King Herod and asked for his head on a platter may have had the name Salome.  Whatever happened to her and her mother?

5-Jesus spends 40 days in the wilderness.  Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness before receiving the ten commandments.  The children of Israel spent 40 years in the desert.  Any connection with the number 40?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"The blind leading the blind"?

Answer for today  Matthew 15:14 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:25-28

²⁵ You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it. ²⁶ If you cannot do even the little things, then why worry about the big things? ²⁷ Consider how the lilies grow; they don’t work or make clothes for themselves. But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers. ²⁸ God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So how much more will God clothe you? Don’t have so little faith!

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we want our hearts to remain soft and pliable so that we do not lose our spiritual sensitivity to hear and obey Your voice. We remember those who once had soft, pliable hearts that has now hardened over time. They no longer hear You or sense Your presence in their life. Their spiritual vision has darkened. Help us, Lord, once again on this day to taste and see that You are good. You are the Bread of Life that does not spoil. You satisfy our hunger and forever quench our thirst as we dip from Your spring of living water. The world only offers temporary substitutes that can entrap and draw us away from Your eternal pleasures. We want to remain vigilant in Your Word and heed Your ways so there is no buildup of sin in us that eventually hardens our heart toward You. We want to be steadfast and stouthearted so that we will unswervingly hold to the hope we profess, for You who promised is faithful.  Amen.

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

Friday October 23, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-In scripture thorns symbolize the consequences of sin-

2-Brambles and thorns on the earth are the product of sin in the heart-

3-Don't be so proud of what you have that you miss what you need-

4-Nothing seems to turn our eyes toward heaven like a frail body-

5-God allows us to make our own choices-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Now then.....

 

I'VE LEARNED-Most of our so called reasoning consists in finding agreements for going on believing as we already do-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Australian chemist John Macadamia discovered the macadamia nut-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Matthew's wise men ever meet or know about Luke's shepherds?

2-Did the shepherds ever become followers of Jesus after the angelic announcement?

3-Would the people of Bethlehem have believed the lowly shepherds about their angelic encounter?

4-Throughout his ministry Jesus appealed most directly to the outcasts and poorest of society.  Is this why his birth announcement first came to the shepherds?

5-Why do three of the gospels omit any mention of Jesus' youth or early adulthood in Nazareth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"A lamb for the slaughter"?

Answer for today           Isaiah 53:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 12:22-24

²² Jesus said to his followers, “So I tell you, don’t worry about the food you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. ²³ Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. ²⁴ Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest, they don’t have storerooms or barns, but God feeds them. And you are worth much more than birds."

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY   

Father, how it pleases us that You include us in Your overall plan to harvest souls into the kingdom of heaven. Open our eyes and burden our hearts as we look at the field of souls ripe for harvest. Show us ways in which we can enlarge our circle of influence as we work cooperatively with fellow believers in the great harvest of souls. What a joy it is to see people come to faith and grow in their Christian walk as we diligently plant seeds of salvation and water them with teaching imparted from Your Holy Word and through our Christian testimony.  Amen.


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

Thursday October 22, 2015 thought for the day

TWO BEAUTIFUL GIRLS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-How we treat others is how we treat Jesus-

2-The standard for sinlessness isn't found in humanity but in God himself-

3-There is no moment when God was not God, he has never not been-

4-Never did Jesus use his supernatural powers for his personal comfort-

5-When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound-

STRANGE THOUGHT-New classic-

I'VE LEARNED-The road to success is lined with many tempting parking places-

DID YOU KNOW-It takes more than five hundred peanuts to make one twelve ounce jar of peanut butter-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When were the Magi given names?

2-Could one or more of the Magi have been African?

3-In order for the Magi to follow the star, would it have had to shine directly on the path before them?

4-Why have astrologers never been able to determine what the "star of Bethlehem" was?

5-Did the Magi know where the star would lead them or how long the journey would take?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"fat of the land"?

Answer for today        Genesis 45:18

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 12:16-21

¹⁶ Then Jesus told this story: “There was a rich man who had some land, which grew a good crop. ¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? I have no place to keep all my crops.’ ¹⁸ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and other goods. ¹⁹ Then I can say to myself, “I have enough good things stored to last for many years. Rest, eat, drink, and enjoy life!”’

²⁰ “But God said to him, ‘Foolish man! Tonight your life will be taken from you. So who will get those things you have prepared for yourself?’
²¹ “This is how it will be for those who store up things for themselves and are not rich toward God.”

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 fully devote ourselves to You and want to do what is good and right in Your sight so that we may be at peace and bring You honor. We want to be careful that we do not forget You or fail to observe Your commands 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, keeping our spiritual zeal as we serve You. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.



MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-

Wednesday October 21, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Something cannot just come from nothing-

2-People do not go to hell, unsaved sinners do-

3-God honors the choices of both the saved and the unsaved-

4-While on the cross, Jesus became our sin-

5-If the Bible is called the good book, it is not because all of the people in it are good-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Near miss

I'VE LEARNED-It is not how big the house, it is how happy the home-

DID YOU KNOW-Peanuts are one of the ingredients of dynamite

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus' mother Mary conceived with or without original sin?

2-What does the term "Immaculate Conception" mean and when did it become a part of Christian doctrine and who did it apply to?

3-When and where did Jesus' mother die and where was she buried?

4-What does the word "Assumption" mean and who does it apply to?

5-Why did the Magi visiting the Christ child come to be known as the "three kings"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"My brother's keeper"?

Answer for today      Genesis 4:9

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 12:13-15

¹³ Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide with me the property our father left us.”

¹⁴ But Jesus said to him, “Who said I should judge or decide between you?” ¹⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “Be careful and guard against all kinds of greed. Life is not measured by how much one owns.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, since we live in a sin-filled world we’re bound to experience the consequences of our own sins and the sins of others. There is tremendous consolation when we hold onto the promise that these pain-filled consequences will come to an end and not follow us to the promised land.  Much of what we go through is a testing of our faith and we know that faith that cannot be tested is faith that cannot be trusted.  May this testing shape our attitudes so that we glorify You no matter what we experience in this life, for some of the greatest living sermons that show people the way to eternal life and righteous living, is when we’re put to the test and we shine forth like gold.  Many will not pick up a Bible to learn of Your eternal principles but they will observe our actions and attitudes.  Keep us faithful no matter the cost or pain.  In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday October 20, 2015 thought for the day

A  PICTURE OF THE TEXTBOOK DEFINITION OF THE WORD LOVE-

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God whispers to us in our pleasures but shouts to us in our pain-

2-The suffering that Jesus endured on the cross is literally unimaginable-

3-You don't need to have all your questions answered to become a believer in and follower of Jesus-

4-A miracle is an event that is not producible by natural causes that is operative at the time and place the event occurs-

5-Faith is trust in or commitment to what you believe-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-military intelligence-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't listen while you are talking-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Peanuts are cholesterol free-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why, after Jesus is twelve years old, does Joseph seem to become a missing person?

2-Why don't John, Mark or Paul in their writings ever discuss the virgin birth?

3-Did Isaiah prophesy a "virgin birth" or could the Greek translation also have meant "young woman" as Mary was probably a mid teenager?

4-When did the term "mother of God" come into use for Mary-

5-Is the term "original sin" a Christian theological term found in the Bible?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"spare the rod and spoil the child"?

Answer for today     Proverbs 13:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:11-12

¹¹ “When you are brought into the synagogues before the leaders and other powerful people, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say. ¹² At that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You want us to be on the look-out for our enemy’s activity and beware of his approach in the daily temptations he brings to our mind. The narrative might have changed a great deal, had the disciples been on their guard in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus warned them to pray rather than sleep through the night. We find ourselves much like them because we often ignore the warnings or become nonchalant, thinking we’ve heard them all our lives. Yet Your warnings and promises in Scripture are like a strong tower for the soul. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Your words are truth and all Your promises will be fulfilled in time. You are a strong tower and we who are righteous run to You and find safety through Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in His name that we pray.  Amen.


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

Monday October 19, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Character is formed through hardships, overcoming obstacles and enduring desperate difficulties-

2-Courage is impossible in a world with no risk or pain-

3-The point of our lives in this world isn't comfort but preparation for eternity-

4-Justice delayed is not justice denied-

5-God is delaying the end of history out of his great love for people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Micro soft works-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The best thing to spend on your children is your time-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Almonds are a member of the peach family.  They are the oldest, most widely cultivated and extensively used nuts in the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does an angel always deliver good news?

2-From the time of Mary's visit by the angel Gabriel about her conception of the baby Jesus, is there any record of Joseph and Mary being married?

3-What is the "Annunciation" and why don't protestants observe that date on March 25 as some others do-

4-Since Jesus and God  are one, was Mary in fact the mother of God?  

5-After Jesus birth, very little is said about Mary.  Why?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the bible-"Give up the ghost"?

Answer for the day           Job 14:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 12:10

¹⁰ “Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, our faith and joy do not depend upon Your answering our prayers the way we may desire, but rather the marvelous work that You have done and are doing in our lives. You’ve forgiven us our sins and You’ve placed our names in the Lamb’s book of life. We want to be joyful in You and the ongoing work You are doing in the spiritual realm, invisible to the eyes of others, but very much alive in our spirit. As we allow You to do Your inner work the outflowing fruit in our lives will reveal the changes You make within us. We thank You in Jesus’ name, 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 October 18, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The source of evil is not God's power but man's freedom-

2-An all powerful God could not have created a world in which people had genuine freedom and yet there was no potentially for sin-

3-Real love must involve a choice, but with the granting of that choice comes the possibility that people would instead choose to hate-

4-The worst tragedy in history brought about the most glorious event in history-

5-Sometimes to be good is not to be kind-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Marijuana initiative-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them and then you destroy yourself-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Pepsi is commonly used by wooden boat owners to clean mold from decks.  You can spill it on for about thirty seconds, but it needs to be rinsed to be sure it does not erode the decks completely-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do Christians merge conflicting Matthew and Luke versions of Jesus birth into a neat orderly narrative?

2-Who did the angel talk to-Joseph or Mary.  Matthew and Luke tell different stories?

3-The going into Egypt by the Holy Family, and their leaving Egypt, is not mentioned in Luke.  Why not?

4-The angel told Joseph it was okay to return to Judah.  But instead of returning to Bethlehem they went to Nazareth.  Why?

5-In the Bible, how many childless women received heavenly messengers with surprisingly good maternal news?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"Pride goeth before a fall"?

Answer for today     Proverbs 16:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY         Luke 12:8-9

⁸ “I tell you, all those who stand before others and say they believe in me, I, the Son of Man, will say before the angels of God that they belong to me. ⁹ But all who stand before others and say they do not believe in me, I will say before the angels of God that they do not belong to me."

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You’ve called us to live holy lives set apart for Your intended purpose. By doing so we can more clearly distinguish light from darkness and will keep the forces of evil distant, not allowing them to overtake our heart’s affections. We pray not only for ourselves, but also for our loved ones who are presently in bondage to sin. They do not live apart from the Mindset of the world but rather seek the world’s approval, seeing Your commands as out-of-date, no longer pertinent, or as some like to say, on “the wrong side of history”. Your timeless ancient book, with its precepts, commands and promises is our roadmap as we make our pilgrimage here below. May we not be distracted or stray by partaking of that which will woo us into a life of sin. In Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.


I WISH YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART-PEACE IN YOUR SOUL- JOY IN YOUR LIFE-ALWAYS-

Saturday October 17, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The reality of suffering constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith-

2-Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist-

3-If there is no God, where did we get the standard of goodness by which we judge evil as evil?

4-If death has no meaning then life ultimately has no meaning-

5-God did not create evil, he created the possibility of evil, man actualized that potentiality-

 

Strange thought-You can't take the wet out of water and still have water-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In 1989, Pepsi came out with a morning soft drink called Pepsi AM.  It didn't last long on the market-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Gospel of Matthew and Luke disagree about 10--12 years on Jesus birth date.  Is it critical?

2-In what city was Jesus born?  Mark and John call Nazareth Jesus' hometown as Jesus does himself.  Matthew and Luke set his birth in Bethlehem.

3-Where was the exact place of Jesus' birth?  Was it a stall with no covering, a feeding lot in the open, or a cave (an early Christian tradition)?

4-The prophet Micah prophesied that a shepherd king, a messiah to lead Israel would come from bethlhem.  Was this Jesus?

5-Why would Jesus say he was from Nazareth if he was born in Bethlehem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible?-"Eat, drink, and be merry"

Answer for the day       Ecclesiastes   8:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 12:4-7

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. ⁵ I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, this is the one you should fear.

⁶ “Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies, and God does not forget any of them. ⁷ But God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You are our spiritual covering as we carry out our duties on this day, for Your eyes are on the righteous. In our interaction with others, in our work responsibilities, our daily commute and family duties there are numerous temptations that seek our allegiance which would make us vacillate in our devotion to You. You know our areas of weakness where we’re vulnerable to the enemy and You desire to strengthen and uphold us, keeping our hearts fully committed to You. Thank You for assuring us that we are never out of Your view nor away from Your loving care. Not only are we within Your view, but we are within Your hearing range for Your ears are attentive to our prayers. Through Christ our Lord we give praise and thanksgiving.  Amen.


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

Friday October 16, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We do not make requests of God because we are righteous but because of his great love and mercy-

2-God answers our prayers based on his goodness not our worthiness-

3-Worship is a voluntary act of gratitude offered by the saved to the savior, by the healed to the healer, and the delivered to the deliverer-

4-God doesn't improve he perfects, he doesn't enhance, he completes-

5-When God sees us, he sees Christ and the perfection paid for by him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Living dead-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes there is no next time, sometimes there are no second chances, sometimes it is now or never-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The first western consumer product sold in the former Soviet Union was Pepsi Cola-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Eastern Orthodox Church ever have a split like the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism did?

2- Matthew dates the birth of Jesus to the time of King Herod and he died in 4 bce, could Jesus have been born around 6bce?

3-Why are there so many conflicting stories of when Jesus birth date was?

4-King Herod is said to have issued a royal order to kill all the Jewish male infants under two in Bethlehem.  When was this ordered?  There appears to be no histrorical record of Herod issuing this order.  Is there anyway to confirm Matthew's story of the massacre?

5-Luke connected the birth of Jesus with a taxation ordered by emperor Augustus.  There is no historical record of such a census of the entire Roman world even took place at this time.  The only census carried out by Quirinius took place in 6bce, ten years after Herod died.  Is it possible that Luke writing his gospel 75 years later simply got his information mixed up?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"A drop in a bucket?"

Answer for today     Isaiah 40:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:4-7

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. ⁵ I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, this is the one you should fear.

⁶ “Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies, and God does not forget any of them. ⁷ But God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we’re tempted way too often to behave badly, in big ways and little ways. Grant us a firm resolve to do good whatever the cost. Above all, remind us through Your Holy Spirit, that we choose to do good because it pleases You. May the fulfillment of pleasing You be of much greater importance than pleasing or impressing those among us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.



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

Thursday October 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The safest place to stand in your storm is next to your heavenly father-

2-Faith is not an award given to the most learned, most disciplined or most religious-

3-Faith is a desperate dive out of a sinking boat of human effort and a prayer that God will be there to catch us-

4-The supreme force in our salvation is God's grace, not our works, talents, feelings or strength-

5-The most amazing response to God's gift of salvation is our reluctance to accepting it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-legally drunk-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The next time you are in a holding pattern or a waiting mode , be encouraged.  The fog will lift, it always does-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Pepsi originally contained pepsin, hence the name-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does the word Christmas mean?

2-Who choose December 25th as Jesus birth date?

3-What did the word "pagan" mean to early Roman Christians?

4-What split the Christian church between east and west?

5-How much does the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic Church have in common?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"Can a leopard change his spots"?

Answer for today       Jeremiah 13:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 12:1-3

12 So many thousands of people had gathered that they were stepping on each other. Jesus spoke first to his followers, saying, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, because they are hypocrites. ² Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an inner room will be shouted from the housetops.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as I seek You in the morning through prayer and Scripture reading I hear Your personal calling to me through the words of Christ Jesus, “Come, follow me.” Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps and walk blamelessly, according to the law of the Lord. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed so we do well to walk in all Your ways and honor You in the way we live our Christian lives. May we be a sweet smelling fragrance to you as we offer up our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-