Thursday December 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Bible's idea of prayer is that we may get to know God-

2-You can be under stress but you don't have to be stressed-

3-When you need to, just say "no!"-

4-Silence is a great spiritual discipline-

5-The benefit received of reading the scriptures is not by how much you read but by the way you read it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Always drink upstream from the herd-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Value yourself-joyfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All the gold produced in the past 500 years, if melted, could be compressed into a fifty foot cube-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The choices we make are taking us somewhere.  Is it where we want to be?

2-How would it change our lives if we were convinced that God was always with us?

3-Do we really live as though God is always with us?

4-Why did God wait to get Jonah's attention until he was out to sea?

5-What ship takes us away from God today?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What commander led a successful revolt against the ill fated King Zimri?

Yesterday's answer-Joab  2 Samuel 8:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:52-55

⁵² They said to Jesus, “Now we know that you have a demon in you! Even Abraham and the prophets died. But you say,‘Whoever obeys my teaching will never die.’ ⁵³ Do you think you are greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died, too. Who do you think you are?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I give honor to myself, that honor is worth nothing. The One who gives me honor is my Father, and you say he is your God. ⁵⁵ You don’t really know him, but I know him. If I said I did not know him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know him, and I obey what he says.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

In thanksgiving we lift our voices of praise from grateful hearts, Father. Whether in seasons of prosperity or in seasons of want we find Your grace sufficient to meet each one of our needs. You guide us, protect us, and You provide for us as we journey here below. Every good and perfect gift comes from Your hand. Thank You, faithful Father!  Amen.

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

Wednesday December 12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's promise "to be your God" is the greatest promise in scripture-

2-Jesus never demanded perfection from his followers-

3-Whatsoever you are going through, you are not alone-

4-Don't give up.  It may be the last key on the ring that will open the door-

5-God has formed us for himself and our hearts are restless until they find rest in him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never miss a good chance to shut up-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Accept yourself gracefully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-South Africa produces two thirds of the world's gold-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the Israelites have wanted a king if Samuel's sons would have been God fearing men?

2-Does an open door mean we are to walk through it?

3-Why did David feel guilty after cutting off a  portion of King Saul's robe?

4-We are told to worship at God's footstool.  What is that?

5-Why should God be forgiving?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was commander of David's army?

Yesterday's answer-Benaiah   1  Kings4:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 8:48-51

⁴⁸ They answered, “We say you are a Samaritan and have a demon in you. Are we not right?”

⁴⁹ Jesus answered, “I have no demon in me. I give honor to my Father, but you dishonor me. ⁵⁰ I am not trying to get honor for myself. There is One who wants this honor for me, and he is the judge. ⁵¹ I tell you the truth, whoever obeys my teaching will never die.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is not by mistake but by Your design that we experience the detours of life that give us perspective in a way that nothing else does. Though we see others who travail in difficulty, it is particularly difficult when we ourselves experience tough terrain that we seek to understand Your purpose for the trial we are enduring. Help us to persevere in the midst of uncertainty and unfamiliar landscape. May we find joy in the simple pleasures we overlooked when life’s journey was routine and uninterrupted by the surprise bends in the road or difficult detours that bring about delay or a change of plans. May the testing of our faith bring about maturity and give us a new perspective that makes us stronger in our faith and more effective in our witness to those around us. May they see a grateful spirit in us even as we undergo difficulty so that we glorify Your name rather magnify our problems. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Prayer is a path where there is none-

2-You can never give your mother as much as she gave you-

3-Let your career bring you pleasure but don't let it become your identity-

4-Worry and fear cannot live in the same space with hope and action-

5-When you stand on faith and take positive action, you evict worry and fear-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are two theories to arguing with a woman--neither works-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Be yourself, truthfully-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Gold was the first metal to be discovered-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How does God encourage his children?

2-Are we ever an answer to someone else's prayers?

3-Does God ever call us and we don't know it?

4-Can a follower of God have fear?

5-Why was Jesus born in Bethlehem since it was not as important as Jerusalem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was commander of Solomon's army?

Yesterday's answer-Goliath   1 Samuel 17:48-54

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:42-47

⁴² Jesus said to them, “If God were really your Father, you would love me, because I came from God and now I am here. I did not come by my own authority; God sent me.⁴³ You don’t understand what I say, because you cannot accept my teaching. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father the devil, and you want to do what he wants. He was a murderer from the beginning and was against the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he shows what he is really like, because he is a liar and the father of lies. ⁴⁵ But because I speak the truth, you don’t believe me. ⁴⁶ Can any of you prove that I am guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? ⁴⁷ The person who belongs to God accepts what God says. But you don’t accept what God says, because you don’t belong to God.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, since this pilgrimage on earth is all we’ve known since birth, far too often we consider it a permanent dwelling. But the prophet Isaiah gives us a true perspective of our transient life when he writes, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the Word of the Lord endures forever.”  Help us to lift our eyes to the heavens and place our affections on the eternal truths of Your Word. We, as Your redeemed children, desire to be faithful as we walk this pilgrim pathway watching expectantly and longing for Your soon return. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Monday December 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's ways are always right even though they don't make sense to us-

2-Secret displays of kindness are usually the most fun-

3-Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only robs today of its strength-

4-If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy-

5-Prayer nourishes the soul, food nourishes the body, and when prepared with love, both can make strangers into family-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never slap a man who is chewing tobacco-

I'VE LEARNED-Be firm less often and affirm more often-

DID YOU KNOW-A large, flawless emerald is worth more than a similarly large flawless diamond-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What was Mary's family's response to Mary and Joseph's announcement?

2-What was Joseph's family's response to Mary and Joseph's announcement?

3-What does it mean to "judge"?

4-What does obedience to God do for you?

5-When will the Jews inherit all the land promised to them by God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Philistine soldier was slain by a boy carrying a bag of stones?

Yesterday's answer-Irijah    Jeremiah 37:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 8:39-41

³⁹ They answered, “Our father is Abraham.”

Jesus said, “If you were really Abraham’s children, you would do^[a] the things Abraham did. ⁴⁰ I am a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God, but you are trying to kill me. Abraham did nothing like that. ⁴¹ So you are doing the things your own father did.”

But they said, “We are not like children who never knew who their father was. God is our Father; he is the only Father we have.”

Footnotes:

1. John 8:39 If . . . Do Some Greek copies read “If you are really Abraham’s children, you will do.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we do well to dwell on Your daily benefits that give us cause for praise and thanksgiving. Why we often focus on one unpleasantry turning it over and over in our minds and yet neglect the multiple blessings that pour into our lives daily is a work of the enemy. When we willfully, dutifully call to mind Your blessings we are filled with a heart of thanksgiving and it overflows in our praise toward You and in the outflow of our conversations and actions toward others. I bless You, O Lord!  I bless Your holy name with all that is within me through Christ Jesus my Lord.  Amen.

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

Sunday December 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-With perfect knowledge of your past and a perfect vision of your future, God loves you perfectly in spite of both-

2-Religion pacifies but never satisfies, for only Jesus can do that-

3-If you live a Godless life you can expect a Godless eternity-

4-Spend a lifetime telling God to leave you alone and he will-

5-No struggle will come our way apart from God's purpose, permission or presence-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Be careful reading the fine print.  There is no way you are going to like it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do more hugging and less tugging-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most powerful earthquake to strike the US occurred in 1811 in New Madrid, Missouri.  The quake shook more than one million square miles and was felt as far as one thousand miles away-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If we pray long enough will God answer?

2-How does having faith and being persistent relate to each other-

3-Do you have to ask for the Holy Spirit before God gives him to you?

4-Should the Lord's Prayer really be called the Disciples Prayer?

5-Did Joseph and Mary ever have a wedding ceremony?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What irate soldier falsely accused Jeremiah of deserting to the Babylonians and arrested him?

Yesterday's answer-Jephthah   Judges 11:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 8:31-38

Freedom from Sin

³¹ So Jesus said to the Jews who believed in him, “If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my followers.³² Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

³³ They answered, “We are Abraham’s children, and we have never been anyone’s slaves. So why do you say we will be free?”

³⁴ Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, everyone who lives in sin is a slave to sin. ³⁵ A slave does not stay with a family forever, but a son belongs to the family forever.³⁶ So if the Son makes you free, you will be truly free. ³⁷ I know you are Abraham’s children, but you want to kill me because you don’t accept my teaching. ³⁸ I am telling you what my Father has shown me, but you do what your father has told you.” 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, though I am sometimes perplexed by that which I don’t understand I have an unshakable confidence in You. Your Word is truth and Your promises never fail. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I have absolute certainty that I can trust You for everything that concerns me. May obedience be an expression of my unwavering trust and devoted love toward You, my Lord and my God.  Amen.

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

Saturday December 8, 20112 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Earthly affliction does not equate to heavenly rejection-

2-After Jesus' resurrection he appeared to the disciples in the upper room and nothing is recorded that he ever said anything to them about their deserting him before his crucifixion-

3-Peter had a bouncing faith.  Jesus called him the rock and later called him satan.  He promised him loyalty and then denied him miserably-

4-Your denial and doubts does not diminish God's love for you-

5-Perfect love drives our fear of judgement-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I've reached the age where happy hour is a nap-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Run through more fields and gaze at more stars-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The shortest intercontinental commercial flight in the world is from Gibraltar in Europe to Tangier in Africa at a distance of 34 miles and a flight time of twenty minutes-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would the disciples have heard the "Lord's Prayer" once or many times?

2-When was the phrase "Yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory forever" added to the "Lord's Prayer"?

3-There is more than one giving of the "Lord's Prayer" in scripture  and are slightly different.  Why the difference?

4-Why did Jesus tell his disciples to be persistent in prayer when God knows what we desire?

5-Does God answer persistent prayer more than a short one time prayer?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What judge from Gilead was called to be a commander against the Ammonites?

Yesterday's answer-Joshua   5:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 8:25-30

²⁵ They asked, “Then who are you?”

Jesus answered, “I am what I have told you from the beginning. ²⁶ I have many things to say and decide about you. But I tell people only the things I have heard from the One who sent me, and he speaks the truth.”

²⁷ The people did not understand that he was talking to them about the Father. ²⁸ So Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, you will know that I am he. You will know that these things I do are not by my own authority but that I say only what the Father has taught me. ²⁹ The One who sent me is with me. I always do what is pleasing to him, so he has not left me alone.” ³⁰ While Jesus was saying these things, many people believed in him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we contend earnestly for the faith once for all entrusted to the saints! The opinions of people are vast and man-centered, but we choose to follow the Scriptures that teach us, Jesus is the only way to the Father, whereby we receive salvation and life forevermore. We seek to avoid evil and walk straight ahead, not going one step off the right path. By Your grace we will be found faithful. 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 December 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success signals God's love no more than struggles indicate the lack of it-

2-To abide in Jesus' love is to make his love your home-

3-God's love cannot be legislated but it can be chosen-

4-You can't produce what you don't possess-

5-"If God be for us who can ever be against us"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one ever says "it's only a game!" when their team is winning-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Stop playing serious and seriously play-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Boeing 747 has been in commercial service since 1970-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus told Peter to forgive another 70x7 times for offending him.  Are we to tolerate an offense that many times before putting a stop to it?

2-Did the Jewish leaders know Jesus had been born in Bethlehem?

3-Were there any Pharisees who were followers of Jesus?

4-Was "The Lord's Prayer" given as a sample or an example?

5-Was the purpose of "The Lord's Prayer" to memorize and recite or to learn a pattern that could be adopted and individualized?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who met the commander of the Lord's army?

Yesterday's answer-Phichol   Genesis 21:22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 8:21-24

²¹ Again, Jesus said to the people, “I will leave you, and you will look for me, but you will die in your sins. You cannot come where I am going.”

²² So the Jews asked, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he said, ‘You cannot come where I am going’?”

²³ Jesus said, “You people are from here below, but I am from above. You belong to this world, but I don’t belong to this world. ²⁴ So I told you that you would die in your sins. Yes, you will die in your sins if you don’t believe that I am he.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path. There is nothing You will ask of us that Your Word does not supply guidance, reassurance, and courage for us to follow. We thank You for the great examples of Biblical characters who model godliness for us. We thank You also for the rascals in Scripture who remind us of the negative consequences that follow those who walk in disobedience to Your manual. Help us to read it, follow it and share its truths with those whom You put in our path. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday December 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Biblical angels are not heaven's bottled genies-

2-What is bad to a child is not always bad to a parent-

3-Under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and shows it's true colors-

4-God uses struggles to toughen our spiritual skin-

5-If your actions altered his devotion, then God would not be love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are worse things than getting a call for a wrong number at 4 am.  It could be a right number-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Take more hikes, fly more kites-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The Boeing 737 jet is nicknamed "Fat Albert"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is it true that "whosoever is not against us is for us"?

2-How does salt lose it's saltiness?

3-Why is there such rejoicing over the one lost sheep that is found than over the 99 that were not lost?

4-Jesus said "if two of you agree about asking God for something, it will be given you by my father in heaven"!  Is this all there is to getting your prayers answered?

5-Jesus said "If 2 or 3 gather in my name, I will be there too".  So, is Jesus present with us or is it now the Holy Spirit?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the commander of Abimelech' army?

Yesterday's answer-Joshua   Exodus 17:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 8:12-20

¹² Later, Jesus talked to the people again, saying, “I am the light of the world. The person who follows me will never live in darkness but will have the light that gives life.”

¹³ The Pharisees said to Jesus, “When you talk about yourself, you are the only one to say these things are true. We cannot accept what you say.”

¹⁴ Jesus answered, “Yes, I am saying these things about myself, but they are true. I know where I came from and where I am going. But you don’t know where I came from or where I am going. ¹⁵ You judge by human standards. I am not judging anyone. ¹⁶ But when I do judge, I judge truthfully, because I am not alone. The Father who sent me is with me. ¹⁷ Your own law says that when two witnesses say the same thing, you must accept what they say. ¹⁸ I am one of the witnesses who speaks about myself, and the Father who sent me is the other witness.”

¹⁹ They asked, “Where is your father?”

Jesus answered, “You don’t know me or my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father, too.” ²⁰ Jesus said these things while he was teaching in the Temple, near where the money is kept. But no one arrested him, because the right time for him had not yet come.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank that You include us in Your overall plan to harvest souls into the kingdom of heaven. Open our eyes and burden our hearts as we look at the field of souls ripe for harvest. Show us ways in which we can enlarge our circle of influence as we work cooperatively with fellow believers in the great harvest of souls. What a joy it is to see people come to faith and grow in their Christian walk as we diligently plant seeds of salvation and water them with wisdom from Your Holy Word and through our Christian testimony.  Amen.

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

Wednesday December 5, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't look forward in fear, look backward in appreciation-

2-God's proof is in his past-

3-Forgetfulness begets fearfulness-

4-Believing prayer ushers in God's peace-

5-God is perfect peace because God is perfect power-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-There are no new sins,the old ones just get more publicity-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Care to know less and know to care more-

 

DID YOU KNOW-American Airlines saved $40,000 in 1987 by eliminating one olive from each salad served in first class-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Jesus' human father Joseph died before Jesus was 30, could Jesus have healed him or raised him from the dead?

2-In scripture there is no mention of when Jesus mother and father, Mary and Joseph, died.  Why not?

3-Why shouldn't the disciples have understood Jesus saying he would be killed and then rise again from the dead when they had seen him demonstrate all his divine power? 

4-Did the disciples ever experience quarrels and jealousy?

5-Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was commander of the Israelites under Moses?

Yesterday's answer-Sisera    Judges 4:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  John 8:1-11

8 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. ² But early in the morning he went back to the Temple, and all the people came to him, and he sat and taught them. ³ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery. They forced her to stand before the people. ⁴ They said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught having sexual relations with a man who is not her husband. ⁵ The law of Moses commands that we stone to death every woman who does this. What do you say we should do?” ⁶ They were asking this to trick Jesus so that they could have some charge against him.

But Jesus bent over and started writing on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they continued to ask Jesus their question, he raised up and said, “Anyone here who has never sinned can throw the first stone at her.” ⁸ Then Jesus bent over again and wrote on the ground.

⁹ Those who heard Jesus began to leave one by one, first the older men and then the others. Jesus was left there alone with the woman standing before him. ¹⁰ Jesus raised up again and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one judged you guilty?”

¹¹ She answered, “No one, sir.”

Then Jesus said, “I also don’t judge you guilty. You may go now, but don’t sin anymore.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we so easily consume our mind and energies with offenses we suffer at the hands of cruel and hurtful people. But then we see how Joseph matured in the midst of his cruel treatment, rose above vengeful plotting and a tit for tat attitude, to focus on the bigger picture which was Your plan to save lives. May we rise beyond the foolishness and cruelty of others to see the bigger picture of Your overall plan for our lives. Whatever slight or evil intended by another cannot thwart Your good plan for our life if we are driven by Your Holy Spirit and not the offense. And at times it is in the offense that You conform us to be more like Jesus. You want us to forgive our offender so that we have deep abiding peace in our hearts and unobstructed focus for Your divine guidance in our lives. It is only through You that we can forgive and mature in our Christian walk. Amen.

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

Tuesday December 4, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is no such thing as a crossless gospel-

2-Worry changes nothing except the worrier-it makes them sick-

3-Worry doesn't manage your problems, rather your problems are managing you-

4-Rather than taking away tomorrows trouble, worry voids today's strength-

5-The solution to worrying is praying with thankfulness and gratitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one has more driving ambition than the teen who wants to buy a car-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do less correcting and more connecting-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The condensed water vapor left by jets in the sky is called a contrail-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do some removals of evil spirits take more than prayer and faith?

2-Is anything impossible even if we have faith and believe?

3-What happened with and in the families and friends of the people Jesus healed?

4-Did Jesus ever heal a close family member?

5-Did Jesus heal anyone before he started his ministry at the age of 30?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Canaanite commander was murdered byJael?

Yesterday's answer-Abner   1 Samuel 14:50

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 7:45-53

⁴⁵ The Temple guards went back to the leading priests and the Pharisees, who asked, “Why didn’t you bring Jesus?”

⁴⁶ The guards answered, “The words he says are greater than the words of any other person who has ever spoken!”

⁴⁷ The Pharisees answered, “So Jesus has fooled you also!⁴⁸ Have any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in him? No! ⁴⁹ But these people, who know nothing about the law, are under God’s curse.”

⁵⁰ Nicodemus, who had gone to see Jesus before, was in that group.^[a] He said, ⁵¹ “Our law does not judge a person without hearing him and knowing what he has done.”

⁵² They answered, “Are you from Galilee, too? Study the Scriptures, and you will learn that no prophet comes from Galilee.”

⁵³ And everyone left and went home.

Footnotes:

1. John 7:50 Nicodemus . . . Group. The story about Nicodemus going and talking to Jesus is in John 3:1–21.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we are surrounded by Your awesome works and the endless display of Your divine handiwork. The entire universe is in perfect order which is a testimony to Your greatness and continued watchful eye over all of Your creation. The silent heavens speak as they declare Your majesty and glory. They also testify to Your righteousness and faithfulness as the Lord who created them and gave them a purpose for existence.  May we, as Your human creation, also proclaim Your righteousness and faithfulness day after day. May our lives display the work of the Holy Spirit as we continue to grow in faith until the day of Christ’s return. Amen.

 

 

 

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

Monday December 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anything you give to Jesus you will get back multiplied-

2-A man who masters his money has no master-

3-Time doesn't decide miracles, faith does-

4-You have to have faith in the seed before you can have faith in a harvest-

5-Delayed obedience is disobedience-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Scratch a dog and you will have a permanent job-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Finger paint more and point the finger less-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The tail section of an airplane gives the bumpiest ride-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does Jesus promise pain and troubles to them who follow him?

2-Is there a high price of loyalty to be a Christian?

3-If Jesus suffered rejection, why are we surprised when his followers suffer today?

4-Did Jesus really suffer death as we know it?

5-The father who came to Jesus about his boy that seemed to have an evil spirit told Jesus it had been going on since he was a baby.  How could an evil spirit posses a baby or was it just a neurological disorder?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What cousin of Saul was commander of the king's troops?

Yesterday's answer-Outside the temple   Acts 21:30-33

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 7:40-44

⁴⁰ When the people heard Jesus’ words, some of them said, “This man really is the Prophet.”^[a]

⁴¹ Others said, “He is the Christ.”

Still others said, “The Christ will not come from Galilee.⁴² The Scripture says that the Christ will come from David’s family and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived.”⁴³ So the people did not agree with each other about Jesus. ⁴⁴ Some of them wanted to arrest him, but no one was able to touch him.

Footnotes:

1. John 7:40 Prophet They probably meant the prophet God told Moses he would send (Deuteronomy 18:15–19). 

Prayer for today

Father, I ask you to help me to be serious about dealing with everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles me. Help me not to play around with these matters that  hold me captive and bring destruction. Put to death any desire or behavior which resurrects my earthly nature. I want to be separated from that which is evil and wholly consecrated to You. It is in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

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

Sunday December 2, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Every step toward self sufficiency is a step away from God-

2-You can create your future with your faith-

3-Anything you do in an attempt to obey God will not go unrewarded-

4-If you want something you've never had you must do something that you've never done-

5-If you keep what you have, that is your harvest-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is it that at class reunions you feel younger than everyone else looks?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A Boeing 747's wingspan is longer than the distance of the Wright Brothers' first flight-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus a visionary?

2-How do you "deny yourself" to follow Jesus?

3-What is the "cross" we are to take up to follow Jesus?

4-What did Jesus mean by saying "whoever will lose his life for me will find it"?

5-What is worth more than your soul?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where was Paul when a Roman soldier stopped him from being murdered by any angry mob?

Yesterday's answer-Benaiah      2 Samuel 8:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 7:37-39

³⁷ On the last and most important day of the feast Jesus stood up and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. ³⁸ If anyone believes in me, rivers of living water will flow out from that person’s heart, as the Scripture says.” ³⁹ Jesus was talking about the Holy Spirit. The Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been raised to glory. But later, those who believed in Jesus would receive the Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have commissioned us, as believers, to reach the lost, inviting them to surrender their lives to Jesus and receive forgiveness of sins.  It is at their point of surrender that we witness the supernatural working of the Holy Spirit; cleansing, restoring, purging, and maturing the young believer toward good works in Christ. We thank You for the cleansing work of the Holy Spirit at work in each of us who come to faith, equipping us with the endurance and perseverance needed to walk our journey of faith in the midst of an increasingly hostile and unaccepting society. It is through Jesus that we come to You in prayer. Amen.

 

 

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

Saturday December 1, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You are important to a few and will be missed by many-

2-Problems are not walls but doors-

3-Some of the most wonderful Christian people are destitute-

4-Wisdom is the ability to discern differences-

5-Spiritual wisdom is related to your God knowledge-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-You are always doing something stupid.  It is only a matter of when you find it out-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Something I've been given can be traded for something that is promised-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A jumbo jet uses four thousand gallons of fuel to take off-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Were any of Jesus' miracles more for the disciples benefit than the one receiving it?

2-What was the primary reason that people of Jesus' day couldn't understand who he was?

3-What was the most important question ever asked the disciples?

4-What were the "gates of Hades" that Jesus spoke of?

5-Are we too critical of the people of Jesus' day  for not understanding who Jesus was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What soldier was in charge of David's bodyguard?

Yesterday's answer-Claudius Lysias    Acts  23:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 7:32-36

³² The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Jesus. So the leading priests and the Pharisees sent some Temple guards to arrest him. ³³ Jesus said, “I will be with you a little while longer. Then I will go back to the One who sent me. ³⁴ You will look for me, but you will not find me. And you cannot come where I am.”

³⁵ Some people said to each other, “Where will this man go so we cannot find him? Will he go to the Greek cities where our people live and teach the Greek people there?³⁶ What did he mean when he said, ‘You will look for me, but you will not find me,’ and ‘You cannot come where I am’?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we are grateful for the many believers who invested in our lives at the beginning of our spiritual journey and for those who presently spur us on to faithfulness, good works, and spiritual growth. Just as King Joash needed the example and teaching of a godly priest, we too, need the exemplary guidance of those whose walk with the Lord is mature, consistent and inspiring. Speak to our hearts if we are to provide guidance to one who is struggling along the way, one whose life is complicated by factors that can easily lead him to stray from the right path.  We want to be useful in building and expanding Your kingdom. In Jesus’ 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.