Wednesday July 20, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Fear is the catalyst of courage, not the opposite of it-

2-You cannot overcome evil with will power and self help-

3-No one automatically comes to God-

4-We are sinful, not morally challenged-

5-The best antidote for materialism is giving-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon-

I'VE LEARNED-The largest room is for improvement-

DID YOU KNOW-The food for the Greek gods was called ambrosia-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it take to care?

2-How do you live a surrendered life-

3-Lord, are there places in my life that I am not living for you?

4-How do we carry around the death of Jesus in our body?

5-Why is Christmas called Christmas-why isn't it called Jesusmas, saviormas, etc?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was Jesus speaking of when he said, "Behold you mother"?

Yesterday's answer-Rebekah Genesis 25:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 2:17-24

The Jews and the Law

¹⁷ What about you? You call yourself a Jew. You trust in the law of Moses and brag that you are close to God.¹⁸ You know what he wants you to do and what is important, because you have learned the law.¹⁹ You think you are a guide for the blind and a light for those who are in darkness.²⁰ You think you can show foolish people what is right and teach those who know nothing. You have the law; so you think you know everything and have all truth.²¹ You teach others, so why don't you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but you steal.²² You say that others must not take part in adultery, but you are guilty of that sin. You hate idols, but you steal from temples.²³ You brag about having God's law, but you bring shame to God by breaking his law,²⁴ just as the Scriptures say: "Those who are not Jews speak against God's name because of you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, our hearts are warmed and encouraged when we remember that our labor for You is never in vain. You see our hearts and equip us to carry out the mission of helping Your people. We don’t want to look to others for affirmation since that could lead us to vacillate in our calling. Instead You bless us as we are faithful to You and remain steadfast in our commitment to help others. May we not rely on just the immediate results, but rather recognize that You are storing up treasures from our work here on earth, many that will only be revealed in heaven. Amen.

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

Tuesday July 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success is how high you go after hitting bottom-

2-When you fail you get experience and with enough experience you won't fail as often-

3-Obey God and trust him for the consequences of your obedience-

4-We need other people to help us do life-

5-There is no key to unlock the door of happiness, the door is always open-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Eagles may soar in the clouds, but weasels never get sucked into jet engines-

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot lose something you never had-

DID YOUKNOW-Two million different combinations of sandwiches can be created from a Subway menu-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it okay to say "we want to win people to our church"?

2-To what degree is the living Jesus manifested in our life?

3-Is love for Jesus able to be lived in all of life's situations?

4-What is sacrificial living?

5-Why do we want more things than we can pay for?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first woman to ask God for help?

Yesterday's answer-Proverbs 31:10-31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 2:12-16

¹² People who do not have the law and who are sinners will be lost, although they do not have the law. And, in the same way, those who have the law and are sinners will be judged by the law.¹³ Hearing the law does not make people right with God. It is those who obey the law who will be right with him.¹⁴ (Those who are not Jews do not have the law, but when they freely do what the law commands, they are the law for themselves. This is true even though they do not have the law.¹⁵ They show that in their hearts they know what is right and wrong, just as the law commands. And they show this by their consciences. Sometimes their thoughts tell them they did wrong, and sometimes their thoughts tell them they did right.)¹⁶ All these things will happen on the day when God, through Christ Jesus, will judge people's secret thoughts. The Good News that I preach says this.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re told to do everything without complaining, so that we shine like stars in the universe. We know that people are drawn to light where brightness is present and warmth is extended. Help our conversation to be full of grace, tenderness, light, and truth so that we will positively affect those around us. May we be as a sweet aroma to You and those whom we meet on our life’s journey. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday July 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-May I so live that when I die even the mortician will be sorry-

2-Contentment is knowing you are in God's will for your life-

3-God often moves mountains when you supply the shovel-

4-Your life is a result of your thinking of yesterday. Your life tomorrow will be determined by what you think today-

5-It is not what you take when you die, it is what you leave behind you when you leave-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Walking can add minutes to your life. It enables you, at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7500 per month-

I'VE LEARNED-Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will spend every weekend out on the lake-

DID YOU KNOW-More popcorn is sold in Dallas than anywhere else in the United States-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why don't we practice "foot washing" in church services today?

2-Are there any conditions to asking God for anything?

3-When God sees you, does he see your future or your past?

4-Why should anyone new come to my church?

5-How should new believers in Jesus be discipled?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book of the bible mentions a virtuous woman who is more valuable than rubies?

Yesterday's answer-Huldah the prophetess 2 Kings 22:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY ROMANS 2:1-11

You People Also Are Sinful

¹ If you think you can judge others, you are wrong. When you judge them, you are really judging yourself guilty, because you do the same things they do.² God judges those who do wrong things, and we know that his judging is right.³ You judge those who do wrong, but you do wrong yourselves. Do you think you will be able to escape the judgment of God?⁴ He has been very kind and patient, waiting for you to change, but you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so you will change your hearts and lives.⁵ But you are stubborn and refuse to change, so you are making your own punishment even greater on the day he shows his anger. On that day everyone will see God's right judgments.⁶ God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done.⁷ Some people, by always continuing to do good, live for God's glory, for honor, and for life that has no end. God will give them life forever.⁸ But other people are selfish. They refuse to follow truth and, instead, follow evil. God will give them his punishment and anger.⁹ He will give trouble and suffering to everyone who does evil—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.¹⁰ But he will give glory, honor, and peace to everyone who does good—to the Jews first and also to those who are not Jews.¹¹ For God judges all people in the same way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to live above the fray of this world as a people of righteousness set apart for Your purpose. We forsake the things of this world that bring disgrace to Your holy name and live for the purpose of bringing glory, honor and praise to You, our Father. We pray for our nation, for the turning away from our sins and turning toward the abundant life we find in Christ our Lord. You’ve called us to repentance and to share the good news of salvation to all who are lost. Help us to seek a fresh calling upon our lives to be obedient in this commission from Scripture. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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

Sunday July17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Deciding not to choose is still making a choice-

2-If you do what you've always done you'll be what you've always been-

3-Reputation is earned, not given-

4-An unprayed prayer is never answered-

5-Sometimes patience is faith and waiting is believing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How do you get off a non stop flight?

I'VE LEARNED-When mom is made at dad, don't let her brush your hair-

DID YOU KNOW-Dunkin' Donuts serves over 112,000 donuts a day-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the greatest need the church has today?

2-How would we pray if we really felt God was listening to us?

3-How do you have intimacy with God?

4-Should we incorporate silent time (listening time) into church services today?

5-Why don't we practice "foot washing" in church services today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wise woman was sought out by Josiah when the Book Of The Law was discovered in the temple?

Yesterday's answer-Athaliah 2 Chronicles 23:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:28-32

²⁸ People did not think it was important to have a true knowledge of God. So God left them and allowed them to have their own worthless thinking and to do things they should not do.²⁹ They are filled with every kind of sin, evil, selfishness, and hatred. They are full of jealousy, murder, fighting, lying, and thinking the worst about each other. They gossip³⁰ and say evil things about each other. They hate God. They are rude and conceited and brag about themselves. They invent ways of doing evil. They do not obey their parents.³¹ They are foolish, they do not keep their promises, and they show no kindness or mercy to others.³² They know God's law says that those who live like this should die. But they themselves not only continue to do these evil things, they applaud others who do them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are the Master Gardener who is growing me into the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. As I remain in the Vine You assure me that I will bear much fruit lasting far beyond one season. When I consider the fruit You want to grow in me I recognize that it is all based on character traits seen in the Son. Help me to respond in accordance to the pruning knife of the Word of God as it penetrates my soul, judging the very thoughts and attitudes of my heart. Cut out that which hinders my growth and submerge me in that which will make me flourish making me fruitful for the Kingdom of God. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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

Saturday July 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Church is a fill up station when you are low on faith-

2-Most accomplishments were made by people who kept trying when there was no hope at all-

3-Truth exists, lies must be made up-

4-Life is a puzzle, look to God for the missing piece-

5-Confession without repentance is just bragging-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When it rains, why don't sheep shrink?

I'VE LEARNED-Whether you think you can , or think that you can't, either way you are usually right-

DID YOU KNOW-Americans on average eat eighteen acres of pizza every day with Saturday night being the biggest night of the week for eating pizza-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Is demon possession as real today as it was in Jesus' day?

2-Does the rest of the world expect more from Christians than other people?

3-When the word "church" is mentioned in scripture, what does it refer to?

4-Can you be a Christian and not be fully committed to Jesus?

5-Did the disciples know each other prior to being called by Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What daughter of Jezebel was killed at Jerusalem's Horse Gate?

Yesterday's answer-The woman of Shunam 2Kings 4:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:24-27

²⁴ Because they did these things, God left them and let them go their sinful way, wanting only to do evil. As a result, they became full of sexual sin, using their bodies wrongly with each other.²⁵ They traded the truth of God for a lie. They worshiped and served what had been created instead of the God who created those things, who should be praised forever. Amen.

²⁶ Because people did those things, God left them and let them do the shameful things they wanted to do. Women stopped having natural sex and started having sex with other women.²⁷ In the same way, men stopped having natural sex and began wanting each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and in their bodies they received the punishment for those wrongs.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we regularly come to You asking for peace regarding situations that we don’t understand or have no personal ability to change. Way too often troubling circumstances capture our emotions and rob us of the peace promised to those who place their trust in You. Help us not to be tossed about by the changing circumstances of our lives, but to be steadfast as we discipline our mind to be fixed upon You. Only then will we know true life sustaining peace while sojourning here below. Amen.

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

Friday July 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Choosing to let go of your own will is the ultimate act of love and trust-

2-You cannot change people you love through anger-

3-It is hard to fight the things we are afraid of-

4-We have a great need of Jesus, we have a great Jesus for our needs-

5-The cross of Christ is the bridge between God and man-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I've had enough of not enough-

I'VE LEARNED-Rumors are good, they tell you things about yourself you never knew-

DID YOU KNOW-A can of spam is opened every four seconds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does Jesus want us today to leave everything and follow him as the disciples did?

2-Why were the disciples so quick to be obedient to follow Jesus?

3-Why was Jesus allowed to teach in the synagogue when he wasn't a rabbi?

4-If the demon possessed man in the synagogue knew who Jesus was, why are people so blinded today?

5-Do demons only live in people or also in things?

B IBLE TRIVIA-What wealthy woman had a son that died of a sunstroke?

Yesterday's answer-The widow of Zarephath Luke 4:25-26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:18-23

All People Have Done Wrong

¹⁸ God's anger is shown from heaven against all the evil and wrong things people do. By their own evil lives they hide the truth.¹⁹ God shows his anger because some knowledge of him has been made clear to them. Yes, God has shown himself to them.²⁰ There are things about him that people cannot see—his eternal power and all the things that make him God. But since the beginning of the world those things have been easy to understand by what God has made. So people have no excuse for the bad things they do.²¹ They knew God, but they did not give glory to God or thank him. Their thinking became useless. Their foolish minds were filled with darkness.²² They said they were wise, but they became fools.²³ They traded the glory of God who lives forever for the worship of idols made to look like earthly people, birds, animals, and snakes.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, even as water is essential for physical life, You’ve created within us a thirst for holiness and righteousness to sustain our spiritual life. So often we attempt to quench that inborn thirst with temporary substitutes that give us a quick high and then we inevitably face recurring dissatisfaction. No person, position, or possession can effectively replace our divine appointment with You, the Living God, who desires to have fellowship with Your creation. We invite Your supernatural presence to be fully manifested in our lives as we call out to You night and day, in times of refreshing and in times of drought. Be glorified in me, Living God!

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

Thursday July 14, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Self pity thrives in isolation-

2-Self pity is feeling no one else has this problem except me-

3-Fatigue makes cowards of us all-

4-Fear is often the beginning of depression-

5-Letting go can only be done, it cannot be developed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I like long walks, especially when taken by people that annoy me-

I'VE LEARNED-Fatigue is often the beginning of discouragement-

DID YOU KNOW-The amount of potato chips Americans eat each year weighs 6 times more than the Titanic-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus know ahead of time who he would ask to be his disciples?

2-Did the disciples forsake their families to follow Jesus?

3-Why is scripture silent about the disciples background as well as their families?

4-If Jesus were calling 12 disciples today, what kind of people would they be?

5-When the disciples left and followed Jesus, was it a well thought out decision or a spur of the moment decision?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman, associated with the prophet Elijah, was mentioned by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Jezebel 2 Kings 9:33

Scripture for today Romans 1:8-17

A Prayer of Thanks

⁸ First I want to say that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because people everywhere in the world are talking about your faith.⁹ God, whom I serve with my whole heart by telling the Good News about his Son, knows that I always mention you¹⁰ every time I pray. I pray that I will be allowed to come to you, and this will happen if God wants it.¹¹ I want very much to see you, to give you some spiritual gift to make you strong.¹² I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you. ¹³ Brothers and sisters, I want you to know that I planned many times to come to you, but this has not been possible. I wanted to come so that I could help you grow spiritually as I have helped the other non-Jewish people.

¹⁴ I have a duty to all people—Greeks and those who are not Greeks, the wise and the foolish.¹⁵ That is why I want so much to preach the Good News to you in Rome.

¹⁶ I am not ashamed of the Good News, because it is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and then to save non-Jews. ¹⁷ The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself—that it begins and ends with faith. As the Scripture says, "But those who are right with God will live by faith."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, so much of what I need to do today and in the near future consumes my time and energy. The commitments and problems I face can easily crowd out the solemn moments that helps redirect my attention and focus upon the future You have planned for me. My soul is refreshed and my hope renewed when I consider that all of heaven with its splendor, majesty, absence of sin, and the presence of Jesus is mine to receive. You prepared it all and promised it as an inheritance for all who live by faith. Though my eyes cannot presently see, my heart believe by faith all that You have in store for those who are looking for the city which is yet to come, our eternal dwelling place. Amen.

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

Wednesday July 13, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Change what you can and accept the rest-

2-Our character is built through disappointment and failures-

3-God prepares us for success through the hard times of life-

4-When nothing seems to be going right, hang on and keep doing what you know to be right-

5-God cares for you even when you are out of his will-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are somebody's goal weight-

I'VE LEARNED-Twenty years from now, we will be more disappointed by the things we didn't do than by the things we did do-

DID YOU KNOW-The estimated number of M&Ms sold each day in the United States is two hundred million-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was God still a trinity when Jesus was on earth?

2-Does repentance bring believing or does believing bring repentance?

3-The first men Jesus called to be his disciples responded by leaving immediately to follow him. Did they know about him before this encounter? If not, why would they have responded as they did?

4-Did Jesus ever call anyone to be a disciple who didn't say yes?

5-Why were fishermen the first called to be disciples?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was killed after being thrown from a window by two eunuchs?

Yesterday's answer-Jezebel 1 Kings 18:4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 1:1-7

God's Plan to Save Us

¹ From Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus. God called me to be an apostle and chose me to tell the Good News.

² God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets, as it is written in the Holy Scriptures. ^3-4 The Good News is about God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. As a man, he was born from the family of David. But through the Spirit of holiness he was declared to be God's Son with great power by rising from the dead. ⁵ Through Christ, God gave me the special work of an apostle, which was to lead people of all nations to believe and obey. I do this work for him.⁶ And you who are in Rome are also called to belong to Jesus Christ.

⁷ To all of you in Rome whom God loves and has called to be his holy people:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are the Giver of all good things. You have given us so much and we are indeed grateful. Move upon our hearts to be generous with our resources. When we’re tempted to look at other’s possessions in comparison to our own, bring to our mind those who have less rather than those who have more. This will help us to be more prayerful and generous toward those who are without. It will also help us to be less whining and more content with what we have. Amen

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

Tuesday July 12, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God gives you permission not to have to fix everything-

2-A cheap sacrifice is no sacrifice at all-

3-What I prize I will pay for and what I pay for I will prize-

4-Sin is not what you want to do but can't, it is what you should not do because it will hurt you bad-

5-Be the very best person you can be-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When is enough enough?

I'VE LEARNED-A word to the wise is not necessary, it is the stupid ones that need it-

DID YOU KNOW-The biggest selling restaurant food is french fries-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does repentance always precede forgiveness?

2-Should baptism always follow repentance and/or confession?

3-Does baptism bring forgiveness for sins?

4-Is God a person or a being?

5-How did John the Baptist know what the Holy Spirit was?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What queen of Israel ordered the extermination of the prophets of the Lord?

Yesterday's answer-Mary John 2:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 6:21-24

Final Greetings

²¹ I am sending to you Tychicus, our brother whom we love and a faithful servant of the Lord's work. He will tell you everything that is happening with me. Then you will know how I am and what I am doing.²² I am sending him to you for this reason—so that you will know how we are, and he can encourage you.

²³ Peace and love with faith to you brothers and sisters from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. ²⁴ Grace to all of you who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love that never ends.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when I stand at the crossroads I’m given the option of choosing which direction I’ll take. May Your Word be like a road map making the direction clear as to which is the well-worn path marked out by faithful followers who remained true to Your ancient Law, whose hearts did not betray the One True God. With steadfast determination I choose not the right or the left, but I earnestly desire to follow in the steps of the Master Who leads me to find rest for my soul on earth and secures for me a heavenly home where my soul will no longer grow weary. Amen.

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

Monday July 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life has many choices, eternity has only two-

2-Reputation is what people think you are, character is what people know you are-

3-God doesn't want you to simply blend in-

4-Disobedience to God never has a happy ending-

5-Obedience is always right but not always easy-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't wait for the hearse to take you to church-

I'VE LEARNED-Keep learning-life is tough, but it is tougher when you are stupid-

DID YOU KNOW-The average American chews 190 sticks of gum, drinks 600 sodas and 800 gallons of water, and eats 135 pounds of sugar and 19 pounds of cereal per year-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you ask God for anything and expect to receive it if you have doubts he will answer-

2-What kind of church does our world need-

3-What would happen if people took seriously all the recorded words of Jesus?

4-What would happen if people who prayed took time to listen for God to communicate with them?

5-How did John the Baptist know someone greater than he would come after him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who came to Jesus at the wedding of Cana and said, "They have no wine"?

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba Matthew 1:6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 6:19-20

¹⁹ Also pray for me that when I speak, God will give me words so that I can tell the secret of the Good News without fear. ²⁰ I have been sent to preach this Good News, and I am doing that now, here in prison. Pray that when I preach the Good News I will speak without fear, as I should.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“A Prayer Of Thanks For The Cross Of Christ”

Jesus, Your physical death on the cross was an act of barbaric cruelty that we would not, in any way, be attracted to. But we realize it was God’s redemption plan for all humankind and because of that we can say with the hymnist that it indeed “has a wondrous attraction for me.” Because You took the weight of our sin upon Yourself You provided a precious cleansing fountain, a healing stream from Your saving blood that provides forgiveness for our sins. Thank You for giving Your all that we might have eternal life. Amen.

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

Sunday July10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A clear conscience makes a soft pillow-

2-What part of "Thou shalt not" don't we understand?

3-It is hard to stumble when you are down on your knees-

4-Delay is preferable to error-

5-A person's character is like a fence, it cannot be strengthened by whitewash-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can be too good for your own good-

I'VE LEARNED-There are some remedies worse than the disease-

DID YOU KNOW-During your lifetime, you will eat 60,000 pounds of food--the weight of six elephants-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Joseph have much influence or interaction with the young Jesus?

2-Did Jesus do any miracles before starting his ministry?

3-Was Joseph not needed in Jesus' adult life?

4-Did Jesus have a bar mitzvah?

5-Do we have to obey the 5th commandment all our life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wife of David is mentioned in Matthew's genealogy of Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Adonijah 1 Kings 1:11

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 6:10-18

Wear the Full Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.¹¹ Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks.¹² Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world's darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.¹³ That is why you need to put on God's full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.¹⁴ So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest.¹⁵ On your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.¹⁶ And also use the shield of faith with which you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.¹⁷ Accept God's salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.¹⁸ Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready and never give up. Always pray for all God's people.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, keep us alert and vigilant since our enemy, the devil, runs around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. We don’t want to be enslaved by him who is the father of lies. His deceit has brought down scores of godly people because they were not on their guard. We know the way to protect ourselves is by wearing the armor of God mentioned in Ephesians 6, practicing discernment, and being prayerful in every situation. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

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

Friday July 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To belittle is to be little-

2-Perfect trust casts out fear-

3-Everyone who got where they are started where they were-

4-With the wrong attitude not all the help in the world will make you a success-

5-Your attitude either cripples you or enables you to succeed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Quite a few people owe their success to advice they didn't take-

I'VE LEARNED-An interest in knowledge always pays the best interest-

DID YOU KNOW-Less than 3% of Nestle's sales are for chocolate-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus did show and display anger. Was this a human or divine trait?

2-What is "righteous indignation"?

3-What sins are unforgivable?

4-How many brothers and sisters did Jesus have, i.e. How many children did his mother Mary have?

5-When did Jesus' sibling know he was divine, and did they accept him for who he was?

BIBLE TRIVAI-What wife of David took enormous pains to secure the throne for her son?

Yesterday's answer-The witch of Endor 1 Samuel 28:7-25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 6:1-4

Children and Parents

¹ Children, obey your parents as the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do.² The command says, "Honor your father and mother." This is the first command that has a promise with it—³ "Then everything will be well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth."

⁴ Fathers, do not make your children angry, but raise them with the training and teaching of the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY-

Oh God the King eternal, who divides the day from the darkness, and has turned the shadow of death into the light of morning; I pray that this day you will incline my heart to keep your commandments, driving temptation from my mind. Guide my feet into the way of peace; that having done your will with cheerfulness while it was day, I may, when the night comes, rejoice in giving you thanks for a day lived in your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

Saturday July 9, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-How you endure what you must endure is more important than the crises you face-

2-It is in the valley that God restores your soul, not on the mountaintop-

3-Satan subtracts and divides, God adds and multiplies-

4-The wages of sin is death, repent before payday-

5-Never give Satan a ride for he will always want to drive-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you jump for joy, beware no one moves the ground from under your feet-

I'VE LEARNED-The day you learn how not to cry is the day you learn how to hate-

DID YOU KNOW-Eating chocolate was one considered a temptation of the devil-(maybe it really is!!)

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-It is likely that Jesus had nieces and nephews. What would they have called him?

2-When someone in Jesus' family was physically ill, did Jesus heal them?

3-It appears that Joseph died sometime before Jesus' crucifixion. Why wasn't this considered important enough to be recorded in scripture?

4-Did Jesus ever talk about his earthly father Joseph?

5-Since Jesus earthly father isn't talked about after Jesus birth, did he not have much to do with raising him as a child?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What son of David was always referred to as the "son of Haggith"?'

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba, mother or Solomon 1 Kings 1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 6:5-9

Slaves and Masters

⁵ Slaves, obey your masters here on earth with fear and respect and from a sincere heart, just as you obey Christ.⁶ You must do this not only while they are watching you, to please them. With all your heart you must do what God wants as people who are obeying Christ.⁷ Do your work with enthusiasm. Work as if you were serving the Lord, not as if you were serving only men and women.⁸ Remember that the Lord will give a reward to everyone, slave or free, for doing good.

⁹ Masters, in the same way, be good to your slaves. Do not threaten them. Remember that the One who is your Master and their Master is in heaven, and he treats everyone alike.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

MOST merciful God, whose eyes are too pure to behold iniquity, and who has promised forgiveness to all those who confess and forsake their sins; I come before you in a humble sense of my own unworthiness, confessing my many transgressions of your righteous laws. But, O gracious Father, who desires not the death of a sinner, look upon me, I beseech you, in mercy, and forgive me for all my transgressions. Make me deeply sensible of the great evil of them; and work in me a hearty repentance; that I may obtain forgiveness at your hands, who is ever ready to receive humble and penitent sinners; for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, my only Saviour and Redeemer.

Amen.

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

Thursday July 7, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Money does not solve many problems-

2-Rules without relationship leads to rebellion-

3-Be fishers of men, you catch them and God will clean them-

4-Don't let the littleness in others bring out the littleness in you-

5-An act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everything should be as simple as possible, but not simpler-

I'VE LEARNED-We can rise too high but can never stoop too low-

DID YOU KNOW-Five jelly flavors that flopped-celery, coffee, cola, apple and chocolate-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus' life until the age of 30 so ordinary there was nothing to record about it?

2-Did Jesus ever give anyone permission to work on the Sabbath?

3-When is the Sabbath?

4-Can the Sabbath be observed on different days of the week?

5-Were the pharisees jealous of Jesus' power to do good?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What unnamed woman broke the king's law by order of the king himself?

Yesterday's answer-Abigail 1 Samuel 25:23-35

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 5:21-33

Wives and Husbands

²¹ Yield to obey each other as you would to Christ.

²² Wives, yield to your husbands, as you do to the Lord,²³ because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. And he is the Savior of the body, which is the church.²⁴ As the church yields to Christ, so you wives should yield to your husbands in everything.

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for it²⁶ to make it belong to God. Christ used the word to make the church clean by washing it with water.²⁷ He died so that he could give the church to himself like a bride in all her beauty. He died so that the church could be pure and without fault, with no evil or sin or any other wrong thing in it.²⁸ In the same way, husbands should love their wives as they love their own bodies. The man who loves his wife loves himself.²⁹ No one ever hates his own body, but feeds and takes care of it. And that is what Christ does for the church,³⁰ because we are parts of his body.³¹ The Scripture says, "So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one body."³² That secret is very important—I am talking about Christ and the church.³³ But each one of you must love his wife as he loves himself, and a wife must respect her husband.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O Lord God of Israel and God of the nations, you are the only God in heaven above or the earth below. I walk before you with all my heart. I bless your name in the morning when I rise and in the evening when I sleep, and all the day when your creation fills my eye. Bless me to remember you this day; when I see and hear the thousand miracles of your creation, let me see them anew, recalling that you have made them, and no other; that I may live in your presence among the common miracles I take for granted. Through Christ I pray,

Amen.

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

Wednesday July 6, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can't buy real friendship-

2-No adult ever said "I felt better because mom and dad bought me more stuff"-

3-Half of fixing the problem is defining it-

4-You can't fix your emotions with money-

5-Deal with your emotions with emotions, not any other way-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If silence is golden, not many people could be accused of hoarding it-

I'VE LEARNED-Never test the debts of the water with two feet-

DID YOU KNOW-Seaweed is an ingredient of some ice cream-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In the Bible, why are tax collectors and sinners mentioned together?

2-The Bible says there were many people who followed Jesus as believers. Why don't we know anything about them?

3-Why didn't Jesus ask his disciples to fast?

4-Why is the Bible so silent about Jesus' childhood, growing up years and early manhood?

5-Did Jesus do nothing of importance from birth to thirty except teaching in the synagogue at age 12?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who took great pains to make peace between David and her foolish obnoxious husband?

Yesterday's answer-Hannah 1 Samuel 1:20-25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 5:15-20

¹⁵ So be very careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely.¹⁶ Use every chance you have for doing good, because these are evil times.¹⁷ So do not be foolish but learn what the Lord wants you to do.¹⁸ Do not be drunk with wine, which will ruin you, but be filled with the Spirit.¹⁹ Speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music in your hearts to the Lord.²⁰ Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, source of life and fountain of all good things, I bless your Holy Name, and give you the most hearty thanks for having delivered me from my sickness and restored me to health. Grant me your continuing grace, that I may keep my good resolutions and correct the errors of my past life, and improve in virtue, and live a new life in dutiful fear of you, doing your will in all things, and devoting this new life which you have given me to your service: that living for you, I may be ready when it is your will to call me to you. All honor, praise, glory, and thanksgiving to you, heavenly Father, together with your blessed son Jesus and the Holy Comforter, now and forever.

Amen.

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

Tuesday July 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can tell the character of a person by how they treat someone who cannot do anything for them-

2-There are some things we must go through to become what God wants us to be-

3-You can be so obsessed with a dream that you lose your perspective-

4-Don't ask if you really don't want to know-

5-If you say you will, do it, if you say you won't, don't-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You have to know the ropes to pull the strings-

I'VE LEARNED-Freedom cannot be bestowed, it must be achieved-

DID YOU KNOW-Ice cream was originally made without sugar and eggs-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Have Christians lost the "awe" of who God is?

2-Does Jesus forgive our sins or is it God who does so?

3-Does God know our thoughts?

4-Is all sickness, disease and infirmity from Satan?

5-To the paralytic lowered through the roof, Jesus said "Your sins are forgiven". Why did he say this before he said to him "rise, take up your bed and walk"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What barren woman begged the Lord for a son, and later gave up her only son to live in the house of the priest Eli?

Yesterday's answer-Ruth Ruth 4:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 5:6-14

⁶ Do not let anyone fool you by telling you things that are not true, because these things will bring God's anger on those who do not obey him.⁷ So have nothing to do with them.⁸ In the past you were full of darkness, but now you are full of light in the Lord. So live like children who belong to the light.⁹ Light brings every kind of goodness, right living, and truth.¹⁰ Try to learn what pleases the Lord.¹¹ Have nothing to do with the things done in darkness, which are not worth anything. But show that they are wrong.¹² It is shameful even to talk about what those people do in secret.¹³ But the light makes all things easy to see,¹⁴ and everything that is made easy to see can become light. This is why it is said:
"Wake up, sleeper!
Rise from death,
And Christ will shine on you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I thank you this morning for all that I have. Even if I have problems with my health, I am alive today. If I have money problems, I will eat today. I have clothes to wear, a roof to protect me, and air to breathe. Let me never take for granted these gifts of life, oh Lord, but always remember that they come from you; without you, no man could make the sun shine or the tree bear its fruit. I pray to live this day in joy and thankfulness for what I have, remembering always who made me and who keeps me. In the name of Christ I pray,

Amen.

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

Something to think about with this upcoming holiday---The American flag does not fly because the wind

moves past it. The American flag flies from the last breath of each Member who has died

protecting it. American soldiers don't fight because they hate what is in front of

them....they fight because they love what is behind them!!!

Sunday July 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Often, the way out is through-

2-You behave your way to success-

3-Faith sees the invisible but not the nonexistent-

4-We live at the intersection of yesterday and tomorrow-

5-Sometimes the richest things can come into our lives from places we would never chose to go-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How would we measure hail without golf balls?

I'VE LEARNED-It is hard to steer a parked car-

DID YOU KNOW-The most popular ice cream flavor is vanilla-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did God create Christianity to be a suffering religion?

2-How legalistic should we be as Christians?

3-Where is the line between legalism and freedom?

4-Can we as Christians live a "Holy" life?

5-Is living a holy life a matter of action, behavior, attitude or spirit?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman from an idol worshiping nation became an ancestor of Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Rahab Joshua 2:6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 5:1-5

Living in the Light

¹ You are God's children whom he loves, so try to be like him.² Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.

³ But there must be no sexual sin among you, or any kind of evil or greed. Those things are not right for God's holy people.⁴ Also, there must be no evil talk among you, and you must not speak foolishly or tell evil jokes. These things are not right for you. Instead, you should be giving thanks to God.⁵ You can be sure of this: No one will have a place in the kingdom of Christ and of God who sins sexually, or does evil things, or is greedy. Anyone who is greedy is serving a false god.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O GOD, who makes us glad with the weekly remembrance of the glorious resurrection of your Son our Lord Jesus Christ; Give me this day such blessings through my worship of you, that the days to come may be spent in your service; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

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

Saturday July 2, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Salvation is a gift from God you receive not a goal to achieve-

2-God's forgiveness is like a mother's kiss-

3-Even when nothing makes sense, God still wants you to trust him-

4-You express anger when you think you can get away with it-

5-We need to do more than feel guilty, we need to change-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am not a vegetarian because I love animals, I am a vegetarian because I hate plants-

I'VE LEARNED-There is just as much horse sense as ever, but it seems to me the horses have it-

DID YOU KNOW-When honey is swallowed, it enters the blood stream within a period of twenty minutes-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can the non Christian know that God gives what he promises?

2-Did God know that Adam and Eve would eat of the forbidden fruit for scripture says "when you eat of it you will surely die"?

3-Can a believer in Jesus, who has a different doctrine than you be a Christian?

4-How do you "practice the presence of God"?

5-What is the most important thing you can do with your time?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman of dubious character his Israelite spies under piles of flax?

Yesterday's answer-Zipporah, Moses' wife Exodus 2.21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 4:29-32

²⁹ When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.³⁰ And do not make the Holy Spirit sad. The Spirit is God's proof that you belong to him. God gave you the Spirit to show that God will make you free when the final day comes.³¹ Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil.³² Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Blessed are you, Lord God of my salvation, to you be praise and glory for ever. As once you ransomed your people from Egypt and led them to freedom in the promised land, so now you have delivered me from the dominion of darkness and brought me into the kingdom of your risen Son. May I, the fruit of your new creation, rejoice in this new day you have made, and praise you for your mighty acts. Blessed be God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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

Friday July 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-The depth of your past indicates the potential of the height of your future-

2-When your Christian loved one has died, be at peace, for they are with me and I am with them-God

3-Never mistake motion for action-

4-When you are going through hell, keep on going-

5-You can't be a doormat unless you lye down-

STRANGE THOUGHT-How can you have self help groups?

I'VE LEARNED-You don't ever hear of a psychic winning the lottery-

DID YOU KNOW-Honey is used as a center for golf balls and in antifreeze mixtures-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In scripture where is it written "God helps those who help themselves"?

2-Did Adam and Eve ever ask for forgiveness? If not, why not?

3-Does intent have anything to do with what sin is?

4-Is sin always a willful disobedience?

5-Do religions bring peace?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Midianite woman was he daughter of a priest and the wife of a former Egyptian prince?

Yesterday's answer-Jochebed, Moses mother Exodus 2:8-10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Ephesians 4:25-28

25 So you must stop telling lies. Tell each other the truth because we all belong to each other in the same body.26 When you are angry do not sin and be sure to stop being angry before the end of the day.27 Do not give the devil a way to defeat you.28 Those who are stealing must stop stealing and start working. They should earn an honest living for themselves. Then they will have something to share with those who are poor.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

O Master and holy God who is beyond my understanding: at your word light came forth out of darkness. In your mercy you gave me rest through sleep and let me awake to the light of your glory out of the darkness of night.

Now in your own tender love accept me and all who adore you and give thanks to you with all of their heart. In the abundance of your mercies O Lord remember all your people all those who pray with me all my brethren on land at sea or in the air in every place of your domain who call upon your love for mankind. Upon all of us who pray to you this morning pour down your great mercy that we saved in body and in soul may persevere unfailingly and that in our confidence we may extol your exalted and blessed name Father Son and Holy Spirit always now and forever.
Amen.

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