Saturday December 17, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Christianity is a relationship between a heavenly father and his children-

2-Perfect love casts out all fear, fear casts out love-

3-Christian service is a poor substitute for a relationship with Jesus-

4-If we mistake God's silence for indifference we are most miserable-

5-God has no hands but our hands, no tongue but our tongue and no feet but our feet-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The person who can be only serious or only cheerful is but half a person-

I'VE LEARNED-You can have most anything you want but you can't have everything you want-

DID YOU KNOW-Dueling in Paraguay is legal a long as both parties are registered blood donors-

5 THING I WANT TO KNOW

1-How must have Moses's Egyptian mother have felt when he became of age and chose to be a Hebrew and rejected his royal upbringing?

2-When did Moses learn that he was a Hebrew and not an Egyptian, son of the pharaoh's daughter?

3-Did Moses as an adult ever meet his Hebrew parents?

4-Did Moses have any idea of what his future would be when he rejected his Egyptian heritage?

5-Does God's mercy have an ending?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Jewish girl became queen of Persia?

Yesterday's answer- a centurion Luke 7:2-10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Paul Gives Thanks to God

³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is the Father who is full of mercy and all comfort.⁴ He comforts us every time we have trouble, so when others have trouble, we can comfort them with the same comfort God gives us.⁵ We share in the many sufferings of Christ. In the same way, much comfort comes to us through Christ.⁶ If we have troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation, and if we have comfort, you also have comfort. This helps you to accept patiently the same sufferings we have.⁷ Our hope for you is strong, knowing that you share in our sufferings and also in the comfort we receive.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we give thanks to You who gives us victory in life’s ongoing battles through our Lord Jesus Christ. Help us to listen to the prompting of Your Holy Spirit that reveals to us the various ways that we can be used to further Your kingdom and expand the gospel message at home and abroad. As You reign in our hearts may our lives bear fruit that brings glory to Your name, as we seek to glorify You in all that we do. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Friday December 16, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Hope is realizing that your destiny is a part of God's power and will for your life-

2-For believers in Jesus there is no sorrow that is not mixed with hope-

3-If you don't live Christianity at home, you are a phoney at church-

4-So often so much of Christianity is nothing but organized deadness-

5-It is not who we believe in but who we serve that matters-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I used to be indecisive but I'm not sure anymore-

I'VE LEARNED-The best ship is friendship-

DID YOU KNOW-Celebrating Christmas was once illegal in England-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was there no other friends, besides the three recorded, that reached out to Job in his suffering?

2-Does anyone who walks closely with God live happily ever after?

3-Are there experiences too extreme for the hurting to have hope, and valleys too deep for the anguished to find relief or days too dark for the sufferer to see light?

4-Is the pursuit of happiness an adequate goal?

5-What is your "pearl of great price"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the occupation of the man who had his beloved servant healed by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Shadrach, Meshach aqns Abednego Daniel 2:49

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:13-24

¹³ Be alert. Continue strong in the faith. Have courage, and be strong.¹⁴ Do everything in love.

¹⁵ You know that the family of Stephanas were the first believers in Southern Greece and that they have given themselves to the service of God's people. I ask you, brothers and sisters,¹⁶ to follow the leading of people like these and anyone else who works and serves with them.

¹⁷ I am happy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come. You are not here, but they have filled your place.¹⁸ They have refreshed my spirit and yours. You should recognize the value of people like these.

¹⁹ The churches in Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in the Lord, as does the church that meets in their house. ²⁰ All the brothers and sisters here send greetings. Give each other a holy kiss when you meet.

²¹ I, Paul, am writing this greeting with my own hand.

²² If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be separated from God—lost forever!

Come, O Lord!

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.

²⁴ My love be with all of you in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I pledge my allegiance to You and desire to bring You glory, honor and praise through my thoughts, my words and my actions today. “There is none like You” is the melody of my heart today. No one else can touch my heart like You do. I could search through all eternity and find there is none like You! And You are enough! Amen.

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

Thursday December 15, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No matter how good works are, they are all in vain if not done in love-

2-When you have Jesus and nothing else, and you know he is all you need, then you are free indeed-

3-An attitude of gratitude can make your life a beatitude-

4-Christians should always be seekers-

5-Safety is not the absence of danger but the presence of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stones to success-

I'VE LEARNED-The best way out is usually through-

DID YOU KNOW-A Virginia law requires all bathtubs to be kept out in the yard, not inside the house-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Job sit on an ash heap and use it to rub his sores?

2-Had Satan taken over the mind of Job's wife or was she just suffering unbearable pain and loss also?

3-Have we been too critical of Job's wife for her verbal criticism of Job?

4-Why is it that hardship seems to strengthen most women yet weaken most men?

5-What was the relationship to Job of the 3 friends that came to see him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What 3 Hebrew men were appointed Babylonian administrators by Nebuchadnezzar?

Yesterday's answer-Cornelius Acts 10:1-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:5-12

⁵ I plan to go through Macedonia, so I will come to you after I go through there.⁶ Perhaps I will stay with you for a time or even all winter. Then you can help me on my trip, wherever I go.⁷ I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to stay a longer time with you if the Lord allows it.⁸ But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,⁹ because a good opportunity for a great and growing work has been given to me now. And there are many people working against me.

¹⁰ If Timothy comes to you, see to it that he has nothing to fear with you, because he is working for the Lord just as I am.¹¹ So none of you should treat Timothy as unimportant, but help him on his trip in peace so that he can come back to me. I am expecting him to come with the brothers.

¹² Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly encouraged him to visit you with the other brothers. He did not at all want to come now; he will come when he has the opportunity.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, like the seven churches in Revelation, we too have strengths and weaknesses, in which we receive Your commendation and need Your correction. We want to be so yielded to Christ that we live for Him and are willing to die for Him. We pray for our brothers and sisters who are currently facing all kinds of torment, suffering, and loss as they stand firm in the faith. We pray that the Good News of Christ is reaching even more due to the persecuted church just as it has throughout the centuries. Those who work the hardest to dispense with the Gospel are now exposed to it through the bold witness of those being imprisoned and persecuted. Bibles, freedom, and personal rights may be withheld, but no ungodly official is able to quench Your Spirit that is very much alive in the hearts of those being persecuted for their faith. The Word of God concealed in their hearts gives them power from on high to overpower the authority of sinful man. Encourage our brothers and sisters as they endure for the sake of Christ. Prompt us by Your Holy Spirit to be faithful in prayer for them, that they will be released from their oppressors, and that their oppressors will come to faith. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Wednesday December 14, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God delights in choosing those must unworthy and making them the object of his unconditional acceptance-

2-Grace is not simply to be claimed but to be demonstrated-

3-Don't be impressed with me at all, for I am what I am only by the grace of God-

4-Love God with all of your heart and then you can go and do as you please-

5-No one becomes good by works but good works are done only by those who are good-

STRANGE THOUGHT-What is not started today is not finished tomorrow-

I'VE LEARNED-Constant kindness can accomplish much-

DID YOU KNOW-A typical double mattress contains as many as two million house dust mites-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-We know God gives blessings but does he also take away?

2-How would we react if Satan approached God using our name instead of that of Job?

3-How long did Job's misery last?

4-How was Job able to endure the suffering for so long?

5-What was the ash heap that Job sat on?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Roman centurion of Caesarea was a godly man?

Yesterday's answer-Mordecai Esther 10:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

1 Now I will write about the collection of money for God's people. Do the same thing I told the Galatian churches to do:2 On the first day of every week each one of you should put aside money as you have been blessed. Save it up so you will not have to collect money after I come.3 When I arrive I will send whomever you approve to take your gift to Jerusalem. I will send them with letters of introduction4 and if it seems good for me to go also they will go along with me.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Praying manJesuswe want to fix our eyes our thoughts and our affections on You our blessed Redeemer. Though You faced enormous opposition that would provide understandable excuse for altering Your redemption plan nevertheless You endured the cross and scorned it’s shame. Thank you that you died for our sins and rose in victory and returned to Your Father to sit at His right hand. When we consider the depth of Your commitment we’re even more determined to be faithful in the night seasons of our Christian walk. Help us to endure by keeping our eyes not on that which is seen but on the unseen future rewards that You promise to those who are faithful. We pray this in Your name. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 13, 2011, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The way I think is the way I do-

2-God asks us to be faithful, not successful-

3-Sins can be forgiven but the scars cannot be erased-

4 It is better to make mistakes of kindness than to work miracles in unkindness-

5-My customers do not supply me with my living, my God does-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The person who knows everything has a lot to learn-

I'VE LEARNED-Refuse to be average, let your heart soar as high as it will go-

DID YOU KNOW-A good quality Persian rug, which contains one million knots in every three square inches, can last as long as five hundred years-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was hardest for Job, the loss of his children or the silence of God?

2-Should we ever blame God for something that happens to us?

3-In Job it says "There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord"-Who were they?

4-Shall we accept grace from God and not accept adversity?

5-Why when bad things happen do they often seem to happen to the wrong person?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Jewish man served as an honored official under Ahasuertus of Persia?

Yesterday's answer-Ethiopia Acts 8:27

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

⁵⁰ I tell you this, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood cannot have a part in the kingdom of God. Something that will ruin cannot have a part in something that never ruins.⁵¹ But look! I tell you this secret: We will not all sleep in death, but we will all be changed.⁵² It will take only a second—as quickly as an eye blinks—when the last trumpet sounds. The trumpet will sound, and those who have died will be raised to live forever, and we will all be changed.⁵³ This body that can be destroyed must clothe itself with something that can never be destroyed. And this body that dies must clothe itself with something that can never die. ⁵⁴ So this body that can be destroyed will clothe itself with that which can never be destroyed, and this body that dies will clothe itself with that which can never die. When this happens, this Scripture will be made true:
"Death is destroyed forever in victory." — Isaiah 25:8
⁵⁵ "Death, where is your victory?
Death, where is your pain?" — Hosea 13:14
⁵⁶ Death's power to hurt is sin, and the power of sin is the law. ⁵⁷ But we thank God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁵⁸ So my dear brothers and sisters, stand strong. Do not let anything move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your work in the Lord is never wasted.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. The radiant light of Your Scripture goes before us dispelling the darkness of the enemy. It is living and active; therefore, it is always relevant, right up to date, and a foundation for our soul. Help us not to turn to the right nor to the left, but to keep our eyes fixed on Your Holy Word and our hearts tuned to the Holy Spirit so that we will be faithful to the very end of this life as we know it. We greatly desire to hear Your words of commendation on the other side, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Amen.

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

Monday December 12, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wounds that are open feel the most pain-

2-You can't get rid of bad thoughts by thinking about them-

3-Envy is thinking I am better than you and want what you have-

4-We often don't want to forgive because we feel someone has to pay-

5-My actions are what my mind has been thinking on-

STRANGE THOUGHT-To have joy you must share it-

I'VE LEARNED-If you wait to do everything until it is right, you'll never do much of anything-

DID YOU KNOW-Some Eskimos have been known to use refrigerators to keep their food from freezing-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do genuinely upright people ever lose out in the end?

2-Are there times when God's ways seem to leave us very confused?

3-Did Job ever know the deal that was made between God and satan about his severe testing?

4-Is all suffering sin related?

5-Why was Job's complaining wife not taken as were his children?

BIBLE TRIVIA-From what country was the eunuch that was baptized by Phillip?

Yesterday's answer-Philippi Philippians 4:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:45-49

⁴⁵ It is written in the Scriptures: "The first man, Adam, became a living person." But the last Adam became a spirit that gives life.⁴⁶ The spiritual did not come first, but the physical and then the spiritual.⁴⁷ The first man came from the dust of the earth. The second man came from heaven.⁴⁸ People who belong to the earth are like the first man of earth. But those people who belong to heaven are like the man of heaven. ⁴⁹ Just as we were made like the man of earth, so we will also be made like the man of heaven.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Almighty God, you are our Mighty Fortress, our refuge and the God in whom we place our trust. As our nation faces great distress and uncertainty, we ask your Holy Spirit to fall afresh upon your people — convict us of sin and inflame within us a passion to pray for our land and its people. Grant the leaders of our country an awareness of their desperate need of wisdom and salvation in You until sin becomes a reproach to all and righteousness exalts this nation.

Protect and defend us against our enemies and may the cause of Christ always prevail in our schools, courts, homes, and churches. Lord God, send a spirit of revival and may it begin in our own hearts.

Remember America, we pray. Remember the foundations on which this country was built. Remember the prayers of our nation’s fathers and mothers, and do not forget us in our time of need.

In the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.

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

Sunday December 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Forgiveness is to stop keeping score-

2-Happiness is the by product of a contented heart-

3-Trusting God means to relax in God-

4-God's will and the peace of God go hand in hand-

5-Circumstances and God's will for your life are not necessarily the same thing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is not conduct but condition-

I'VE LEARNED-You are never too old to set another goal or dream another new dream-

DID YOU KNOW-Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-After we have been "born again" are we still just a sinner saved by grace?

2-Do Christians need a "daily cleansing" to live a victorious life?

3-Is all truth absolute?

4-Did satan create sin?

5-Can you change yourself by being accountable to someone?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church in Greece had believers that were workers in "Caesar's household"?

Yesterday's answer-Artaxerxes Nehemiah 1:11

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:42-44

⁴² It is the same with the dead who are raised to life. The body that is "planted" will ruin and decay, but it is raised to a life that cannot be destroyed.⁴³ When the body is "planted," it is without honor, but it is raised in glory. When the body is "planted," it is weak, but when it is raised, it is powerful.⁴⁴ The body that is "planted" is a physical body. When it is raised, it is a spiritual body.

There is a physical body, and there is also a spiritual body.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Lord Jesus, I pray that You will capture our minds and draw our hearts to what has been prepared for us. May we with child-like anticipation keep our attention drawn to the eternal truths of Your Word. And may these spiritual truths turn our face toward heaven. Our future home where we will enjoy a sinless atmosphere, never-ending fellowship with our brothers and sisters and the majesty of Your presence forever. Amen.

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

Saturday December 10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-What we judge in others is usually what is our own problem-

2-Unconditional love comes automatically, from God-

3-We find in others what we look for-

4-It is a short distance from hero to zero-

5-Godliness is ultimately a choice not a consequence-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We can't do everything at once but we can do something at once-

I'VE LEARNED-To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are-

DID YOU KNOW-Aluminum is strong enough to support ninety thousand pounds per square inch-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we get faith the size of a mustard seed?

2-How do you know when the Spirit of God has departed from you?

3-Does faith take time to strength?

4-Do we often feel like Jesus is asleep in our boat and we need to awaken him?

5-Can we handle someone being brutally honest with us?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Persian king did Nehemiah serve under?

Yesterday's answer-Cyprus Acts 13:4-7

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1Corinthians 15:35-41

³⁵ But someone may ask, "How are the dead raised? What kind of body will they have?"³⁶ Foolish person! When you sow a seed, it must die in the ground before it can live and grow.³⁷ And when you sow it, it does not have the same "body" it will have later. What you sow is only a bare seed, maybe wheat or something else.³⁸ But God gives it a body that he has planned for it, and God gives each kind of seed its own body.³⁹ All things made of flesh are not the same: People have one kind of flesh, animals have another, birds have another, and fish have another.⁴⁰ Also there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. But the beauty of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the beauty of the earthly bodies is another.⁴¹ The sun has one kind of beauty, the moon has another beauty, and the stars have another. And each star is different in its beauty.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, all throughout Scripture we hear Your warnings but there is much that we cannot foresee nor do we understand. Some of this understanding will fall into place as we have opportunity to look back and see how You were at work though Your hand was not visible at the time. We desire to trust in You with all our heart and not lean upon our own limited understanding. As we trust You fully, we will obey You faithfully and Your blessings of favor will fall upon

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

Friday December 9, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There are no accidents in the Christian life, only incidents-

2-It is our actions that speak, not our words-

3-God doesn't call the most qualified, he qualifies the called-

4-The way to make a man rich is to decrease his wants-

5-When you go through your own personal Gethsemane you will never be the same again-

STRANGE THOUGHT-We need to be accepted without regard to whether we are acceptable-

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is more than a lack of tragedy-

DID YOU KINOW-The diameter of the wire in a standard paper clip is 1 millimeter, or about 0.04 inches-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does the Lord's Prayer say "our father" instead of "my father"?

2-Does God know our needs before we tell him about them?

3-Is the Lord's Prayer to be used as is or as a pattern for our praying?

4-Does anything ever catch God by surprise?

5-What is the "Glory of God"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What island was Sergius Paulus, who became a Christian, the deputy of?

Yesterday's answer-Daniel 2:48

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:29-34

²⁹ If the dead are never raised, what will people do who are being baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people being baptized for them?

³⁰ And what about us? Why do we put ourselves in danger every hour?³¹ I die every day. That is true, brothers and sisters, just as it is true that I brag about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.³² If I fought wild animals in Ephesus only with human hopes, I have gained nothing. If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, because tomorrow we will die."

³³ Do not be fooled: "Bad friends will ruin good habits."³⁴ Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. Some of you do not know God—I say this to shame you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be an atoning sacrifice for our sins. At just the right time, while we were still powerless and dead in our trespasses, He died for us. Through His sacrificial death we are reconciled to You, our loving Father. Just as many in the human race died by the trespass of one man, Adam, how much more has Your grace overflowed, through the one Man, Jesus Christ, so that we live no longer as bond slaves to sin. Just as sin reigned in death, so also grace reigns through righteousness so that we have eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. You’re an on-time God sending Your Son, Jesus, at just the right time, to save us from our sins which would separate us eternally from You and the joys of heaven. In the loving name of Jesus, we thank You. Amen.

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

Thursday December 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Is it possible that it could be a great day when God sends a storm into your life?

2-Be careful of your environment for it will surely get you-

3-Where I think God is depends on who I think God is-

4-Every problem we have is magnified by the amount of worrying we do-

5-The test of Christianity is not the loving in word we do but the loving in deed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Success is sweet but it's secret is sweat-

I'VE LEARNED-Tomorrow is not promised so enjoy today-

DID YOU KNOW-A 60 minute cassette contains 565 feet of tape-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the Roman guard have been killed for allowing the body of Jesus to be missing?

2-Would the humanness of Jesus have ever been tempted by lust?

3-What were the things that upset Jesus?

4-Was Jesus considered an evangelist?

5-When talking to others about Jesus is it better to say too much or too little?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What upright young man was made ruler over the whole providence of Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph Genesis 42.6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1Corinthians 15:20-28

²⁰ But Christ has truly been raised from the dead—the first one and proof that those who sleep in death will also be raised.²¹ Death has come because of what one man did, but the rising from death also comes because of one man.²² In Adam all of us die. In the same way, in Christ all of us will be made alive again.²³ But everyone will be raised to life in the right order. Christ was first to be raised. When Christ comes again, those who belong to him will be raised to life,²⁴ and then the end will come. At that time Christ will destroy all rulers, authorities, and powers, and he will hand over the kingdom to God the Father.²⁵ Christ must rule until he puts all enemies under his control.²⁶ The last enemy to be destroyed will be death.²⁷ The Scripture says that God put all things under his control. When it says "all things" are under him, it is clear this does not include God himself. God is the One who put everything under his control.²⁸ After everything has been put under the Son, then he will put himself under God, who had put all things under him. Then God will be the complete ruler over everything.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we think of the people in our lives that refresh us at the very sight of them or at the mention of their names. They have poured into our lives fruitful blessings by their kind actions and words, by their exemplary lifestyle and so often by their personal overcomings of life’s hardships. May we be not only recipients of such tender mercies, but diligent dispensers of loving kindness toward others. May our actions and words refresh them. Not that it should be our major motivation, but we know that when we refresh others, we ourselves are refreshed. So as we bless others, we too are blessed and we honor You as well. Amen

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

Wednesday December 7, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Every person who has a deep relationship with God has made personal sacrifice-

2-I don't need more learning, I need more willing obedience-

3-Most Christians already have more knowledge than they will ever obey-

4-God can change not only our actions but also our reactions-

5-Our sin carries a curse-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nostalgia isn't what it used to be-

I'VE LEARNED-A friend is someone who reaches for your hand but touches your heart-

DID YOU KNOW-Sixty eight percent of consumers who receive junk mail actually open the envelopes-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus already out of the tomb when the stone was moved?

2-At what point was Jesus' body removed from the tomb?

3-Was Jesus' tombstone removed for Jesus to come out or for the women to see in?

4-Why were Jesus' burial clothes found folded and undisturbed when the 2 Mary's looked in the tomb?

5-Where was the Roman guard when the 2 Mary's came to the tomb?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Hebrew governed Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Daniel 8:15-18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:12-19

We Will Be Raised from the Dead

¹² Now since we preached that Christ was raised from the dead, why do some of you say that people will not be raised from the dead?¹³ If no one is ever raised from the dead, then Christ has not been raised.¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is worth nothing, and your faith is worth nothing.¹⁵ And also, we are guilty of lying about God, because we testified of him that he raised Christ from the dead. But if people are not raised from the dead, then God never raised Christ.¹⁶ If the dead are not raised, Christ has not been raised either.¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith has nothing to it; you are still guilty of your sins.¹⁸ And those in Christ who have already died are lost.¹⁹ If our hope in Christ is for this life only, we should be pitied more than anyone else in the world.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, all over the world Your Spirit is moving. And You move through people such as the shepherds who told all they knew concerning the Christ Child. Two thousand years later we have so much more knowledge and experiences to share with those around us because we have the Word of God that shows Your divine character and tells us of Your great and miraculous deeds. May we never tire of hearing the stories of Jesus or become lax in telling others about Jesus. Your choice to enter this earth in such a lowly and timely manner is a story that not only the shepherds were commissioned to go out and tell, but it is the commission of all believers to spread this amazing story. It's not just for the people of Jerusalem or simply a segment of our society or a select period in history. Instead Christ's coming affects people of all tongues, tribes, and nations, from the north to the south, from east to west - all who will call upon the Lord Jesus to be saved. Help us to be bold and unwavering in our quest to reach the lost and dying world that touches us each day. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 6, 2011, thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Many people need a faith lift-

2-Loneliness is God's way of letting us know that we need to reach out-

3-The primary cause of loneliness is separation from God-

4-Suffering is not pleasant but it can be a good teacher-

5-A mountain can be a molehill when seen through God's eyes-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind-

I'VE LEARNED-Kind words echo and echo-

DID YOU KNOW-It will take a plastic container about 50 thousand years to decompose-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was the stone at Jesus' tomb rolled away and not just vanished or destroyed?

2-For whose benefit was the stone at Jesus' tomb rolled away?

3-Did the stone at Jesus' tomb have to be removed for Jesus to exit?

4-When did Jesus stop being human?

5-Are we sure that Jesus himself with the power of the Holy Spirit didn't open the tomb from the inside?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was in a deep sleep as the angel Gabriel explained a vision?

Yesterday's answer-1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

He Good News About Christ

¹ Now, brothers and sisters, I want you to remember the Good News I brought to you. You received this Good News and continue strong in it.² And you are being saved by it if you continue believing what I told you. If you do not, then you believed for nothing.

³ I passed on to you what I received, of which this was most important: that Christ died for our sins, as the Scriptures say;⁴ that he was buried and was raised to life on the third day as the Scriptures say;⁵ and that he was seen by Peter and then by the twelve apostles.⁶ After that, Jesus was seen by more than five hundred of the believers at the same time. Most of them are still living today, but some have died.⁷ Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles.⁸ Last of all he was seen by me—as by a person not born at the normal time.⁹ All the other apostles are greater than I am. I am not even good enough to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.¹⁰ But God's grace has made me what I am, and his grace to me was not wasted. I worked harder than all the other apostles. (But it was not I really; it was God's grace that was with me.)¹¹ So if I preached to you or the other apostles preached to you, we all preach the same thing, and this is what you believed.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, my soul rejoices in the wondrous Gift of Your Son, Jesus, who descended from the sinless atmosphere of heaven and clothed Himself in the garment of humankind. Prior to this marvelous undertaking You spoke to us through the prophets who revealed only a partial and prepatory revelation of the Triune God. But the perfect revelation of who You are is revealed in the Person of Jesus Christ which is made understandable in human terms. For the Son is the radiance of Your glory and the exact representation of Your Being. As we have come to know Jesus, the Son of man, we also know You, Father, because Your character and power are revealed in the life and works of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for mercifully adopting us as Your children and clothing us in robes of righteousness, for without this clothing, we cannot enter heaven. Amen.

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

Monday December 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Obedience can not be postponed-

2-Insufficient resources turned over to God will meet human needs-

3-Christians are to burn their bridges behind them-

4-You are all out for God or you are not out for God at all-

5-The impossible is possible with God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-

There are some things I know that I know, there are some thing I know that I don't know, there are some things I don't know that I don't know-

I'VE LEARNED-The secret of success is----work hard-

DID YOU KNOW-Each of us generates five pounds of garbage a day; most of it is paper-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the darkness that covered the earth at Jesus' crucifixion last 3 hours?

2-Beside agonizing pain, did Jesus feel anything else?

3-Why did Jesus say My God, my God why have you forsaken me" and not called him Father?

4-Was Golgatha a "killing field" where other crucifixions had been held before and after Jesus' crucifixion?

5-Would anyone have gone to the tomb of Jesus on Saturday which was the Sabbath?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistle urges believers to be alert, not asleep?

Yesterday's answer-Samuel 1 Samuel 3:2-10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 14:37-40

³⁷ Those who think they are prophets or spiritual persons should understand that what I am writing to you is the Lord's command. ³⁸ Those who ignore this will be ignored by God. ³⁹ So my brothers and sisters, you should truly want to prophesy. But do not stop people from using the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages.⁴⁰ But let everything be done in a right and orderly way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in our human nature we want the best seat, the first choice, the biggest piece, to be first in line, and on and on it goes. The desire to serve self before serving others is an ongoing battle. Thank you for those who walk in humility, giving preference to others, rather than choosing to please themselves first. They serve as human examples of the attitude Jesus exemplified when He, being in Your very nature did not consider equality with You something to hold onto. Instead Jesus took on the very nature of a servant and became God in the flesh. In His human role He showed us the greatest example of humility as He related to people from day to day and ultimately when He laid down His life for us. We’re thankful for Jesus and His greatest act of humility. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday December 4, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you experience mercy you will want to give mercy-

2-You can never stop the consequences of sin-

3-God's mercy is there for the asking-

4-Forgiveness is a choice-

5-The grace that saves us is the grace that keeps us-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I've said it before and I'll say it again-I hate repeating myself-

I'VE LEARNED-Taking calculated risks is different from being rash-

DID YOU KNOW-Mixing Sani-Flush and Comet cleaners has been known to cause explosions-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus hang naked on the cross?

2-Why were there 2 crosses next to Jesus and not more or less?

3-Were crucifixions only done on certain days?

4-Why was Jesus' cross in the middle of the other two?

5-What were the criminal charges of the two thieves crucified with Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which boy was called out of his sleep by the voice of God?

Yesterday's answer-1 Corinthians 15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 14:29-33

²⁹ Only two or three prophets should speak, and the others should judge what they say.³⁰ If a message from God comes to another person who is sitting, the first speaker should stop.³¹ You can all prophesy one after the other. In this way all the people can be taught and encouraged.³² The spirits of prophets are under the control of the prophets themselves.³³ God is not a God of confusion but a God of peace.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your creation has unlimited visual stimuli that is seen by our eyes today, but according to Scripture even our heart and our mind can see. Many philosophies and principles come to us through our mind, but we want the eyes of our heart to embrace only that which will keep our hearts pure. May the eyes of our heart reject teachings that are inconsistent with our spiritual enlightenment. Help us to sharpen and narrow our heart’s vision to escape the broad way that leads to destruction. Keep our eyes open to the good things You want to reveal and shut our eyes to the “god of this age” whose goal it is to lead us to spiritual poverty and death. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday December 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Being sorry is not the same as repentance-

2-Be specific in your prayers-

3-God limits himself to our submission-

4-If you knew how much your sin hurts Jesus, you wouldn't do it anymore-

5-Mercy is God's response to our memory-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Change is good as long as I don't have to do anything different-

I'VE LEARNED-The best way out is always through-

DID YOU KNOW-Kleenex tissues were originally use as filters in gas masks-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus the only man who had a seamless robe-

2-How many robes would Jesus have had?

3-Did Jesus have to wash his own clothes?

4-Would Jesus ever have had a haircut, if so how was it done?

5-Is there any significance in Jesus' robe being seamless?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistle uses sleep as a metaphor for physical death?

Yesterday's answer-Ephesians 5:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 14:26-28

Meetings Should Help the Church

²⁶ So, brothers and sisters, what should you do? When you meet together, one person has a song, and another has a teaching. Another has a new truth from God. Another speaks in a different language, and another person interprets that language. The purpose of all these things should be to help the church grow strong. ²⁷ When you meet together, if anyone speaks in a different language, it should be only two, or not more than three, who speak. They should speak one after the other, and someone should interpret. ²⁸ But if there is no interpreter, then those who speak in a different language should be quiet in the church meeting. They should speak only to themselves and to God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we consider the Scriptures that warn us of attitudes, desires, and behaviors that lead us on a road to destruction. We want to be faithful to the righteous path that we began the day we surrendered our lives to You. May we seek You wholeheartedly so that our desires, our actions, and our affections align us with the straight and narrow path You walked before us. May we use our resources for Your glory and not our own. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Friday December 2, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The mark of truly happy people is that they need nothing more-

2-God is never caught unprepared-

3-You cannot live for long in contradiction to what you believe for you will either change how you live or change what you believe-

4-God can bring good even out of our sin-

5-Christianity is more than adding Jesus to our goodness-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If it weren't for venetian blinds it would be curtains for us all-

I'VE LEARNED-Excellence is not a singular act but a habit-

DID YOU KNOW-Ketchup is excellent for cleaning brass, especially tarnished or corroded brass-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus offer to go to the cross or did God the Father ask or tell him to?

2-When in the existence of God was the crucifixion planned?

3-On the cross was Jesus shamed before all of heaven?

4-From where did Jesus get his seamless robe?

5-What was Jesus' robe made of and how could it have been seamless?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistle tells sleepers to rise from the dead?

Yesterday's answer-Causing trouble Proverbs 4:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 14:22-25

²² So the gift of speaking in different kinds of languages is a sign for those who do not believe, not for those who do believe. And prophecy is for people who believe, not for those who do not believe. ²³ Suppose the whole church meets together and everyone speaks in different languages. If some people come in who do not understand or do not believe, they will say you are crazy.²⁴ But suppose everyone is prophesying and some people come in who do not believe or do not understand. If everyone is prophesying, their sin will be shown to them, and they will be judged by all that they hear.²⁵ The secret things in their hearts will be made known. So they will bow down and worship God saying, "Truly, God is with you."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is nothing that we have need of that You do not supply. Your benevolent nature gives us far more than we need and abundantly provides pleasurable and comfortable material possessions. Help us to know the difference between that which is essential, such as food, clothing and shelter, from the inessentials that make life a bit more comfortable and eases our work load. We are indebted to You for all that we have and want to be careful to share with those who have less. We thank You that Your divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of You who has called us by Your own glory and goodness. Amen.

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

Thursday December 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When it comes to healing, God alone makes the decision concerning life-

2-Jesus not only died for your sins but for your sickness as well-

3-Faith is not believing in God but believing God-

4-Christian obedience is based on love for God-

5-Discipline brings happiness and fulfillment-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is it homeless or naked?

I'VE LEARNED-Life is something to be in, not something to get through-

DID YOU KNOW-The average weight of a woman's handbag is 3-5 pounds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus know ahead of time the suffering he would endure?

2-Had Jesus ever seen anyone else crucified before he was?

3-What was the significance of the crown of thorns put on Jesus' head?

4-What does "Via Dolorosa" mean?

5-At what point in the crucifixion weekend did Jesus assume our sins?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Proverbs, what does it take for the wicked to sleep well?

Yesterday's answer-Jacob Genesis 31:38, 40.

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 14:18-21

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in different kinds of languages more than all of you.¹⁹ But in the church meetings I would rather speak five words I understand in order to teach others than thousands of words in a different language.

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, do not think like children. In evil things be like babies, but in your thinking you should be like adults. ²¹ It is written in the Scriptures:
"With people who use strange words and foreign languages
I will speak to these people.
But even then they will not listen to me," — Isaiah 28:11–12
Says the Lord.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, would You show us through Your Holy Spirit and the Holy Scriptures and by the examples of committed believers what it is to live for the eternal. It seems that we indulge with the world far too much and it prioritizes our time, finances, and interests. As we love You more, we love the things of the world less. We see them for what they really are – temporary, broken, and/or sin-ridden. As we fix our eyes on You the things of this world grow strangely dim. We want to spend more time with You which will direct our thoughts and affections toward heaven. We want to deposit our investments there so that our treasure chest is growing with rust-proof, moth-proof, and thief-proofed treasures that last for all eternity. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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