HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love does not boast.  We lift others up, not ourselves-

2-Love is not puffed up.  We see others as they are and can be-

3-Love is not rude.  We interact with others with politeness-

4-Love is not self seeking.  We give ourselves to others-

5-Love is not easily angered.  We do not allow our emotions to rule our lives-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never beat a pillow when it is down-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Today is the oldest you've ever been and the youngest you will ever yet be-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Harvard uses Yale brand locks on their buildings; Yale uses Best  Brand-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Do we ever have the right to say "no" to God?

2-If Judas had said no to selling out Jesus, would God have had to find another betrayer?

3-Did Judas hate Jesus??

4-Was Judas trying to force Jesus into a position of showing himself to be the messiah with earthy powers?

5-What kind of quality of life did Jesus have?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king issued an edict ending the exile of the Jews?
Yesterday's answer-Zedekiah   Jeremiah 52:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 14:1-12

How John the Baptist Was Killed

 ¹ At that time Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard the reports about Jesus.² So he said to his servants, "Jesus is John the Baptist, who has risen from the dead. That is why he can work these miracles."

 ³ Sometime before this, Herod had arrested John, tied him up, and put him into prison. Herod did this because of Herodias, who had been the wife of Philip, Herod's brother.⁴ John had been telling Herod, "It is not lawful for you to be married to Herodias."⁵ Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they believed John was a prophet.

 ⁶ On Herod's birthday, the daughter of Herodias danced for Herod and his guests, and she pleased him.⁷ So he promised with an oath to give her anything she wanted.⁸Herodias told her daughter what to ask for, so she said to Herod, "Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter."⁹ Although King Herod was very sad, he had made a promise, and his dinner guests had heard him. So Herod ordered that what she asked for be done.¹⁰ He sent soldiers to the prison to cut off John's head.¹¹ And they brought it on a platter and gave it to the girl, and she took it to her mother.¹² John's followers came and got his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I consider the words of Nehemiah who wrote, “The joy of the Lord is my strength” and Solomon who reminds us that “A cheerful heart is good medicine.” Both verses speak about matters of the heart where we store up Your love, joy and goodness. Help us not to rely solely on external stimulus to bring forth a smile, but let our smiles be contagious as they are evidence of Your abundance within in our lives. Help us to find a person today who has no smile so that we can pass ours onto her or him in the Name of Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Sunday May 20, 2012 thought for the day-from jasper

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is more than a feeling, it is a verb describing our behavior-

2-Love is a choice we make that results in action-

3-Love is patient, it focuses on people not circumstances-

4-Love is kind, we give ourselves to others-

5-Love does not envy, we rejoice over who others are and what they have-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Passing the buck-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your perspective on money is determined by your perspective of God-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The main library at Indiana University sinks more than an inch every year because when it was built, engineers failed to take into account the weight of all the books that would occupy the building-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who would have examined Jesus body and verified that he was dead?

2-Just what does the "foreknowledge of God" include?

3-Is there anyone beyond God's grace?

4-Why is it that most of the world's leaders have been evil men?

5-If God knew that man would reject him, why didn't he start off creation with a savior  instead of 4000 years later?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What blind king died in exile in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-one (Judah)  2 Kings 17:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 13:16-17

¹⁶ But you are blessed, because you see with your eyes and hear with your ears. ¹⁷ I tell you the truth, many prophets and good people wanted to see the things that you now see, but they did not see them. And they wanted to hear the things that you now hear, but they did not hear them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, the day to day living can be so challenging and easily drain us of the pleasures in life if we’re not careful. We thank you for our family and friends who pull us away from that Mindset and add laughter to our lives, as well as the unexpected events that make us laugh at ourselves. Would you bring heartfelt laughter to the hearts of our readers today as they go about their daily duties. May they hear laughter and may they make laughter, verbally, and in their hearts. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

 

 

 

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

Saturday May 19, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love has the ability to say no as well as yes-

2-You cannot be all things to all people-

3-Loving people is not easy but it is the evidence of God in your life-

4-Anger often comes from feeling unloved-

5-Whoever loves much does much-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Throwing your weight around-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The poorest person I know is the one who has nothing but money-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The University of Alaska stretches across 4 time zones-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there anyone willing to die for a lie?

2-Is there anyone mentioned in scripture that believed that Jesus would come back to life after his death?

3-Why is there so little in scripture about the life of the resurrected Jesus?

4-Were the Roman soldiers guarding the tomb of Jesus executed for letting Jesus escape?

5-Who prepared Jesus body for burial?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When the Assyrians deported the people of Israel, how many of the twelve original tribes were left?

Yesterday's answer-Gedaliah   2 Kings 25:22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 13:10-15

Why Jesus Used Stories to Teach

 ¹⁰ The followers came to Jesus and asked, "Why do you use stories to teach the people?"

 ¹¹ Jesus answered, "You have been chosen to know the secrets about the kingdom of heaven, but others cannot know these secrets. ¹² Those who have understanding will be given more, and they will have all they need. But those who do not have understanding, even what they have will be taken away from them.¹³ This is why I use stories to teach the people: They see, but they don't really see. They hear, but they don't really hear or understand. ¹⁴ So they show that the things Isaiah said about them are true:
    'You will listen and listen, but you will not understand.
       You will look and look, but you will not learn.
    ¹⁵ For the minds of these people have become stubborn.
       They do not hear with their ears,
       And they have closed their eyes.
    Otherwise they might really understand
       What they see with their eyes
       And hear with their ears.
    They might really understand in their minds
       And come back to me and be healed.'— Isaiah 6:9

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we who have received Christ early in our young years are grateful for the solid and lasting foundation we’re building that will provide comfort, solidity, and needed perspective when we approach the golden years of our life here on earth. The older we get the more this earth and all that it has to offer grows dimmer while the lights of glory grow ever brighter. It happens because our eyes are fixed on the eternal city not built with human hands but fashioned and designed by the Builder of the Ages. Keep us true Lord Jesus, for there’s a race to be run and there are victories to be won on this side of heaven. We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Friday May 18, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You can show love in any situation you face-

2-Love is patient but does not tolerate everything-

3-Love is kind but sometimes the kindest thing is perceived negatively-

4-Love doesn't say yes to everything everyone desires-

5-Love coming from the heart of God seeks what is best for others before considering ourselves-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Fishing for compliments-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The more a person has, the more he wants-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Worldwide, there are more statues of Joan of Arc than of anyone else.  France alone has about forty thousand of them-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Had anyone been crucified at Golgotha before Jesus?

2-Why didn't the high priest know who Jesus really was?

3-Are the things we do to get closer to God a duty we fulfill?

4-Why were there no witnesses to Jesus' resurrection?

5-Why didn't Jesus first appear to the Jewish religious leader and/or Pilate immediately following his resurrection?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was appointed governor of Judah after the people went into exile?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel  1:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 13:1-9

¹ That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake.² Large crowds gathered around him, so he got into a boat and sat down, while the people stood on the shore. ³ Then Jesus used stories to teach them many things. He said: "A farmer went out to plant his seed. ⁴ While he was planting, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and ate it all up.⁵ Some seed fell on rocky ground, where there wasn't much dirt. That seed grew very fast, because the ground was not deep.⁶ But when the sun rose, the plants dried up, because they did not have deep roots.⁷ Some other seed fell among thorny weeds, which grew and choked the good plants.⁸ Some other seed fell on good ground where it grew and produced a crop. Some plants made a hundred times more, some made sixty times more, and some made thirty times more. ⁹ Let those with ears use them and listen."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are many good things that beckon my attention, time, and energy.  But as You place on my heart a ministry or service that  brings eternal significance to others give me strength, endurance and desire to press on zealously, no matter the difficulty or seeming ineffectiveness.  As I obey You I  find reward and fulfillment in my spiritual walk and am investing in that which does not perish, spoil or fade.  Keep me firm and immovable always abounding in Your work because I want to make an eternal difference and am confident that my work for You is never in vain.  Amen.

 

I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday May 17, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Satan tries to convince us that obedience to God carries much too high a price but he never tells us the cost of not obeying God-

2-God does not ask us our opinion about what is best for us-

3-We were not saved from our sin simply so we would qualify for heaven but that we would have a relationship with God and be witnesses for him to the whole world-

4-The only way for us to know God's truth is for him to reveal it to us-

5-There is no spiritual gift that can replace love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Grasping at straws-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Money has never made anyone happy, nor will it for there is nothing in it's nature that will produce happiness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The names of the two stone lions in front of the New York Public Library are Patience and Fortitude.  They were named by the then mayor Fiorello LaGuardia-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When did the disciples finally understand who Jesus was?

2-Did Jesus ever complain about his crucifixion experience?

3-What is the proper balance of Jesus'  humanity and divinity?

4-At what point in Jesus' life did he know the cross awaited him?

5-It is likely Jesus had seen other men being crucified.  What would his own feelings have been at that time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet  went into exile in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Zedekiah   2 Chronicles 36:11-20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 12:46-50

⁴⁶ While Jesus was talking to the people, his mother and brothers stood outside, trying to find a way to talk to him. ⁴⁷Someone told Jesus, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want to talk to you."^[a]

 ⁴⁸ He answered, "Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?"⁴⁹ Then he pointed to his followers and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers. ⁵⁰ My true brother and sister and mother are those who do what my Father in heaven wants."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You grow and stretch our maturity through circumstances that don’t always reflect our choosing.  It helps us to gain needed perspective and experience in situations not of our own choosing, but to our overall benefit.  Help us to be patient as we search Your Scripture and seek to understand Your plan as it unfolds in our lives.  Align our desires with Your own as we submit our will to Yours.  May we not be overcome by adversity but ask You, Father, to use adversity as a tool by which You carve Your image and character deep into our hearts. We may make our plans but we realize that, as Your children, You will have the final say. Amen.

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

Wednesday May 16, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-"Waiting on the the Lord" is not at time of inactivity-

2-In order to know what God wants you to do you must first know God-

3-God wants people to see what he can do in a life that yields itself to him-

4-We should never try to play the role of the Holy Spirit-

5-The Holy Spirit is the equipping presence of God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Jumping to conclusions-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Our job is just trading our time for another's money-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Statue of Liberty's mouth is three feet wide-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do you need to understand something in order to enjoy it?

2-Did the Jews have priests and Rabbis before Moses received the "Law" from God?

3-How big of a change is it to go from no faith to a believing faith?

4-How would you describe God's love to someone who has never heard of God?

5-What about Jesus' crucifixion surprises us?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was king when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians?

Yesterday's answer-Manasseh     2 Chronicles 33:11-13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 12:43-45

      ⁴³ "When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest, but it doesn't find it. ⁴⁴ So the spirit says, 'I will go back to the house I left.' When the spirit comes back, it finds the house still empty, swept clean, and made neat. ⁴⁵ Then the evil spirit goes out and brings seven other spirits even more evil than it is, and they go in and live there. So the person has even more trouble than before. It is the same way with the evil people who live today."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, our lives are in Your hands.  We make our plans and dream our dreams, but we desire to have the same attitude as that of Your Son, Jesus, who expressed His own heart’s desire and then submitted His will to You when He prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will but Thy will be done.”  Help us to submit our will to Yours and trust You with our future, for You never forsake the righteous and You are a refuge for those in trouble.  Amen.

 

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

Tuesday May 15, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success where we are can be our greatest hindrance to going where Jesus wants us to be-

2-The only fear that God encourages in a Christian's life is the fear of God-

3-Most fear is of the unknown but it is no excuse to disobey God-

4-The world says "assert yourself", but Jesus taught "deny yourself"-

5-Jesus wanted his disciples to show unconditional love regardless of how they were treated-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Dragging your heels-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can never do a kindness too soon for you never know how soon it will be too late-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The name of the Statue of Liberty is "Mother of Exiles".  Printed on the book the statue is holding is July IV,

MDCCLXXVI-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What did Paul mean when he said he was a "prisoner of Jesus Christ"?

2-Can you be a servant and yet tell people what to do?

3-Was there ever a God plan to be "a church"?

4-How bold should we be in sharing the gospel?

5-Why should you "glory" in your tribulations and how can you do it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah was temporarily exiled to Assyria, where he repented of his evil ways?

Yesterday's answer-Pekah   2 Kings 15:29

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 12:38-42

³⁸ Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law answered Jesus, saying, "Teacher, we want to see you work a miracle as a sign."  ³⁹ Jesus answered, "Evil and sinful people are the ones who want to see a miracle for a sign. But no sign will be given to them, except the sign of the prophet Jonah. ⁴⁰ Jonah was in the stomach of the big fish for three days and three nights. In the same way, the Son of Man will be in the grave three days and three nights.⁴¹ On the Judgment Day the people from Nineveh^[a] will stand up with you people who live now, and they will show that you are guilty. When Jonah preached to them, they were sorry and changed their lives. And I tell you that someone greater than Jonah is here. ⁴² On the Judgment Day, the Queen of the South^[b] will stand up with you people who live today. She will show that you are guilty, because she came from far away to listen to Solomon's wise teaching. And I tell you that someone greater than Solomon is here.
PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You are our Shepherd who tenderly cares for all our needs.  Your grace is beyond measure and more than sufficient for our daily needs.  When we are weary and discouraged You restore our soul and renew our hope, in this life, and most especially through the eternal perspective of life’s circumstances.  Thank You for Your anointing and outpouring of blessings that overflow in our lives.  For all that we have we give You thanks!  Amen.

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

Monday May 14, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Lord's presence ought to be so evident in our lives that people around us are drawn to him in us-

2-Your "cross" is God's will for you, regardless of the cost, it is neither circumstances you face nor consequences of your actions-

3-There is no Christ or Christianity without a cross-

4-Jesus never excused anyone who made an excuse to follow him-

5-Jesus said if you want to be a disciple of his you have to first deny yourself  and to take up your ross.  You can never be a follower of his unless your first do so-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Beating your own drum-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Encouragement is a strength transfusion-

 

DID YOU KNOW-If a statue of a person on a horse depicts the horse with both front legs in the air, the person died in battle; if the horse has one front leg in the air, the person died as a result of wounds received in battle; if he horse has all four legs on the ground, the person died on natural causes-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the Holy Spirit have a name?

2-How did Jesus' death give us the right to come to God as our father?

3-How could a non Jew be "saved" before Jesus' death and resurrection?

4-Did Jesus' life and teaching cause an end to hatred or make it worse?

5-What acts of obedience does God require of Christians?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was king in Israel when the Assyrians deported the people?

Yesterday's answer-Isaiah  2 Kings 20:12-19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 12:33-37

³³ "If you want good fruit, you must make the tree good. If your tree is not good, it will have bad fruit. A tree is known by the kind of fruit it produces. ³⁴ You snakes! You are evil people, so how can you say anything good? The mouth speaks the things that are in the heart.³⁵ Good people have good things in their hearts, and so they say good things. But evil people have evil in their hearts, so they say evil things.³⁶ And I tell you that on the Judgment Day people will be responsible for every careless thing they have said. ³⁷ The words you have said will be used to judge you. Some of your words will prove you right, but some of your words will prove you guilty."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I pray for a discerning spirit to help me recognize truth from falsehood.  Help me to know when others are lying and help me also to recognize the lies I tell myself.  You always speak the truth and You declare that which is right from that which is wrong.  When the world describes a lifestyle or belief system to be good and You declare it to be evil, help me to stand firm upon Your holy truths as I faithfully read them in the Scriptures.  Give me bold conviction to stand firm for truth even when it seems as though no one stands with me.  The “truths” as purported by this world shift like the changing winds but Your Truths stand for all eternity!  Amen.

 

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

Sunday May 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When God speaks to you, what you do next will indicate what you believe about him-

2-The only way you can know God is by experiencing him-

3-Jesus always takes you beyond where you last trusted him-

4-The essence of salvation is an about face from self centeredness to God's centeredness-

5-God does not want second hand glory from our activities-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Climbing the walls-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The only way to have a friend is to be one-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The slogan on New Hampshire license plates is "Live Free or Die".  These license plates are manufactured by prisoners in the state prison in Concord-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How is love "made complete" in the Christian?

2-In what way is Jesus our "peace"?

3-How did Jesus life and death change the concept of righteousness?

4-Are the Jews today still "God's chosen people"?

5-How can we help to end hatred?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who predicted the Babylonian exile to Hezekiah?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiachin   2 Kings 25:27-30

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 12:29-32

²⁹ "If anyone wants to enter a strong person's house and steal his things, he must first tie up the strong person. Then he can steal the things from the house.     ³⁰ "Whoever is not with me is against me. Whoever does not work with me is working against me. ³¹ So I tell you, people can be forgiven for every sin and everything they say against God. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. ³² Anyone who speaks against the Son of Man can be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, now or in the future.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for loving us enough to warn repeatedly of impending judgment and for showing us the right path of life.  Keep us faithful and growing in the process.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

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

Saturday May 12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The heart of the Christian life is not activity but relationship-

2-The major risk associated with love is rejection-

3-Sin is the rejection of God's love-

4-Take any freedom from love and it ceases to be love-

5-God is always able to accomplish through us anything he invites us to do-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Beating your head against a wall-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Newer doesn't always mean better-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The abbreviation ORD for Chicago's O"Hare Airport comes from the old name Orchard Files-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean to "turn to God"?

2-Does God love you because you are you or he is who he is?

3-Does success mean God's love?

4-What does it mean to "know" the love of God?

5-How is love "made complete" in the Christian?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What exiled kind of Judah became a friend of the king of Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Steven   Acts 8:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 12:22-28

 

²² Then some people brought to Jesus a man who was blind and could not talk, because he had a demon. Jesus healed the man so that he could talk and see.²³ All the people were amazed and said, "Perhaps this man is the Son of David!"  ²⁴ When the Pharisees heard this, they said, "Jesus uses the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, to force demons out of people."
 ²⁵ Jesus knew what the Pharisees were thinking, so he said to them, "Every kingdom that is divided against itself will be destroyed. And any city or family that is divided against itself will not continue. ²⁶ And if Satan forces out himself, then Satan is divided against himself, and his kingdom will not continue.²⁷ You say that I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons. If that is true, then what power do your people use to force out demons? So they will be your judges. ²⁸ But if I use the power of God's Spirit to force out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Here’s a common prayer that expresses faith in God’s plan of salvation.  It’s often called “the sinner’s prayer.”  Believing what this prayer expresses is the main component of being prepared for the coming judgment. I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today and then begin to live for Jesus.
  “Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner.  I believe that You came to this earth and died on the cross as a substitute for me.  I place my faith in You and what You have done for me.  I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow and serve You.  Thank You for hearing my prayer.” 

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

Friday May 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-For effects and courage to succeed you also need purpose and direction-

2-Hit the ball over the fence and you can take your time going around the bases-

3-Becoming number one is easier than remaining number one-

4-Self centeredness is at the core of sin-

5-Responsibility is your response to the ability God has given you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Adding fuel to the fire-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no point in carrying the ball until you learn where the goal line is-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Nova Scotia is Latin for "New Scotland"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the primary evidence that the Holy Spirit lives in us?

2-Is confession of sin a part of becoming a Christian?

3-What does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"?

4-Is there chance or fate in the life of a believer?

5-Is whatever happens to you God's permissive will?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Christians were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria because of a  persecution that began after whose death?

Yesterday's answer-Jephthah    Judges 11:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 12:15-21

Jesus Is God's Chosen Servant

 ¹⁵ Jesus knew what the Pharisees were doing, so he left that place. Many people followed him, and he healed all who were sick.¹⁶ But Jesus warned the people not to tell who he was.¹⁷ He did these things to bring about what Isaiah the prophet had said:
 ¹⁸ "Here is my servant whom I have chosen.
       I love him, and I am pleased with him.
    I will put my Spirit upon him,
       And he will tell of my justice to all people.
 ¹⁹ He will not argue or cry out;
       No one will hear his voice in the streets.
 ²⁰ He will not break a crushed blade of grass
       Or put out even a weak flame
    Until he makes justice win the victory.
 ²¹ In him will the non-Jewish people find hope." — Isaiah 42:1–4

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 Father, help us to remain faithful in planting Your seed of salvation to those who have not yet bowed their knee, to those who have not yet confessed with their tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Whenever we open our mouths, may words be given to us so that we will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel to those who have not yet heard.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

 

I WISH YOU ENOUGH!

Thursday May 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is a major difference in giving up and letting go-

2-Your life begins to end the day you become silent about things that really mater-

3-Obstacles are the things you see when you take your eyes off your goal-

4-Vision is seeing the invisible-

5-Always be willing to learn even if you don't always like to be taught-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Spinning your wheels-

I'VE LEARNED-Stress believes everything is an emergency-

DID YOU KNOW-If you come from Manchester, you are a Manchurian-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did the disciples have to wait 40 days in the upper room for the Holy Spirit to come?

2-Why didn't God send the Holy Spirit immediately after Jesus ascended into heaven?

3-What is "unceasing prayer"?

4-Is praying always done with words?

5-Does the Christian ever have any doubt when trusting God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What judge fled from his kin and lived in the land of Tob?

Yesterday's answer-Cain   Genesis 4:13-16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 12:9-14

Jesus Heals a Man's Hand

 ⁹ Jesus left there and went into their synagogue, ¹⁰ where there was a man with a crippled hand. They were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they asked him, "Is it right to heal on the Sabbath day?"^{[a]  11} Jesus answered, "If any of you has a sheep, and it falls into a ditch on the Sabbath day, you will help it out of the ditch. ¹² Surely a human being is more important than a sheep. So it is lawful to do good things on the Sabbath day."
 ¹³ Then Jesus said to the man with the crippled hand, "Hold out your hand." The man held out his hand, and it became well again, like the other hand. ¹⁴ But the Pharisees left and made plans to kill Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

“O Lord, hear me praying. Listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but You.  Each morning I will look to You in heaven and lay my requests before You, praying earnestly.  I know You get no pleasure from wickedness and cannot tolerate the slightest sin.  Therefore proud sinners will not survive Your searching gaze, for how You hate their evil deeds…But as for me, I will come into Your temple protected by Your mercy and Your love; I will worship You with deepest awe.”

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

 

 

Wednesday May 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your rewards in life are always in direct proportion to your contribution-

2-Always do your best for what you plant now you will harvest later-

3-If you think you can or think you can't, you are probably right-

4-It takes less time to do things right than to explain why you did it wrong-

5-Your attitude, not you aptitude determines your altitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Pushing your luck-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of it's sorrows, but only empties today of it's strength-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There was once a town in West Virginia named 6-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you have God save you but not change you?

2-What are the major differences between the behavior of "believers" and "people of the world"?

3-Is God's power restricted in any way?

4-Does the Christian life require a lot of effort?

5-Did God send the Holy Spirit into the world at Pentecost or was he already in the world?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was exiled to the land of Nod?

Yesterday's answer-Midian   Exodus 2:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew  12:1-8

Jesus Is Lord of the Sabbath

 ¹ At that time Jesus was walking through some fields of grain on a Sabbath day. His followers were hungry, so they began to pick the grain and eat it.² When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Jesus, "Look! Your followers are doing what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath day."  ³ Jesus answered, "Have you not read what David did when he and the people with him were hungry? ⁴ He went into God's house, and he and those with him ate the holy bread, which was lawful only for priests to eat.⁵ And have you not read in the law of Moses that on every Sabbath day the priests in the Temple break this law about the Sabbath day? But the priests are not wrong for doing that.⁶ I tell you that there is something here that is greater than the Temple. ⁷ The Scripture says, 'I want kindness more than I want animal sacrifices.'^[a] You don't really know what those words mean. If you understood them, you would not judge those who have done nothing wrong.
    ⁸ "So the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath day."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is not the accolades of the world for which we live, but it is the affirmation of Your Word that serves as our trusted guide in all we seek to be and to do.  We want to be faithful in the everyday obligations and opportunities that await us.  Use us to glorify Your name and for the furtherance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.  Amen.

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

Tuesday May 8, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life isn't about finding yourself, it is about finding God-

2-Often opportunity is missed because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work-

3-Self confidence is the first step to great undertakings-

4-A great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do-

5-A liar needs a good memory-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Running around in circles-

I'VE LEARNED-Stress is not what happens to us.  It is our response to what happens to us, and response is what we choose-

DID YOU KNOW-There is an airport in Calcutta named Dum Dum Airport-

5 THINGS  I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did Jesus let Lazarus die only to call him back to life?

2-Does dread of death vanish when you know heaven is your true home?

3-What will people say about you after your death?

4-What does it mean "God has no stepchildren or grandchildren"?

5-Are there only two kinds of people-saved and unsaved?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What land did Moses flee to when he left Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Absalom   2 Samuel 13:37-38

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus Offers Rest to People

 ²⁵ At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the people who are wise and smart. But you have shown them to those who are like little children. ²⁶ Yes, Father, this is what you really wanted.     ²⁷ "My Father has given me all things. No one knows the Son, except the Father. And no one knows the Father, except the Son and those whom the Son chooses to tell.
    ²⁸ "Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Accept my teachings and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit, and you will find rest for your lives. ³⁰ The burden that I ask you to accept is easy; the load I give you to carry is light."


PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank You for the insight given to us through Your Holy Scripture that makes us wise unto salvation and brings understanding to our interpretation of Scripture. Keep us on the right path and help us to be careful to reflect and ponder the truths that teach us the right way to live. Amen.


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

Monday May 7, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't discourage anyone who continually makes progress no matter how slow-

2-A life making mistakes is more honorable and useful than a life spent doing nothing-

3-Put your feet in the right place and then stand firm-

4-In the middle of all difficulty is opportunity-

5-Common sense is the ability to see things as they are and doing things as they ought to be done-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Few things are harder to put up with than a good example-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Four things that make a person-hard work, sincerity, commitment, integrity-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There is a town in Texas called Ding Dong-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there no law keeping in grace receiving?

2-How does law keeping affect personal joy?

3-Do we sometimes try to earn a place at God's table?

4-How does God's grace affect how we live?

5-How does a person "get right with God"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was in exile three years after killing his brother Amnon?

Yesterday's answer-Assyria  2 Kings 17:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 11:20-24

Jesus Warns Unbelievers

 ²⁰ Then Jesus criticized the cities where he did most of his miracles, because the people did not change their lives and stop sinning. ²¹ He said, "How terrible for you, Korazin! How terrible for you, Bethsaida! If the same miracles I did in you had happened in Tyre and Sidon,^[a] those people would have changed their lives a long time ago. They would have worn rough cloth and put ashes on themselves to show they had changed. ²² But I tell you, on the Judgment Day it will be better for Tyre and Sidon than for you. ²³ And you, Capernaum,^[b] will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to the depths. If the miracles I did in you had happened in Sodom,^[c] its people would have stopped sinning, and it would still be a city today. ²⁴ But I tell you, on the Judgment Day it will be better for Sodom than for you."

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 11:21 Tyre and Sidon Towns where wicked people lived.
2. Matthew 11:23 Korazin . . . Bethsaida . . . Capernaum Towns by Lake Galilee where Jesus preached to the people.
3. Matthew 11:23 Sodom A city that God destroyed because the people were so evil.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You love us with an everlasting love. Your enduring love stands as the supreme example for us to follow in our human relationships. Even when we have forsaken You and broken our vows, You continue to forgive us and woo us back to Yourself. You are not a god of retribution but a God of mercy. Even when we listen to the world’s counsel and experience dismal failure You pick up the shattered pieces and still call us Your own. Only a God like You deserves our complete loyalty. As we personally experience Your enduring love when we least deserve it, help us to apply the same kind of enduring love to those who least deserve it from us. Only through Your strength can we do even the impossible. Amen.

 

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

Sunday May 6, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you love Jesus, you'll want to feed his sheep-

2-Living for yourself is a very lonely existence-

3-We often need forgiveness from God and at times even from ourselves-

4-God, I am available to be used by you today!

5-Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Wading through paper work-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Three things in life that are never certain-dreams, success, fortune-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There is a resort town in New Mexico called Truth or Consequences-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What do we say to someone who asks "where is god in all this"?

2-How do you come to Jesus and "drink of him"?

3-What did Jesus mean by "living water" and "never thirst again"?

4-What is a godless life?

5-How do you trust that the presence of Jesus is in you?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What nation carried Israel into exile?

Yesterday's answer-Jeroboam  1 Kings 11:40

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 11:18-19

¹⁸ John came and did not eat or drink like other people. So people say, 'He has a demon.' ¹⁹ The Son of Man came, eating and drinking, and people say, 'Look at him! He eats too much and drinks too much wine, and he is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.' But wisdom is proved to be right by what she does."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we kneel before You, in whom all heaven and earth derives its name and pray that out of Your glorious riches we, as the body of Christ, will be strengthened with power through Your Spirit in our inner being.  Unite us in spirit and strengthen us in purpose as we walk together upholding, defending, and proclaiming the Gospel message of Jesus Christ who saves to the uttermost.  We pray for our brothers and sisters who are undergoing persecution because of their uncompromising belief.  Remind us often, since we can’t see them and can easily forget. We want to be a faithful support to them in prayer and thought.  When we all get to heaven what a time of rejoicing that will be when we see Jesus, when we unite with our brothers and sisters from every generation,  from every tribe and nation, from every color and race, and from every tongue and dialect.  It will be an experience beyond description, so fill us with anticipation for later and anchor us through Jesus Christ for now as we await that blessed day of eternal hope.  We pray in the precious name of Jesus.  Amen.

 

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