Tuesday January 5, 2010 thought for the day

IT FEELS HERE LIKE IT LOOKS THERE!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me-

2-Prayer is the key to the morning and the lock at night-

3-Never concern yourself with questions you cannot answer-

4-Never worry about illnesses you don't have-

5-A bird cannot learn to fly if the next is all it knows-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never explain yourself, your friends do not need it and your enemies will not

believe it anyway-

I'VE LEARNED--There is only one way to compliment your spouse and that is frequently-

DID YOU KNOW-The longest inaugural address by a U.S. President was given by William Henry Harrison. It was one hour, forty five minutes long during an intense snowstorm.. One month later, he died of pneumonia.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How large of a part of Jesus' ministry was the doing of miracles?

2-What was Jesus' primary purpose in healing those who needed it?

3-Did all those who Jesus healed become followers of him?

4-How many of those healed by Jesus showed gratitude and thanksgiving?

5-Did the pharisees really think Jesus healed by Satan's power or were they frightened they would lose their positions of religious power?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What three kings listened to the prophet Elisha as he prophesied to the accompaniment of a harp?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph (Genesis 41:1-36)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 119:9-16

9 How can a young person live a pure life? By obeying your word.

10 With all my heart I try to obey you. Don't let me break your commands.

11 I have taken your words to heart so I would not sin against you.

12 Lord, you should be praised. Teach me your demands.

13 My lips will tell about all the laws you have spoken.

14 I enjoy living by your rules as people enjoy great riches.

15 I think about your orders and study your ways.

16 I enjoy obeying your demands, and I will not forget your word.

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

Monday January 4, 2010 thought for the day

PRETTY, BUT COLD!!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Thought determines what you want, action determines what you get-

2-People generally tend to see qualities in others that lie deeply within themselves-

3-Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings-

4-Go claim your inheritance in God, that is the day your life will begin-

5-Life is easier if you enjoy the journey rather than just endure the situations-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You cannot start a journey from where you are not-

I'VE LEARNED-When you tell the truth, you never have to worry about what was said-

DID YOU KNOW-Andrew Jackson was the only president to believe that the world is flat-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1 If Jairaus' daughter was dead until resurrected by Jesus, where was her soul at this time? Did her old one return or did she get a new one?

2-What effect did Jairus' daughter coming back to life have on her family, community and synagogue?

3-Did Jesus' miracles prove that he was the messiah.

4-When Jesus healed the sick,cast out demons, walked on water, raised the dead, feed large crowd, etc., why didn't people understand and accept him as God?

5-Did the people ever wonder how Jesus did his miracles?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Hebrew captive interpreted the dreams of the Egyptian pharaoh?

Yesterdays answer-Abimelech (Genesis 20:2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 119:1-8

1 Happy are those who live pure lives, who follow the Lord's teachings.

2 Happy are those who keep his rules, who try to obey him with their whole heart.

3 They don't do what is wrong; they follow his ways.

4 Lord, you gave your orders to be obeyed completely.

5 I wish I were more loyal in obeying your demands.

6 Then I would not be ashamed when I study your commands.

7 When I learned that your laws are fair, I praised you with an honest heart.

8 I will obey your demands, so please don't ever leave me.

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

Sunday January 3, 2010 thought for the day

BRRRRR---- COLD----

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Heresy is truth taken to extreme-

2-Scripture was not given to be obeyed, rather that God would be obeyed-

3-If I accept the sunshine and warmth, then I must also accept the thunder and lightening-

4-I asked the Lord to walk with me when darkness was all that I knew, he said to me "never be afraid for I will see you through".

5-The master of the universe has nail prints in his hands and feet-

STRANGE THOUGHT-An optimist is someone who tells you to cheer up when things are going his way-

I'VE LEARNED-The easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I-

DID YOU KNOW-John Quincy Adams took his last skinny dip in the Potomac river on his 79th birthday-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus have dressed as a rabbi or a peasant?

2-When Jesus raised the dead, wouldn't that have caused quite a stir and caused people to believe in him?

3-How many people did Jesus bring back to life who were dead?

4-Whatever happened to Jairus' daughter after being raised from the dead?

5-Did Jairus, his family and the daughter all become followers of Jesus after the daughter's resurrection?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Gerar took Sarah away from Abraham?

Yesterday's answer-Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 118:22-29

22 The stone that the builders rejected became the cornerstone.

23 The Lord did this, and it is wonderful to us.

24 This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad today!

25 Please, Lord save us; please, Lord, give us success.

26 God bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless all of you from the Temple of the Lord.

27 The Lord is God, and he has shown kindness to us. With branches in your hands, join the feast. Come to the corners of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will thank you; you are my God, and I will praise your greatness.

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

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

Saturday January 2, 2010 thought for the day

CAN SPRING COME TOO SOON??

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Bible study is not an end in itself, it is a means to an end-

2-Think of God's word as God's voice-

3-God's assistance is not always immediate but it is always sure-

4-Gaining biblical knowledge has 2 inherent dangers-1)Danger of pride and 2)danger of narrow mindedness-

5 For a balanced Christian life, there must be discernment along with knowledge-

STRANGE THOUGHT-My best job was as a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't note worthy-

I'VE LEARNED-Love not time heals all wounds-

DID YOU KNOW-John Quincy Adams owned a pet alligator, which he kept in the East Room of the White House-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Why would Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, ask for Jesus to heal his daughter--was he a believer or was it a last desperate effort?

2-What gave the woman with an issue of blood the courage to try to secretly touch Jesus clothing?

3-The woman with an issue of blood would be ceremonially unclean, so how could she be a part of a crowd to see Jesus?

4-How would Jesus have dressed?

5-Technically, was Jesus a rabbi?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Salem was also a priest of the Most High God?

Yesterday's answer-Elah 1 Kings 16:8-10)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 118:15-21

15 Shouts of joy and victory come from the tents of those who do right: "The Lord has done powerful things."

16 The power of the Lord has won the victory; with his power the Lord has done mighty things.

17 I will not die, but live, and I will tell what the Lord has done.

18 The Lord has taught me a hard lesson, but he did not let me die.

19 Open for me the Temple gates. Then I will come in and thank the Lord.

20 This is the Lord's gate; only those who are good may enter through it.

21 Lord, I thank you for answering me. You have saved me.

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

Friday January 1, 2010 thought for the day

A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Enthusiasm is the key to success-

2-Indulgence breeds irresponsibility-

3-Pursue academic excellence and authentic godliness-

4-Knowing God is a lifetime pursuit, it requires a daily commitment-

5-God is our father only when we believe in his son, and not until-

A STRANGE THOUGHT-I tried working as a deli worker, but anyway I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard-

I'VE LEARNED-When you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you-

DID YOU KNOW-Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and James Monroe all died on July 4. Jefferson and Adams died at practically the same minute of the same day-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there demon possession today?

2-How does demon possession happen?

3-Are suicidal tendencies from demon possession?

4-Are demons Satan's angels or fallen angels?

5-How could a man live with a "legion" of demons and yet 2000 pigs could not?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Israel was murdered while he was drunk?

Yesterday's answer-Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-9)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 118:10-14

10 All the nations surrounded me, but I defeated them in the name of he Lord.

11 They surrounded me on every side, but with the Lord's power I defeated them.

12 They surrounded me like a swarm of bees, but they died as quickly as thorns burn.

13 They chased me until I was almost defeated, but the Lord helped me.

14 The Lord gives me strength and a song. He has saved me.

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

Thursday December 31, 2009 thought for the day

IT IS ALMOST HERE NOW!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Forgiveness warms the heart and cools the sting-

2-God cannot fill a closed fist, only an open hand-

3-Carnal attitudes always precede carnal actions-

4-The one who rows the boat generally doesn't have time to rock it-

5-Don't condemn--don't criticize--don't complain-

STRANGE THOUGHT-He who has a thing to sell and whispers in a well is not apt to get the dollars as he who climbs a tree and hollers-

I'VE LEARNED-To ignore the facts does not change the facts-

DID YOU KNOW-Thomas Jefferson anonymously submitted design plans for the White House. They were rejected. He was he first president to be inaugurated in Washington, D.C.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jesus tell stories (parables) to get his point across?

2-The people who demanded Jesus show them a miracle to prove he was God's son, had they not already seen and heard about all the prior ones he had done?

3-Just because someone does a real miracle does that prove they are God?

4-People who have lost their sanity, are they demon possessed?

5-What are demons? Are they spiritual beings with intelligence and personality?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king hosted a banquet where a phantom hand left a message on the palace wall?

Yesterdays answer-Song of Solomon

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 118:1-9

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

2-Let the people of Israel say "His love continues forever."

3 Let the family of Aaron say "His love continues forever."

4 Let those who respect the Lord say, "His love continues forever."

5-I was in trouble, so I called to the Lord. The Lord answered me and set me free.

6 I will not be afraid, because the Lord is with me. People can't do anything to me.

7 The Lord is with me to help me, so I will see my enemies defeated.

8 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust people.

9 It is better to trust the Lord than to trust princes.

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

Wednesday December 30, 2009 thought for the day

IT IS COMING SOON!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When we commit to God's leading we release ourselves from fret and worry-

2-The truth often makes people uncomfortable-

3-When you get a real vision of God, then you can really see yourself-

4-God never asks for more than you have but he does want all you have-

5-To experience love, you must give it away-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I tried working in a muffler shop but it was too exhausting-

I'VE LEARNED-Under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved-

DID YOU KNOW-George Washington had to borrow money to go to his own inauguration-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was it Judas' purpose in life to be the betrayer of Jesus?

2-On what mountain was the Sermon on the Mount given-

3-Was Jesus giving his disciples and fellow Jews the sermon on the mount as a replacement for God giving the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai as a guide for their conduct and living for him?

4-The Centurion who came to Jesus to ask for healing for his servant had to be a Roman gentile--what caused him to believe in a Jewish messiah?

5-Did the Centurion who asked Jesus to heal his servant believe Jesus was God or just a miracle healing Jew?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Esther is the first book in the Bible not to mention the name of God. What is the second book?

Yesterday's answer-Zerubbabel and Joshua (Ezra 3)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 117

1 All the nations, praise the Lord. All you people, praise him

2 because the Lord loves us very much, and his truth is everlasting. Praise the Lord!

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

Tuesday December 29, 2009 thought for the day

COMING TO YOUR PLACE VERY SOON

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger is sin only when expressed as hostility-

2-People don't backslide by failure, only by not confessing it and asking forgiveness-

3-Zeal without wisdom is confusion-

4-We are not to be cope-ors but conquerors-

5-Growth in Christ builds on previous growth in Christ-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is hard to remember in the dark what you learned in the light-

I'VE LEARNED-God was not obligated to forgive me but he did and he does-

DID YOU KNOW-George Washington's teeth were made of whale bone-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the disciples pray to Jesus when they know he was the Messiah?

2-Did the disciples have a daily devotional time with Jesus their teacher?

3-Did the disciples go with Jesus to the synagogue?

4-Why did Jesus choose 12 (the number) disciples?

5-When Jesus chose Judas Iscariot as a disciple, did he know then that Judas would betray him, or did God the Father reveal that to him later?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Solomon led the way in constructing the first temple in Jerusalem. Who led in the building of the second temple?

Yesterday's answer-Cain's wife, who is not named (Genesis 4:17)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 116:12-19

12 What can I give the Lord for all the good thing he has given to me?

13 I will lift up the cup of salvation, and I will pray to the Lord.

14 I will give the Lord what I promised in front of all his people.

15 The death of one that belongs to the Lord is precious in his sight.

16 Lord, I am your servant; I am your servant and the son of your female servant.

17 I will give you an offering to show thanks to you, and I will pray to the Lord.

18 I will give the Lord what I promised in front of all his people,

19 in the Temple courtyards in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!

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

Monday December 28, 2009 thought for the day

NEW YEAR IS A COMING!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Church and God are not synonymous-

2-Obedience is better than sacrifice or giving-

3-Obedience is the key to knowing God's will-

4-It is out of the helplessness of our lives that we determine who our God really is-

5-Holiness is a relationship, not a state of being-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I worked as a tailor but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job-

I'VE LEARNED-It is the small daily happenings that make life so spectacular-

DID YOU KNOW-George Washington was deathly afraid of being buried alive. After he died, he wanted to be laid out for three days just to be sure he was dead-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was doubting Thomas a twin, and if so to whom and why do we know nothing about him?

2-Why was one of the disciples named James called James the Less?

3-If the 12 disciples were so important to Jesus, why don't we know more about them and why they were chosen?

4-Except for the inner circle of Jesus' disciples, why do we not know more about what they did?

5-What did the disciples do as disciples?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Eve is the first woman named in the bible. Who was the second?

Yesterday's answer-Balaam's donkey (Numbers22:28-30)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 115:1-

1 I love the Lord, because he listens to my prayers for help.

2 He paid attention to me, so I will call to him for help as long as I live.

3-The ropes of death bound me, and the fear of the grave took hold of me. I was troubled and sad.

4 Then I called out the name of the Lord. I said, "Please, Lord, save me!"

5 The Lord is kind and does what is right; our God is merciful.

6 The Lord watches over the foolish; when I was helpless, he saved me.

7 I said to myself, "Relax, because the Lord takes care of you."

8 Lord, you saved me from death. You stopped my eyes from crying; you kept me from being defeated.

9 So I will walk with the Lord in the land of the living.

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

Sunday December 27, 2009 thought for the day

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even though forgiven, sin has consequences-

2-Don't concentrate on the difficulty, concentrate on God-

3-The Bible says "let your light so shine...." not let your lips so speak-

4-Trouble never leaves you where it found you, it leaves you bitter or better-

5- We often are so busy being religious that we don't have time to be Christian-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the axe-

I'VE LEARNED-Money doesn't buy class-

DID YOU KNOW-George Washington grew marijuana in his garden-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who were the Herodians?

2-Was Herod Antipater (the father of Herod the Great) a Jew since Caesar Later made him a Roman citizen?

3-When Jesus was a late teen, would he have had a desire to marry and have children?

4-What is the farthermost distance ever traveled by Jesus?

5-Would Jesus ever have ridden in a chariot?

BIBLE TRIVIA-The serpent id Eden was the first talking animal in the Bible. Who was the second?

Yesterday's answer-Jerusalem (2Samuel 5:6-10)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 115:9-18

9 Family of Israel, trust the Lord; he is your helper and your protection.

10 Family of Aaron, trust the Lord; he is your helper and your protection.

11 You who respect the Lord should trust him; he is your helper and your protection.

12 The Lord remembers us and will bless us. He will bless the family of Israel; he will bless the family of Aaron.

13 The Lord will bless those who respect him, from the smallest to the greatest.

14 May the Lord give you success, and may he give you and your children success.

15 May you be blessed by the Lord, who made heaven and earth.

16 Heaven belongs to the Lord, but he gave the earth to people.

17 Dead people do not praise the Lord; those in the grave are silent.

18 But we will praise the Lord now and forever. Praise the Lord!

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

Saturdaya December 26, 2009 thought for the day

A PRETTY WINTER PICTURE

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Many times the problems we face in life are primarily the result of our own attitude-

2-"Trusting in my fathers wise bestowment, I've no cause for worry or for fear"-

3-Disobedience comes from unbelief-

4-Depression has one underlying cause, and it is self pity-

5-Don't have faith in faith, have faith in God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-My first job was in an orange juice factory, but I got canned-I couldn't concentrate-

I'VE LEARNED-We should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for-

DID YOU KNOW-David Rice Atchinson was president of the United States for exactly one day-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Pharisees criticized Jesus' disciples for breaking the Sabbath by getting some grain to eat out of the field, but how were they supposed to eat?

2-How did Jesus and his disciples eat as they traveled from place to place?

3-Would Jesus have followed the Jewish law of traveling no more than 2000 cubits (3/4 mile) on the Sabbath?

4-Were Jesus' disciples "stealing" when they took grain out of a field to eat while traveling?

5-Would the Islamic Mosque which stands in Jerusalem where David's temple stood be an abomination to God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-David's first capital city was Hebron. What was his second, and more famous, capital?

Yesterday's answer-Simeon (Genesis 29:33)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 115:1-8

1 It does not belong to us, Lord. The glory belongs to you because of your love and loyalty.

2 Why do the nations ask, "Where is their God?"

3 Our God is in heaven. He does what he pleases.

4 Their idols are made of silver and gold, the work of human hands.

5 They have mouths, but they cannot speak. They have eyes, but they cannot see.

6 They have ears, but they cannot hear. They have noses, but they cannot smell.

7 They have hands, but they cannot feel. They have feet, but they cannot walk. No sounds come from their throats.

8 People who make idols will be like them, and so will those who trust them.

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

Friday December 25, 2009 thought for the day

I BRING YOU GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY!!!

TODAY, IN THE TOWN OF DAVID YOUR

SAVIOR WAS BORN, HE IS CHRIST THE LORD!!

May the Christ of Christmas be your savior and Lord!!

Thursday December 24, 2009 thought for the day

A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE DAY

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We do not love God because of what he does for us but rather because of who he is-

2-Most of us don't see miracles because most of us don't need them-

3-God doesn't love me because I love him, he loves me just as I am-

4-It is your attitude under suffering that makes you victorious-

5-God never demands a meaningless sacrifice-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never get off a train when you a going through a tunnel-

I'VE LEARNED-Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes-

DID YOU KNOW-No president has been an only child-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is a backslider still a child of God but with no relationship with God or is their salvation lost?

2-If babies or children have a sin nature when they die, how can they go to heaven upon their young death?

3-Why did the Pharisees have such a hugh impact on Jewish life?

4-Why did Jesus call Matthew to be a disciple when he was such a despised tax collector?

5-After John the Baptist pointed out Jesus as the messiah, did his followers then become followers of Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Jacob's firstborn was Reuben. Who was his second son?

Yesterday's answer-Ehud (Judges 315)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 114

1 When the Israelites went out of Egypt, the people of Jacob left that foreign country.

2 Then Judah became God's holy place; Israel became the land he ruled.

3 The Red Sea looked and ran away; the Jordan River turned back.

4 The mountains danced like sheep and the hills like little lambs.

5 Sea, why did you run away? Jordan, why did you turn back?

6 Mountains, why did you dance like sheep? Hills, why did you dance like little lambs?

7 Earth, shake with fear before the Lord, before the God of Jacob.

8 He turned a rock into a pool of water, a hard rock into a spring of water.

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

Wednesday December 23, 2009 thought for the day

A WINTER WONDERLAND

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Shared joy is a double joy, shared sorrow is half a sorrow-

2-God can take away your bitterness and resentment and give you forgiving love in its place-

3-God will never give you an inspiration in your mind or heart that is contrary to his word-

4-I never knew how it felt to feel so good until Jesus came into my life-

5-If you don't deny yourself, you will deny Christ-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The bigger a man's head gets, the easier it is to fill his shoes-

I'VE LEARNED-Simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child, did wonders for me as an adult-

DID YOU KNOW-More presidents have been born in Virginia than in any other state-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you sin and not know it?

2-Why didn't Jesus define what sin is?

3-Is sin more attitude or behavior?

4-How are we born into sin and when did we receive the sin nature?

5-Is a person's salvation so fragile that one sin and you are out, and no longer a child of God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Othniel was the first judge of Israel. Who was the second?

Yesterday's answer-Frogs ((Exodus 8:1-8)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 113

1 Praise the Lord! Praise him, you servants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord.

2 The Lord's name should be praised now and forever.

3 The Lord's name should be praised from where the sun rises to where it sets.

4 The Lord is supreme over all the nations; his glory reaches to the skies.

5 No one is like the Lord our God, who rules from heaven,

6 who bends down to look at the skies and the earth.

7 The Lord lifts the poor from the dirt and takes the helpless from the ashes.

8 He seats them with princes, the princes of his people.

9 He gives children to the woman who has none and makes her a happy mother. Praise the Lord!

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

Tuesday December 22, 2009 thought for the day

THE NATIVITY

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't give God instructions, just report for duty-

2-The only prayer that God hears is the prayer of faith-

3-There are no exclusive groups or excluded groups in Christ-

4-To become---act as if-

5-You only sell out that which you don't value-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you take Christ out of Christmas you're left with a "miss"-

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand-

DID YOU KNOW-There has never been a president from the Air Force or Marine Corps, although Ronald Reagan was in the Army Air Corps.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it possible to love the sinner but hate their sin?

2-Are Christians to separate themselves from those who are "sinners"?

3-Is anyone "perfect" or "sinless" after being saved?

4-When does a Christian's sin separate him from God?

5-Does one sin by a Christian cause them to lose their salvation?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the second plague in Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Silas (Acts 15:36-41)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 112

1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who respect the Lord, who want what he commands.

2 Their descendants will be powerful in the land; the children of honest people will be blessed.

3 Their houses will be full of wealth and riches. And their goodness will continue forever.

4 A light shines in the dark for honest people, for those who are merciful and kind and good.

5 It is good to be merciful and generous. Those who are fair in their business

6 will never be defeated. Good people will always be remembered.

7 They won't be afraid of bad news; their hearts are steady because they trust the Lord.

8 They are confident and will not be afraid; they will look down on their enemies.

9 They give freely to the poor. The things they do are right and will continue forever. They will be given great honor.

10 The wicked will see this and become angry; they will grind their teeth in anger and then disappear. The wishes of the wicked will come to nothing.

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

Monday December 21, 2009 thought for the day

WE THREE KINGS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't be stubborn, be steadfast-

2-Don't do the right thing for the wrong reason-

3-There is no resurrection without a crucifixion-

4-Christianity is primarily a state of being--a state of doing will automatically follow-

5-The happiest people in the world are those who are giving-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you lose weight, where does the weight go?

I'VE LEARNED-No matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with -

DID YOU KNOW-All U.S. Presidents have worn glasses; some of them just didn't like to be seen wearing them in public.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it possible that Matthew was the nobleman who came to Jesus in Cana begging Jesus to heal his son?

2-Why was Matthew's name changed from Levi. Did he change it himself or did Jesus give him a new name?

3-Why is Matthew never mentioned again in scripture after his calling by Jesus to be a disciple, except in the listing of the apostles?

4-Did the tax collectors collect taxes for both the Roman and Jewish governing authorities?

5-When Jesus told the Jewish leaders to give to Caesar what is his, does that mean we should pay our taxes willingly?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was Paul's second traveling companion?

Yesterday's answer-James, brother of John (12:1-2)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 111

1 I will thank the Lord with all my heart in the meeting of his good people.

2 The Lord does great things; those who enjoy them seek them.

3 What he does is glorious and splendid, and his goodness continues forever.

4 His miracles are unforgettable. The Lord is kind and merciful.

5 He gives food to those who fear him. He remembers his agreement forever.

6 He has shown his people his power when he gave them the lands of other nations.

7 Everything he does is good and fair; all his orders can be trusted.

8 They will continue forever. They were made true and right.

9 He sets his people free. He made his agreement everlasting. He is holy and wonderful.

10 Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord; those who obey his orders have good understanding. He should be praised forever.

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

Sunday December 20, 2009 thought for the day

THOUGHTS OF MILITARY AT CHRISTMAS

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christians are the salt of the earth and salt makes people thirsty-

2-The only way to really destroy your enemy is to make him your friend-

3-What have you changed in the last 12 months as a result of God speaking to you through his Word?

4-Hearing and doing go hand in hand-

5-The weaker our spirit, the greater God's support-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The trouble with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples money-

I'VE LEARNED-I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help them in some other way-

USELESS INFORMATION-Squirrels can climb trees faster than they can run on the ground-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the human side of Jesus need rest and relaxation?

2-Would Jesus ever have been sick or hurt?

3-Did the Jewish religious leaders dismiss Jesus out of hand or had they studied their books and scrolls and then rejected him?

4-Why was Matthew so quick to respond to Jesus' call to be a disciple?

5-Had Matthew known Jesus prior to his calling to be a disciple?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle was the second martyr?

Yesterday's answer-Healing an official's son in Cana (John 4:43-54)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 110

1 The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by me at my right side until I put your enemies under your control.''

2 The Lord will enlarge your kingdom beyond Jerusalem, and you will rule over your enemies.

3 Your people will join you on your day of battle. You have been dressed in holiness from birth; you have the freshness of a child.

4 The Lord has made a promise and will not change his mind. He said, "You are a priest forever, a priest like Melchizedek."

5 The Lord is beside you to help you. When he becomes angry, he will crush kings.

6 He will judge those nations, filling them with dead bodies; he will defeat rulers all over the world.

7 The king will drink from the brook on the way. Then he will be strengthened.

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

Saturday December 19, 2009 thought for the day

THE NATIVITY

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-What you don't control you are not responsible for-

2-The development of our Christian character is God's personal commitment-

3-Wise counsel is never popular, rarely obeyed, and seldom remembered-

4-God focuses on the ultimate not on the immediate-

5-There is a difference between education and disciplining-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I don't bother getting even, I just get odd-

I'VE LEARNED-You should never say no to a gift from a child-

USELESS INFORMATION-It is estimated that millions of trees are planted by forgetful squirrels-

BIBLE TRIVIA-In John's gospel, what is the second miracle?

Yesterday's answer-Abraham (Genesis15-17)

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY PSALM 109:22-31

22 I am poor and helpless and very sad.

23 I am dying like an evening shadow; I am shaken off like a locust.

24 My knees are weak from hunger, and I have grown thin.

25 My enemies insult me, they look at me and shake their heads.

26 Lord my God, help me; because you are loving, save me.

27 Then they will know that your power has done this; they will know that you have done it, Lord.

28 They may curse me, but you bless me. They may attack me, but they will be disgraced. Then I, your servant, will be glad.

29 Let those who accuse me be disgraced and covered with shame like a coat.

30 I will thank the Lord very much; I will praise him in front of many people.

31 He defends the helpless and saves them from those who accuse them.

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