Saturday September 17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is better to be a voice than an echo-

2-Nothing is easy if you are unwilling-

3-If you have time to worry, you have time to pray-

4-Be an organ donor-give your heart to Jesus-

5-We want resolutions to our problems and turbulence to end, but God wants control of our lives-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Every problem is a possibility in disguise-

I'VE LEARNED-See your child as God's gift to you-

DID YOU KNOW-Salt is one of the few spices that is all taste and no smell-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-To who are you a hero?

2-How can we lovingly tell others about Jesus?

3-How are we sure Jesus was and is the Son of God?

4-What does "son of man" mean?

5-Is all sin the result of sin or the acts of sin?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where was Jesus when the divine voice said, "this is my beloved Son...hear ye him"?

Yesterdays answer-1 Samuel 3:3-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 14:5-8

⁵ Some think that one day is more important than another, and others think that every day is the same. Let all be sure in their own mind.⁶ Those who think one day is more important than other days are doing that for the Lord. And those who eat all kinds of food are doing that for the Lord, and they give thanks to God. Others who refuse to eat some foods do that for the Lord, and they give thanks to God.⁷ We do not live or die for ourselves.⁸ If we live, we are living for the Lord, and if we die, we are dying for the Lord. So living or dying, we belong to the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we continually remember the work of our fellow believers that is produced by their faith in Jesus, their labor that is prompted by love, and their endurance that is inspired by the hope they have in the Lord Jesus Christ. How grateful we are for the love and fellowship we enjoy with our brothers and sisters who serve You all throughout the world. We lift up those who are presently enduring matters that weigh heavy on their hearts. May the hope they have in the Lord Jesus Christ inspire confidence that You will give them victory as they stand firm in You. In the Mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Friday September 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Set backs are the seeds of comebacks-

2-Don't put others in their place, put yourself in their place-

3-Give God creative opportunities to work significant ways in your life-

4-Giving is an abstract principle until it emerges in action-

5-Helping others keeps me from focusing on myself-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The best way to start to make a dream come true is to wake up and get going-

I'VE LEARNED-It is easier to forgive and love than it is to harbor hate-

DID YOU KNOW-Only 5% of salt produced ends up on the dinner table-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How far is it from the Lordship of the universe to the cross-

2-Can a person be a Christian and live outside the will of God for them?

3-What is the evidence of real love?

4-To what degree is love a commitment?

5-How much courage does it take to face the challenges of life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What boy was sleeping near the ark of the covenant when he heard God's voice calling to him?

Yesterday's answer-Jesus' baptism Matthew 3:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 14:1-4

Do Not Criticize Other People

¹ Accept into your group someone who is weak in faith, and do not argue about opinions.² One person believes it is right to eat all kinds of food. But another, who is weak, believes it is right to eat only vegetables.³ The one who knows that it is right to eat any kind of food must not reject the one who eats only vegetables. And the person who eats only vegetables must not think that the one who eats all foods is wrong, because God has accepted that person.⁴ You cannot judge another person's servant. The master decides if the servant is doing well or not. And the Lord's servant will do well because the Lord helps him do well.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are the pure and blameless Lamb of God. Though you were tempted in every way, just as we are, You stood the test. While fasting in the wilderness each time Satan tried to lure You into his trap, You stood firm as You quoted the Word of God. Increase my desire to read, memorize and meditate upon the Scriptures that I might not sin against You. Help me not to set anything vile before my eyes, Lord. May the words of my mouth, the meditations of my heart, and my outward appearance please You and be a testimony of Your saving grace in my life. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

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

Thursday September 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I know not what the future holds, but I know who holds the future-

2-The opportunity to do better next time lies just before me-

3-Find the thing you are meant to do and give it your best-

4-Do more of what you want to do, stop doing what you don't want to do and give up worrying about those things over which you have no control-

5-Don't look forward or backward, look up-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everyone who got where they are had to begin where they were-

I'VE LEARNED-Life is sweeter with chocolate-

DID YOU KNOW-Salt is the only rock that humans can eat-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is waiting on the Lord a time of inactivity?

2-Does being reconciled with someone mean you now have to like them or be friends with them?

3-Can/should we ask God to enable us to do something beyond our own power or ability?

4-Do Christians often try to play the role of the Holy Spirit?

5-How far is the distance between the throne room of Heaven and a stable in Bethlehem?

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what event did a voice from heaven say, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased"?

Yesterday's answer-The witch of Endor 1 Samuel 28:12

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 13:8-14

Loving Others

⁸ Do not owe people anything, except always owe love to each other, because the person who loves others has obeyed all the law. ⁹ The law says, "You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not murder anyone. You must not steal. You must not want to take your neighbor's things." All these commands and all others are really only one rule: "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." ¹⁰ Love never hurts a neighbor, so loving is obeying all the law.

¹¹ Do this because we live in an important time. It is now time for you to wake up from your sleep, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.¹² The "night" is almost finished, and the "day" is almost here. So we should stop doing things that belong to darkness and take up the weapons used for fighting in the light.¹³ Let us live in a right way, like people who belong to the day. We should not have wild parties or GEt drunk. There should be no sexual sins of any kind, no fighting or jealousy.¹⁴ But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and forget about satisfying your sinful self.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I choose the way of truth, for it is also the way of light, for Jesus Himself said, “I am the Light.” The Word declares that you hate “a lying tongue”. Darkness lurks where deception and falsehood exists and becomes the breeding ground for all sorts of evil. Father, I ask You to shine Your searchlight on the contents of my heart and reveal the motive for my actions. Help me to purge all that dishonors Your name. I invite Your light to dispel the darkness of my soul. Amen.

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

Wednesday September 14, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Life is like a mirror, it reflects back what you give it-

2-Happiness is not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, it is the journey getting there-

3-A smile is a curved line that sets things straight-

4-Making a life is more important than making a living-

5-Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Greatness is nothing unless it is lasting-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't take the advice of someone who has not had your kind of trouble-

DID YOU KNOW-Just like snowflakes, no two cornflakes look the same-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When we "take up our cross" are we headed for a "Golgotha"?

2-What would you say if Jesus said to you "What do you want me to do for you?"

3-When Jesus told his disciples "If you have faith, nothing will be impossible for you", did it also apply to his followers today?

4-Should God's presence in a believers life be obvious?

5-Do most of us fear people more than we fear God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who cried out at the top of her voice when she saw Samuel raised from the dead?

Yesterday's answer-Peter Acts 2:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 13:1-7

Christians Should Obey the Law

¹ All of you must yield to the government rulers. No one rules unless God has given him the power to rule, and no one rules now without that power from God.² So those who are against the government are really against what God has commanded. And they will bring punishment on themselves.³ Those who do right do not have to fear the rulers; only those who do wrong fear them. Do you want to be unafraid of the rulers? Then do what is right, and they will praise you.⁴ The ruler is God's servant to help you. But if you do wrong, then be afraid. He has the power to punish; he is God's servant to punish those who do wrong.⁵ So you must yield to the government, not only because you might be punished, but because you know it is right.

⁶ This is also why you pay taxes. Rulers are working for God and give their time to their work.⁷ Pay everyone, then, what you owe. If you owe any kind of tax, pay it. Show respect and honor to them all.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You’ve appointed us to live in a decadent age where the hearts of men are turned away from the true living God and live instead by the world’s principles. But we who have the indwelling Holy Spirit must continue to build our lives on the foundation of our holy faith as we spread the gospel message, “Jesus is the first and final answer to all of life’s problems.” We seek to be directed by Your Spirit and live in such a way that we honor You even as scoffers ridicule us. May we show mercy to those whose faith is wavering and rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. In the process of daily living, as we reach out to the lost and dying, help us not to stumble so that on Your appointed day we will be brought into Your glorious presence innocent of sin.

(Prayer prompted by Jude 22,23)

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

Tuesday September 13, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The secret to happiness is helping someone else-

2-A friend is one of life's most valuable treasures-

3-Life isn't a travel guide to follow but an adventure to undertake-

4-All you really need to be happy is to have something you are enthusiastic about-

5-A smile is the light in the window of your face-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even if you fall on your face you are moving forward-

I'VE LEARNED-We will reap in eternity what we plant in this life-

DID YOU KNOW-The wheat that produces a one pound loaf of bread requires two tons of water to grow-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What would life be like if we never attempted anything new?

2-Do you obey God to experience Him or do you experience God and then obey Him?

3-What is the risk involved with love?

4-Why doesn't a loving God eliminate the possibilities for evil?

5-Did Jesus raise himself from the dead or did God the Father do it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle addressed the Pentecost crowd in a loud voice?

Yesterday's answer--Laodicea Revelations 3:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:17-21

¹⁷ If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right.¹⁸ Do your best to live in peace with everyone. ¹⁹ My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: "I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them," says the Lord. ²⁰ But you should do this:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head." — Proverbs 25:21–22
²¹ Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we stand daily on the promises within Your Holy Word. Zephaniah reminds us that “Every morning You bring Your justice to light; You do not fail.” If we rely on ourselves, our abilities or our resources, we will utterly fail. Instead we look to You who faileth not, whose mercies are unending, and whose steadfast love never ceases. Our faith is strengthened and our hope is increased as we declare with the prophet Jeremiah, “Great is Your faithfulness!” Amen.

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

Monday September 12, 2011 thought for the day

(A PRESEASON PICTURE)

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is foolish to worry about anything so temporary as today-

2-Every mountain has at least 2 valleys-

3-Be sure you haven't lost what money can't buy-

4-You should tell your money where to go instead of asking where it went-

5-The hardest thing about making money last is the ability to make it first-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is always the darkest when your eyes are closed-

I'VE LEARNED-The key is not the will to win, it is the will to prepare to win that is important-

DID YOU KNOW-Shredded Wheat was the first ready to eat breakfast cereal-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is the removal of shoes done as a sign of standing on holy ground?

2-Did Jesus condemn the owning of material possessions?

3-Have we lost the concept of eternity and accountability?

4-How does God become involved in the life of those he loves?

5-What can we do to show God we love him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To which church did Jesus say, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him"?

Yesterday's answer- Saul 1 Samuel 26:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:9-16

⁹ Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good.¹⁰ Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.¹¹ Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart.¹² Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.¹³ Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes.

¹⁴ Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them.¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad.¹⁶ Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have shown us through the example of Jesus that we are to accept others in the same way that Christ accepted us. Show us ways that we can effectively reach out to others, especially those who feel rejected by family or society as a whole. Help us to show them genuine love and to initiate a friendship in the same way that You reached out to others and befriended them. As we do this in obedience to your command and as we are led by Christ’s example Scripture indicates that we bring praise to You which is our heart’s desire. Amen.

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

Sunday September 11, 2011 thought for the day

SHE STILL FLIES OVER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Buried in common place things, the pearl of happiness is to be found-

2-A great artist can paint a great picture on a small canvas-

3-Most of us will never do great things but we can do small things in a great way-

4-A friend is someone to whom you can entrust the key to your heart-

5-The longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you have one watch you know what time it is, but if you have two watches you are never quite sure-

I'VE LEARNED-No where in scripture is there sentimental wishful thinking-

DID YOU KNOW-Rice is thrown at weddings as a symbol of fertility-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What does it take for God to call you his "friend"?

2-Why did God chose Abraham to bless him into a great nation?

3-Did Abraham live blameless before God after God called him?

4-Did God make Hagar's child Ishmael into as blessed people?

5-Why does the Bible use fire as a sign of purity?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said, "Is that your voice, David my son?"

Yesterday's answer-Revelation 1:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:6-8

⁶ We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith.⁷ Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach.⁸ Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I consider the words of Paul in Romans 14:7 where he reminds us that everyone’s life and eventual death has a relation to others as well as themselves. The choices I make and the actions that come from those choices either better my family name or inflict disaster on society. I choose to live my life according to Your will and enjoy the present and eternal blessings that come from this decision. I, with absolute intention, refuse to give Satan a foothold in my life thereby bringing evil human desires that eventually destroy my faith in You. I want to carefully guard the basic spiritual principles prayerfully instilled in me through Your Holy Word. Amen.

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

Saturday September 10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A coincidence may be God's way of acting anonymously in your life-

2-The only constant in life is change-

3-Not all religion is to be found in the church anymore than all knowledge is found in the classroom-

4-Self respect is the finest garment which anyone can clothe themselves in-

5-Of all the things you wear, your smile is the most important-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Comedy is a funny way of being serious-

I'VE LEARNED-Joy is the serious business of heaven-

DID YOU KNOW-Rice is grown on more than 10 percent of the earth's farmable surface and is the main food for half of the people of the world-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it that some people, no matter how nice you are to them, cannot be nice to you in return?

2-Are some Christians just as extremist as some in other world religions?

3-What causes anyone to become a religious extremist?

4-Are Christians always to repay evil with good?

5-What does it mean to be "pure in heart"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book says that the divine voice sounds like a waterfall?

Yesterday's answer-Daniel 4:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:1-5

Give Your Lives to God

¹ So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship. ² Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. ³ Because God has given me a special gift, I have something to say to everyone among you. Do not think you are better than you are. You must decide what you really are by the amount of faith God has given you.⁴ Each one of us has a body with many parts, and these parts all have different uses.⁵ In the same way, we are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, because the Scripture tells us so much about our future eternal homeland, we find ourselves homesick for a place we’ve never been. Perhaps that’s because we’ve chosen to live as strangers in this world in reverential fear toward You, our holy God! Our hopes, our affections and our joys will be fully realized on the other side where Jesus will wipe away the tears from our eyes and we will know no sorrow, no suffering, no good-byes and no sin. Can’t wait but will endure till you call us home! Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Friday September 9, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There aren't many things as therapeutic as smiles and laughter-

2-Wherever you go--there you are-

3-Listen to your heart-

4-Every survival kit should include a sense of humor-

5-Do not pray for easier lives, pray to be a stronger person-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you want your dreams to come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up-

I'VE LEARNED-In early Christian Greek tradition, Easter Monday was a "day of joy and laughter" called Bright Monday-

DID YOU KNOW-There are more than fifteen thousand different kinds of rice-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can God and Jesus be one as Jesus said they were?

2-Is there a difference in compassion and enabling?

3-Is it really possible to love your enemies?

4-Does "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" really work?

5-Is anyone beyond rescue by God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard the voice of an angel ordering that a large tree be chopped down?

Yesterday's answer-Matthew 2:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:33-36

Praise to God

³³ Yes, God's riches are very great, and his wisdom and knowledge have no end! No one can explain the things God decides or understand his ways. ³⁴ As the Scripture says,
"Who has known the mind of the Lord,
Or who has been able to give him advice?" — Isaiah 40:13
³⁵ "No one has ever given God anything
That he must pay back." — Job 41:11

³⁶ Yes, God made all things, and everything continues through him and for him. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we read in Proverbs that “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” and “The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” We must choose to fear You rather than man so that we prepare ourselves for living as sojourners here below with heaven in view at all times. We can do this when we live as strangers in reverent fear of You, our Father in heaven. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday September 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God does not remind you of your forgiven past failure, satan does that-

2-You can't do anything about what is gone, but you can do something about what you have left-

3-When you dwell on the past you are bringing your past into today-

4-It isn't how little you know but how anxious you are to learn-

5-Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, tolerant of the weak and wrong for there will be times in your life you will be all of these-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The one who graduates today stops learning tomorrow and is uneducated the day after-

I'VE LEARNED-The Gospels contain wonderful stories, but they record only a small fraction of what Jesus did-

DID YOU KNOW-Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God work more effectively in the lives of people we pray for?

2-When do Christians receive "the mind of Christ"?

3-When the Holy Spirit fills you, do you have all of God's presence?

4-Why did Jesus refer to God as his father?

5-Did God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit exist together from the very beginning?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Gospel mentions the voice of Rachel weeping for her children?

Yesterday's answer-Samuel 1 Samuel 15:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:28-32

²⁸ The Jews refuse to accept the Good News, so they are God's enemies. This has happened to help you who are not Jews. But the Jews are still God's chosen people, and he loves them very much because of the promises he made to their ancestors.²⁹ God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them.³⁰ At one time you refused to obey God. But now you have received mercy, because those people refused to obey. ³¹ And now the Jews refuse to obey, because God showed mercy to you. But this happened so that they also can receive mercy from him. ³² God has given all people over to their stubborn ways so that he can show mercy to all.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, may our spirit be like that of David’s who acknowledged his sin to You and did not cover up his iniquity. You forgave the guilt of his sin and cleansed him from unrighteousness. You forgive every sinner who confesses his or her need to be saved from their sin, and You forgive every believer who acknowledges that they have sinned and come short of Your glory. Thank You for Your amazing grace that brings about our spiritual cleansing. Through the precious blood of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday September 7, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you can't let go of your past you won't be able to go into your future-

2-Shut the door on doubt-

3-Excessive mourning does not bring happiness-

4-The more you dwell on your disappointments, the more you block God's blessings coming your way-

5-The mercies of God are fresh and new each day-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nobody can be exactly like me and sometimes even I have trouble doing it-

I'VE LEARNED-Till the 17th century history of the church, the understanding of living things included the doctrine that animals as well as humans had souls-

DID YOU KNOW-Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Had Joseph been married with a family prior to his marriage to Mary?

2-What makes a person great?

3-What should motivate the Christian?

4-Do we really understand what sin does?

5-How does God make his offer of salvation to those who do not know or acknowledge him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Saul that obeying God's voice was more important than sacrificing animals?

Yesterday's answer-The fire Deuteronomy 5:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:22-27

²² So you see that God is kind and also very strict. He punishes those who stop following him. But God is kind to you, if you continue following in his kindness. If you do not, you will be cut off from the tree.²³ And if the Jews will believe in God again, he will accept them back. God is able to put them back where they were.²⁴ It is not natural for a wild branch to be part of a good tree. And you who are not Jews are like a branch cut from a wild olive tree and joined to a good olive tree. But since those Jews are like a branch that grew from the good tree, surely they can be joined to their own tree again.

²⁵ I want you to understand this secret, brothers and sisters, so you will understand that you do not know everything: Part of Israel has been made stubborn, but that will change when many who are not Jews have come to God.²⁶ And that is how all Israel will be saved. It is written in the Scriptures:
"The Savior will come from Jerusalem;
He will take away all evil from the family of Jacob.
²⁷ And I will make this agreement with those people
When I take away their sins." — Isaiah 59:20–21; 27:9

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is far too easy to become earthbound with our affections, aspirations, and accumulations. Yet, as we place our faith in You and follow the Scriptures, we learn that our hope is not fully realized through our earthly pilgrimage and certainly the best awaits us on the other side. Help us to find the joy of living here below as we store up our true lasting treasures in heaven where we will fully experience the eternal, unbounded blessings that await us as we enter Paradise. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Tuesday September 6, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is the illusion of permanence that distorts our perception of this life-

2-When the pressure is on us, what is in us comes out of us-

3-It is not often easy to let go of the past, in fact it often takes courage-

4-They who lie for you will lie against you-

5-If you are afraid to let go of the old, you will miss what is new-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A lot of pessimists got that way by financing optimists-

I'VE LEARNED-What you do is the result of what you are-

DID YOU KNOW-You should not eat a crayfish with a straight tail, it was dead before it was cooked-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How long after Mary was pregnant did she tell Joseph?

2-Did Jesus have a Bar Mitzvah?

3-Why was Jesus given an ordinary common name?

4-Was Joseph special because he was Mary's husband, he was Jesus' step father or because he was obedient to the angel of his dream?

5-Was Joseph a common ordinary man?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Deuteronomy, where did God's voice come from?

Yesterday's answer-Hannah 1 Samuel 1:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:16-21

¹⁶ If the first piece of bread is offered to God, then the whole loaf is made holy. If the roots of a tree are holy, then the tree's branches are holy too.

¹⁷ It is as if some of the branches from an olive tree have been broken off. You non-Jewish people are like the branch of a wild olive tree that has been joined to that first tree. You now share the strength and life of the first tree, the Jews.¹⁸ So do not brag about those branches that were broken off. If you brag, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.¹⁹ You will say, "Branches were broken off so that I could be joined to their tree."²⁰ That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe, and you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Do not be proud, but be afraid.²¹ If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, then he will not let you stay if you don't believe.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the privilege of working with our hands and engaging our minds. Work is ordained by you and carried out in our homes and places of employment. Help us to make a positive difference as we live out our Christian testimony while diligently performing our work duties. There is no perfect workplace, yet we as people who seek to honor You, will be able to deal with less than ideal circumstances as we do our work primarily for You, knowing that it is from You that we receive the reward You grant to those who are diligent and faithful. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Monday September 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Paul and Silas didn't sing while in prison because they were in bondage but because they were free-

2-Preach God's love at all time--use words if necessary-

3-Sometimes our guilt keeps us from accepting God's unconditional love-

4-The more you dwell on the past the less of a future you will have-

5-If a problem is too small to pray about it is too small to worry about-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I sat up all night thinking about the sun and then it dawned on me-

I'VE LEARNED-You're happiest while you are giving of yourself-

DID YOU KNOW-The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma in an emergency-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Jesus said his generation was "sinful and adulterous" what would he call our society today?

2-How did Mary and Joseph get together as a couple?

3-Did Mary have a painless birth with Jesus?

4-Did Mary have help giving birth to Jesus?

5-Why was Joseph willing to do with Mary what he had seen in a dream?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What barren woman moved her lips in prayer but made no sound?

Yesterday's answer-Mount Sinai Exodus 19:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:13-15

¹³ Now I am speaking to you who are not Jews. I am an apostle to those who are not Jews, and since I have that work, I will make the most of it.¹⁴ I hope I can make my own people jealous and, in that way, help some of them to be saved.¹⁵ When God turned away from the Jews, he became friends with other people in the world. So when God accepts the Jews, surely that will bring them life after death.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they’re not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Sunday September 4, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your choices determine your level of success-

2-Your road to success is paved by your own determination-

3-A happy life is about making wise choices-

4-It is not how you start out, it is what you become-

5-Freedom doesn't guarantee success, it only guarantees your right to make choices-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade-

I'VE LEARNED-What chance gathers it easily scatters-

DID YOU KNOW-Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing gas in a space suit damages it-

(some things I really don't need to know)

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does the Bible mean by "heart"?

2-Could the word demon as used in the New Testament have been normal human illness?

3-Can you ever reason with God?

4-When was it evident to the disciples that there was more bread and fish to feed the multitude than the 5 and 2 they started out with?

5-Why don't we know the reaction of the disciples to Jesus feeding the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did God speak to Moses in a voice like thunder?

Yesterday's answer-John Revelation 1:10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:7-12

⁷ So this is what has happened: Although the Israelites tried to be right with God, they did not succeed, but the ones God chose did become right with him. The others were made stubborn and refused to listen to God. ⁸ As it is written in the Scriptures:

"God gave the people a dull mind so they could not understand." — Isaiah 29:10
"He closed their eyes so they could not see
And their ears so they could not hear.
This continues until today." — Deuteronomy 29:4
⁹ And David says:
"Let their own feasts trap them and cause their ruin;
Let their feasts cause them to stumble and be paid back.
¹⁰ Let their eyes be closed so they cannot see
And their backs be forever weak from troubles." — Psalm 69:22–23

¹¹ So I ask: When the Jews fell, did that fall destroy them? No! But their failure brought salvation to those who are not Jews, in order to make the Jews jealous. ¹² The Jews' failure brought rich blessings for the world, and the Jews' loss brought rich blessings for the non-Jewish people. So surely the world will receive much richer blessings when enough Jews become the kind of people God wants.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Daily prayer: Father, from the time of creation generation after generation have proclaimed the truths passed down to them from the prophets to their own people. It is our turn, in the 21st century, to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, to give them hope beyond their present circumstances and eternal hope beyond the grave. We want to be a solid link in the transmission of truth and salvation to all who will receive through Jesus Christ in whose Name we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH-

Saturday September 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remember as bad as things are for you, there are those who have it worse-

2-Having that one special thing is great, but if you're not enough without it , you'll never be enough with it-

3-The test of your mettle is what you've endured to make the impossible possible-

4-Freedom will do you little good if you are not willing to accept its responsibilities-

5-Correlation does not relate to causation-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics-

I'VE LEARNED-If you want to be happy practice compassion-

DID YOU KNOW-A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat so you can eat your plate-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus know there were other people living in areas other than the middle east?

2-How many people did Jesus raise from the dead?

3-Are most church services based on the traditions of men?

4-Is it possible that many church traditions are not God ordained?

5-What does the Bible mean by "unclean"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard a voice that said, "Write down what you see?"

Yesterday's answer-Above the Ark of the Covenant Numbers 7:89

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:1-6

God Shows Mercy to All People

¹ So I ask: Did God throw out his people? No! I myself am an Israelite from the family of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.² God chose the Israelites to be his people before they were born, and he has not thrown his people out. Surely you know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he prayed to God against the people of Israel. ³ "Lord," he said, "they have killed your prophets, and they have destroyed your altars. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." ⁴ But what answer did God give Elijah? He said, "But I have left seven thousand people in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal."⁵ It is the same now. There are a few people that God has chosen by his grace.⁶ And if he chose them by grace, it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God's people by what they did, God's gift of grace would not really be a gift.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is because of the great love of Your Son, Jesus, and His willingness to take our sins upon Himself that we are reconciled to You. It is truly amazing and the greatest news of all time for all generations. Father, we want to be passionate as Christ’s ambassadors since You are making Your appeal through us reaching out to others with the greatest message of all time: ”Be reconciled to God.” When we were lost, broken, and without hope Christ reconciled us to You who sought us, repaired our broken lives, and gave us eternal hope. Where would we be without Jesus! Thank You for receiving us, redeeming us, and reconciling us to Yourself. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Friday September 2, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you had only 7 days to live, what would you do. What is keeping you from doing it?

2-Don't leave your happiness to destiny-

3-Happiness doesn't find you, you create your own-

4-Happiness is a state of mind-

5-You are as happy as you make up your mind to be-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The batteries were given out free of charge-

I'VE LEARNED-To harvest later you must plant now-

DID YOU KNOW-Japan is the largest exporter of frogs' legs-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus and his disciples regularly pray before eating food?

2-Where did Jesus and his disciples get their daily food from?

3-Did the disciples have to work for their food or did Jesus miraculously supply it?

4-Are most Christians legalistic to some degree?

5-The bible says that all who touched Jesus for healing were healed, so why is it not so today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Moses was in the tabernacle, where did God's voice come from?

Yesterday's answer-Isaac Genesis 27:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:16-21

Father, we find direction and sufficient grace as we follow Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” The Psalmist tells us twice in the same sentence to wait on You. We’re not to doubt, be despondent or give up in despair, but instead we are to go forward in faith, trusting You completely, since “no eye has seen, and no ear has heard what the Lord has in store for those who wait for Him.” Help us to endure the wait and enjoy our faith walk with You. Amen.

¹⁶ But not all the Jews accepted the good news. Isaiah said, "Lord, who believed what we told them?"¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing the Good News, and people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ.

¹⁸ But I ask: Didn't people hear the Good News? Yes, they heard—as the Scripture says:
"Their message went out through all the world;
Their words go everywhere on earth." — Psalm 19:4
¹⁹ Again I ask: Didn't the people of Israel understand? Yes, they did understand. First, Moses says:
"I will use those who are not a nation to make you jealous.
I will use a nation that does not understand to make you angry." — Deuteronomy 32:21
²⁰ Then Isaiah is bold enough to say:
"I was found by those who were not asking me for help.
I made myself known to people who were not looking for me." — Isaiah 65:1
²¹ But about Israel God says,
"All day long I stood ready to accept
People who disobey and are stubborn." — Isaiah 65:2

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Thursday September 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only way you are going to make it is to convince yourself you are going to make it-

2-If you tell yourself something negative, your body will respond to your brains command-

3-For a change in attitude you must think differently-

4-Be careful of what you say when you talk to yourself-

5-You don't really know what you have until it is gone-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Stress is the glue that holds me together-

I'VE LEARNED-Time is life-

DID YOU KNOW-The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus a vegetarian?

2-What is the scriptural basis for "giving thanks" at meal time?

3-Should praying before meals be "giving thanks" or"asking the blessing"?

4-Jesus gave thanks for the 5 loaves and 2 fish but did he also ask God to multiply them into enough for 5000 men?

5-Why are Christians to pray before eating but not before every other act of living throughout the day?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What blind father recognized Jacob's voice but was deceived by his glove covered hands?

Yesterday's answer-John the Baptist Mark 1:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:14-15

¹⁴ But before people can ask the Lord for help, they must believe in him; and before they can believe in him, they must hear about him; and for them to hear

about the Lord, someone must tell them;¹⁵ and before someone can go and tell them, that person must be sent. It is written, "How beautiful is the person

Who comes to bring good news."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when we are angry You tell us to stay above the fray and sin not. There are times when it is appropriate to be angry such as when we see a person harming another individual; when we have been lied to; or when we have been unfairly accused. These circumstances along with many others stir up strong emotions with us and often require a response to the matter. Keep us prayerful as we are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. May we respond as Jesus did to His many accusers, though innocent, He spoke not a word in His defense. And may we be careful not to keep a scoreboard of others offenses. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus who forgives us and does not count our sins against us, but rather took them upon Himself. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----