Wednesday April 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A critical spirit comes from self righteousness-

2-The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others-

3-Old age is winter for many people, but for those who are wise and optimistic, it is the happy and fruitful time of harvest-

4-So long as we continue to be amazed, we can delay growing old-

5-Train beyond your ability, perform beyond your expectations and reach beyond your imagination-

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

I'VE LEARNED-It is by growing older that you learn to remain young-

DID YOU KNOW-The Netherlands and the United States both have national anthems that do not mention their countries' names-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Jesus save John the Baptist from beheading?

2-What do we mean when we say "I love you with all my heart"?

3-Why didn't Jesus chose educated men for his disciples?

4-How do you know when you are serving God with "all your heart"?

5-Is there such a person as a selfish Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Babylon burned Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Samson Judges 15:4-5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:28-34

Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons

²⁸ When Jesus arrived at the other side of the lake in the area of the Gadarene^[a] people, two men who had demons in them met him. These men lived in the burial caves and were so dangerous that people could not use the road by those caves. ²⁹ They shouted, "What do you want with us, Son of God? Did you come here to torture us before the right time?"

³⁰ Near that place there was a large herd of pigs feeding. ³¹ The demons begged Jesus, "If you make us leave these men, please send us into that herd of pigs."

³² Jesus said to them, "Go!" So the demons left the men and went into the pigs. Then the whole herd rushed down the hill into the lake and were drowned. ³³ The herdsmen ran away and went into town, where they told about all of this and what had happened to the men who had demons.³⁴ Then the whole town went out to see Jesus. When they saw him, they begged him to leave their area.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are so many experiences or circumstances in life that instill fear in our hearts. But we don’t have to cringe in fear because You are with us. Your protection assures us that things will turn out for good in the end, whether in this life or the life to come. Though Jesus’ followers were devastated when He hung limp on the cross You had a powerful plan all along and it turned out for the good of all, even those responsible for His death. Not only did Jesus rise from the dead, but He is alive forevermore, preparing a place for each of us who remain faithful. Father, we seek You because we know that You hear us and will deliver us from our unhealthy fears. We thank You for it in advance, through the precious name of Jesus. Amen.

LIVE SIMPLY! LOVE GENEROUSLY! CARE DEEPLY! SPEAK KINDLY! LEAVE THE REST WITH GOD!!

Tuesday April 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Rumor is the most buoyant thing there is, it is easy to float one and hard to sink it-

2-The slanderer differs from the assassin only in that they murder the reputation instead of the body-

3-The critical tongue gets it's orders from an untrained eye, an unthoughtful mind and an ungrateful heart-

4-You'll never move up if you're continually running someone down-

5-Men of genius are admired, men of wealth are envied, men of power are feared, but only men of integrity are trusted-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Wisdom comes with age but sometimes age comes alone-

I'VE LEARNED-There is more to life than what you can see-

DID YOU KNOW-Francis Scott Key was a young lawyer who wrote the poem "The Star Spangled Banner" after being inspired watching the Americans fight off the British attack of Baltimore during the War of 1812. The poem became the words to our national anthem.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do we know little or nothing about Mary's other children?

2-Did all of Jesus' siblings believe Jesus was the Messiah?

3-Some think Jesus and Mary Magdalene had love feelings for each other. Is that possible?

4-Do all choices have eternal consequences?

5-Does repenting mean to ask forgiveness, change the way you think or accepting Jesus' purpose for you?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who burned the Philistines' grain by tying torches to the tails of foxes?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom 2 Samuel 14:28-33

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus Calms a Storm

²³ Jesus got into a boat, and his followers went with him.²⁴ A great storm arose on the lake so that waves covered the boat, but Jesus was sleeping.²⁵ His followers went to him and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We will drown!"

²⁶ Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid? You don't have enough faith." Then Jesus got up and gave a command to the wind and the waves, and it became completely calm.

²⁷ The men were amazed and said, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help me not to waste my time and energy in futile or wishful thinking. Instead I want to fix my thoughts upon the living hope I have in Jesus Christ my Lord. I anchor my soul in the bedrock of Your Holy Word so that when other viewpoints counter the truths presented in Your Word my anchor remains firm. When difficulties appear insurmountable remind me that I serve an extraordinary God who does not rely on natural solutions but works in the supernatural realm to meet each one of my needs. I am not tossed to and fro by wishful thinking but I am firmly grounded in the living hope of our resurrected Savior and it is in His name that I pray. Amen.

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

Monday April 16, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Always preface criticism with a kind word or compliment-

2-Deal as gently with the faults of others as you want others to do with your own-

3-Asking always brings more cooperation than demanding-

4-Gossip is like mud thrown on a clean wall, it may not stick but it always leaves a dirty mark-

5-Beware of a half truth for you may have gotten the wrong half-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Time may be a great healer but it is a lousy beautician-

I'VE LEARNED-The real purpose of criticism should not be to belittle the other person but to encourage and build them up-

DID YOU KNOW-The national anthem of the Netherlands, "Het Wilhelmus" is an acrostichon. The first letters of each of the fifteen verses represent the name Willem Van Nassov-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could Jesus have traveled outside his own country during his lifetime (from ages 12-30) before starting his ministry?

2-Did Jesus ever have a teen age love or a desire for a wife?

3-Why do we not study the writings of the first century writers such as Josephus?

4-Why do we not know anything about the disciples families (wife,children and parents)

5-Did any of the disciples children become believers in and followers of Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who burned Joab's barley field just to get his attention?

Yesterday's answer-The Ephesians Acts 19:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:18-22

People Want to Follow Jesus

¹⁸ When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he told his followers to go to the other side of the lake.¹⁹ Then a teacher of the law came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, I will follow you any place you go."

²⁰ Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes to live in, and the birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to rest his head."

²¹ Another man, one of Jesus' followers, said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."

²² But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the people who are dead bury their own dead."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is of first importance to the Apostle Paul to declare that Jesus is risen from the dead and is alive forevermore. So it is also of first importance some 2000 years later for those of us who hold dear the sacred Scriptures to joyfully declare the miraculous news that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. Jesus is the living One; He was dead but is alive forevermore! Praise God!!

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

Sunday April 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The cross is not for casual Christians-

2-Jesus is the demonstration of God's love-

3-The quality of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts-

4-You can alter your life by altering your attitude-

5-A smile while giving honest criticism can make the difference between resentment and reform-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions-

I'VE LEARNED-If Christians don't love one another, no one has much reason to believe their message-

DID YOU KNOW-The national anthem of Greece has 158 verses-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the difference in "Lost gospels" and "Gnostic gospels"?

2-What is the basic teaching of the "Gnostic gospels"?

3-Were the new testament books written by eyewitnesses or on the testimony of eye witnesses?

4-Can the virgin birth of Jesus be proved historically outside of the Bible?

5-Was Jesus a true rabbi

BIBLE TRIVIA-What group of converts burned their books of magic?

Yesterday's answer-Habakkuk 2:6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:14-17

Jesus Heals Many People

¹⁴ When Jesus went to Peter's house, he saw that Peter's mother-in-law was sick in bed with a fever.¹⁵ Jesus touched her hand, and the fever left her. Then she stood up and began to serve Jesus.

¹⁶ That evening people brought to Jesus many who had demons. Jesus spoke and the demons left them, and he healed all the sick. ¹⁷ He did these things to bring about what Isaiah the prophet had said:
"He took our suffering on him
And carried our diseases." — Isaiah 53:4

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the living hope we have through Jesus who did not die in vain, but instead He conquered sin and death. You raised Christ’s body from the dead, because death could not hold Him. The certainty of Christ’s resurrection is taught and reinforced throughout the New Testament writings and is the cornerstone of our faith. Biblical perspective makes the reality of the grave not a finality, but a springboard from which we will enter into glorious, eternal life. With deep conviction we choose to earnestly, faithfully, and vigorously contend for this essential truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

Saturday April 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-People know you for what you've done not for what you plan to do-

2-We are all pencils in the hand of a writing God who has sent a love letter to the world-

3-Praising God is always a result not a cause-

4-The greatest human challenge is to "walk our talk"-

5-Before there is a new beginning there has to be an ending-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The only thing that ever sat it's way to success was a hen-

I'VE LEARNED-You can't plow a field by turning it over in your mind-

DID YOU KNOW-Pilgrims ate popcorn at the first thanksgiving dinner-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What are the names of the "Lost Gospels"?

2-Do the "Lost Gospels" have any historic or spiritual value?

3-Who were the authors of the "Lost Gospels"?

4-Do any of the "Lost Gospels" have any truth in them?

5-When would the "Lost Gospels" have been written?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet condemns people who pile up stolen goods?

Yesterday's answer-His silver cup Genesis 44:1-17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:5-13

Jesus Heals a Soldier's Servant

⁵ When Jesus entered the city of Capernaum, an army officer came to him, begging for help.⁶ The officer said, "Lord, my servant is at home in bed. He can't move his body and is in much pain."

⁷ Jesus said to the officer, "I will go and heal him."

⁸ The officer answered, "Lord, I am not worthy for you to come into my house. You only need to command it, and my servant will be healed.⁹ I, too, am a man under the authority of others, and I have soldiers under my command. I tell one soldier, 'Go,' and he goes. I tell another soldier, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and my servant does it.

¹⁰ When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. He said to those who were following him, "I tell you the truth, this is the greatest faith I have found, even in Israel. ¹¹ Many people will come from the east and from the west and will sit and eat with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. ¹² But those people who should be in the kingdom will be thrown outside into the darkness, where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain."

¹³ Then Jesus said to the officer, "Go home. Your servant will be healed just as you believed he would." And his servant was healed that same hour.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, how our hearts rejoice as we celebrate and honor the historic fact that death has lost its sting and the devil’s power over it has been destroyed. We no longer have to fear death since it is now a covenant blessing to sleep in Jesus. Death has been swallowed up in victory so that there is no dread or fear associated with death for the believer. Death is but a moment but the eternity of glory is unending. Thank You for providing us passage through the gates of heaven through our Lord’s sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

Friday April 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you don't have a prayer relationship with God you will always live in defeat-

2-The Bible is God's love letter to us-

3-Scripture tells us everything we need to know about God-

4-If we wait to witness until we deserve to witness, will we ever speak-

5-Grace is not grease to slide by your wrongdoing-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster-

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot plow a field by turning it over in your mind-

DID YOU KNOW-Native Americans never actually ate turkey, for killing such a timid bird was thought to indicate laziness-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will God give a "two minute warning" prior to Jesus return?

2-What are the "Gnostic Gospels"?

3-What are the "Lost Gospels"?

4-How many of the "Lost Gospels" are there that have been found?

5-Were the "Lost Gospels" available when the books of the Bible were chosen?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What did Joseph accuse his brothers of stealing?

Yesterday's answer-Micah Judges 17:1-4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 8:1-4

Jesus Heals a Sick Man

¹ When Jesus came down from the hill, great crowds followed him.² Then a man with a skin disease came to Jesus. The man bowed down before him and said, "Lord, you can heal me if you will."

³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man and said, "I will. Be healed!" And immediately the man was healed from his disease. ⁴ Then Jesus said to him, "Don't tell anyone about this. But go and show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded for people who are made well. This will show the people what I have done."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for Jesus who redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming the sin curse for us. The nails bore His body to the tree, and yet our sin condition bore His Spirit to the cross of Calvary. He who knew no sin became sin for us – what an unsurpassed substitutionary death our Savior sacrificed for us so that sin’s curse could be removed and the blessings might follow; the blessings of forgiveness for sins, a home established in heaven, healing of body, mind and spirit, and the freedom from condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. What unspeakable joy fills our hearts today as we rejoice in God’s goodness to us through Christ Jesus. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday April12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You will not waste any tears you shed if you give them to God-

2-Without a setback there is no comeback-

3-You can be a realist-idealist-pessimist-optimist-

4-Chose to be willing to change-

5-When life becomes a battlefield choose to fight until victory comes-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Forget the health food for at my age I need all the preservatives I can get-

I'VE LEARNED-Give up your need for approval-

DID YOU KNOW-It costs more to buy a car today than it cost Christopher Columbus to equip and undertake thee voyages to the New World-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said to the repentant thief on the cross next to him "Today you will be with me in Paradise" yet the apostles creed said Jesus descended into hell. What happened?

2-Did the Roman soldiers know what they were doing when they crucified Jesus?

3-Did Jesus really have a choice about his crucifixion?

4-Whatever happened to the Ethiopian eunuch after being baptized by Phillip?

5-Is greed ever okay for the Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-In the time of the judges, what man stole eleven hundred pieces of silver from his own mother?

Yesterday's answer-Judas Iscariot John 12:4-6

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:24-29

²⁴ "Everyone who hears my words and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. ²⁵ It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock.²⁶ Everyone who hears my words and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷ It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and hit that house, and it fell with a big crash."

²⁸ When Jesus finished saying these things, the people were amazed at his teaching,²⁹ because he did not teach like their teachers of the law. He taught like a person who had authority.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Jesus warns us that Satan seeks to agitate us like wholesome grain that is being sifted from worthless chaff. You know the chaff we cling to such as doubts, fears, half-heartedness, slothfulness and other harmful debris that weakens or destroys our faith and ultimately our testimony. Help us not to resent the testings and temptations of this life that act as a filter forcing us to give up that which is uncomely to the Christian character; that which holds us back instead of moving us forward keeping us steadfast in our faith. We’re grateful for Jesus who faithfully intercedes for us, in the siftings and shakings of life. Above all, we’re grateful that no sin or failing on our part exceeds the scope of Your absolute forgiveness. Just as You restored Peter, reignited his zeal, and reinstated Him in his evangelistic role, You do the same for all who seek forgiveness and turn away from their sin. How wonderful, how marvelous is my Savior’s love for me!

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

Wednesday April 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The future belongs to those who believe in the reality of their dreams-

2-If the only prayer you say in life is "Thank you God",that would be a powerful prayer-

3-Originality is not saying what no one has ever said before but saying exactly what you think yourself-

4-You don't have to wait a moment to start improving your world-

5-Prayer is communication not a monologue-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Middle age is when you choose the cereal for the fiber, not the box-

I'VE LEARNED-I don't forgive people because I am weak, I forgive them because I'm strong enough to know people make mistakes-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1911, Bobby Beach broke nearly all the bones in his body after surviving a barrel ride over Niagara Falls. Some time later in New Zealand, he slipped on a banana and died from the fall-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean to be friendly?

2-What makes a real friendship?

3-What is a real friend?

4-How is friendship with God different than a friendship with a person?

5-How can you be authentic?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which disciple stole from the treasury?

Yesterday's answer-1 Thessalonians 5:2 and 2 Peter 3:10-

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:21-23

²¹ "Not all those who say 'You are our Lord' will enter the kingdom of heaven. The only people who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do what my Father in heaven wants. ²² On the last day many people will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, we spoke for you, and through you we forced out demons and did many miracles.' ²³ Then I will tell them clearly, 'Get away from me, you who do evil. I never knew you.'

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, we crown You the Lord of love! Your love that endured the shameful actions of those You chose to die for. We crown You the Lord of life, for You triumphed o’er the grave and took away the permanence and sting of death for all believers. We crown You the Lord of heaven where You returned to be One with the Father. You’ve promised to return to earth again and take us to be with You where we will dwell eternally with You and all the saints whose sins are cleansed by the blood You shed on the cross of Calvary. Thank You, Jesus! Amen.

LIVE SIMPLY! LOVE GENEROUSLY! CARE DEEPLY! SPEAK KINDLY! LEAVE THE REST WITH GOD!!

Tuesday April 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Beware of the barrenness of a busy life-

2-When light comes, the shadow can no longer exist-

3-Joy is the banner that flies over the castle when the king is in residence-

4-Life is a journey not a destination-

5-Thoughts become words-words become actions-actions become character-character is everything-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts-

I'VE LEARNED-Gratitude turns what we have into enough and more-

DID YOU KNOW-In 1982, the last member of a group of people who believed the earth was hollow died-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are all proverbs promises for today?

2-Are all proverbs true for today?

3-How do you measure spiritual growth?

4-Saul, who became Paul, was such a defender of the Jewish law, why did he think it was okay to kill Christians? Did it not break the 10- commandments?

5-If Jesus is our friend, what do we bring to the relationship?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which epistles says that the day of the Lord will come like a thief?

Yesterday's answer-Achan Joshua 7:10-26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:15-20

¹⁵ "Be careful of false prophets. They come to you looking gentle like sheep, but they are really dangerous like wolves. ¹⁶ You will know these people by what they do. Grapes don't come from thorn bushes, and figs don't come from thorny weeds.¹⁷ In the same way, every good tree produces good fruit, but a bad tree produces bad fruit.¹⁸ A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good fruit.¹⁹ Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ In the same way, you will know these false prophets by what they do

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, our journey on earth is to be marked by gentleness and humility. There is no example greater than Jesus who left the glory and splendor of heaven to reside among sinful humankind. Though He was King of kings and Lord of lords He walked the lowly path of humility and laid aside His crown for a pauper’s life. He did not assume His rightful place but humbly rode on the back of a donkey’s colt. We’re so thankful that Jesus didn’t leave us before His mission was accomplished when the jubilant crowd turned into a jeering mob only days later. We long for the soon coming day when our faithful and true Savior who once rode on a donkey’s colt will appear in the heavens riding on a white charger leading the army of saints into their home eternal. What a day, glorious day, that will be! Amen.

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

Monday April 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The straight and narrow path has no traffic problems-

2-God always fills in the heart all the room which is left to him-

3-The world crowns success, but God crowns faithfulness-

4-"Never tire of doing what is right"-

5-Nothing with God will be accidental-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Wrinkles don't hurt-

I'VE LEARNED-Facts are facts and will not go away just because you don't like them-

DID YOU KNOW-In the 1700s in London, you could purchase insurance against going to hell-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How much can God really forgive?

2-Why did Judas have to kiss Jesus to identify him?

3-Have angels ever stopped appearing to humans as messengers from God?

4-Hebrews says that for awhile, God made Jesus lower than the angels. How is this to be understood?

5-Why are we so quick to judge others?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was stoned for stealing booty during the battle for Ai?

Yesterday's answer-The tithes they owed Malachi 3:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:13-14

¹³ "Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and many people enter through that gate. ¹⁴ But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, each year as we enter into Holy Week, we consider each major event that ultimately led Your Son to the cross of Calvary. May our minds and hearts be yielded to the cross of Calvary as we contemplate the suffering, agony and betrayal Christ endured on our behalf. We are eternally grateful that we will someday stand before the throne of God, not because of our own goodness or achievements, but solely because of the finished redemptive work of Christ our Savior. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna!

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

Sunday April 8, 2012 thought for the day

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!!

MAY HE BE ALIVE IN YOUR HEART TODAY!!!

Saturday April 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"Great is your faithfulness oh Lord!"-

2-"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind"-

3-The most flammable piece off wood is a chip on your shoulder-

4-It is better to wear out than to rust out-

5-A grudge is one thing that does not get better when it is nursed-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do globes and maps show the northern hemisphere as up and the southern hemisphere as down-

I'VE LEARNED-Only what we give away enriches us from day to day-

DID YOU KNOW-In Puritan times, to be born on Sunday was interpreted as a sign of great sin-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is any one version of the Bible more accurate than all the others?

2-Did Judas "betray" or "hand over" Jesus to the authorities?

3-What chronological age were Adam and Eve when God created them?

4-Which is the worst enemy, procrastination or discouragement?

5-How far away from God can you go and still come back to God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Malachi, what were the people of Judah stealing from God?

Yesterday's answer-Barabbas John 18:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:7-12

⁷ "Ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. ⁸ Yes, everyone who asks will receive. Everyone who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened.

⁹ "If your children ask for bread, which of you would give them a stone? ¹⁰ Or if your children ask for a fish, would you give them a snake? ¹¹ Even though you are bad, you know how to give good gifts to your children. How much more your heavenly Father will give good things to those who ask him!

¹² "Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to have the kind of faith prescribed in Hebrews 11:1 where “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is the kind of faith that is triumphant in the worst of circumstances because our faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world. We will not be overcome by life’s circumstances but we will overcome life’s circumstances by the blood of the Lamb. If we fully forsake this world, if we immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, and if we saturate our hearts in prayer, I believe we can experience a faith view of heaven that is nearly as real as a physical view of our home here on earth. Help us to pursue such a spiritual goal in Jesus’ name. Amen.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

Friday April 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Whatever we posses becomes of double value when we share it with others-

2-Sympathy gives us the material for wisdom-

3-False freedom is to do what you like, true freedom is to do what you ought-

4-True happiness depends on a close alliance with God-

5-Staying calm is the best way to take the wind out of an angry person's sails-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is there an up or down in space?

I'VE LEARNED-The more you love, the more you'll find that life is good and friends are kind-

DID YOU KNOW-The first telephone book ever issued contained only fifty names. It was published in New haven, Connecticut, by the New Haven District Telephone Company, in February 1878-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In the apostle Paul's time, were there any gospels available?

2-Were Matthew, Mark, Luke and John purposing to write gospels or just letters?

3-Where did the word "gospel" come from as used in the 4 gospels?

4-Why weren't more New Testament books, other than the first four called gospels?

5-Should the King James Bible be considered the only "authorized" version?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What robber was released from prison at the time of the passover?

Yesterday's answer-Rachel Genesis 31:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY John 19:16-30

¹⁶ So Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.

The soldiers took charge of Jesus. ¹⁷ Carrying his own cross, Jesus went out to a place called The Place of the Skull, which in the Hebrew language is called Golgotha. ¹⁸ There they crucified Jesus. They also crucified two other men, one on each side, with Jesus in the middle.¹⁹ Pilate wrote a sign and put it on the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.²⁰ The sign was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. Many of the people read the sign, because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city. ²¹ The leading priests said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews.' But write, 'This man said, "I am the King of the Jews." ' "

²² Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

²³ After the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes and divided them into four parts, with each soldier getting one part. They also took his long shirt, which was all one piece of cloth, woven from top to bottom. ²⁴ So the soldiers said to each other, "We should not tear this into parts. Let's throw lots to see who will get it." This happened so that this Scripture would come true:
"They divided my clothes among them,
And they threw lots for my clothing." — Psalm 22:18
So the soldiers did this.

²⁵ Standing near his cross were Jesus' mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ²⁶ When Jesus saw his mother and the follower he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son." ²⁷ Then he said to the follower, "Here is your mother." From that time on, the follower took her to live in his home.

²⁸ After this, Jesus knew that everything had been done. So that the Scripture would come true, he said, "I am thirsty." ²⁹ There was a jar full of vinegar there, so the soldiers soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a branch of a hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' mouth. ³⁰ When Jesus tasted the vinegar, he said, "It is finished." Then he bowed his head and died.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, our source of nourishment comes from You. You are the Living Water and, as we draw our sustenance from You, we bear healthy and fruitful actions which reflect our Heavenly Father. Our dependence is on You, Lord, which is vital for growth, health, and vitality.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday April 5, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The best thing to give-

-Your enemy, forgiveness

-An opponent, tolerance

-A friend, your heart

-Your child, a good example

-yourself, respect

-All people, charity

STRANGE THOUGHT-We could all take a lesson from the weather, it pays no attention to criticism-

I'VE LEARNED-The more you laugh the less you fret-

DID YOU KNOW-The first police force was established in Paris in 1667-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could some of Matthew, Mark and Luke's writings about Jesus have been based on tradition rather than on facts?

2-Since Jesus wasn't in hiding, how can you say Judas betrayed him for the authorities could have arrested him at any time?

3-How did Peter's reputation turn from "satan" to "rock"?

4-Was Judas apart of the salvation plan of God or the traitor he is thought to be?

5-Why is Judas never mentioned in the gospel of John?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who stole idols from her father?

Yesterday's answer-Recab and Baanah, captains of Ishbosheth 2 Samuel 4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 7:1-6

¹ "Don't judge others, or you will be judged. ² You will be judged in the same way that you judge others, and the amount you give to others will be given to you.

³ "Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend's eye, but you don't notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your friend, 'Let me take that little piece of dust out of your eye'?? Look at yourself! You still have that big piece of wood in your own eye. ⁵ You hypocrite! First, take the wood out of your own eye. Then you will see clearly to take the dust out of your friend's eye.

⁶ "Don't give holy things to dogs, and don't throw your pearls before pigs. Pigs will only trample on them, and dogs will turn to attack you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray that You will guard my heart so that I am not lured into reckless desires that originate from worldly thinking and godless behavior. I know, in my heart, that these worldly desires lead to ruin and destruction as they gradually lead me to abandon godly principles and holy living. May godless trends and philosophies be evident to me as I reject the enemy’s plan to gradually dull my senses to what is falsely called knowledge and the enlightenment of our age. May I always pursue righteousness through a vibrant faith in You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Master. Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

Wednesday April 4, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Do good with what you have or it will do you no good-

2-When I grow up I want to be a little buy-

3-no one is useless in this world who lightens the burden of anyone else-

4-Don't refuse to accept criticism-

5-How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it-

SGTRANGE THOUGHT-Don't let your train of thought be derailed-

I'VE LEARNED-The more you share the more you have to spare-

DID YOU KNOW-The first man ever to set foot on Antarctica was John Davis on February 7, 1821-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When Jesus was arrested in the Garden he said "Let the scripture be fulfilled". What scripture was that?

2-Did Jesus give Judas a command to turn him over to the authorities and was Judas just following that command?

3-Did Judas fulfill the prophecies of Hebrew scripture by turning Jesus over to the authorities?

4-Why was the book of Luke the only gospel writer to call Judas a traitor?

5-Why is Mark and Matthew's account of Judas' death substantially different?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What two traitorous army captains murdered their king as a favor to David and were then executed by David for treachery?

Yesterday's answer-Herod Antipas Matthew 14:10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 6:31-34

³¹ Don't worry and say, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear?'³² The people who don't know God keep trying to get these things, and your Father in heaven knows you need them. ³³ Seek first God's kingdom and what God wants. Then all your other needs will be met as well. ³⁴ So don't worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray that You will guard my heart so that I am not lured into reckless desires that originate from worldly thinking and godless behavior. I know, in my heart, that these worldly desires lead to ruin and destruction as they gradually lead me to abandon godly principles and holy living. May godless trends and philosophies be evident to me as I reject the enemy’s plan to gradually dull my senses to what is falsely called knowledge and the enlightenment of our age. May I always pursue righteousness through a vibrant faith in You, through Christ Jesus, my Lord and my Master. Amen.

LIVE SIMPLY! LOVE GENEROUSLY! CARE DEEPLY! SPEAK KINDLY! LEAVE THE REST WITH GOD!!

Tuesday April 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To have what we want is riches, to be able to do without is power-

2-Some people grumble because roses have thorns, other are grateful that thorns have roses-

3-Never take on more than you have time to pray about-

4-"A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised"-

5-It is when tomorrows burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than you can bear-

STRANGE THOUGHT-To be old and wise you must first be young and stupid-

I'VE LEARNED-Not everything that counts can be counted and not everything that can be counted counts-

DID YOU KNOW-Orville Wright was involved in the first aircraft accident. His passenger, a Frenchman, was killed-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus' beating and mistreatment necessary in God's plan of salvation?

2-Did Jesus choose 12 disciples because there was 12 tribes of Israel?

3-Why are there no stories about some of the 12 disciples, just their name only?

4-John said that Judas was the keeper of their money and that he stole from it. How and when did John know this?

5-If John knew prior to passion week that Judas had stolen some of their money, would he have told Jesus about it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What ruler, who had already had John the Baptist behead, was Jesus made to appear before?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom, son of David 2 Samuel 15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 6:25-30

²⁵ "So I tell you, don't worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes. ²⁶ Look at the birds in the air. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, but your heavenly Father feeds them. And you know that you are worth much more than the birds. ²⁷ You cannot add any time to your life by worrying about it.

²⁸ "And why do you worry about clothes? Look at how the lilies in the field grow. They don't work or make clothes for themselves. ²⁹ But I tell you that even Solomon with his riches was not dressed as beautifully as one of these flowers.³⁰ God clothes the grass in the field, which is alive today but tomorrow is thrown into the fire. So you can be even more sure that God will clothe you. Don't have so little faith.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we look to You this day to bring us word of Your unfailing love, for we have put our trust in You. You are our strength every morning and our security at night. Your steadfast love reaches to the heavens and Your faithfulness fills the skies. There is no one like You that provides for our every need. You are our salvation in times of distress, so it is under Your protective wings that we find refuge and safely abide. Amen.

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

Monday April 2, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is easy to hate an enemy but it costs to love him-

2-The best victory is to conquer self-

3-A learned man always has a wealth within himself-

4-When love and skill work together expect a masterpiece-

5-"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When we are in prosperity it is easy to give advice to those who are not-

I'VE LEARNED-The more you do unselfishly, the more you live abundantly-

DID YOU KNOW-The Wright Brothers' first plane was called The Bird of Prey-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does the name Judas Iscariot mean?

2-Before Judas became a disciple what kind of person was he?

3-Why do we know so little about the background and lives of the disciples?

4-Why didn't Jesus just turn himself over to the authorities instead of waiting to be betrayed?

5-Was Jesus avoiding or hiding from the authorities prior to his arrest?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What treacherous son led a revolt against his father, the king of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Herod the Great Matthew 2:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 6:22-24

²² "The eye is a light for the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. ²³ But if your eyes are evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. And if the only light you have is really darkness, then you have the worst darkness.

²⁴ "No one can serve two masters. The person will hate one master and love the other, or will follow one master and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God and worldly riches.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is no one nor anything that deserves our complete allegiance, but You, our Lord, who holds the words of eternal life. Though others may refuse to listen or turn away from the message of salvation we choose to persevere, for to Whom else could we turn? We persevere in trial and in victory, in the ups and downs and in the in-betweens of everyday circumstances. We seek to do Your will in all things so that we will be richly rewarded at the end of this life.

We thank you for devoted followers who serve You in hard places. We know that some of them, will pay the ultimate price. May their life’s testimony and love for the people they serve be a lasting witness of the saving power of Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday April 1, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is our privilege to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble-

2-Worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's trouble-

3-Words don't break bones but they do break hearts-

4-Those who have known a problem first hand are usually better able to help others walking through the same difficulty-

5-The Christian should serve others because they love Jesus-

STRANGE THOUGHT-My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of good judgement-

I'VE LEARNED-The more you give the more you get-

DID YOU KNOW-The first American in space was Alan B. Shepard Jr.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the Jewish authorities need Judas to show them where Jesus and his disciples were to be found-

2-What did the name Judas mean?

3-Was the name Judas a common name in Jesus day?

4-Did Jesus have a brother named Judas?

5-What is the Hebrew name for Judas?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who ordered the killing of infant boys in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Ahab, husband of Jezebel 1 Kings 16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Matthew 6:19-21

¹⁹ "Don't store treasures for yourselves here on earth where moths and rust will destroy them and thieves can break in and steal them. ²⁰ But store your treasures in heaven where they cannot be destroyed by moths or rust and where thieves cannot break in and steal them. ²¹ Your heart will be where your treasure is.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, our houses are filled with all kinds of good things that come from Your generous and loving Hand. Our water reservoir is replenished daily, the oxygen we breathe is not depleted, the ground springs up healthy and life sustaining vegetation for our pleasure and good health. The list is unending but most importantly, as high as the heavens are above so great is the measure of Your unending, immeasurable love toward us. We are filled to overflowing and we thank You in Jesus’ name! Amen.

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