Thursday November 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If it is Friday in your life remember, Sunday is coming-

2-Wishing is not praying-

3-If I compare myself to Jesus and see no difference, I am a fool-

4-We should base our theology on God's word and not try to prove our theology by God's word-

5-In order for a Christian to grow he must learn unconditional love-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The truly valuable always costs something-

I'VE LEARNED-Life is not about how elegant you speak, it is about what you were really saying-

DID YOU KNOW-If you stretched out a standard sized Slinky it would measure 87 feet-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did any of Jesus disciples have any deaths in their families while they were following Jesus?

2-Was there anything about Jesus' appearance that would make him stand out in a crowd?

3-Would Jesus have had Godly powers while growing up?

4-Why was Nazareth considered an obscure and nothing village?

5-After Jesus started his earthly ministry, did he ever return home to visit family or for family occasions?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament word meant teacher?

Yesterday's answer-The priests Deuteronomy 24:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 10:11-13

¹¹ The things that happened to those people are examples. They were written down to teach us, because we live in a time when all these things of the past have reached their goal.¹² If you think you are strong, you should be careful not to fall.¹³ The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. But when you are tempted, he will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and light unto my path. I pray that the light of Your Word shines forth not only in my path, but spreads out to those nearby. As I meditate, memorize and endear Your Word to my heart I pray that meaningful Scripture will be a natural outflow of who I have become through Christ. In honoring Your Word the power of Your Holy Spirit uses Scripture to bring conviction, instruction, and inspiration. Help us to be faithful in reading and engrafting Your Word to our hearts so that we consistently and earnestly contend for the faith no matter the difficulty or temptation we face this day. Amen.

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

Wednesday November 2, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Courage is fear that has said its prayer-

2-God is going to make a way for you in your darkest hour-

3-Time is the dressing room of eternity, eternity is the lifetime of God-

4-When there is no way, God is the way-

5-There is no Easter without a good Friday-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Life without God is like an unsharpened pencil-it has no point-

I'VE LEARNED-Life is not about what you have, it is about what you appreciate-

DID YOU KNOW-The slinky is sold on every continent of the world except Antarctica-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Why is there no record of Jesus talking about his father Joseph?

2-What impact would Joseph's death have had on Jesus?

3-How old would Jesus have been at the time of Joseph's death?

4-Why is nothing recorded in scripture about a funeral for Joseph?

5-Who would have supported Mary after Joseph's death?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was supposed to teach the Israelites how to deal with lepers?

Yesterday's answer-Paul Acts 19:9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 10:6-10

⁶ And these things happened as examples for us, to stop us from wanting evil things as those people did.⁷ Do not worship idols, as some of them did. Just as it is written in the Scriptures: "They sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up and sinned sexually."⁸ We must not take part in sexual sins, as some of them did. In one day twenty-three thousand of them died because of their sins.⁹ We must not test Christ as some of them did; they were killed by snakes.¹⁰ Do not complain as some of them did; they were killed by the angel that destroys.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as we humbly receive the Word planted in us through Your Spirit we put off the old self. Help us to get rid of anything that stimulates our old way of thinking. Help us to reject that which is detrimental to our spiritual growth and to embrace that which saves us from the evil that is so prevalent in our world. Keep our hearts soft so that we are quick to confess and repent of that which dishonors You. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday November 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Psychology may change someone's behavior but only God can change a heart-

2-If we never acknowledge something we can never be free from it-

3-You cannot be a Christian and hate someone-

4-The closer you stay to Jesus the more like him you will become-

5-You can tell a lot about a person by how they handle problems-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nothing is more deceitful than the appearance of humility-

I'VE LEARNED-Replace envy with the joy of giving-

DID YOU KNOW-Slinkys were invented by an airplane mechanic: he was playing with engine parts and realized the possible secondary use of one of the springs-

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle taught and disputed in the lecture hall of a man named Tyrannus?

Yesterday's answer-The king of Assyria 2 Kings 17:28

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 10:1-5

Warnings from Israel's Past

¹ Brothers and sisters, I want you to know what happened to our ancestors who followed Moses. They were all under the cloud and all went through the sea.² They were all baptized as followers of Moses in the cloud and in the sea.³ They all ate the same spiritual food,⁴ and all drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from that spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ.⁵ But God was not pleased with most of them, so they died in the desert.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You proved that death could not keep its hold on our Lord Jesus Christ, when You raised Him from the dead. The resurrected power that You gave Jesus also dwells in us, the redeemed. It gives us the power to overcome the most impossible situations where Satan has had influence over us. At times You miraculously intervene and other times You provide us with the strength to hold up when we experience trouble upon trouble. When we lose our way You lovingly, gently, and persistently nudge us back to the Great Shepherd of our souls. Thank You for specializing in things thought impossible and for doing what no other power can do! Amen.

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

Monday October 31, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can heal memories but you can not forget them-

2-We need to love enough to confront-

3-If something is big enough to bother you it is big enough to deal with-

4-Initial pain is easier to deal with than prolonged suffering-

5-We need to learn how others are feeling-

STRANGE THOUIGHT-Patience is the art of hoping-

I'VE LEARNED-Contentment creates peace in place of anxiety-

DID YOU KNOW-Totally Hair Barbie is the best selling Barbie of all time-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Joseph and Mary's family have been considered a poor family since they gave a temple offering of 2 turtle doves?

2-Would Jesus as a child have spent time talking to God alone?

3-Would Mary and Joseph's neighbor's have considered Jesus anyone special?

4-Would Jesus always have been obedient to Joseph?

5-The death of a father in a family would be a significant event, so why is Joseph's death never mentioned?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king sent an exiled priest back to Samaria to teach the gentiles there how to follow God?

Yesterday's answer-Apollos Acts 18:24-26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

²⁴ You know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize. So run to win!²⁵ All those who compete in the games use self-control so they can win a crown. That crown is an earthly thing that lasts only a short time, but our crown will never be destroyed.²⁶ So I do not run without a goal. I fight like a boxer who is hitting something—not just the air.²⁷ I treat my body hard and make it my slave so that I myself will not be disqualified after I have preached to others.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the light of Your love surrounds those who walk in the light. But You make Your light shine brightest when we’re surrounded by darkness. We don’t blend into the darkness but instead the light of Your love shines in stark contrast so that those walking in darkness can see the way to repentance through our changed lives. Even as we’re able to see God in the face of Christ, may the world see Christ in the face of believers all over this dark planet. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday October 30, 2011 thought for the day-

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When God is blessing more than ever before, it is time to be careful-

2-Problems in the church always come from within-

3-God honors mutual submission-

4-You cannot correct a relationship with a deceased love one-

5-Never remind your partner of their past-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When the past destroys the present, it is time to change the future-

I'VE LEARNED-God is faithful, not always through providing materially to the degree I've desired, but in teaching what I need to learn through difficult times-

DID YOU KNOW-There are more Barbie dolls in Italy than there are Canadians living in Canada-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever return to the temple to talk to the learned men again?

2-Do you think Jesus debated the temple men or just confounded them with his level of understanding at age 12?

3-Why didn't Jesus start his ministry after the temple experience instead of waiting another 18 years?

4-Was Jesus anymore mature at age 30 than he was at age 12?

5-Is it possible that Jesus had additional temple experiences like the one at age 12?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What learned Greek taught in the synagogue at Ephesus but was himself instructed by Aguila and Priscilla?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoshaphat 2 Chronicles 17:7-9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 9:19-23

¹⁹ I am free and belong to no one. But I make myself a slave to all people to win as many as I can.²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew to win the Jews. I myself am not ruled by the law. But to those who are ruled by the law I became like a person who is ruled by the law. I did this to win those who are ruled by the law.²¹ To those who are without the law I became like a person who is without the law. I did this to win those people who are without the law. (But really, I am not without God's law—I am ruled by Christ's law.)²² To those who are weak, I became weak so I could win the weak. I have become all things to all people so I could save some of them in any way possible.²³ I do all this because of the Good News and so I can share in its blessings.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit that enabled the writers of Scripture to record that which would show us the way to You through Your Son, Jesus. The words of Scripture not only show us the way to salvation but guide us in our life’s journey. May Your Words be impressed upon our hearts as we give regular attention to them through reading and memorizing the Scriptures, participating in Bible Studies, listening to godly leaders expound Your Word, teaching them to our children. We don’t want a casual attitude about Your Holy Word, but rather we want to be earnest students of Your Word contending always for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints. Amen.

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

Saturday October 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Proud people think they are invincible-

2-Pride and arrogance precedes a fall-

3-There is safety in humility-

4-There is always a price to be paid for moral and ethical failures-

5-Don't be too proud to ask for help-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A clean tie will always attract the soup of the day-

I'VE LEARNED-Failure isn't bad if it doesn't attack the heart, success is okay if it doesn't go to the head-

DID YOU KNOW - Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Jesus have said no to God's request for his earthly mission?

2-When do we get our first glimpse in scripture that Jesus knows he is the son of God?

3-When Jesus was a child did he have a life like all the other Jewish boys did?

4-How could Jesus have been missing for 3 days as a twelve year old and his parents not have missed him?

5-What do you suppose Jesus talked about to the learned men of the temple when he was 12?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah sent his princes throughout the land to teach the law to the people?

Yesterday's answer - Bezaleel and Aholiab Exodus 35:30-35

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 9:15-18

¹⁵ But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this now to get anything from you. I would rather die than to have my reason for bragging taken away.¹⁶ Telling the Good News does not give me any reason for bragging. Telling the Good News is my duty—something I must do. And how terrible it will be for me if I do not tell the Good News.¹⁷ If I preach because it is my own choice, I have a reward. But if I preach and it is not my choice to do so, I am only doing the duty that was given to me.¹⁸ So what reward do I get? This is my reward: that when I tell the Good News I can offer it freely. I do not use my full rights in my work of preaching the Good News.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in the midst of danger and troubles, we find refuge in You, for You are our Fortress and our Deliverer. You are our hiding place when we seek security and safety from the troubles that surround us. We are confident in Your protecting and guiding hand as You carefully watch over us all our days and deliver us from all our troubles. We pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters, as they endure hardships and tribulation, that Your songs of deliverance will bring a calm and peaceful assurance to their weary souls. Your teaching and counsel is our guiding light in this very troubled world. Thank You, faithful and loving Father. Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Friday October 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you really believed that Jesus is coming soon how differently would you live?

2-A victorious Christian life is only lived in humility and integrity-

3-Husband and wives, confess your faults to one another-

4-Jesus did no wrong yet still he went to the cross-

5-When you are on the mountain top, don't forget who you are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Fill your library before you fill your garage-

I'VE LEARNED-It is better to walk with God in the dark than to go alone in the light-

DID YOU KNOW-Five thousandths of a millimeter is the tolerance of accuracy at the Logo mold factories-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can evil spirits be seen or just their actions?

2-In the gospel of Mark, Jesus never asked anyone he heals to follow him as a disciple, but did they?

3-Why did Jesus ask the man he healed in Mark to tell his family since he usually told those he healed to not tell anyone?

4-Do our sinful desires come from evil spirits in us or from our sinful nature?

5-Would we today really know if an angel appeared to us?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two men were to instruct the people involved in the construction of the tabernacle?

Yesterday's answer-The Comforter John 14:26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 9:8-14

⁸ I do not say this by human authority; God's law also says the same thing.⁹ It is written in the law of Moses: "When an ox is working in the grain, do not cover its mouth to keep it from eating." When God said this, was he thinking only about oxen? No.¹⁰ He was really talking about us. Yes, that Scripture was written for us, because it goes on to say: "The one who plows and the one who works in the grain should hope to get some of the grain for their work." ¹¹ Since we planted spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we should harvest material things? ¹² If others have the right to get something from you, surely we have this right, too. But we do not use it. No, we put up with everything ourselves so that we will not keep anyone from believing the Good News of Christ.¹³ Surely you know that those who work at the Temple get their food from the Temple, and those who serve at the altar get part of what is offered at the altar.¹⁴ In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who tell the Good News should get their living from this good work.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the great Shepherd of the sheep, who equips us with everything good for doing His will, and who works in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give Him glory forever and ever. Amen. (See Hebrews 13:20,21).

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Thursday October 27, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Never forget, God still loves you even when you fail him-

2-Jesus can set you free when you truly surrender all of you to him-

3-If you are not paying your tithe, you are not paying your bills on time-

4-Don't wait for the truth to catch up with you-

5-Always, always tell the truth-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't invest very much, then defeat doesn't hurt very much and winning is not very exciting-

I'VE LEARNED-The doors we open and close each day decide the lives we live-

DID YOU KNOW-Since the Lego Group began manufacturing blocks in 1949, more than 189 billion pieces in 2,000 different shapes have been produced. This is enough for about thirty Lego pieces for every living person on earth.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus met demons, why didn't he just kill them instead of sending them to another location?

2-Are spirits eternal?

3-Are those who want to do evil possessed by demons?

4-Who was the first gentile Jesus ministered to?

5-Can demons be cast out of people today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Jesus, who would teach his followers all they need to know?

Yesterday's answer-King Artaxerxes Ezra 7:25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 9:1-7

Paul Is like the Other Apostles

¹ I am a free man. I am an apostle. I have seen Jesus our Lord. You people are all an example of my work in the Lord.² If others do not accept me as an apostle, surely you do, because you are proof that I am an apostle in the Lord.

³ This is the answer I give people who want to judge me:⁴ Do we not have the right to eat and drink?⁵ Do we not have the right to bring a believing wife with us when we travel as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Peter?⁶ Are Barnabas and I the only ones who must work to earn our living?⁷ No soldier ever serves in the army and pays his own salary. No one ever plants a vineyard without eating some of the grapes. No person takes care of a flock without drinking some of the milk.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in faith, we look to You for strength today and bright hope for tomorrow. Just as Stephen, as written in the book of Acts, had a glimpse of Your glory in heaven and Jesus standing at Your right hand he was filled with confidence to remain true to his convictions and calling though painful death was imminent. Help us to turn our hearts toward heaven so that we seek Your approval and blessing above the temporal thrills this world has to offer. May we perish every fond ambition, all we’ve sought, and hoped and known in exchange for the glories of heaven where we will reign with You forevermore. Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Wednesday October 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When God forgives you, your past can be past at last-

2-It doesn't take Jesus long to do what he needs to do in a life, but it sometimes takes us awhile to get there-

3-We shouldn't work for a living, we should work for a giving-

4-Sow(give) what you want to reap(receive)-

5-We want to wear the cross instead of carrying it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't stir muddy water and make it clear-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity-

DID YOU KNOW-The quartz crystal in your wristwatch vibrates 32,768 times a second-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was satan predestined to be the evil presence of this world?

2-How do we know if our faith in Jesus is real?

3-Can we live a completely honest life?

4-Do we have to wear "masks" to survive?

5-Were the demons killed when the herd of pigs was killed?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who commissioned Ezra to teach the law to Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Gamaliel-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

But be careful that your freedom does not cause those who are weak in faith to fall into sin. ¹⁰ Suppose one of you who has knowledge eats in an idol's temple. Someone who is weak in faith might see you eating there and be encouraged to eat meat sacrificed to idols while thinking it is wrong to do so. ¹¹ This weak believer for whom Christ died is ruined because of your "knowledge."¹² When you sin against your brothers and sisters in Christ like this and cause them to do what they feel is wrong, you are also sinning against Christ.¹³ So if the food I eat causes them to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again so that I will not cause any of them to sin.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I want the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing to You this day. I pray that my conversation is uplifting so that I build others up rather than tear them down. Just as salt is tasty to food making it more pleasant to eat, I pray that my dialogue is wholesome making conversation pleasant and beneficial to those who listen. Because of Your redemptive work in my life I am blessed and highly flavored with the preserving salt of Your holy Word. I want to spread the message of Your salvation to others so that they are snatched from the evil one and their lives are preserved for this life and the next. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Tuesday October 25, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-What good does it do you to keep living in your hurts?

2-Unattended hurts just get worse, never better-

3-Weakness in our life will have to be dealt with at some time-

4-The one we love the most we seem to hurt the worst-

5-We either don't believe people are going to hell or we don't care-

A STRANGE THOUGHT-A sense of humor is just common sense dancing-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1955, one third of all watches sold were Timexes-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-There were 12 disciples and apostles, does the number 12 have any significance?

2-Were the disciples and apostles all the same people?

3-How is an apostle different from an disciple?

4-Why was Jesus born?

5-Was hell created before Adam and Eve were created?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What famous rabbi was Paul's teacher?

Yesterday's answer-2 Peter 2:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 8:1-8

About Food Offered to Idols

¹ Now I will write about meat that is sacrificed to idols. We know that "we all have knowledge." Knowledge puffs you up with pride, but love builds up.² If you think you know something, you do not yet know anything as you should.³ But if any person loves God, that person is known by God.

⁴ So this is what I say about eating meat sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is really nothing in the world, and we know there is only one God.⁵ Even though there are things called gods, in heaven or on earth (and there are many "gods" and "lords"),⁶ for us there is only one God—our Father. All things came from him, and we live for him. And there is only one Lord—Jesus Christ. All things were made through him, and we also were made through him.

⁷ But not all people know this. Some people are still so used to idols that when they eat meat, they still think of it as being sacrificed to an idol. Because their conscience is weak, when they eat it, they feel guilty.⁸ But food will not bring us closer to God. Refusing to eat does not make us less pleasing to God, and eating does not make us better in God's sight.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the habits we regularly repeat indicate what establishes our values. Good habits seem hard to make but very easy to break, while bad habits seem easy to make but very hard to break. Would You place regular reminders in our path that keep us repeating the excellent habit of spending “alone” time with You in prayer and in Scripture reading. Even as the people said to Joshua on that notable day, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey Him” we make a renewed covenant with You on this ordinary day and repeat, “We will serve the Lord our God and obey Him!” To repeat this verse, but ignore its instruction would be breaking our covenant with you, so we pause and reflect on this verse before we solemnly make this declaration: “Through Your grace we will serve and obey You, our God.” Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Monday October 24, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We are known by our scars-

2-Until you have healing over your hurts you don't have much of an effective witness to others-

3-You have to chose to be healed of your hurts-

4-Scars are a sign of healing and show a testimony of God's grace-

5-Forgiveness of hurts is necessary in order to receive God's healing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am no longer like I was, I now am like I is-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich-

DID YOU KNOW-The arm hole in clothing is called an armsaye-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the community have know about Mary's condition before going to live with Joseph?

2-How could Joseph have not followed his religious training just because an angel told him to do what was in conflict with the Torah--after all, he had a pregnant fiance and a coming "illegitimate" child?

3-It appears that Joseph died before Jesus did, so did Mary ever marry again?

4-If Mary was a widow when Jesus was an adult, who provided for her?

5-Is simply talking to God praying?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistle mentions the voice of Balaam's donkey?

Yesterday's answer-Darius Daniel 6:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 7:25-31

Questions About Getting Married

²⁵ Now I write about people who are not married. I have no command from the Lord about this; I give my opinion. But I can be trusted, because the Lord has shown me mercy.²⁶ The present time is a time of trouble, so I think it is good for you to stay the way you are.²⁷ If you have a wife, do not try to become free from her. If you are not married, do not try to find a wife.²⁸ But if you decide to marry, you have not sinned. And if a girl who has never married decides to marry, she has not sinned. But those who marry will have trouble in this life, and I want you to be free from trouble.

²⁹ Brothers and sisters, this is what I mean: We do not have much time left. So starting now, those who have wives should live as if they had no wives.³⁰ Those who are crying should live as if they were not crying. Those who are happy should live as if they were not happy. Those who buy things should live as if they own nothing.³¹ Those who use the things of the world should live as if they were not using them, because this world in its present form will soon be gone.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, we want Your counsel to be our guide as we face the enemy’s assault on our personal holiness. As Hollywood and much of the world continues to trivialize and ridicule Biblical Christianity the horrendous consequences are evident as generations of people ignore Your principles established from the beginning of time. We desire to live holy lives which are a direct consequence of following Your statutes. We reject those personalities and influences that confuse our thinking and gradually erode our commitment to purity of mind, body, and spirit. We ask for discernment to recognize worldliness and discipline to embrace that which leads to holiness. Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Sunday October 23, 2011 thought for the day-

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Your reputation is easier to keep than to repair-

2-Jesus is in the business of giving joy-

3-We will influence more people to Jesus by having a happy spirit than a bitter spirit-

4-God wants to heal you from the inside out-

5-In your problem are the seed of your solution-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong-

I'VE LEARNED-God is faithful, not always through providing materially to the degree I've desired,

but in teaching what I need to learn through difficult times-

DID YOU KNOW-Most people button their shirts upward-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus consider Joseph a father figure growing up or didn't he need one?

2-Joseph was called "a good man" so did he give up his good reputation to take Mary as his wife?

3-Did the community of Nazareth consider Joseph the father of Mary's baby?

4-Had Mary told Joseph she was pregnant before Joseph was informed by the angel?

5-Would the community have ridiculed Joseph for accepting Mary as she was?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king called to Daniel in an anguished voice?

Yesterday's answer-Hebrew Acts 42.2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

Live as God Called You

¹⁷ But in any case each one of you should continue to live the way God has given you to live—the way you were when God called you. This is a rule I make in all the churches.¹⁸ If a man was already circumcised when he was called, he should not undo his circumcision. If a man was without circumcision when he was called, he should not be circumcised.¹⁹ It is not important if a man is circumcised or not. The important thing is obeying God's commands.²⁰ Each one of you should stay the way you were when God called you.²¹ If you were a slave when God called you, do not let that bother you. But if you can be free, then make good use of your freedom.²² Those who were slaves when the Lord called them are free persons who belong to the Lord. In the same way, those who were free when they were called are now Christ's slaves.²³ You all were bought at a great price, so do not become slaves of people.²⁴ Brothers and sisters, each of you should stay as you were when you were called, and stay there with God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it seems that until we draw our last breath the devil continues to entice us to sin, whether it is in attitude or actions. Oh, how the world to evil allures me! Oh how my heart is tempted to sin! And yet as we go to You in earnest prayer and follow Your commands in Scripture, You enable us to overcome the allurement to sin and adhere to Scripture so that sin no longer masters us. We thank You for making a way of escape when we are tempted to sin. Amen.

GREATLY BLESSED, HIGHLY FAVORED, IMPERFECT BUT FORGIVEN CHILD OF GOD!!!

Saturday October 22, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We often tell the truth in increments-

2-Secrecy often comes because of shame-

3-Don't tell me you love me unless you are willing to confront me-

4-If a bad man is unjust to you, forgive him before there becomes two bad men-

5-Jesus has a plan for the cross in your life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We really are not owners of anything, merely caretakers-

I'VE LEARNED-The church doesn't have walls, it has hands and feet-

DID YOU KNOW-Neck ties were first worn in Croatia. That is why they were called cravats.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Joseph ever come to believe that Jesus was the Messiah?

2-For lack of any good information, it appears that Joseph must have died sometime during the time Jesus was 12 and 30. If so, how and when did he die?

3-Would Joseph and Mary both have been buried in the same tomb even though they died years apart?

4-Did Joseph and Mary have a blended family?

5-If Joseph was a widower, could Mary have known his previous wife?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Paul, what language did the divine voice use on his trip to Damascus?

Yesterday's answer-The Lord's servant Isaiah 42:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 6:18-20

¹⁸ So run away from sexual sin. Every other sin people do is outside their bodies, but those who sin sexually sin against their own bodies.¹⁹ You should know that your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who is in you. You have received the Holy Spirit from God. So you do not belong to yourselves,²⁰ because you were bought by God for a price. So honor God with your bodies.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want our hearts to remain soft and pliable so that we do not lose our spiritual sensitivity to hear and obey Your voice. We think of those who once had softened hearts that became hardened over time. They no longer hear You or sense Your presence in their life. Their spiritual vision has darkened. Help us, Lord, once again on this day to taste and see that You are good. You are the Bread of Life that does not spoil. You satisfy our hunger and forever quench our thirst as we drink from Your springs of living water. The world only has temporary substitutes that can entrap and draw us away from Your eternal pleasures. We want to remain vigilant to Your Word and heed Your ways so there is no build up of sin in our lives that eventually hardens our heart toward You. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Friday October 21, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No one makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he can only do a little-

2-We cannot solve our guilt by ourselves-

3-We often think ourselves into a depression-

4-Let the peace of God rule in your heart-

5-When I know what your secrets are I know what your problems are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Education is when you read the fine print, experience is what you get when you don't-

I'VE LEARNED-There is no growth without change-

DID YOU KNOW-The YKK on he zipper of your Levi's stands for Youshida Kogyo Kabushibibaisha, the world's largest zipper manufacturer-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-If Joseph had been marred before marrying Mary, what happened to his first wife?

2-Who gave permission for Mary to be Joseph's wife?

3-Would Joseph and Mary's marriage have been an arranged one?

4-How much older was Joseph than Mary?

5-Since there is no record of a wedding of Joseph and Mary, was Jesus considered by the people as being born out of wedlock?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Isaiah, what noble person will not lift up his voice in the streets?

Yesterday's answer-Rhoda Acts 12:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 6:12-17

¹² "I am allowed to do all things," but not all things are good for me to do. "I am allowed to do all things," but I will not let anything make me its slave. ¹³ "Food is for the stomach, and the stomach for food," but God will destroy them both. The body is not for sexual sin but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body.¹⁴ By his power God has raised the Lord from the dead and will also raise us from the dead.¹⁵ Surely you know that your bodies are parts of Christ himself. So I must never take the parts of Christ and join them to a prostitute!¹⁶ It is written in the Scriptures, "The two will become one body." So you should know that anyone who joins with a prostitute becomes one body with the prostitute.¹⁷ But the one who joins with the Lord is one spirit with the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the spiritual leaders You have placed in our lives. We thank You for those who express personal concern when they see that we’re troubled and offer Bible-based counsel and encouragement. We thank You for those who contend earnestly for the faith, who do not follow the trends of their day but the teaching of the Bible. Father, we thank You for those who kneel before You and lift us up in prayer. You’ve given them a burden to care for our soul, to love us unconditionally. We hold them in the highest regard as they carefully deliver Scriptural truths that will keep us from being shaken as the slide to decadence continues to increase. Keep them safe from the evil one so that they remain a solid example to those whom they shepherd. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Thursday October 20, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In our search for answers we often quit too soon-

2-All of God's delays have a purpose-

3-Pride is the only disease which makes everyone sick except for the one who has it-

4-If you have the wisdom to turn to Jesus, happiness will find you-

5-Worry is a vote of no confidence in God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-People who say they sleep like a baby usually don't have one-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't spend your health getting wealth and then have to spend your wealth getting health-

DID YOU KNOW-Jeans were named after Genoa, Italy, where the first denim cloth was made-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Did Joseph and Mary ever have an official legal wedding?

2-How pregnant was Mary when she went to live with Joseph?

3-Was it customary in Joseph and Mary's time that the girl would just got to the man's home to live without a wedding?

4-Did Joseph need to go to Mary's father's home to ask for permission to have Mary as his wife?

5-Is it possible that Joseph was a widower and had children from his earlier marriage that he and Mary had to raise?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who recognized Peter's voice after he was mysteriously delivered from prison?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel 1:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 6:7-11

⁷ The fact that you have lawsuits against each other shows that you are already defeated. Why not let yourselves be wronged? Why not let yourselves be cheated?⁸ But you yourselves do wrong and cheat, and you do this to other believers!

^9-10 Surely you know that the people who do wrong will not inherit God's kingdom. Do not be fooled. Those who sin sexually, worship idols, take part in adultery, those who are male prostitutes, or men who have sexual relations with other men, those who steal, are greedy, get drunk, lie about others, or rob—these people will not inherit God's kingdom.¹¹ In the past, some of you were like that, but you were washed clean. You were made holy, and you were made right with God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your grace is sufficient to meet all my needs in the midst of trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger and sword. I am truly more than a conqueror because of Your love for me! I choose to believe Your Word and apply its wondrous truths to my life. I reject Satan’s cunning lies that seek to convince me that I am an exception to Your redemptive power or that my troubles can never be repaired by Your almighty hand. Your power is unbiased, all-reaching, and ever merciful to those who call upon You in times of trouble. I’m so grateful that Your sufficiency exceeds my need. Thank you for salvaging my life by taking my feet from the sinking, miry clay and setting them upon the solid rock to stay. Amen.

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

Wednesday October 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's providence is your inheritance-

2-Who I am is more important than what I do-

3-The more we can understand what Jesus did for us the more devoted we will become to him-

4-Singing and laughter denotes gladness-

5-Faith is not dependent on circumstances-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is better to weep with wise men than to laugh with fools-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't confuse busyness with productivity-

DID YOU KNOW-If you lace your shoes from the inside to the outside, the fit will be snugger around your big toe-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus was born was Mary the only human who knew what had just happened?

2-How could Mary possibly handle what God had appointed her to do?

3-Did Mary ever have to scold or reprimand Jesus?

4-Did Jesus ever have normal human sickness?

5-Why would Joseph believe the angel who appeared to him in a night visitation?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard the voice of God as he watched four mysterious creatures flying under a crystal dome?

Yesterday's answer-Nebuchadnezzar Daniel 4:31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 6:1-6

Judging Problems Among Christians

¹ When you have something against another Christian, how can you bring yourself to go before judges who are not right with God? Why do you not let God's people decide who is right?² Surely you know that God's people will judge the world. So if you are to judge the world, are you not able to judge small cases as well?³ You know that in the future we will judge angels, so surely we can judge the ordinary things of this life.⁴ If you have ordinary cases that must be judged, are you going to appoint people as judges who mean nothing to the church?⁵ I say this to shame you. Surely there is someone among you wise enough to judge a complaint between believers.⁶ But now one believer goes to court against another believer—and you do this in front of unbelievers!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we honor our parents today, whether they’re living or deceased. You gave them to us so they could love, provide, nurture and guide us into maturity and independence. Help us to return our love to them as we thoughtfully respond to their changing needs. May they be able to depend on us even as we have depended on them throughout the years. When present circumstances make this responsibility extremely difficult give us the needed wisdom and creative means to still carry out the command to honor our father and mother. In the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday October 18, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Condemning wrong requires humility and grace not pride-

2-It is not how much faith we have but whether the faith we have takes God at this word-

3-The Christian has the assurance that their trials will produce good in their life-

4-People, places, things are the gifts of life not the source of life-

5-When the child of God looks into the word of God and sees the son of God, he is changed

by the spirit of God into the image of God for the glory of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even fools are right sometimes-

I'VE LEARNED-The faster I go in life the more I miss-

DID YOU KNOW-The plastic things on the end of shoelaces are called aglets-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would babies being born in a stable and sleeping in a feed trough have been a common thing in Jesus time?

2-Why did Jesus have to be born in such a lowly, unsanitary and smelly place?

3-Did Mary experience all the normal pain of childbirth?

4-Was Joseph a part of the birth of Jesus such as assisting in the delivery?

5-Was any other person there to help Mary give birth besides Joseph?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king heard God's voice just as he was boasting about how great Babylon was?

Yesterday's answer-Peter Acts 10:13-15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY ! Corinthians 5:9-13

⁹ I wrote you in my earlier letter not to associate with those who sin sexually.¹⁰ But I did not mean you should not associate with those of this world who sin sexually, or with the greedy, or robbers, or those who worship idols. To get away from them you would have to leave this world.¹¹ I am writing to tell you that you must not associate with those who call themselves believers in Christ but who sin sexually, or are greedy, or worship idols, or abuse others with words, or get drunk, or cheat people. Do not even eat with people like that.

^12-13 It is not my business to judge those who are not part of the church. God will judge them. But you must judge the people who are part of the church. The Scripture says, "You must get rid of the evil person among you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we join with all of creation to declare Your praise and to celebrate Your loving kindness as we experience Your tender compassion daily. It is because of Your unceasing mercy that we are not consumed, but rather we are saved through the finished work of Jesus Christ. We rejoice in Your faithfulness; we rest in Your unfailing love; we are restored by Your forgiveness; we are rescued from our folly; and we are reminded that You will fulfill Your purpose in our lives through Your eternal, enduring love. Amen.

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