Monday December 14, 2009 thought for the day

CHRISTMAS (JESUS)

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A creative mess is better than tidy idleness-

2-Marriage is a total commitment to an imperfect person-

3-Fear disappears when faith appears-

4-Truth that is heard and not acted upon will have a dangerous reaction-

5-Don't confuse noise with enthusiasm-

A STRANGE THOUGHT-Enjoy today, for sometime today will be a long time ago-

I'VE LEARNED-The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there any significance that Jesus choose fishermen to be his disciples?

2-Why does the bible comment only about one disciple that Jesus loved?

3-Why no mention in the bible about Peter's parents, his family or his father in law?

4-Did any of the disciples have siblings that weren't believers/followers of Jesus?

5-Did Jesus know Peter, Andrew, James or John before calling them to be his disciples?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the first color mentioned in the bible?

Yesterday's answer-Naamah, daughter of Lamech (Genesis 4:22)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 108:7-13

7 God has said from his Temple, "When I win, I will divide Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead and Manasseh are mine. Ephraim is like my helmet. Judah holds my royal scepter.

9 Moab is like my washbowl. I throw my sandals at Edom. I shout at Philistia."

10 Who will bring me to the strong, walled city? Who will lead me to Edom?

11 God, surely you have rejected us; you do not go out with our armies.

12 Help us fight the enemy. Human help is useless,

13 but we can win with God's help. He will defeat our enemies.

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

Sunday December 13, 2009 thought for the day

THE BLESSED NATIVITY SCENE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The good life exists only when you stop wanting a better one-

2-Christianity is not a religion but a personal relationship to Jesus Christ-

3-Wherever you are, be all there-

4-God sometimes puts us in the dark to remind us that he is the light-

5-If you shoot at nothing you will hit it every time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you throw your cat out the window, is that kitty litter?

I'VE LEARNED-This life is not Disney World and you don't want a fast pass, so make the most of it and enjoy the ride-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was there no one in Israel at the time of Jesus that could have read and understood the prophecies about a messiah and saw that Jesus had fulfilled them-

2-Why don't the Jew's today understand that Jesus fulfilled the prophecies about the coming Messiah?

3-Why didn't Josephus (an ancient Jewish historian) have any books as part of the New Testament record about Jesus?

4-What is the difference between the teaching and preaching that Jesus did?

5-Did any of the disciples come from wealthy families?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first daughter mentioned in the bible?

Yesterday's answer---Cain (Genesis 4:1)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 108:1-6

1 God, my heart is steady. I will sing and praise you with all my being.

2 Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.

3-Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing songs of praise about you to all the nations.

4 Your great love reaches to the skies, your truth to the heavens.

5 God, you are supreme above the skies. Let your glory be over all the earth.

6 Answer us and save us by your power so the people you love will be rescued.

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

Saturday December 12, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS SCENE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Example is not the main thing in influencing others, it is the only thing-

2-The greatness of a man can nearly always be measured by his willingness to be kind-

3-Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world-

4-Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it-

5-If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Put off procrastinating as long as you can-

I'VE LEARNED-You are too blessed to be stressed-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The disciples had a treasurer so why didn't they have a secretary to record all their events?

2-Did Jesus have any girl siblings?

3-When did the word "Christmas" first come into use?

4-Has Jesus' birthday always been a time of celebration?

5-Why didn't Jesus' disciples include business people, shepherds, religious leaders, landowners, farmers, non Jews for a more broader base-

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first child mentioned in the bible?

Yesterday's answer-James (Acts 12:1-2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:39-43

39 Because of disaster, troubles and sadness, their families grew smaller and weaker.

40 He showed he was displeased with their leaders and made them wander in a pathless desert.

41 But he lifted the poor out of their suffering and made their families grow like flocks of sheep.

42 Good people see this and are happy, but the wicked say nothing.

43 Whoever is wise will remember these things and will think about the love of the Lord.

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

Friday December 11, 2009 thought for the day

THE ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A man's judgment is only as good as his information-

2-God gave us memories so we could have roses in December-

3-Children are always the only future the human race has-

4-Common sense is instinct--enough of it is genius-

5-No one can make you feel inferior without your consent-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Marriage is like taking vitamins, we supplement each others minimum daily requirements-

I'VE LEARNED-Before going to sleep think "I am thankful for....."

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus heal everyone who came to him asking for it?

2-How would the disciples families have survived financially when they were out following Jesus?

3-Can you really have "more of God" and what does that mean?

4-Were all the disciples married men?

5-Why did Jesus not choose a woman, a slave, a gentile, etc. to be a disciple?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first apostle to be martyred?

Yesterdays answer-"Honor your father and mother" (Deuteronomy 5:16)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:33-38

33 He changed rivers into a desert and springs of water into dry ground.

34 He made fertile land salty, because the people there did evil.

35 He changed the desert into pools of water and dry ground into springs of water.

36 He had the hungry settle there so they could build a city in which to live.

37 They planted seeds in the fields and vineyards, and they had a good harvest.

38 God blessed them, and they grew in number. Their cattle did not become fewer.

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

Thursday December 10, 2009 thought for the day

IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Jesus' definition of love--giving and sharing-

2-All relationships of value begin with a commitment-

3-It is hard to walk in shifting sand-

4-Faith is most meaningful when expressed in the dark-

5-Hiding wrong won't erase it for it only postpones its discovery-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't be diagonally parked in a parallel universe-

I'VE LEARNED-Talk often with your family-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus ever have lived with his disciples at their home?

2-Would Jesus ever have laughed at a joke?

3-When Jesus turned the water into wine, would he have drank some of it?

4-When Jesus was on earth, was he more man or more God or 1/2 each?

5-Would Jesus ever have had to heal himself?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the first commandment with a promise attached to it?

Yesterday's answer-Lamech (Genesis 4:19)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:23-32

23 Others went out to sea in ships and did business on the great oceans.

24 They saw what the Lord could do, the miracles he did in the deep oceans.

25 He spoke, and a storm came up, which blew on high waves.

26 The ships were tossed as high as the sky and fell low to the depths.

27 They stumbled and fell like people who were drunk. They did not know what to do.

28 In their misery they cried out to the Lord, and he saved them from their troubles.

29 He stilled the storm and calmed the waves.

30 They were happy that it was quiet, and God guided them to the port they wanted.

31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love and for the miracles he does for people.

32 Let them praise his greatness in the meeting of the people; let them praise him in the meeting of the older leaders.

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

Wednesday December 9, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS SETTING

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Today becomes yesterday's memory-

2-He cannot long be good who knows not why he is good-

3-It is not a simple thing to open our lives to others but until we do we will never have a relationship of much value-

4-Ask your child what they want for dinner only if they are buying-

5-Your care for others is the measure of your greatness-

A STRANGE THOUGHT-Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for they are sticking to their diet-

I'VE LEARNED-Always do the right thing!

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did our current worship service practices evolve?

2-How did biblical people know what day of the week it was since they had no personal calendar?

3-Did Jesus' followers worship him while he was alive or just follow him?

4-Would Jesus ever have used forceful raising of his voice while preaching or teaching?

5-Was Jesus' ministry more preaching or teaching?

BIBLICAL TRIVIA-Who was the first polygamist?

Yesterday's answer-Cain (Genesis 4:2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:17-22

17 Some fools turned against God and suffered for the evil they did.

18 They refused to eat anything, so they almost died.

19 In their misery they cried out to the Lord, and he saved them from their troubles.

20 God gave the command and healed them, so they were saved from dying.

21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love and for the miracles he does for people.

22 Let them offer sacrifices to thank him. With joy they should tell what he has done.

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

Tuesday December 8, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY SNOW MAN

Here are my thoughts for the day

1-Remember, when the judgment is weak, the prejudice is strong-

2-You cannot lose what you don't have-

3-Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation-

4-If you would be loved, be lovable-

5-Even God cannot change the past, He can only forgive it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If I work well at a diner, am I being counter productive?

I'VE LEARNED-No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up!

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Nicodemus become a true follower of Jesus?

2-What happened to Nicodemus after Jesus' burial?

3-What convinced Nicodemus that Jesus was the messiah?

4-Did Jesus' disciples own any property-land, homes, etc?

5-Was preaching a part of the worship at the synagogues?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first farmer?

Yesterday's answer-Tubal-Cain (Genesis 4:22)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:10-16

10 Some sat in gloom and darkness; they were prisoners suffering in chains.

11 They had turned against the words of God and had refused the advice of God Most High.

12 So he broke their pride by hard work. They stumbled, and no one helped.

13 In their misery they cried out to the Lord, and he saved them from their troubles.

14 He brought them out of their gloom and darkness and broke their chains.

15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love and for the miracles he does for people.

16 He breaks down bronze gates and cuts apart iron bars.

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

Monday December 7, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY WINTER SCENE

Here are my thoughts for today

1-May the Lord bless you with rainbows-

2-Death is not a period, it is a comma-

3-When you come to the place I am all you have, you'll find I'm all you need!-Jesus-

4-There is no greater sorrow than to recall a time of happiness while in misery-

5-There is no repentance in the grave-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Birthdays are good for you for the more you have the longer you live-

I'VE LEARNED-Believe the best is yet to come-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did Jesus support himself and his disciples during his ministry?

2-Would Jesus ever have hurt or injured his body during his lifetime by accident or neglect?

3-Did Jesus know his ministry would start at his meeting with John the Baptist?

4-Did Jesus receive his family's blessing to start his earthly ministry?

5-Nicodemus was a member of the Sanhedrin and Jesus was tried before the Sanhedrin, so did Nicodemus participate in Jesus' trial?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first metal craftsman?

Yesterday's answer-God (Genesis 2:8)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 107:1-9

1 Thank the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.

2 That is what those whom the Lord has saved should say. He has saved them from the enemy

3 and has gathered them from other lands, from east and west, north and south.

4 Some people had wandered in the desert lands. They found no city in which to live.

5 They were hungry and thirsty, and they were discouraged.

6 In their misery they cried out to the Lord, and he saved them from their troubles.

7 He led them on a straight road to a city where they could live.

8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his love and for the miracles he does for people.

9 He satisfies the thirsty and fills up the hungry.

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

Sunday December 6, 2009 thought for the day

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger is momentary madness-

2-If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him-

3-"I can forgive but I cannot forget" is only another way of saying "I cannot forgive"-

4 God sees us as we can be but loves us as we are-

5-May we cherish the bread before there is none, discover each other before we leave and enjoy each other while we have the time-

STRANGE THOUGHT-May the happiest day of your past be the saddest day of your future!!

I'VE LEARNED-Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could any of the writings not chosen to be a part of Holy Scripture be of meaningful interest and fill in some of the blank spaces we do have in scripture?

2-Why had the host ran out of wine at the wedding in Cana?

3-Isn't it interesting that Jesus made and used a whip to drive the money changers out of the temple and had a whip used by the Romans on him at his crucifixion?

4-Did the disciples spend 24/7 with Jesus all the 3 years of his ministry?

5-Did Jesus ever see or visit his family (mother, siblings,etc.) during his ministry years?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who planted the first garden?

Yesterday's answer-Solomon (1 Kings 6)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:44-48

44 But God saw their misery when he heard their cry.

45 He remembered his agreement with them, and he felt sorry for them because of his great love.

46 He caused them to be pitied by those who held them captive.

47 Lord our God. Save us and bring us back from other nations. Then we will thank you and will gladly praise you.

48 Praise the Lord, the God is Israel. He always was and always will be. Let all the people say, "Amen!" Praise the Lord!

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

Saturday December 5, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS PICTURE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-My love for others is not dependent on their love for me-

2-Sensitive people share the sufferings of others-

3-The angry man always thinks he can do more than he can-

4-They who forgive the most shall be the most forgiven-

5-Conceit may puff up a man but never prop him up-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't be so heavenly minded you are no earthly good-

I'VE LEARNED-Your job won't take care of you when you are sick-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was the primary reason for Jesus' wilderness testing?

2-Was Satan's temptation of Jesus simply about food, fame and power?

3-Did Jesus know the people of the wedding at Cana which he attended, or was it perhaps a family member?

4-Why did Jesus choose for this first miracle to turn water into wine?

5-Were there many miracles of Jesus not recorded, and if so why not?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built the first Jerusalem temple?

Yesterday's answer-Noah (Genesis 8:20)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:34-43

34 The people did not destroy the other nations as the Lord had told them to do.

35 Instead, they mixed with other nations and learned their customs.

36 They worshiped other nations' idols and were trapped by them.

37 They even killed their sons and daughters as sacrifices to demons.

38 They killed innocent people, their own sons and daughters, as sacrifices to the idol of Canaan. So the land was made unholy by their blood.

39 The people became unholy by their sins; they were unfaithful to God in what they did.

40 So the Lord became angry with his people and hated his own children.

41 He handed them over to other nations and let their enemies rule over them.

42 Their enemies were cruel to them and kept them under their power.

43 The Lord saved his people many times, but they continued to turn against him. So they became even more wicked.

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

Friday December 4, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS SCENE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Non retaliation is not intended to encourage the violent to victimize the powerless, it is the means for over coming evil with good-

2-Something is wrong when we let our children run wild and yet take our dogs to obedience school-

3-Absence is to love what wind is to fire, it extinguishes the small and kindles the great-

4-A person can accomplish most anything if they have unlimited enthusiasm-

5-I love others for who I am, not for who they are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You will have a bent bow if you keep the bow bent-

I'VE LEARNED-However good or bad a situation is, it will change-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God lead us into temptation?

2-Why did the Holy Spirit lead Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted? Could he not have gone there on his own?

3-Why was Jesus' ministry started by Satan's wilderness testing of him?

4-For whose benefit was Jesus' wilderness testing by satan?

5-Why did Jesus need the wilderness testing by satan?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who constructed the first altar?

Yesterday's answer-Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:23-26)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:28-33

28 They joined in worshiping Baal at Peor and ate meat that had been sacrificed to lifeless statues.

29 They made the Lord angry by what they did, so many people became sick with a terrible disease.

30 But Phinehas prayed to the Lord, and the disease stopped.

31 Phinehas did what was right, and it will be remembered from now on.

32 The people also made the Lord angry at Meribah, and Moses was in trouble because of them.

33 The people turned against the Spirit of God, so Moses spoke without stopping to think.

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

Thursday December 3, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS PICTURE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's power produces victory-

2-God has revealed to us all we need to know about him to love and serve him-

3-Praise produces God's presence and God's presence produces God's power-

4-Having material things, for sure doesn't mean you have God's blessing-

5-God's grace is never a reward for our good works-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Ambition is a poor excuse for not having enough sense to be lazy-

I'VE LEARNED-Time heals almost everything so give time, time.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was John the Baptist's life like before the age of 30?

2-What family did John the Baptist have---siblings, wife, children?

3-Did the baptism of Jesus have the same meaning as it does for us today?

4-John the Baptist called people to repent of their sins, baptizing those who did---was this an heretical concept since there were no animal sacrifices for their sins?

5-When Jesus was baptized, the spirt of God came on him in the form of a dove--was this symbolic or actuality?
Had not God's spirit already been a part of Jesus' life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who were the first twins?

Yesterday's answer-Adam and Eve, driven from the garden (Genesis 25:23-26)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:19-27

19 The people made a gold calf at Mount Sinai and worshiped a metal statue.

20 They exchanged their glorious God for a statue of a bull that eats grass.

21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,

22 who had done miracles in Egypt and amazing things by the Red Sea.

23 So God said he would destroy them. But Moses, his chosen one, stood before him and stopped God's anger from destroying them.

24 Then they refused to go into the beautiful land of Canaan; they did not believe what God promised.

25 They grumbled in their tents and did not obey the Lord.

26 So he swore to them that they would die in the desert.

27 He said their children would be killed by other nations and that they would be scattered among other countries.

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

Wednesday December 2, 2009 thought for the day

A VERY HAPPY CHILD AT CHRISTMAS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Who is the Good Samaritan in your life?

2-Grief hollows out the heart to make room for the joy that is coming-

3-Holiness is becoming more like the character of Christ-

4-You can't think wrong and live right-

5-God exists more than he is imagined and is truly imagined more than he is expressed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If I can quote lines out of the bible, will I be well versed in it?

I'VE LEARNED-What other people think of you is none of your business-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-We say "John the Baptist", why don't we say "Jesus the Christ"?

2-Prior to age 30, did John the Baptist know that Jesus was the Messiah?

3-Did John the Baptist and Jesus have any continual relationship after Jesus' baptism?

4-What does "Kingdom of Heaven" and "Kingdom of God" mean?

5-Where was John the Baptist raised?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who were the first exiles?

Yesterday's answer-Abel (Genesis 4:2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:13-18

13 But they quickly forgot what he had done; they did not wait for his advice.

14 They became greedy for food in the desert, and they tested God there.

15 So he gave them what they wanted, but he also sent a terrible disease among them.

16 The people in the camp were jealous of Moses and of Aaron, the holy priest of the Lord.

17 Then the ground opened up and swallowed Dathan and closed over Abiram's group.

18 A fire burned among their followers, and flames burned up the wicked.

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

Tuesday December 1, 2009 thought for the day

THE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We can never prove our worthiness to receive salvation-

2-The word husband means, care taker/provider-

3-Jesus denies his followers the right to love only those they consider good-

4-Life is a mystery to be lived not a problem to be solved-

5-Let my heart be moved by the things that move the heart of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A hard boiled egg is hard to beat-

I'VE LEARNED-Forgive everyone for everything-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why would temple authorities have engaged in a theological discussion with a 12 year old?

2-Would young Jesus have gone to synagogue schools to be taught the law of Moses?

3-Should our celebrating the "Last Supper" really be called the "Passover Feast" as Jesus did?

4-Would the time of day of the Passover Feast celebration and the time of day of Jesus crucifixion have any correlation or significance?

5-Did Jesus and his cousin John the Baptist have any friendship or relationship prior to their being 30 years old?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first shepherd?

Yesterdays answer-The priest Eleazar (Numbers 26:1-2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 106:1-12

1 Praise the Lord! Thank the Lord because his is good. His love continues forever.

2 No one can tell all the mighty things the Lord has done; no one can speak all his praise.

3 Happy are those who do right, who do what is fair at all times.

4 Lord, remember me when you are kind to your people; help me when you save them.

5 Let me see the good things you do for your chosen people. Let me be happy along with your happy nation; let me join your own people in praising you.

6 We have sinned just as our ancestors did. We have done wrong; we have done evil.

7 Our ancestors in Egypt did not learn from your miracles. They did not remember all you kindnesses, so they turned against you at the Red Sea.

8 But the Lord saved them for his own sake, to show his great power.

9 He commanded the Red Sea, and it dried up. He led them through the deep sea as if it were a desert.

10 He saved them from those who hated them. He saved them from their enemies,

11 and the water covered their foes. Not one of them escaped.

12 Then the people believed what the Lord said, and they sang praises to him.

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

Monday November 30, 2009 thought for the day

JESUS IS CHRISTMAS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Faith is based on knowledge and strengthened through waiting-

2-The "law" doesn't make you righteous, it only makes you guilty-

3-We learn the new and unfamiliar through the old and familiar-

4-We become what we think about most-

5-Getting what you go after is success, but liking it after you get it is happiness-

A STRANGE THOUGHT-A bicycle can't stand alone for it is two tired
-

I'VE LEARNED-No one is in charge of your happiness except you-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus have recited the daily Jewish prayers of his day?

2-What was Jesus' feeling towards those people who lived in far away lands and continents?

3-During Jesus' day, were people living all around the world-Asia, north and south America, Australia, India, China, etc.?

4-Knowing who Jesus really was, did Joseph and Mary give Jesus special instructions concerning the Jewish law and practices?

5-Did Jesus have a bar-mitzvah?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who took the first census of the Hebrews?

Yesterday's answer-Antioch (Acts 11:26)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 105:37-45

37 Then he brought his people out, and they carried with them silver and gold. Not one of his people stumbled.

38 The Egyptians were glad when they left, because the Egyptians were afraid of them.

39 The Lord covered them with a cloud and lit up the night with fire.

40 When they asked, he brought them quail and filled them with bread from heaven.

41 God split the rock, and water flowed out; it ran like a river through the desert.

42 He remembered his holy promise to his servant Abraham.

43 So God brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing.

44 He gave them lands of other nations, so they received what others had worked for.

45 This was so they would keep his orders and obey his teaching. Praise the Lord!

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

Sunday November 29, 2009 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't try so hard to become what you ought to be that you forget who you are-

2-Sometimes clouds are in the sky to give us a beautiful sunset-

3-Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate-

4-We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give-

5-Faith is being assured that what He has promised He will do-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

I'VE LEARNED-Conviction is worthless unless it is converted into conduct-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do we know nothing about Jesus' childhood except for his temple visit with his parents?

2-Did Jesus need a religious upbringing as a child?

3-Are there authentic records in existence that would tell of Jesus' life before the age of 30?

4-Did Jesus do nothing "special" in his childhood, teens or 20's worthy of recording?

5-Would Jesus' childhood friends or neighbors have know who he really was?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where were the disciples first called Christians?

Yesterday's answer-the raven (Genesis 8:7)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 105:26-36

26 Then he sent his servant Moses, and Aaron, whom he had chosen.

27 They did many signs among the Egyptians and worked wonders in Egypt.

28 The Lord sent darkness and made the land dark, but the Egyptians turned against what he said.

29 So he changed their water into blood and made their fish die.

30 Then their country was filled with frogs, even in the bedrooms of their rulers.

31 The Lord spoke and flies came, and gnats were everywhere in the country.

32 He made hail fall like rain and sent lightning through their land.

33 He struck down their grapevines and fig trees, and he destroyed every tree in the country.

34 He spoke and grasshoppers came; the locusts were too many to count.

35 They ate all the plants in the land and everything the earth produced.

36 The Lord also killed all the firstborn sons in the land, the oldest son of each family.

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

Saturday Nomember 28, 2009 thought for the day

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Great Christians develop through great trials-

2-Priorities never come automatically, they must be developed-

3-Claim God's grace regardless-

4-We must forgive--even ourselves-

5-Our love for God causes us to depend on God which causes us to obey God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Faith is like calories, you can't see it but you can see the results-

I'VE LEARNED-People are lonely because they build wall instead of bridges-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus have operated his father's carpenter shop after his father's death?

2-Did Jesus live with his mother and or siblings until starting his 3 year ministry?

3-When Joseph died, who supported Mary and her family?

4-Would Mary ever have remarried?

5-Why do we not know when Joseph died?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the first animal out of the ark?

Yesterday's answer-Enoch, after Cain's son (Genesis 4:17)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 105:16-25

16 God ordered a time of hunger in the land, and he destroyed all the food.

17 Then he sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave.

18 They put chains around his feet and an iron ring around his neck.

19 Then the time he had spoken of came, and the the Lord's words proved that Joseph was right.

20 The king of Egypt sent for Joseph and freed him; the ruler of the people set him free.

21 He made him the master of his house; Joseph was in charge of his riches.

22 He could order the princes as he wished. He taught the older men to be wise.

23 Then his father Israel came to Egypt; Jacob live in Egypt.

24 The Lord made his people grow in number, and he made them stronger than their enemies.

25 He caused the Egyptians to hate his people and to make plans against his servants.

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

Friday November 27, 2009 thought for the day

ALL WE HAVE TO BE THANKFUL FOR

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Over the long haul, it is impossible to give away more than you receive-

2-It is not where you are that counts, it is the direction you are heading-

3-The world loves things and uses people, the Christian loves people and use things-

4-Jesus warns against worry, not against work-

5-God does provide but we must work with what he has given us-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps-

I'VE LEARNED-Burn the candles, use the nice sheets. Don't save it for a special occasion for today is special-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Holy Family travel to Nazareth the same way they went to Egypt?

2-Could something that Jesus the carpenter have made still be in existence today?

3-Who was taking care of Mary when Jesus went into ministry?

4-How old was Jesus when Joseph dies?

5-How old was Mary when she died?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the first city called?

Yesterday's answer-Pharaoh (Genesis 41:42)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 105:8-15

8 He will keep his agreement forever; he will keep his promises always.

9 He will keep the agreement he made with Abraham and the promise he made to Isaac.

10 He made it a law for the people of Jacob; he made it an agreement with Israel to last forever.

11 The Lord said, "I will give you the land of Canaan and it will belong to you."

12 Then God's people were few in number. They were strangers in the land.

13 They went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another.

14 But the Lord did not let anyone hurt them; he warned kings not to harm them.

15 He said, "Don't touch my chosen people, and don't harm my prophets."

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