Saturday July 14, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remember, children are only little once-

2-Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man-

3-The end product of child raising is not the child but the parents-

4-Success is not measured by the heights you attain but by the obstacles that are overcome in their attainment-

5-No one is a failure who can truly say "I have done my best!"-

STRANGE THOUGHT-In theory, everything works-

I'VE LEARNED-Don't let one cloud obliterate the whole day-

DID YOU KNOW-Bank robber John Dillinger played professional baseball-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Satan told Jesus that all kingdoms of the world are under his authority.  Are they?

2-Does the term "all the kingdoms of the world" mean the whole earth or just the mideast?

3-Did satan really think he had a chance of getting Jesus to do his bidding?

4-Had Jesus and Satan ever been face to face since the beginning of time when they were both in heaven?

5-Did Satan really have the authority to offer Jesus power over anything?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who is the father of lies?

Yesterday's answer-Micaiah     1 Kings 22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 22:23-33

 ²³ That same day some Sadducees came to Jesus and asked him a question. (Sadducees believed that people would not rise from the dead.)²⁴ They said, "Teacher, Moses said if a married man dies without having children, his brother must marry the widow and have children for him.²⁵ Once there were seven brothers among us. The first one married and died. Since he had no children, his brother married the widow.²⁶ Then the second brother also died. The same thing happened to the third brother and all the other brothers.²⁷ Finally, the woman died.²⁸ Since all seven men had married her, when people rise from the dead, whose wife will she be?"

 ²⁹ Jesus answered, "You don't understand, because you don't know what the Scriptures say, and you don't know about the power of God. ³⁰ When people rise from the dead, they will not marry, nor will they be given to someone to marry. They will be like the angels in heaven.³¹ Surely you have read what God said to you about rising from the dead. ³² God said, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'^[a] God is the God of the living, not the dead."

 ³³ When the people heard this, they were amazed at Jesus' teaching.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You want us to be on the look out for our enemy’s activity and beware of his approach through the daily temptations that come our way. The narrative might have changed a great deal had the disciples been on their guard in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus warned them to pray rather than sleep through the night. We find ourselves much like them because we often ignore the warnings or we are wearied by them thinking we’ve heard them all our lives. Yet Your warnings and promises in Scripture are like a watch tower for the soul. You are our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Your words are truth and all Your promises will be fulfilled in time. Your name is a strong tower and we who are righteous run to it and find safety through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray.  Amen.

TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BLESSING. BE A FRIEND. ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND.

Friday July 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Knowing without doing is like plowing without planting-

2-If you want your children improve, let them over hear the nice things you say about others-

3-Children spell love--time-

4-In raising children, spend half as much money and twice as much time-

5-What is done to children, they will do to society-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT

1-No matter how much you revisit the past, there is nothing new to see-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Pass kindness along to others-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Babe Ruth wore a cabbage leaf under his hat to keep his head cool.  He changed it every two innings-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus not willing to put God to the test by following Satan's suggestion of making a pretentious fall?

2-Did Jesus not want God to show his power by rescuing him from a fall?

3-Why was Satan only allowed to test Jesus 3 times or could there have been more?

4-How was Jesus able to say no to satan's tests when he most likely was so physically weak?

5-Was there some truth in all of Satan's testing of Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Godly prophet lied to Ahab about the outcome of a battle?

Yesterday's answer-Ananias and Sapphira     Acts 5:1-9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 22:15-22

 

 Then the Pharisees left that place and made plans to trap Jesus in saying something wrong.¹⁶ They sent some of their own followers and some people from the group called Herodians.^[a] They said, "Teacher, we know that you are an honest man and that you teach the truth about God's way. You are not afraid of what other people think about you, because you pay no attention to who they are.¹⁷ So tell us what you think. Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?"

 ¹⁸ But knowing that these leaders were trying to trick him, Jesus said, "You hypocrites! Why are you trying to trap me? ¹⁹ Show me a coin used for paying the tax." So the men showed him a coin.^[b] 20 Then Jesus asked,"Whose image and name are on the coin?"

 ²¹ The men answered, "Caesar's."

   Then Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and give to God the things that are God's."

 ²² When the men heard what Jesus said, they were amazed and left him and went away.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we offer up to You our lives as living sacrifices. May we be holy and pleasing to You. In whatever form of work we do may we do so with diligence as unto the Lord. We thank you for the variety of giftings and work skills You give us in regard to vocational work and how we are blessed and provided for.  We honor you as we have a proper view toward work. Amen.

SMILE, LAUGH, FORGIVE, BELIEVE AND LOVE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

Thursday July 12, 2012 thought for the day

 

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To bring up a child in the way they should go, travel that way yourself-

2-As much as we watch to see what our children do with their lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours-

3-Don't worry that your children don't listen to you, worry that they are always watching you-

4-What a child doesn't receive, they can't give later-

5-Children have more need of models than they do of critics-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't stop the waves but you can learn to surf-

 

I'VE LEARNED-If your dog doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn't either-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A baseball has exactly 108 stitches-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was the basis for the Jerusalem testing of Jesus by satan?

2-In the Jerusalem testing of Jesus by satan, how much of a fall was satan suggesting for Jesus to take?

3-Was satan suggesting for Jesus to take the fall in Jerusalem in front of a crowd of people and to make it look like a show?

4-If Jesus had taken Satan's suggestion of taking the fall in Jerusalem and then have been caught by angels, would it have demonstrated anything?

5-Satan stated as scripture what God would do to rescue Jesus if he fell.  Was it and if so where was it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who died after lying to Peter about the value of the possessions they had sold?

Yesterday's answer-Jehu   2 Kings 10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 22:1-10

¹ Jesus again used stories to teach them. He said, ² "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding feast for his son. ³ The king invited some people to the feast. When the feast was ready, the king sent his servants to tell the people, but they refused to come.

    ⁴ "Then the king sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who have been invited that my feast is ready. I have killed my best bulls and calves for the dinner, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast.'

    ⁵ "But the people refused to listen to the servants and left to do other things. One went to work in his field, and another went to his business. ⁶ Some of the other people grabbed the servants, beat them, and killed them. ⁷ The king was furious and sent his army to kill the murderers and burn their city.

    ⁸ "After that, the king said to his servants, 'The wedding feast is ready. I invited those people, but they were not worthy to come. ⁹ So go to the street corners and invite everyone you find to come to my feast.' ¹⁰ So the servants went into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad. And the wedding hall was filled with guests.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have shown the greatest example of what it is to be rich toward us in countless ways, but most especially when You gave Your only Son to be our Savior. You extended to us full forgiveness when we could do nothing to earn it. May we likewise be rich toward You giving ourselves fully in love, obedience, in our resources, and in loving others as we love ourselves. Rather than seeking first a comfortable and secure life here on earth, help us to remember that will come to us in heaven. Instead help us to seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness and all that is needed will be given to us by Your gracious hand. We thank You for it in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Wednesday July 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We worry about what a child will become tomorrow yet we forget that they are someone today-

2-One of the things you learn from your children is how much patience you have-

3-There is nothing that can help you understand your beliefs more than trying to explain them to an inquisitive child-

4-Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with mankind-

5-There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child, there are seven million-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The older I get the better I was-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Over 56 million people go to major league baseball games each year-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did God send special angels to support and comfort Jesus during his wilderness times?

2-Were there spiritual needs that Jesus needed to have filled in his wilderness time?

3-Did Jesus feel abandoned by God during the wilderness time?

4-Was Jesus always aware of God's presence in his life?

5-Satan took Jesus from the wilderness to Jerusalem to test him there on a high spot.  Was this in body or figuratively speaking?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Israel claimed to be a devout worshiper of Baal in order to gather together Baal worshipers and kill them?

Yesterday's answer-Naboth   1 Kings 21

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 21:33-46

³³ "Listen to this story: There was a man who owned a vineyard. He put a wall around it and dug a hole for a winepress and built a tower. Then he leased the land to some farmers and left for a trip. ³⁴ When it was time for the grapes to be picked, he sent his servants to the farmers to get his share of the grapes.³⁵ But the farmers grabbed the servants, beat one, killed another, and then killed a third servant with stones.³⁶ So the man sent some other servants to the farmers, even more than he sent the first time. But the farmers did the same thing to the servants that they had done before.³⁷ So the man decided to send his son to the farmers. He said, 'They will respect my son.'³⁸ But when the farmers saw the son, they said to each other, 'This son will inherit the vineyard. If we kill him, it will be ours!'³⁹ Then the farmers grabbed the son, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him. ⁴⁰ So what will the owner of the vineyard do to these farmers when he comes?"

 ⁴¹ The priests and leaders said, "He will surely kill those evil men. Then he will lease the vineyard to some other farmers who will give him his share of the crop at harvest time."

 ⁴² Jesus said to them, "Surely you have read this in the Scriptures:
    'The stone that the builders rejected
       Became the cornerstone.
    The Lord did this,
       And it is wonderful to us.' — Psalm 118:22–23

    ⁴³ "So I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to people who do the things God wants in his kingdom. ⁴⁴ The person who falls on this stone will be broken, and on whomever that stone falls, that person will be crushed."^[a]

 ⁴⁵ When the leading priests and the Pharisees heard these stories, they knew Jesus was talking about them.⁴⁶They wanted to arrest him, but they were afraid of the people, because the people believed that Jesus was a prophet.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Here’s a common prayer that expresses faith in God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. If you have not done so already, I urge you to pray this prayer from your heart today.

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a lost sinner. I believe that You came to this earth to seek and to save that which was lost and You died on the cross as a substitute for me and my sin. I place my faith in You and what You have done for me. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from unrighteousness.  I receive You into my life and choose this day to follow You and serve You all the days of my life. Thank You for hearing my prayer.”

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

Tuesday July 10, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Explanations never heal a broken heart-

2-Those who suffer, attract those who are fixers-

3-People who accomplish great things often come from tragic beginnings-

4-You can't make disciples if you are not one yourself-

5-To win one, you must be one-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Beauty isn't makeup-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes being kind is hard, but it is always the best attitude-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In most advertisements, including newspapers, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Was Jesus tempted by satan immediately upon entering the wilderness or did time pass before his first test?

2-Did Jesus know ahead of time that his wilderness testing would last 40 days?

3-Why would God the Father allow satan to test his son?

4-Would it have been so wrong for Jesus to turn some rocks into bread for his own nourishment?

5-Could it be possible that Jesus had some spring water to drink while in the wilderness?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What owner of a vineyard was executed by Ahab because lying witnesses claimed he had blasphemed against God and the king?

Yesterday's answer-His servant, Gehazi       2 Kings 5:20-27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 21:28-32

²⁸ "Tell me what you think about this: A man had two sons. He went to the first son and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.' ²⁹ The son answered, 'I will not go.' But later the son changed his mind and went.³⁰ Then the father went to the other son and said, 'Son, go and work today in my vineyard.' The son answered, 'Yes, sir, I will go and work,' but he did not go. ³¹ Which of the two sons obeyed his father?"

   The priests and leaders answered, "The first son."

   Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes will enter the kingdom of God before you do. ³² John came to show you the right way to live. You did not believe him, but the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. Even after seeing this, you still refused to change your ways and believe him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is not Your will that any should perish but that all would come to repentance. Yet You don’t force us to follow Your prescribed plan, but give us a free will to come willingly, lovingly, obediently, and gratefully as we come to realize that there is none like You. No one else could touch our hearts like You do, grant us peace that is eternal and prepare a home for us to last for all eternity. We don’t presume upon Your grace, but we do receive it by faith with thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday July 9, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-After a person's relationship with Jesus, there is nothing  more important than your moral and ethical integrity-

2-Most of us do not have a hearing problem, we have a listening problem-

3-Gentle gracious words are always preferable-

4-When you disagree with your spouse, do so with tenderness and kindness-

5-The best way to help people who are hurting is just to be with them, saying little or nothing and letting them know you care-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can never be old and wise if you were never young and foolish-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Appreciation often leads to satisfaction, one of the key ingredients in the recipe for happiness-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most dangerous job in the United States is that of sanitation worker,  fire fighters and police officers are a close second and third, followed by leather tanners in fourth-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Did the wilderness experience leave Jesus emotionally, psychologically and spiritually vulnerable?

2-What was the hardest part for Jesus in the wilderness?

3-Could Jesus have survived the wilderness test without his being divine?

4-Is satan the evil arch rival of God?

5-Did satan continuously tempt Jesus in the wilderness or did he come and go?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was turned into a leper for lying to the prophet Elisha?

Yesterday's answer-Pashur   Jeremiah 20:1-3,6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY-     Matthew 21:23-27

 ²³ Jesus went to the Temple, and while he was teaching there, the leading priests and the elders of the people came to him. They said, "What authority do you have to do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

 ²⁴ Jesus answered, "I also will ask you a question. If you answer me, then I will tell you what authority I have to do these things. ²⁵ Tell me: When John baptized people, did that come from God or just from other people?"

   They argued about Jesus' question, saying, "If we answer, 'John's baptism was from God,' Jesus will say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?' ²⁶ But if we say, 'It was from people,' we are afraid of what the crowd will do because they all believe that John was a prophet."

 ²⁷ So they answered Jesus, "We don't know."

   Jesus said to them, "Then I won't tell you what authority I have to do these things.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to live above the fray of this world as a people of righteousness set apart for Your purpose. We forsake the things of this world that bring disgrace to Your holy name and live for the purpose of bringing glory, honor and praise to You, our Father. We pray for our nation, for the turning away from our sins and turning toward the abundant life we find in Christ our Lord. You’ve called us to repentance and to share the good news of salvation to all who are lost. Help our pulpits to be aflame with righteousness. Help us to seek a fresh calling upon our lives to be obedient in this commission from Scripture. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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

Sunday July 8, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When people are out of hope, don't kick them or hold them down, just administer lots of grace-

2-Life's trials are not the exception but the rule-

3-God has no obligation to explain himself-

4-God is full of compassion but his plan is beyond comprehension-

5-As diamonds are made by pressure and pearls formed by irritation, so greatness is forged by adversity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I had to quit my job crushing soft drink cans, it was soda depressing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Doing what you love is the basis of having abundance in your life-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The largest employer in the world is the Indian railway system, employing more than a million people-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Jesus' body functions shut down on him without food or water in the wilderness?

2-Was Jesus' fasting for 40 days his first miracle?

3-Would Jesus bodily appearance have changed from fasting in the wilderness?

4-What did Jesus do all day long while in the wilderness for 40 days?

5-How did Jesus shelter himself from the intense wilderness sun?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What lying prophet put Jeremiah in the stocks and was later told that he and his whole household would die in exile?

Yesterday's answer-The wife of Potiphar, Joseph's master     Genesis 39

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 21:18-22

¹⁸ Early the next morning, as Jesus was going back to the city, he became hungry. ¹⁹ Seeing a fig tree beside the road, Jesus went to it, but there were no figs on the tree, only leaves. So Jesus said to the tree, "You will never again have fruit." The tree immediately dried up.

 ²⁰ When his followers saw this, they were amazed. They asked, "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?"

 ²¹ Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will be able to do what I did to this tree and even more. You will be able to say to this mountain, 'Go, fall into the sea.' And if you have faith, it will happen. ²² If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer." 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we desire to abound in good works, all the while making Your grace and love known to people all over this world. In ourselves we are frail and lack in so many ways, but in You we are able to overcome the evil one and take a stand against his schemes. Sometimes the daily battles leave us feeling a bit disheartened, weary, and even wounded at times. But we thank You for the presence of Your abiding Holy Spirit who encourages us and leads us forward in this daily conflict. Help us to praise You and trust You for the victory as the hymn says, “Hell’s foundations quiver at the shout of praise; brothers, lift your voices, loud your anthems raise.” We raise to You our anthems of praise and our prayers of thanksgiving through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

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

Saturday July 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even a fool is considered wise when he keeps his mouth shut-

2-Every one has eternal life but the destinations are different-

3-We love grace coming from God but just don't expect it from folks like us-

4-Grace is always needed and always appreciated-

5-The kind of faith God values seems to develop best when the darkness is the greatest, pain is the worst and loss is everything-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-That that is, is-that that is not, is not-therefore, that's that-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Running away from your problems is a race you will never win-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sixty percent of big firm executives say the cover letter is as important as or more important than the resume itself when you are looking for a new job-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why did God permit Satan to test Jesus?

2-Could Jesus have possibly failed the wilderness testing?

3-Did Jesus need the 40 day wilderness testing to prepare him for his ministry?

4-Why did Jesus need to fast without food or water?

5-A person cannot live long (about a week) without liquids.  How did Jesus do it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What frustrated Egyptian wife claimed her Hebrew servant tried to seduce her?

Yesterday's answer-The serpent    Genesis 3:1-5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew  21:14-17

¹⁴ The blind and crippled people came to Jesus in the Temple, and he healed them.¹⁵ The leading priests and the teachers of the law saw that Jesus was doing wonderful things and that the children were praising him in the Temple, saying, "Praise^[a] to the Son of David." All these things made the priests and the teachers of the law very angry.

 ¹⁶ They asked Jesus, "Do you hear the things these children are saying?"

   Jesus answered, "Yes. Haven't you read in the Scriptures, 'You have taught children and babies to sing praises'?"^[b]

 ¹⁷ Then Jesus left and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank you for the absolute truthfulness of your Word.  We rely on Your promises in Scripture concerning our future eternal home. Help us as we deal with what Your Word says are “our light and momentary troubles” and to recognize that they are “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Today “we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” Amen.

TODAY WILL NEVER COME AGAIN. BE A BLESSING. BE A FRIEND. ENCOURAGE SOMEONE. TAKE TIME TO CARE. LET YOUR WORDS AND ACTIONS HEAL AND NOT WOUND.

Friday July 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-As time passes, conflicts have a way of getting more complicated instead of simplified.  If you don't deal with them they take over your life-

2-If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all-

3-Information is not the same as communication, information is giving out, communication is getting through-

4-Even in conversing face to face, your hearts can be a thousand miles apart-

5-It is unfair to see someone as guilty because others around them have failed-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Stressed spelled backwards is desserts-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I may not be there yet, but I am closer than I was yesterday-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The average loss for a bank cashier is $310 a year-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there any reason the Jordon river was chosen for Jesus' baptism?

2-Why did Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness immediately follow his baptism?

3-Why did Jesus need to be tested in the wilderness?

4-Why did Jesus' wilderness experience last 40 days?

5-Is there something biblically significant with the number 40?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the only animal that lied?

Yesterday's answer-Rebecca, mother of Jacob and Esau    Genesis 27

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 21:12-13

¹² Jesus went into the Temple and threw out all the people who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of those who were exchanging different kinds of money, and he upset the benches of those who were selling doves. ¹³ Jesus said to all the people there, "It is written in the Scriptures, 'My Temple will be called a house for prayer.'^[a] But you are changing it into a 'hideout for robbers.' "^[b]

 

^{PRAYER FOR TODAY}

Father, we desire to remain faithful to You all the days of our life. We join with others of the Christian faith who hold unswervingly to the hope we profess even as we spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Disappointments, seemingly unanswered prayers, loved ones who oppose us, spiritual lethargy, temptations and trials pull at our hearts and tempt us to look back just like the Israelites who were freed from slavery. They who greatly rejoiced at their new found freedom found themselves longing to return after the going got tough. Give us strength and firm resolve to plow through the hard soil and bumpy rocks of life all the while fixing our eyes on our eternal dwelling place as we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

 

SMILE, LAUGH, FORGIVE, BELIEVE AND LOVE, OVER AND OVER AGAIN!

 

 

 

Thursday July 5, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't expect to understand everything that happens when it occurs-

2-God never promised to inform us ahead of time all about his plan for us-

3-The basic fundamental of Christianity--Jesus is the only mediator between God and man-

4-Guard your heart against judgmental generalizations-

5-When misery and pain overwhelm us, philosophical words don't help us cope-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday-

 

I'VE LEARRNED-You are rich by what you are, not what you have-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It takes about 63 thousand trees to make the newsprint for the average Sunday edition of the New York times-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is baptism a part of repentance?

2-Why was Jesus baptized?  Was it simply symbolic since he had nothing to repent of-

3-Did the crowd recognize Jesus' baptism as anything special?

4-Did the crowd at Jesus' baptism see or hear the holy spirit speak as he settled on Jesus in the form of a dove?

5-Did John keep baptizing other people after he baptized Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What doting mother lied to procure a blessing for her favorite son?

Yesterday's answer-Laban, father in law of Jacob    Genesis 29

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 21:6-11

⁶ The followers went and did what Jesus told them to do.⁷ They brought the donkey and the colt to Jesus and laid their coats on them, and Jesus sat on them.⁸ Many people spread their coats on the road. Others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹The people were walking ahead of Jesus and behind him, shouting,
    "Praise^[a] to the Son of David!
    God bless the One who comes in the name of the Lord! — Psalm 118:26
    Praise to God in heaven!"

 ¹⁰ When Jesus entered Jerusalem, all the city was filled with excitement. The people asked, "Who is this man?"

 ¹¹ The crowd said, "This man is Jesus, the prophet from the town of Nazareth in Galilee."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You teach us that we are to love one another unreservedly. The love You give us for others goes beyond our own natural inclinations. It is a love that motivates us to give without expecting anything in return. More often than not we fall short of extending this kind of love to our spouse and other loved ones. Only with Your continued help can we set aside our own expectations and learn to love the way You intend by always protecting, always trusting, always hoping, and always persevering with those You’ve brought into our lives. Amen.

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

Tuesday July 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's silence is worse than his voice-

2-Shame blocks grace and hinders relief-

3-Pride eclipses mercy and compassion-

4-Pride and compassion cannot co-exist at the same time-

5-Believing everything you hear is the most disastrous trap of all-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Proof read carefully to see if you  any words out-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The heart is what makes a person rich-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Organized crime is estimated to account for 10 percent of the United States national income-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why wasn't John the Baptist baptized by Jesus?

2-Was John the Baptist ever baptized by anyone?

3-Did Jesus ever baptize anyone?

4-Did Jesus just wait in line until it was his turn to be baptized?

5-Why did people want to be baptized by John the Baptist?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was probably the most deceptive future father in law in the Bible?

Yesterday's answer-Cain  Genesis 4:8-9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 21:1-5

 

¹ As Jesus and his followers were coming closer to Jerusalem, they stopped at Bethphage at the hill called the Mount of Olives. From there Jesus sent two of his followers ² and said to them, "Go to the town you can see there. When you enter it, you will quickly find a donkey tied there with its colt. Untie them and bring them to me.³ If anyone asks you why you are taking the donkeys, say that the Master needs them, and he will send them at once."

 ⁴ This was to bring about what the prophet had said:
 ⁵ "Tell the people of Jerusalem,
       'Your king is coming to you.
    He is gentle and riding on a donkey,
       On the colt of a donkey.' "  

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we are grateful that Jesus is the High Priest who hears our prayers, knows of our troubles and intercedes on our behalf.  But there are times when we are in need of the compassion of a caring friend; one who will pray, listen, lend support, and interject thoughts, experiences or suggestions that help us to bear our troublesome burdens.  Instead of casting judgment they speak to our need, whether it’s emotional, spiritual, financial or physical.  Thank you for caring friends who bear with us, lift us up out of despair, and help us discover solutions that we, by ourselves, cannot find.  Help me to be that kind of friend, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

Monday July 2, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Trustworthy are the bruises caused by the wounding of one who truly loves you-

2-Total silence is better than inappropriate words-

3-Those who plow evil and sow trouble reap evil and trouble-

4-We don't always seek God using words, sometimes there are no words-

5-Don't let accusations over run compassion-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Don't blame the darkness for acting like darkness-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you learn to enjoy other's success, you'll experience a lot more joy-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ted Turner own 5 percent of New Mexico-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Both John the Baptist and Jesus were family related and about the same age, so did they ever meet while growing up before they both started their ministries?

2-Why did John the Baptist talk to the Pharisees in such a degrading way?

3-Is God on the side of the poor?

4-Why did the people not recognize Jesus when he came to be baptized?

5-Why was John the Baptist the one to baptize Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first person to lie to God about a murder-

Yesterday's answer-Festus, Agrippa, and Bernice  Acts 25:23-26:32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Matthew 20:29-34

²⁹ When Jesus and his followers were leaving Jericho, a great many people followed him. ³⁰ Two blind men sitting by the road heard that Jesus was going by, so they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

 ³¹ The people warned the blind men to be quiet, but they shouted even more, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!"

 ³² Jesus stopped and said to the blind men, "What do you want me to do for you?"

 ³³ They answered, "Lord, we want to see."

 ³⁴ Jesus felt sorry for the blind men and touched their eyes, and at once they could see. Then they followed Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus who came as God in the flesh, revealing to us Your character and  personhood. You created all things and sustain them by Your powerful hand. That includes us, Your human creation. All that You created You also test. The plant life has tests of stress and endurance in the harsh elements and we, Your human creation, must endure the tests of endurance common to the flesh; whether it is relational, physical, spiritual, emotional or financial. We will endure these tests and turn them into a testimony as we rely on You, for “You will accomplish what concerns me; for You are my sustainer”. You existed before anything else and You hold all creation together. We are immensely grateful.  Amen.

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

Sunday July 1, 2012 thought for the day

 HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It isn't that prayer works. God works. God works when people pray-

2-The greatest failure is to not try-

3-Once you find something you love to do, be the best at doing it-

4-Not all advice is good advice-

5-Wise counsel is not always easy to hear but it is a good thing even if it hurts to hear it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A closed mouth never gathers feet-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You never get over grief completely until you express it fully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-John D. Rockefeller was the first billionaire in the United States-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary understand Jesus' ministry ?

2-Why were people attracted to listen to John the Baptist?

3-Would John the Baptist be considered a Christian?

4-Did John the Baptist have any religious training?

5-Where did John the Baptist's spiritual wisdom come from?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What three rulers, hearing Paul defend himself in Caesarea, agreed that he deserved no punishment?

Yesterday's answer-Felix    Acts 24:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 20:20-28

 ²⁰ Then the wife of Zebedee came to Jesus with her sons. She bowed before him and asked him to do something for her.

 ²¹ Jesus asked, "What do you want?"

   She said, "Promise that one of my sons will sit at your right side and the other will sit at your left side in your kingdom."

 ²² But Jesus said, "You don't understand what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink?"^[a]

   The sons answered, "Yes, we can."

 ²³ Jesus said to them, "You will drink from my cup. But I cannot choose who will sit at my right or my left; those places belong to those for whom my Father has prepared them."

 ²⁴ When the other ten followers heard this, they were angry with the two brothers.

 ²⁵ Jesus called all the followers together and said, "You know that the rulers of the non-Jewish people love to show their power over the people. And their important leaders love to use all their authority. ²⁶ But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant.²⁷ Whoever wants to become first among you must serve the rest of you like a slave. ²⁸ In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for those who go to the uttermost parts of the world and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, making known the “unknown God” to the people of that land. From the very beginning You created a hunger within our hearts to serve you, but far too many misfeed that hunger and instead “worship gold, silver or stone, images from by the art and thoughts of man”. Instead we are to feed that hunger by loving You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. As we draw near to You, You promise to draw near to us.  We are grateful for the wooing of the Holy Spirit that convicts us our sin and reveals Your great love to us. Thank You for making Yourself known to us in Your Word as we immerse ourselves in Your truths. Amen.

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