Tuesday February 19, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich-

2-You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong-

3-You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift-

4-You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling the wage payer down-

5-You cannot promote the brotherhood of man by inviting hatred-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-For the ladies-Don't think of it as getting hot flashes, think of it as your inner child playing with matches-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Feelings are not facts-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The 111th element is known a unnilenilenium

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Mary ever explain to her other children who Jesus was?

2-Did any of Mary's children ever question Jesus' divine birth?

3-Is there such a thing as "worldly wisdom"?

4-Was all of Jesus' family present at his crucifixion?

5-What does it mean to be a "friend of the world"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked Elisha's forgiveness for worshiping in the temple of the god Rimmon?

Yesterday's answer-The temple of Ashtoreth   1 Samuel 31:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:27-30

²⁷ “I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don’t let your hearts be troubled or afraid. ²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going, but I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you should be happy that I am going back to the Father, because he is greater than I am. ²⁹ I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when it happens, you will believe. ³⁰ I will not talk with you much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me, ³¹ but the world must know that I love the Father, so I do exactly what the Father told me to do.
“Come now, let us go.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I consider the depth of one’s faith and how far-reaching it is when fleshed out in one’s life. Timothy’s sincere faith was due in great part to the influence of a godly grandmother and equally devoted mother. As we stay in communion with You through prayer and obedience to Your Holy Word we ask You to keep the flame burning within our hearts. It is not just compliance to Your Word, but also fervency in our spirit that will convince others of their need to walk in Your ways. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday February 18, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you keep your mind on the Lord, that keeps you from getting it on your problems-

2-Sometimes, everything we want is opposite from everything we need-

3-Thank God that he has the wisdom to not give us all we want or ask for-

4-Dwell not on what the world has become, but on who has come to the world-

5-There are many sides to gossip, but all sides of gossip are equally bad-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-About half the stuff in my shopping cart these days says "for fast relief"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You don't need all the answers-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The metal part at the end of a pencil is 20 percent sulfur

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can the tongue always be controlled?

2-How do you honor the Lord with your wealth?

3-How do we submit our speaking to the control of God's spirit?

4-Why didn't Jesus chose any family members to be one of his disciples?

5-When did James (Jesus half brother) become a believer in who Jesus was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-After Saul's death, where did the Philistines carry his armor?

Yesterday's answer-Ahab     1 Kings 16:32

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 14:22-26

²² Then Judas (not Judas Iscariot) said, “But, Lord, why do you plan to show yourself to us and not to the rest of the world?”
²³ Jesus answered, “If people love me, they will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. ²⁴ Those who do not love me do not obey my teaching. This teaching that you hear is not really mine; it is from my Father, who sent me.
²⁵ “I have told you all these things while I am with you. ²⁶ But the Helper will teach you everything and will cause you to remember all that I told you. This Helper is the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we limit our faith when we pray and then expect You to provide for our needs in the natural human way. But when we read the Scriptures we’re reminded me that You are Omnipotent and You work in supernatural ways to restore broken lives and mend broken hearts. You do extraordinary things in ordinary lives who’ve plunged into desperate messes of their own making. We place our loved ones in Your hands and ask You to reveal Your immeasurable, not for sale grace to their lives, even as You have shown to us. Thank You for grace, God’s riches at Christ’s expense. Amen.

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

Sunday February 17, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Joy is not necessarily in the circumstances but in the verdict-

2-Heavy givers are light complainers-

3-A good thing is not necessarily a God thing-

4-Good times become good memories, bad times become good lessons-

5-Keep looking up for there is only mud under your shoes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is scary when you start making the same noises as your coffee maker-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness is the greatest expression of love-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The densest substance on earth is the metal osmium-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can we ever be free of all prejudices?

2-Is showing favoritism sin?

3-Why is faith without works dead?

4-Is mere belief in God enough to be a Christian?

5-What is spiritual discipline and how do you develop it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built a temple for Baal in Samaria?

Yesterday's answer-Solomon     1 Kings 6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 14:18-21

¹⁸ “I will not leave you all alone like orphans; I will come back to you. ¹⁹ In a little while the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you will live, too. ²⁰ On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and that you are in me and I am in you. ²¹ Those who know my commands and obey them are the ones who love me, and my Father will love those who love me. I will love them and will show myself to them.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY
 Father, the devil communicates with us daily by tempting us to do that which displeases you. It seems there are days when he talks non-stop. But You make a way of escape as we come to You in prayer, as we search and apply the Scriptures, and as we practice self-control. We can endure temptation by keeping our hearts pure and our eyes fixed upon the future rewards that come from obeying You and walking in Your ways. Amen.

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

Saturday February 16, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There are few ideal and leisurely settings for the disciplines of growth-

2-Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and leave the rest to God-

3-Happiness keeps you sweet, trials keep you strong-

4-Sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you growing, God keeps you going-

5-If you love until it hurts, you find there is no more hurt, only more love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I'm getting into swing dancing, not on purpose, it is just that some parts of my body are just prone to swinging-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God gave us two hands.  If we hang on to the past, we can't embrace the future-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are five trillion atoms in one pound of iron-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Jesus washed the disciples feet as an example to us, why don't we practice it today?

2-Are we as Christians to offer unconditional grace to everyone?

3-What was the primary purpose of Jesus "washing the feet" of the disciples?

4-Why isn't the "washing of feet" considered a sacrament?

5-Is it possible to love/like everyone the same?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who built the first temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-The ark of the covenant    1 Samuel 5:2-4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:15-17

¹⁵ “If you love me, you will obey my commands. ¹⁶ I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper^[a] to be with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he lives with you and he will be in you.

Footnotes:

1. John 14:16 Helper “Counselor” or “Comforter.” Jesus is talking about the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we want to thank You for diversity in the body of Christ. There is so much incredible variety in personalities, giftings, ethnicity, and varied interests. As we dwell together in unity You help us to become like minded, having the same love, being of one accord. Your work goes forward when we set aside our personal agenda, and for the sake of the body, focus on that which we have in common with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, as much as it is possible, help us to be at peace with our church family, our immediate and extended family as well that You have blessed us with. In the name of Jesus 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 February 15, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't bother to be better than your contemporaries or ancestors, try to be better than yourself-

2-If you live your life worrying about the "what ifs" you'll never enjoy the "what nows"-

3-If ever there is a time when we need the Lord, it is in the good times-

4-Always be a first rate version of yourself instead of a second rate version of someone else-

5-Most of the significant things done are done by people who are too busy-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Know how to prevent sagging?  Just eat until the wrinkles fill out-

I'VE LEARNED-It is not about having it all, it is about having what you value most-

DID YOU KNOW-The ashes of the metal magnesium are heavier than magnesium itself-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we know if/when we are "Godly"?

2-Can there be anger in the "Godly life"?

3-How is "pure and undefiled religion" lived?

4-How can you have "ears to hear" God's word?

5-In what ways does our life demonstrate to other that we are a Christian?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What holy object was taken by the Philistines into the temple of Dagon, causing Dagon's image to fall down?

Yesterday's answer-His body  John 2:19-21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 14:8-14

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father. That is all we need.”
⁹ Jesus answered, “I have been with you a long time now. Do you still not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. So why do you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ¹⁰ Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I say to you don’t come from me, but the Father lives in me and does his own work. ¹¹ Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me. Or believe because of the miracles I have done. ¹² I tell you the truth, whoever believes in me will do the same things that I do. Those who believe will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And if you ask for anything in my name, I will do it for you so that the Father’s glory will be shown through the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask me for anything in my name, I will do it.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, it is an irrefutable spiritual truth that the human spirit is renewed and empowered day by day because Christ has chosen to store His treasure within us, His earthen jars of clay. It is because this treasure is stored within us that we do not lose hope or give up our faith when adversity strikes. Instead we show that this all-surpassing gift is from You and not of our own origin. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us, empowers us, and sustains us!  Praise be to God!  Amen.

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

Thursday February 14, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is sad that people today can be committed to the success of the church yet not really be committed to God's will-

2-God's love for people extends beyond just Christians but to the lost people everywhere also-

3-Man is never impressed with his insignificance until he compares himself with the majesty of God-

4-Unless you can create the universe in 6 days, then perhaps giving advice to God isn't such a good idea-

5-So many times it is not what you say but how you say it that turns the switch from off to on-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-My memory is not as sharp as it used to be, also, my memory is not as sharp as it used to be-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Methane gas can often be seen bubbling up from the bottom of ponds.  It is produced by the decomposition of dead plants and animals in the mud-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it our tendency to tally our temptations and count our complaints rather than count our blessings?

2-Why do so many people blame God as the source of temptation?

3-What temptations are most difficult to resist?

4-Is temptation itself sin?

5-Are Christians ever set free from the temptations of sin?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was Jesus talking about when he spoke of destroying the temple and raising it up in three days?

Yesterday's answer-Nebuchadnezzar   2 Chronicles 36:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 14:1-7

14 Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. ² There are many rooms in my Father’s house; I would not tell you this if it were not true. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ³ After I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. ⁴ You know the way to the place where I am going.”^[a]

⁵ Thomas said to Jesus, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. So how can we know the way?”
⁶ Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. The only way to the Father is through me. ⁷ If you really knew me, you would know my Father, too. But now you do know him, and you have seen him.”

Footnotes:

1. John 14:4 You . . . Going. Some Greek copies read “You know where I am going and the way to the place I am going.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there are numerous subject matters that are troubling to the believer as darkness continues to spread throughout our land. What a blessing to know that the darkness of sin cannot overcome the light of Truth revealed through Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, the Life.  But we, as believers, must be very careful not to distort, dilute, or digress from Your Biblical instruction. We ask that those walking in darkness will see the light of Christ shining through us. It is in Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday February 13, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is up to the person afflicted with bitterness to deal with it and bring peace to himself-

2-It is not only how you act but also how you react-

3-When we sin we are turning away from God-

4-When you pray you must believe that your prayers are heard by God-

5-God is moved with compassion for sinners who truly repent-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The nicest thing about being senile is that you can hide your own Easter eggs-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You will either worry or worship, pray or panic-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do we love those who are not loveable?

2-Does love have to be expressed?

3-Can a broken promise be fixed?

4-What is the difference in the words-renewal, revival and awakening?

5-What is the Christian's right response to trails?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who carried away furnishings from the Jerusalem temple and put them in the temple at Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-John  Revelation 11:1-2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:36-38

³⁶ Simon Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus answered, “Where I am going you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
³⁷ Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I am ready to die for you!”
³⁸ Jesus answered, “Are you ready to die for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t know me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, when we are angry You tell us to stay above the fray and sin not. There are times when it is appropriate to be angry such as when we see a person harming another individual; when we have been lied to, when we have been unfairly accused or when we see the rotting decay around us due to the forces of evil. These circumstances along with many others stir up strong emotions with us and often require a response to the matter. Keep us prayerful as we are quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. May we respond as Jesus did to His many accusers, though innocent, He spoke not a word in His defense. And may we be careful not to keep a scoreboard of other’s offenses. We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus who forgives us and does not count our sins against us, but rather took them upon Himself.  Amen.

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

Tuesday February 12, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger is sometimes right and justified, but bitterness is always sinful and unjustified-

2-You will never conquer bitterness unless the problem is acknowledged-

3-Do you ever wonder why there is so much about confession in scripture?  It is because the only way the disease of sin can be healed and removed is by first acknowledging it is present-

4-Forgiveness is the only action that will heal bitterness, not revenge, spite or retaliation will do it-

5-You can forgive because God has forgiven you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If sports players get athletes feet, do astronauts get mistletoe?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Spend time with those you love.  Someday you will say either "I wish I had" or "I'm glad I did"-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Hydrogen is the most common atom in the universe-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do you have to prove your love to others?

2-Can love be imitated?

3-What is the real test of love?

4-How can we not love someone and yet say we love God?

5-Are some people not loveable?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was told in a vision to measure the temple in Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Sennacherib     2 Kings 19:37

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 13:31-35

³¹ When Judas was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man receives his glory, and God receives glory through him. ³² If God receives glory through him,^[a] then God will give glory to the Son through himself. And God will give him glory quickly.”
³³ Jesus said, “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and what I told the Jews, I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come.
³⁴ “I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. ³⁵ All people will know that you are my followers if you love each other.”

Footnotes:

1. John 13:32 If . . . Him Some Greek copies do not have this phrase.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, when You took the dust of the ground to form man and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life You had a purpose for his existence on earth. And You have a purpose for all human life. Forgive us for assuming that we know more than You, the Creator of life, in willfully choosing whether one is allowed to live and another is destined to die before one breathes his or her first independent breath. We thank You for the millions who take a visible stand for life, based not on a popular theme but on truths established in Your Holy Word. Help us to be vigilant in doing what is right and good in Your sight, even when it is inconvenient and costly to our personal lives. In our disposable society help us never to dispose of human life that You created or to dispose of truths that You intended for us to live by in favor of a political, intellectual, or financial agenda. Amen.

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

Monday February 11, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A bitter root always bears bitter fruit-

2-Bitterness grows when you bottle up anger inside you-

3-Bitterness can be more destructive than anger-

4-Resentment, bitterness and self pity build up inside of us and destroys us like a slow growing cancer-

5-Bitterness depresses you and destroys your health-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Back up my hard drive?  How do I put it in reverse?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't judge what you don't understand-

 

DID YOU KNOW-DuPont is the world's largest chemical company-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does Jesus live in side of the Christian or is it the Holy Spirit?

2-How does God abide in us?

3-How do we abide in God?

4-Why do Christians so often not act and live lovingly?

5-Is there any fear in love?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Assyrian emperor was assassinated by his sons while he was worshiping in his pagan temple?

Yesterday's answer-All believers   1 Corinthians 6:19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     John 13:26-30

²⁶ Jesus answered, “I will dip this bread into the dish. The man I give it to is the man who will turn against me.” So Jesus took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. ²⁷ As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered him. Jesus said to him, “The thing that you will do—do it quickly.” ²⁸ No one at the table understood why Jesus said this to Judas. ²⁹ Since he was the one who kept the money box, some of the followers thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast or to give something to the poor.
³⁰ Judas took the bread Jesus gave him and immediately went out. It was night.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, I want to be vigilant in equipping myself today as I battle the spiritual forces of evil. Though I wage war in this present and evil generation I have a body guard in the presence of the Holy Spirit who gives me power over the enemy of my soul. Today, I stand against the devil’s schemes because I take on the full armor of God; the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.  As I prayerfully cover my vulnerable self with godly armor I am fully equipped with the necessary provisions to overcome discouragement, disappointment and seeming defeat. Instead I am an enduring conqueror who stands triumphant by Your grace, through our Lord Jesus Christ in whose name I pray!  Amen.

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

Sunday February 10, 2013 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To get angry is easy but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way is not-

2-Temper is anger's type A eldest son-

3-Short tempered people do foolish things-

4-Scripture tells us that it is to our benefit to overlook transgressions-

5-The root of bitterness needs little soil, requires minimum cultivation, grows quickly and is very difficult to remove-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you lose your temper why would you ever want it back?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Who you are does make a difference-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Almost all the helium that exists in the world today is from natural gas wells in the US-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God love (noun) or is he loving (verb)?

2-Can we ever get "loving" right?

3-Is sin primarily not loving God?

4-What does "propitiation" mean?

5-If someone was going to give their life for you, wouldn't you love them?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Paul, who is called to be the temple of God?

Yesterday's answer-Ezekiel (40-42)

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:21-25

²¹ After Jesus said this, he was very troubled. He said openly, “I tell you the truth, one of you will turn against me.”
²² The followers all looked at each other, because they did not know whom Jesus was talking about. ²³ One of the followers sitting^[a] next to Jesus was the follower Jesus loved. ²⁴ Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus whom he was talking about.
²⁵ That follower leaned closer to Jesus and asked, “Lord, who is it?”

Footnotes:

1. John 13:23 sitting Literally, “lying.” The people of that time ate lying down and leaning on one arm.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

  Father, we remember the words of Jesus who said, “You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will be accused before kings and governors for being my followers. This will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply.” Help us to stand up for righteousness and seek to glorify You in our attitude and in the words we speak should we undergo persecution, for we seek to be obedient to You, even unto death.” Amen.

 

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

Saturday February 9, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We didn't earn salvation, it was a gift to us-

2-It is a myth that says the more you love someone, the bigger and more expensive the gift you should give them-

3-Showing your love is more important than just saying it for actions speak louder than words-

4-Ask yourself, "What am I investing my life in that truly doesn't have any eternal impact?"-probably most of it-

5-Jesus, break my heart for what breaks yours-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If marriage was outlawed, only outlaws would have in laws-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is your friends who make your world-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All organic compounds contain carbon-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is love hard to understand?

2-Do we learn to love or are we born knowing how to love?

3-At what point do we learn that love is giving, not receiving-

4-Do we love because it is something we do, something we feel or something we are?

5-Is love expressed in God giving his son or his son responding willingly to his father's desires?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who received a vision of the Jerusalem temple while he was in exile in Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-The temple of the god Berith   Judges 9:46-49

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:18-20

¹⁸ “I am not talking about all of you. I know those I have chosen. But this is to bring about what the Scripture said: ‘The man who ate at my table has turned against me.’^{[a] 19} I am telling you this now before it happens so that when it happens, you will believe that I am he. ²⁰ I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send also accepts me. And whoever accepts me also accepts the One who sent me.”

Footnotes:

1. John 13:18 ‘The man . . . Me.’ Quotation from Psalm 41:9.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You welcome all to be a part of Your kingdom: the young and the old, the weak and the strong, those born in ideal circumstances and those conceived in the worst imaginable setting. All the days ordained for our lives were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Because You take broken vessels and piece them back together with Your miraculous healing touch no soul is without hope. For those dedicated to spreading this message of life and hope to mothers and fathers of the unborn we pray that they will be spurred on by the power of Your Holy Spirit. May their voices make a welcoming difference to innocent lives in our hostile world, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 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 February 8, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's will should be accomplished God's way-

2-From evil doers come evil deeds-

3-The universe maker became the sin bearer-

4-The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church-

5-Sometimes we get so far down the holiness highway that we forget we were once sinners-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I always wanted to be a procrastinator but never got around to it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgive those who have wronged you and ask forgiveness from those you have wronged-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Due to earth's gravity, it is impossible for mountains to be higher than 15,000 meters-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How is loving and giving connected?

2-What are we doing now that requires faith?

3-Did Jesus have any close friends other than the disciples?

4-Did Jesus  develop any close friends in his growing up years before beginning his ministry?

5-How is it that the universe keeps expanding?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose temple did Abimelech burn while the people of Shechem were hiding inside?

Yesterday's answer-God and the Lamb are the temple     Revelation 21:22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:12-17

¹² When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and sat down again. He asked, “Do you understand what I have just done for you? ¹³ You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that is what I am. ¹⁴ If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet. ¹⁵ I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ I tell you the truth, a servant is not greater than his master. A messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Loving Father who rescued us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of Your Son, the light of the world, we are eternally grateful for Your loving work of grace in our lives. Where would we be today without the redemptive work of Jesus who bore the pain and disgrace of our sins that we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. We give You praise now and forevermore through Christ Jesus our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Thursday February 7, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Each day is a new day-

2-A single day of life is worth more than all the treasures of the universe-

3-Ignorance might be a blessing to you but it is agony to everyone around you-

4-Partial obedience is still disobedience-

5-An open door does not always mean God is wanting us to move through it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What are preparations A-G

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't change your past but your future is what you make it, starting right now-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The moon moves about 2 inches away from earth each year-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you have God's love in your life if you have no compassion for the poor?

2-Are we given children to teach or learn from?

3-How would our life change if we actually thought of each person we came in contact with as if it were Jesus?

4-Is the greatest love in words or actions?

5-Does true love require a sacrifice?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Why did john not see a temple in the new Jerusalem?

Yesterday's answer-Diana (or Artemis)    Acts 19:27-28

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      John 13:10-11

¹⁰ Jesus said, “After a person has had a bath, his whole body is clean. He needs only to wash his feet. And you men are clean, but not all of you.” ¹¹ Jesus knew who would turn against him, and that is why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we lift our cup to You for a fresh filling of Your Holy Spirit that refreshes, invigorates, encourages, convicts and guides us into all truths. We want to be vigilant in our spiritual walk, never sighing at old truths but making them the unchanging foundation on which we build newly understood truths and personal experiences in which You reveal Yourself to us. We will continue to grow up in our salvation as we partake of all that You have provided to meet our spiritual needs. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Wednesday February 6, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Life's greatest lessons are mastered through learning to make something good out of seeming bad-

2-Victory is a state of mind-

3-Love is ether unconditional or it is not love-

4-Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life-

5-Life's lessons are learned over time and like a puzzle that comes together, we eventually become who we are-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why do we play in recitals and recite in plays-

 

I'VE LEAREND-The things you take for granted, someone else is praying for-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Strawberries are the only fruit whose seeds grow on the outside-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does baptism make you a member of God's family or show that you are a part of God's family?

2-What are the biblical conditions for baptism?

3-Does God play "hide and seek" with his people?

4-At what point do you often lose your faith during dark times?

5-Can you do the right thing for the wrong reason?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which goddess had a notorious temple at Ephesus?

Yesterday's answer-Saul's head      1 Chronicles  10:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 13:6-9

⁶ Jesus came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
⁷ Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later.”
⁸ Peter said, “No, you will never wash my feet.”
Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash your feet, you are not one of my people.”
⁹ Simon Peter answered, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but wash my hands and my head, too!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, it is under Your wings that we are protected against the fierce wind currents of doubt, fear, and impatience. Such troubling emotions weigh us down and can pull us right into the path of a pelting storm. But it is through eyes of faith and a heart of trust that we can mount up with You and soar like eagles above the assaulting storm and wait it out until the rainbow appears; Your divine covenant of promise, written out in all the colors that are pleasing to behold. You promise never to leave us nor forsake us which gives us courage to wait and trust You to fully answer our prayers. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

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

Tuesdy February 5, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Seek to be triumphant and that spirit of victory will become alive in you-

2-Search to see the good in all that is happening and you will begin to live the good-

3-The enemy of your soul only has claim to what you give him-

4-Satan cannot steal away your joy and happiness, it is your choice whether he can take it-

5-Happiness, satisfaction, contentment, peace and joy are not contingent on things of the physical, on your surroundings or on your lack of problems, but are contingent on your choices-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you ship something by car it is called a  shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it is called cargo-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You stop believing in Santa Claus when you start getting clothes for Christmas-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In ancient times, strangers shook hands to show they were unarmed-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you trust God and feel despair at the same time?

2-Are we born into or adapted into the family of God?

3-Are non believers God's children?

4-Did God need a family?

5-Did God ever feel lonely?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What gruesome object did the Philistines fasten in the temple of Dagon?

Yesterday's answer-Hebron   2 Samuel 2:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 13:1-5

 It was almost time for the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that it was time for him to leave this world and go back to the Father. He had always loved those who were his own in the world, and he loved them all the way to the end.

² Jesus and his followers were at the evening meal. The devil had already persuaded Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to turn against Jesus. ³ Jesus knew that the Father had given him power over everything and that he had come from God and was going back to God. ⁴ So during the meal Jesus stood up and took off his outer clothing. Taking a towel, he wrapped it around his waist. ⁵ Then he poured water into a bowl and began to wash the followers’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Father, we know that in ourselves we are nothing, but in You, we are made complete. Our identity is found in Christ and that is the basis of our self-worth making us valuable and capable of worthy service through Christ who dwells within us. Help us not to be consumed with thoughts of how the world views us, but to think soberly with good judgment so that we do not look to the wrong source for approval or imitate that which deglorifies Christ. Through Christ Jesus our Lord we pray. Amen.

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

Saurday February 2, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If we want to hear from God, we need to listen-

2-If we want to keep hearing from God, we need to do the things he has already asked us-

3-It is not your circumstances that determine your happiness, it is your state of mind-

4-Happiness and contentment are in your attitude-

5-Desire contentment in how things are today, not how they could be and you will find the satisfaction you long for-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are there interstate highways in Hawaii?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes it is best to just let some things go-

 

DID YOU KNOW-When a person dies, hearing is the last sense to go.  Sight is the first sense lost-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus ever have a disagreement with the father?

2-Could Jesus have called angels to save him on the cross?

3-Is God always present even if you don't feel him?

4-How do you keep your eyes on Jesus when they are full of tears?

5-How do you praise God when he is silent in your life?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did the men of Judah gather to anoint David as their king?

Yesterday's answer-Lucifer    Ezekiel 28:14---some translations have "the king of Tyre"-

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   John 12:47-50

⁷ “Anyone who hears my words and does not obey them, I do not judge, because I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. ⁴⁸ There is a judge for those who refuse to believe in me and do not accept my words. The word I have taught will be their judge on the last day. ⁴⁹ The things I taught were not from myself. The Father who sent me told me what to say and what to teach. ⁵⁰ And I know that eternal life comes from what the Father commands. So whatever I say is what the Father told me to say.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for sending Jesus to live among us over 2000 years ago. We thank You for His teachings, His sinless life, and for His death on the cross that provides for our salvation.  Each of us has sinned and we know through Scripture that the penalty for our sin is death. So we thank You for Jesus who died instead for our sin. We ask for Your forgiveness as we believe and confess that Jesus is Lord, because salvation comes to us through Christ Jesus our Lord. Thank You for Your gift of salvation.

 

 

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 February 1, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Flowers are sunshine, food and medicine to the soul-

2-Believers eventually become achievers-

3-Habit, it not resisted, soon becomes necessity-

4-Nothing will be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome-

5-God never asks us to do anything that would be in conflict with his nature or what he has previously declared-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a cow could laugh would milk come out her nose?

 

I'VE LEARNED-If you aren't content with what you have, you won't be content with what you would like to have-

 

DID YOU KNOW-If you get into the bottom of a well or inside a chimney and look up, you can see stars, even in the middle of the day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are the 10 commandments really about relationships?

2-Why do we confuse what is urgent with what is important?

3-Why didn't Jesus bleed to death?

4-Why did Jesus have to be condemned and crucified as a criminal?

5-Could Jesus have saved himself from the cross?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Prior to his fall, what person was anointed by God?

Yesterday's answer-Samuel  1n Samuel 16:12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    John 12:42-46

⁴² But many believed in Jesus, even many of the leaders. But because of the Pharisees, they did not say they believed in him for fear they would be put out of the synagogue. ⁴³ They loved praise from people more than praise from God.
⁴⁴ Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me is really believing in the One who sent me. ⁴⁵ Whoever sees me sees the One who sent me. ⁴⁶ I have come as light into the world so that whoever believes in me would not stay in darkness.

PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord Jesus, often the daily grind is not appealing as I awaken each morning to the tasks before me. Sometimes the routine seems endless and I find myself lacking fulfillment in this aspect of my life and yet it requires the majority of my time and focus. Jesus, please help me to find the hidden strength that only comes from seeking You to deal with the negative attitudes that tempt me daily. Help me also to look beyond the immediate to the deeper meaning of each day’s task. Above all, help me to keep my eyes on spiritual truths as I meditate upon Your Word and apply its meaning to my life each new day. It is in this faithful practice of placing You at the center of my focus that I can rise above the difficulties that come my way. Restore to me, this day, the joy of Your salvation and renew a steadfast spirit within me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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