Friday January 20, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do the best you can and God will bless your effort

2-God can take your mistakes and make them into miracles-

3-The Bible does not yield itself to the casual reader-

4-You can't live wrong and still live right-

5-You can always find the advice you are looking for-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is it possible to be totally partial?

I'VE LEARNED-God demands responsibility in exchange for authority-

DID YOU KNOW-It is illegal for boys in the 9th grade to grow a mustache in Binghamton, New York-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could we have met or seen an angel and not know it?

2-Does an angel have to identify themselves to us?

3-Are there many different kinds of angels with different duties?

4-What is a "ministering spirit"?

5-Do angels have different ranks of importance?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who ran to tell people that she had met the Christ by a well?

Yesterday's answer-The queen of Sheba 1 Kings 10:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:20-24

²⁰ We are being careful so that no one will criticize us for the way we are handling this large gift.²¹ We are trying hard to do what the Lord accepts as right and also what people think is right.

²² Also, we are sending with them our brother, who is always ready to help. He has proved this to us in many ways, and he wants to help even more now, because he has much faith in you.

²³ Now about Titus—he is my partner who is working with me to help you. And about the other brothers—they are sent from the churches, and they bring glory to Christ.²⁴ So show these men the proof of your love and the reason we are proud of you. Then all the churches can see it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be diligent in our study of the Word of God, not only to receive Your approval, but to more fully understand Your plan for our lives. Thank You for the Bible that’s like a road map showing us where to go and how to get there. And the greatest blessing is that Your Spirit illumines the path before us so that we do not walk in the dark, but we walk in the power of the Holy Spirit who shows us the way to life everlasting. Keep us on the right path, we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday January 19, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Until our theology affects us socially, nothing will really change-

2-Tithing is a debt I owe, offerings are a seed I sow-

3-Men value demonstration, God values authenticity-

4-The issue is not our capability but our availability-

5-If you don't use your talent you will lose it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-One nice thing about egotists is that they don't talk about other people-

I'VE LEARNED-For the Christian, obedience is non negotiable-

DID YOU KNOW-In Oklahoma, it is against the law to hunt whale-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are angels selfless servants of God's interest?

2-Are "demons" fallen angels?

3-What does the word "angel" mean?

4-Do we really know what angels are?

5-Do angels always look angelic?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who came to Jerusalem with a caravan of camels and loads of jewels?

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba 1 Chronicles 3:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:16-19

¹⁶ I thank God because he gave Titus the same love for you that I have.¹⁷ Titus accepted what we asked him to do. He wanted very much to go to you, and this was his own idea.¹⁸ We are sending with him the brother who is praised by all the churches because of his service in preaching the Good News.¹⁹ Also, this brother was chosen by the churches to go with us when we deliver this gift of money. We are doing this service to bring glory to the Lord and to show that we really want to help.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You that in Jesus we’ve found an enduring Friend for all eternity; One who laid down His life that we might be raised to newness of life. There’s no friend on earth that can provide the constant companionship we experience with Christ through prayer, the Scriptures, and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit that resides in our hearts; in the good times and the bad, during the testings and temptations common to all. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus, no not one, no not even one. Thank You for this wondrous gift we celebrate of Jesus coming to earth in the flesh to dwell among us and to show us the more excellent way. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-I want to know God in spite of how I feel-

2-Don't let your feelings affect what you believe-

3-Feelings create emotions which create behavior which creates feelings-

4-You have given God your sins but have you given God yourself-

5-Love is the greatest of all motivators-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can get so far behind that you think you are ahead-

I'VE LEARNED-Confrontation is rarely pleasant but frequently necessary-

DID YOU KNOW-In some parts of Alabama it is illegal to carry a comb in your pocket-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Since the Ark of the Covenant played such a big part of Jewish history, how has it been mysteriously lost?

2-Could the Ark of the Covenant be hidden under the temple mount in Jerusalem?

3-Are angels pure spirits without bodies?

4-What is the primary function of angels and what other duties do they have?

5-How much of what we believe about Jesus is tradition and how much is Bible based?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the royal mother of Nathan, Shobab, and Shimea?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Acts 12:12

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

¹⁰ This is what I think you should do: Last year you were the first to want to give, and you were the first who gave.¹¹ So now finish the work you started. Then your "doing" will be equal to your "wanting to do." Give from what you have.¹² If you want to give, your gift will be accepted. It will be judged by what you have, not by what you do not have.¹³ We do not want you to have troubles while other people are at ease, but we want everything to be equal.¹⁴ At this time you have plenty. What you have can help others who are in need. Then later, when they have plenty, they can help you when you are in need, and all will be equal.¹⁵ As it is written in the Scriptures, "The person who gathered more did not have too much, nor did the person who gathered less have too little."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You warned Your listeners as You sat on the Mount of Olivet that at the end of the age nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famines and earthquakes will be commonplace. Believers will be handed over to be persecuted and many will turn away from the faith as wickedness increases. In the midst of such dark desolation we cling to the bright promise, full of hope and motivation for those who walk steadfastly with You; he who stands firm to the end will be saved. We will conquer the enemy, for the battle is not ours, but Yours, Lord Jesus! Amen.

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

Tuesday January 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Wanting it to happen doesn't make it happen-

2-Wrong thinking produces wrong behavior-

3-This is who I am, not who I was and not who I am going to be-

4-There is nothing you can do to make God stop loving you-

5-God has a rope long enough to get to the bottom of your well-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Man who runs behind car gets exhausted-

I'VE LEARNED-Panic replaces patience-

DID YOU KNOW-In Morrisville, Pennsylvania, women need a legal permit before they can wear lipstick in public-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are we absolutely positive that David wrote all of the Psalms?

2-What was a woman's place in Jewish society?

3-Is every word in our English language Bibles divinely inspired?

4-Whatever happened to the "Ark of the Covenant"?

5-On what king of stone were the 10 commandments written?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the mother of John Mark?

Yesterday's answer-The witch of Endor 1 Samuel 28:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:8-9

⁸ I am not commanding you to give. But I want to see if your love is true by comparing you with others that really want to help.⁹ You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You know that Christ was rich, but for you he became poor so that by his becoming poor you might become rich.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be Your faithful follower as You fulfill Your purpose in our lives. The Psalmist traced Your hand to the secret place where all Your ordained plans were written for his life before he drew his first breath. We too can trace Your hand in the origin of our birth right up to the present day in which we close out another year. We need not fear when we take hold of Your hand, for You will help guide us through the uncertainties and puzzlements that will frequent our path, for You fully know what Your intentions are for our lives. We trust You for the days ahead and the new year that will unfold before us. We will not fear nor dread the future, since it is through eyes of faith, that we see the victory ahead! In the precious name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Monday January 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only times our wants become wrong is when they become needs-

2-God never asks you for anything he hasn't already given you-

3-Meek does not mean weak-

4-We need to do what we can do, we can do what we ought to do-

5-You can't have the proper harvest without planting the proper seed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A man who runs in front of car gets tired-

I'VE LEARNED-A tree is best measured when down-

DID YOU KNOW-In Minnesota, it is illegal for women to be dressed up as Santa Claus on city streets-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-"Thou shall not kill"-is this preplanned murder or any taking of life?

2-Why did God instruct the Israelites to completely kill certain peoples and animals?

3-Does the commandment "Thou shall not kill" apply only to humans?

4-Does "Thou shall not steal" apply to kidnapping also?

5-Does "Thou shall not covet" mean only desiring or the planning or taking something not yours?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who killed the fatted calf and made bread for a despairing king?

Yesterday's answer-Abigail 1 Samuel 28:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

¹ And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace God gave the churches in Macedonia.² They have been tested by great troubles, and they are very poor. But they gave much because of their great joy.³ I can tell you that they gave as much as they were able and even more than they could afford. No one told them to do it.⁴ But they begged and pleaded with us to let them share in this service for God's people.⁵ And they gave in a way we did not expect: They first gave themselves to the Lord and to us. This is what God wants.⁶ So we asked Titus to help you finish this special work of grace since he is the one who started it. ⁷ You are rich in everything—in faith, in speaking, in knowledge, in truly wanting to help, and in the love you learned from us. In the same way, be strong also in the grace of giving.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we seek to be unwavering in our faith and confident in Your plans for our life as we stand on Your unending promises. You promise never to abandon us; instead You carefully guide us through the steep hills and dark valleys as we cling to You. Even as we daily experienced Your goodness and faithfulness in 2011 we will be sustained by Your constant presence and guidance in our life and in those we love in the new year of 2012. You are faithful and we are grateful that we can stand on the Solid Rock, firm and secure. It is in the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday January 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Gambling is robbery by mutual consent-

2-In a failed marriage, at least one is gone long before they physically leave-

3-Salt is only good when it is sprinkled out-

4-Preach the Gospel wherever you go and if you must, then use words-

5-We often want too much and then are content to settle for too little-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Be careful of reading a health book for you could die of a misprint-

I'VE LEARNED-A genuinely redeemed, spirit filled, transformed member of Jesus's church will continue to struggle with temptation and moral failure after they receive by faith, the gift of salvation and assurance of eternal life-

DID YOU KNOW-In Indiana, it is illegal to ride public transportation for at least 30 minutes after eating garlic-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When the Hebrews were on the move in the Exodus, what did they eat? Was it primarily meant?

2-During the Exodus, were the sanitary conditions deplorable with so many people and animals?

3-Are the versions of the 10 commandments different in Exodus and Deuteronomy?

4-Why aren't the Hebrew and the Christian versions of the 10 commandments the same? Does it matter?

5-Must you keep the 10 commandments for "holy living"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wife of a sheepherder admitted that her husband was a complete fool?

Yesterday's answer-Michal 2 Samuel 6:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:13-16

Not only were we very comforted, we were even happier to see that Titus was so happy. All of you made him feel much better.¹⁴ I bragged to Titus about you, and you showed that I was right. Everything we said to you was true, and you have proved that what we bragged about to Titus is true.¹⁵ And his love for you is stronger when he remembers that you were all ready to obey. You welcomed him with respect and fear.¹⁶ I am very happy that I can trust you fully.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re reminded by Habakkuk that our deep abiding joy is not derived from abundance in provisions nor even the people in our life. But rather our joy comes from You as we choose to rejoice in You, whether or not our pantry is overflowing. We rejoice in knowing that You are our strength who enables us to descend the rigorous, steep terrain. When we reach the height of the mountain we can look back at the disappointments and hardships we climbed through as You made our feet sure-footed like those of a deer. Keep us steadily faithful through the climb as we once again affirm our faith in You, Sovereign Lord, and rejoice in the work You are accomplishing in our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday January 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Good people should not be following signs, signs should be following good people-

2-There is no such thing as a causal Christian-

3-It is easier to criticize than to love because love takes effort-

4-I'm not saved by how I feel but it sure feels good to be saved-

5-You have to suffer before you can know how to rejoice-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk-

I'VE LEARNED-For every dark night there is a brighter day-

DID YOU KNOW-In Idaho it is against the law to give another citizen a box of candy that weighs more than 50 pounds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How did millions of people and animals of the Exodus survive in an arid, nearly waterless wilderness for 40 years?

2-Is there any mention in ancient Egyptian writings of an exodus of Hebrew people?

3-If the Exodus was a million people or more plus the animals, how long would it have taken them all to leave Egypt?

4-If there were a million or more Hebrews in Egypt before the Exodus, how did they get communication to all the people?

5-Since the Hebrews of the Exodus were slaves, how did Egypt survive after the Exodus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which of David's wives "despised him in her heart"?

Yesterday's answer-Ruth 3:4-9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:8-13

⁸ Even if my letter made you sad, I am not sorry I wrote it. At first I was sorry, because it made you sad, but you were sad only for a short time.⁹ Now I am happy, not because you were made sad, but because your sorrow made you change your lives. You became sad in the way God wanted you to, so you were not hurt by us in any way.¹⁰ The kind of sorrow God wants makes people change their hearts and lives. This leads to salvation, and you cannot be sorry for that. But the kind of sorrow the world has brings death. ¹¹ See what this sorrow—the sorrow God wanted you to have—has done to you: It has made you very serious. It made you want to restore yourselves. It made you angry and afraid. It made you want to see me. It made you care. It made you want to do the right thing. In every way you have regained your innocence. ¹² I wrote that letter, not because of the one who did the wrong or because of the person who was hurt. I wrote the letter so you could see, before God, the great care you have for us.¹³ That is why we were comforted.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it’s a fact that the vast majority want something for nothing. If they get their wish it might bring temporary pleasure, but it cannot satisfy the soul’s longing and the item will have a perishable shelf life. When Jesus gave His all as a sacrifice for our sins You made available to us the free gift of salvation that is for all eternity. We cannot pay for our forgiveness nor can we repay Jesus for His sacrifice for our sins. We can’t save up for our real estate in heaven, nor do we hire a designer, for Jesus is there now providing and preparing a home for us. All we give in return is a heart surrendered to His plan for our lives here on earth that will be more fully experienced in the great beyond. May our hearts be set on things above where Christ is seated at Your right hand, rather than things on the earth. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen

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

Friday January 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't confuse the patience of God with the blessings of God-

2-It is a sin to presume on the grace of God-

3-Neglecting God leads to drifting away from God which causes you to doubt God and then to deny God-

4-When you are climbing the ladder of success, you need to know what wall it is leaning against-

5-We need empathy more than sympathy-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Money can't buy a sense of financial security-

I'VE LEARNED-The mirror only reveals what it reflects-

DID YOU KNOW-In Hartford Connecticut, you may not, under any circumstances, cross the street walking on your hands-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can we not see God because he is invisible?

2-Does the Bible say anywhere that someone actually saw God?

3-Where in the Bible does it say God is omniscient (he knows everything)?

4-Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus?

5-Approximately how many people (men, women and children) were in the exodus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who laid down at her future husband's feet and was accepted by him?

Yesterday's answer-Delilah Judges16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:5-7

⁵ When we came into Macedonia, we had no rest. We found trouble all around us. We had fighting on the outside and fear on the inside.⁶ But God, who comforts those who are troubled, comforted us when Titus came.⁷ We were comforted, not only by his coming but also by the comfort you gave him. Titus told us about your wish to see me and that you are very sorry for what you did. He also told me about your great care for me, and when I heard this, I was much happier.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, how grateful we are that Jesus came into this world to save sinners; to turn despair to hope, darkness to light, and death into life. All that we have need of and presently rely on is abundance from Your generous Hand. You are worthy of our trust and deserving of our fully surrendered life. From the cradle to the cross Jesus is Lord of Heaven and Lord of earth. We celebrated the birth of Your Son, Jesus, our Savior, and give thanks for all that it means to us. Amen.

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

Thursday January 12, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-So often we want more gold than God, more silver than the Savior and more of our job than Jesus-

2-There are no step children, foster children or grandchildren in the kingdom of God-

3-While we count dollars, God counts our motives-

4-God sometimes sends testing to bring the good out of us-

5-God never has to call an emergency meeting of the Holy Trinity-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You never see a hearse pulling a u-haul trailer-

I'VE LEARNED-God's Word is meant to be acted on-

DID YOU KNOW-If you live in Michigan, it is illegal to put a skunk in your boss's desk-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do we know with 100% certainty who the writers of the books of the Bible are?

2-Does it matter that the authors of the books of the Bible don't have their names written as part of the script?

3-Why did God ask Adam where he was in the Garden of Eden? Did he not know where he was?

4-Why did God ask Cain where his brother Able was? Did he not know?

5-Why does the Bible depict God as having a human like body?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who pouted when her strongman lover kept fooling her about the source of her strength?

Yesterday's answer-Deborah Judges 4:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 7:2-4

² Open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, we have not ruined the faith of anyone, and we have not cheated anyone.³ I do not say this to blame you. I told you before that we love you so much we would live or die with you.⁴ I feel very sure of you and am very proud of you. You give me much comfort, and in all of our troubles I have great joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need, the need of salvation. May we not be timid or embarrassed to openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.

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

Wednesday January 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's Holy Word makes a lousy club but a great sword-

2-When we surrender our all to God we don't count the cost, we count it a privilege-

3-You cannot always determine what you will go through but you can determine how you go through it-

4-It is always God's will for his people to walk in the Holy Spirit-

5-The longer you live with sin, the harder it is to get rid of it-

STRANGE THOUGHT-God doesn't need to go somewhere to get someplace-

I'VE LEARNED-The longer you are stubborn, the further you get from where you need to be-

DID YOU KNOW-Every citizen of Kentucky is required by law to take a bath at least once a year-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What were the Magi-wise men, astrologers, kings, etc?

2-How many Magi made the trip to find baby Jesus?

3-Did the Magi believe they were seeking an earthly king

4-Were all the disciples married?

5-Should we read and understand the Bible through the words as translated from the original writer or from tradition-

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman gave needed courage to the fainthearted military man Barak?

Yesterday's answer -Rahab Hebrews 11:31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 CORINTHIANS 7:1

¹ Dear friends, we have these promises from God, so we should make ourselves pure—free from anything that makes body or soul unclean. We should try to become holy in the way we live, because we respect God

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need, the need of salvation. May we not be timid or embarrassed to openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.

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

Tuesday January 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Unless someone plays the second instrument, there is no harmony-

2-Emotion that doesn't bring motion is just commotion-

3-We don't possess God's power, it possess us-

4-You cannot do things in the same old way and get different results-

5-Too many are trying to work for God without the Word of God or the Spirit of God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The place you lose it is the place you get it back-

I'VE LEARNED-Faith is only activated when you act-

DID YOU KNOW-According to the United States RefuseAct of 1899, every industrial discharge into bodies of water since 1899 has been a crime-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How many shepherds were in the field when the angels appeared to them?

2-Why did the angel tell Mary and the shepherds to "fear not"? Were they afraid?

3-Was the bright light that the Magi followed a single star or a cluster of stars?

4-What was it about the star that got the Magi's attention?

5-What was it about the star that made the Magi think they should follow it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What old testament woman was mentioned in the roll of the faithful in Hebrews?

Yesterday's answer-Miriam Numbers 12:1

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

⁴ You are not the same as those who do not believe. So do not join yourselves to them. Good and bad do not belong together. Light and darkness cannot share together.¹⁵ How can Christ and Belial, the devil, have any agreement? What can a believer have together with a nonbeliever? ¹⁶ The temple of God cannot have any agreement with idols, and we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I will live with them and walk with them. And I will be their God, and they will be my people."
¹⁷ "Leave those people,
And be separate, says the Lord.
Touch nothing that is unclean,
And I will accept you." — Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41

¹⁸ "I will be your father,
And you will be my sons and daughters,
Says the Lord Almighty." — 2 Samuel 7:14

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You are life’s greatest Treasure as You emptied Yourself of equality with God and chose to be made in human likeness taking on the very nature of a servant. Thank You for coming to us and meeting our most critical need, the need of salvation. May we not be timid or embarrassed to openly voice Your presence in the public square even as great hosts of angels proclaimed Your earthly arrival in Bethlehem. Your salvation message brings hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak, and release for those help captive in the ravages of sin’s wasteland. You did not descend to earth in order to conquer or enslave, but to draw the hearts of humankind to Yourself through the incredible sacrificial love that poured forth from Your body on the cross of Calvary. What personal wondrous love is this! Amen.

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

Monday January 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can't be a Christian who doesn't pray and expect God to answer your prayers-

2-There may be Christians that do nothing, but there should never be Christians with nothing to do-

3-If you are filled with faith in God you are equipped with God's power-

4-If you are not filled with faith and hope, you will be filled with doubt-

5-We need to close our eyes to others faults and open our hearts to their needs-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion-

I'VE LEARNED-Success has made failures of many people-

DID YOU KNOW-Pennsylvania was the first state to legalize witchcraft-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What part, if any, did the Magi visit play in the birth of Jesus?

2-Were the Magi using the original "GPS" unit?

3-Is the name Jesus the Greek version for the Hebrew name Joshua. If so, why not just use the name Joshua when referring to Christ?

4-Why was Jesus given such a common Jewish name?

5-Is it always easy to trust in the Lord?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who criticized her famous brother for being married to an Ethiopian woman?

Yesterday's answer -Zipporah Exodus 4:25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 6:8-13

⁸ Some people honor us, but others blame us. Some people say evil things about us, but others say good things. Some people say we are liars, but we speak the truth.⁹ We are not known, but we are well known. We seem to be dying, but we continue to live. We are punished, but we are not killed.¹⁰ We have much sadness, but we are always rejoicing. We are poor, but we are making many people rich in faith. We have nothing, but really we have everything.

¹¹ We have spoken freely to you in Corinth and have opened our hearts to you.¹² Our feelings of love for you have not stopped, but you have stopped your feelings of love for us.¹³ I speak to you as if you were my children. Do to us as we have done—open your hearts to us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, You teach us that our act of worship is not confined to a cathedral setting nor does it require professional ministerial training to carry out true worship. It comes from the heart of the true believer who acknowledges that You are the long awaited Messiah, the One who is called Christ. We worship You in Spirit, for though we cannot humanly see or touch You, we come to You in complete sincerity with a spirit that is directed by the life and activity of the Holy Spirit. We worship You in truth because union with You requires believing and speaking the truth. May we be the kind of worshipers that pleases the heart of the Father. Amen.

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

Sunday January 8, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To know is to be able to act-

2-Discipline a little, appreciate a lot-

3-Treat the other as if you were the other-

4-No one can go beyond the grace of God-

5-Children will do more of what their parents do than what they say-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You cannot renew your mind by pumping in garbage-

I'VE LEARNED-I must become the change I wish to see-

DID YOU KNOW-Mailing an entire building has been illegal in the United States since 1916, when a man mailed a 40,000 ton brick house across Utah to avoid high freight rates-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Magi take the gospel back to their native lands?

2-How long did the Magi stay in the area where the Christ child was before leaving to return home-

3-Would the Magi have been dark skinned people?

4-What is the significance of the Magi visit?

5-What happened to the gifts the Magi brought with them?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wife, seeing her husband on the verge of death, circumcised their son?

Yesterday's answer-Bathsheba 2 Samuel 11:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 6:3-7

³ We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so nothing we do will be a problem for anyone.⁴ But in every way we show we are servants of God: in accepting many hard things, in troubles, in difficulties, and in great problems.⁵ We are beaten and thrown into prison. We meet those who become upset with us and start riots. We work hard, and sometimes we get no sleep or food.⁶ We show we are servants of God by our pure lives, our understanding, patience, and kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by true love,⁷ by speaking the truth, and by God's power. We use our right living to defend ourselves against everything.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, in Your human birth, You became the very character and expression of God in human form. Miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit You came as light to the world dispelling the darkness that would otherwise overwhelm us. When we walk with You we no longer walk in darkness but have the light of life. May Your light be reflected through our lives to the darkened world around us. The miracle of Your birth and the wonder of Your life refresh our spirit and renew our resolve to follow You wholeheartedly. It is in Your name that we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday January 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Worry is hope that has gone negative-

2-Sometimes dark times come to test our character-

3-How quickly things can turn around when God gets involved-

4-In God's way and in his time he will act-

5-It costs something to see other peoples lives changed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you fail, people will dislike you and if you succeed they will hate you-

I'VE LEARNED-Never mistake knowledge for wisdom-

DID YOU KNOW-In one city in Switzerland, it was once against the law to slam your car door-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the Magi have traveled in a caravan of many people?

2-Did the Magi know know at the start of their journey how long their trip would be?

3-Why do we show the Magi at the manager scene of Jesus?

4-If the Magi's trip would have been a long one, how would they have lived on the journey?

5-From what specific area did the Magi come from?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which of David's wives was described as "very beautiful to look upon"?

Yesterday's answer-The Samaritan woman John 4:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 6:1-2

¹ We are workers together with God, so we beg you: Do not let the grace that you received from God be for nothing. ² God says,
"At the right time I heard your prayers.
On the day of salvation I helped you." — Isaiah 49:8
I tell you that the "right time" is now, and the "day of salvation" is now.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for Jesus who died for us that we might be lifted from our sin and reconciled to You. Not only are we forgiven and reconciled to You, but we also are made joint heirs taking on our new identity as “children of God.” What an incredible honor and selfless act of love that You would place us in Your Kingdom whose reign is for all eternity. This is the wonder of Your great love, indeed! Amen.

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

Friday January 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best faith builder is to observe the faithfulness of God-

2-The pathway to blessings is the pathway to obedience-

3-There is no failure in the will of God and no success out of it-

4-You cannot stay in God's word and keep a negative attitude-

5-The only person who has a right to worry is the non Christian-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't like my apples, don't shake my tree-

I'VE LEARNED-Progress always involves risk-

DID YOU KNOW-In Iceland, it once was against the law to have a pet dog in a city-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Were the Magi Gentiles or Jewish?

2-What was the Star of Bethlehem-an angelic light, a comet, an alignment of planets, or what?

3-Did no one else see the Star of Bethlehem besides the Magi?

4-Why wouldn't the Star of Bethlehem have guided others to see the Christ child?

5-How long a trip would the Magi have made, in time as well as in distance?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To what woman did Jesus say "God is a Spirit"?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Magdalene John 20:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 6:16-21

¹⁶ From this time on we do not think of anyone as the world does. In the past we thought of Christ as the world thinks, but we no longer think of him in that way.¹⁷ If anyone belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!¹⁸ All this is from God. Through Christ, God made peace between us and himself, and God gave us the work of telling everyone about the peace we can have with him.¹⁹ God was in Christ, making peace between the world and himself. In Christ, God did not hold the world guilty of its sins. And he gave us this message of peace.²⁰ So we have been sent to speak for Christ. It is as if God is calling to you through us. We speak for Christ when we beg you to be at peace with God.²¹ Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is much authenticity available through the annals of history and most importantly the written Holy Scriptures that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to earth in the form of a babe to be born to a virgin maiden. Your Son was sent for the major purpose of bearing the sins of humankind upon Himself as He died in our place. Those unwilling to receive these facts based upon the Scriptures will constantly be searching and find only the ever-evolving explanations, rationalizations, clarifications, enlightenment, whatever the current fad teaching is during their quest. When we come to faith we accept that which is written in Scripture and base our lives upon its teaching. We crucify our lives with Christ, even though we live. It’s actually not us but the Christ who lives within, and the life we now live we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us. We love You and thank You for Jesus who gave His all for us. Amen.

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

Thursday January 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't let someone who is going nowhere keep you from going somewhere-

2-Loneliness and self forgetfulness cannot coexist together-

3-You have "given it to God" when you no longer think about it anymore-

4-In the desert of our sorrows there is the refreshing well of the comfort of God-

5-There is nothing that cannot be forgiven-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Blessed are the flexible for they won't get bent out of shape-

I'VE LEARNED-Pick battles big enough to matter, small enough to win-

DID YOU KNOW-It used to be law in France that children's names had to be taken from an official government list-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus fed the multitude , did the disciples alone feed everyone or did they have help? The same question about gathering up the leftovers?

2-Can it be possible that the little boy was the only one who had any food at all in the story of feeding the multitude?

3-In the feeding of the multitude, did the little boy offer up or willing give up his lunch to the disciples?

4-Did the Magi ride camels and wear crowns and long flowing robes as we portray them doing?

5-How much do we really know about the Magi?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who called Jesus "Rabboni"?

Yesterday's answer-The Samaritan woman John 4:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 5:11-15

¹¹ Since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to help people accept the truth about us. God knows what we really are, and I hope that in your hearts you know, too.¹² We are not trying to prove ourselves to you again, but we are telling you about ourselves so you will be proud of us. Then you will have an answer for those who are proud about things that can be seen rather than what is in the heart.¹³ If we are out of our minds, it is for God. If we have our right minds, it is for you.¹⁴ The love of Christ controls us, because we know that One died for all, so all have died.¹⁵ Christ died for all so that those who live would not continue to live for themselves. He died for them and was raised from the dead so that they would live for him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have called on us, Your children, to be reliable in giving a solid witness of our faith in You. We are to live godly lives so that we faithfully model that which we also teach to our children and all whom we are privileged to influence. We realize that there is no neutral position; we either live for You or we live for the world. Fix our eyes on Jesus as we journey below so that we fulfill the calling to be faithful and influence others for the kingdom of God, whether in life or in death. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday January 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If we obey God, his voice becomes clearer and clearer-

2-Peace is a loving trusting faith at rest-

3-Practice what you preach for you preach what you practice-

4-One act of obedience can bring blessings to thousands-

5-If you are walking away from God you are not walking with God-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you let satan ride along with you, he will end up driving-

I'VE LEARNED-Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments-

DID YOU KNOW-In Arizona, it is illegal to hunt camels-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why were the disciples concerned about who among them would be the greatest?

2-Why is there more about John the Baptist death in scripture than on his ministry?

3-How do you live with the things in your past?

4-What role does the Christian have in feeding the hungry?

5-When Jesus talked to the 5000, how did thy all hear him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked Jesus for the special water that would quench her thirst forever?

Yesterday's answer-Potiphar's wife Genesis 39:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 5:6-10

⁶ So we always have courage. We know that while we live in this body, we are away from the Lord.⁷ We live by what we believe, not by what we can see.⁸ So I say that we have courage. We really want to be away from this body and be at home with the Lord.⁹ Our only goal is to please God whether we live here or there,¹⁰ because we must all stand before Christ to be judged. Each of us will receive what we should get—good or bad—for the things we did in the earthly body.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have called on us, Your children, to be reliable in giving a solid witness of our faith in You. We are to live godly lives so that we faithfully model that which we also teach to our children and all whom we are privileged to influence. We realize that there is no neutral position; we either live for You or we live for the world. Fix our eyes on Jesus as we journey below so that we fulfill the calling to be faithful and influence others for the kingdom of God, whether in life or in death. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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