Sunday February 9, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It was yesterday you said-tomorrow-

2-"Jesus" is not a neutral subject-

3-Jesus said "come and see" and "experience"-

4-The church should be the most powerful persuasive power on earth-

5-Christianity can be summed up in 4 words-1 God loved, 2 God gave, 3 We believe, 4 We receive-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Dust is mud with the water squeezed out-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Love is never wasted.  It make no difference where it is bestowed for it always brings in big returns-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giraffe's heart is huge.  It weighs twenty five pounds, is two feel long, and has walls up to three inches thick-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Adam and Eve had never been exposed to anything not good, how would they know what evil was?

2-After eating the forbidden fruit, why did Adam and Eve think being naked was bad?

3-Did God physically and literally walk in the Garden of Eden?

4-Why did Adam accept the forbidden fruit from Eve?

5-Why didn't Adam stop Eve from eating the forbidden fruit?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was pardoned by David after confessing his sin and begging for mercy?

Answer for today-Shimei   2 Samuel 19:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      Proverbs 8:1-11

Wisdom calls to you like someone shouting;
    Understanding raises her voice.
² On the hilltops along the road
    And at the crossroads, she stands calling.
³ Beside the city gates,
    At the entrances into the city, she calls out:
⁴ “Listen, everyone, I’m calling out to you;
    I am shouting to all people.
⁵ You who are uneducated, seek wisdom.
    You who are foolish, get understanding.
⁶ Listen, because I have important things to say,
    And what I tell you is right.
⁷ What I say is true,
    I refuse to speak evil.
⁸ Everything I say is honest;
    Nothing I say is crooked or false.
⁹ People with good sense know what I say is true;
    And those with knowledge know my words are right.
¹⁰ Choose my teachings instead of silver,
    And knowledge rather than the finest gold.
¹¹ Wisdom is more precious than rubies.
    Nothing you could want is equal to it.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, in this ever-changing society where transition beckons us daily, You are the Changeless One. As we hold tightly to the hope we profess we will not be swayed to the right nor to the left. And we hold to this hope because You are faithful to Your Word and to Your divine character. Though the heavens are silent at times and the world continues to slide into decadence and intolerance toward true Christians we remain faithful. We will hold on a little while longer and shine as lights in this dark universe so that we can influence as many as possible. As we hold unswervingly to the hope we profess we will not give up due to weariness, weakness, or a wayward heart, for Your unchanging truth  makes the triumph sure. We joyfully have enlisted, led by Your grace divine. We are on our Lord’s side, Father, we are Thine. Amen.

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

Saturday February 8, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-People can be cruel and break your heart but only you can keep them from hurting you-

2-Never take someone's feelings for granted for you never know how much courage it took for them to share their feelings with you-

3-Your present circumstances don't determine where you go, they merely determine where you start-

4-Brutally honest people enjoy the brutality as much as the honesty-

5-As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give others permission to do the same-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A committee is a body of people that keeps minutes and wastes hours-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You will be happier if you give people a bit of your heart rather than a piece of your mind-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Because of its long stride, a giraffe is quicker than it appears, at full gallop, the animal can run about thirty miles per hour-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could animals originally communicate with humans?

2-Are all things that God created good?

3-Prior to tempting Adam and Eve, was the serpent a good creature?

4-Did satan cause the serpent to lie to Adam and Eve or was it a part of his original nature to lie?

5-Had other animals talked to Eve prior to the serpent doing so?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed his sin to an angel that only his donkey had seen?

Answer for today   Balaam    Numbers 22:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   1 Corinthians 2:10-14

The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God. ¹¹ Who knows the thoughts that another person has? Only a person’s spirit that lives within him knows his thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the Spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us. ¹³ And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom but with words taught us by the Spirit. And so we explain spiritual truths to spiritual people. ¹⁴ A person who does not have the Spirit does not accept the truths that come from the Spirit of God. That person thinks they are foolish and cannot understand them, because they can only be judged to be true by the Spirit.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we confess that there are many teachings of the Bible that are difficult to understand and challenging to implement. Yet we honor Your inspired Holy Word and hold it up as the standard for our pilgrimage here below. As lawlessness and ungodliness continue to plague our world we recognize all the more that You are like a shield for all who seek Your protection. There are instances where we may be called to take a stand for righteousness that requires us to make hard decisions, even that of choosing our relationship with You over our comfortable standing with our family or friends. We love You with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. May our choices reflect that proclamation as we are counted among those who endure to the very end. 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 7, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The past is where you learned the lesson, the future is where you apply the lesson.  Don't give up in between-

2-Most of the time it is better to be kind than right-

3-We don't need an intelligent mind that speaks, but a patient heart that listens-

4-Give honest and sincere appreciation-

5-When you judge someone you do not define them.  You define yourself-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Chicken is the only animal you eat before it is born and after it is dead-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The winter of my life has come and I'm not sure how long it will last.   But this I know, when it is over on this earth it is not over.  A new adventure with God will begin-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The gait of the giraffe is a pace, with both legs on one side moving together-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't God create Adam and Eve at the same time?

2-Were the trees "The tree of life " and "The tree of knowledge of good and evil" fruit trees?

3-Did Adam have any work to do in the Garden of Eden?

4-After God created woman from a man's rib, the bible says "for this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife and they will become one flesch."  This seems like an odd thing to say since neither had a parent.  Was this statement perhaps added after Genesis was written?

5-Why was the serpent a crafty animal?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed that he had been self righteous?

Answer for today  Job  42:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     1 Corinthians 2:6-10

⁹ But as it is written in the Scriptures:

“No one has ever seen this,
    And no one has ever heard about it.
No one has ever imagined
    What God has prepared for those who love him.” Isaiah 64:4

¹⁰ But God has shown us these things through the Spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You bless those who revere Your name and delight in Your commands.  In the midst of inner turmoil or outer conflict I will not be shaken for my heart remains steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life.  As I meditate on Your Word and stand firm in the midst of trials and testings I know that I will not be shaken. I want to remain firmly grounded as I overcome the daily obstacles that come my way.  Help me to learn the valuable lessons along the way as I press on toward the goal for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Many prizes of earthly value are earned on this side, but the prize of greatest worth that offers eternal reward is heaven. I’m headed there and will leave all sorrow, sin, and sadness behind. That will be glory, be glory for me! Amen.

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

Thursday February 6, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-A person is the product of his thoughts-

2-Be careful of your words for once spoken they can only be forgiven not forgotten-

3-The best feelings are those that have no words to describe them-

4-Gratefulness unlocks the fullness of life-

5-If it is true you receive what you give then give goodness, kindness, love and compassion-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A cannibal  is someone who is fed up with people-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Instead of waiting for your next vacation, create a life you don't need to escape from-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Mice, whales, elephants, giraffes, and humans all have seven neck vertebrae-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How long had Adam and Eve enjoyed the Garden of Eden before falling for satan's temptation?

2-How large of an area was the Garden of Eden?

3-Did Adam and Eve audibly hear the voice of God?

4-What was satan doing in the Garden of Eden in the first place?

5-Why was satan allowed into the Garden of Eden?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was visited by the angel Gabriel while he was confessing his sins?

Answer for today  Daniel   9:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    1 Corinthians 1:26-31

²⁶ Brothers and sisters, look at what you were when God called you. Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence. Not many of you came from important families. ²⁷ But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. ²⁸ He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. ²⁹ God did this so that no one can brag in his presence. ³⁰ Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin. ³¹ So, as the Scripture says, “If people want to brag, they should brag only about the Lord.”

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it is our lifelong desire to love You without reserve, to never be lacking in zeal, and to keep our spiritual fervor as we serve You. We devote ourselves to You only and want to do what is good and right in Your sight so that it may go well with us and we will bring You pleasure. We want to be careful that we do not forget You or fail to observe Your commands You have set forth in Your Word. Otherwise our hearts will grow proud and we will forget our first love. Keep us on the right path all the days of our life we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.


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

Wednesday February 5, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Don't waste energy trying to cover up failure-

2-There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn't true and the other is to refuse to believe what is true-

3-If God gave you $1 for every kind word you spoke and takes away $1 for every unkind word you say, would you be rich or poor-

4-Don't look back, you aren't going that way-

5-The greatest loss is not the loss of life but what dies inside of us while we live-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A beauty parlor is a place where women curl up an dye-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The road to success is always under construction-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Each eye of the giant squid is a foot or more in diameter-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did God need to rest on the first 7th day?

2-Did God do absolutely nothing on the first 7th day?

3-Does God have freedom of choice?

4-Did God "marry" Adam and Eve?

5-Why was the serpent used by satan to temp Adam and Eve?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed Israel's sins after he heard the walls of Jerusalem were in ruins?

Answer for today   Nehemiah   1:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    1 Corinthians 1:18-25

¹⁸ The teaching about the cross is foolishness to those who are being lost, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ It is written in the Scriptures:

“I will cause the wise to lose their wisdom;
    I will make the wise unable to understand.” Isaiah 29:14

²⁰ Where is the wise person? Where is the educated person? Where is the skilled talker of this world? God has made the wisdom of the world foolish. ²¹ In the wisdom of God the world did not know God through its own wisdom. So God chose to use the message that sounds foolish to save those who believe. ²² The Jews ask for miracles, and the Greeks want wisdom. ²³ But we preach a crucified Christ. This causes the Jews to stumble and is foolishness to non-Jews. ²⁴ But Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God to those people God has called—Jews and Greeks. ²⁵ Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, far too often our minds can be consumed with things that only money can buy which can also bring discontent for that which we already have. Help us to focus our hearts on that which has lasting value, that brings eternal dividends. As we lift our voice to You this day and turn our hearts toward Your unfailing love we find joy and satisfaction that will not be determined by the events or non-events of this day. When human love is fleeting or disappoints help us to look to Your unfailing love which satisfies. We want to listen carefully to You, eat what is good, and delight ourselves in Your abundance. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday February 3, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger makes you smaller while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were-

2-God allows storms to prove he is the only shelter-

3-Never get tired of doing little thing for others, for sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their heart-

4-Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes a person of character to forgive-

5-I will cast all my cares on God,they cannot burden him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-An adult is a person who has stopped growing at both ends and is now growing in the middle-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giant squid weighs up to two and a half tons and grows up to fifty five feet long-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If the book of Esther is a religious book, intending to show God at work protecting the Jews, why would the writer down play the religious part?

2-Why would the king of Persia give Nehemiah a leave of absence, materials and armed escort to build a wall around Jerusalem, a place 1000 miles away?

3-Did the wall that Nehemiah built around Jerusalem surround all the the city or just part of it?

4-Is God's delay a test of our patience?

5-Is there anyone else in scripture whose name was Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed his remorse over betraying his master?

Answer for today     Judas  Matthew 27:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   1 Corinthians 1:4-9

⁴ I always thank my God for you because of the grace God has given you in Christ Jesus. ⁵ I thank God because in Christ you have been made rich in every way, in all your speaking and in all your knowledge. ⁶ Just as our witness about Christ has been guaranteed to you, ⁷ so you have every gift from God while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to come again. ⁸ Jesus will keep you strong until the end so that there will be no wrong in you on the day our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. ⁹ God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Our Father and God, help us to live our life in a way that does not gratify our flesh, but rather feeds our spirit that is redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. You have given us opportunity to make a positive difference in this degenerate world. May we, by exercising restraint bring light into this darkened, sin-indulged world. May the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, be evident in our lives so that these attitudes bring about good deeds which glorify You, Father. Others will look at our lives and see beyond our human frailties to recognize the Spirit of God at work in our lives providing example and stimulus to those seeking an alternative to the coarsening darkness of this troubled world.  We pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.


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

Sunday February 2, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Never judge a persons actions until  you know his motives-

2-Kindness pays the most when you don't do it for pay-

3-When a person refuses to obey God, they invariably obey satan-

4-Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you sow-

5-Every noble work is at first impossible-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The probability of being watched is directly proportional to the stupidity of your act-

I'VE LEARNED-Invest in anonymous acts of kindness-

DID YOU KNOW-The giant squid is the largest creature without a backbone-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How was Haman killed?

2-Esther asked Mordecai to have the Jews hold a three day fast before she goes to the king.  She never asked for prayer. Why not?

3-Why is the Book of Esther the only old testament book missing from the library of dead sea scrolls?

4-Why didn't Jews in New Testament times consider the book of Esther a part of their holy scriptures?

5-Why isn't God mentioned in the book of Esther?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who made a false confession to Aaron and Moses?

Answer for today    Pharaoh  Exodus 10:16

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Proverbs 30:7-9

⁷ “I ask two things from you, Lord.
    Don’t refuse me before I die.
⁸ Keep me from lying and being dishonest.
    And don’t make me either rich or poor;
    Just give me enough food for each day.
⁹ If I have too much, I might reject you
    And say, ‘I don’t know the Lord.’
If I am poor, I might steal
    And disgrace the name of my God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it is with love that You teach us through the Word that we are not to be conformed any longer to the pattern of this world, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It is in our transformation that we finally see clearly the spiritual forces of evil that seek to devastate our lives and destroy us for all of eternity. But now the evil one’s masquerade is over and the light of truth is revealed. Your Word accomplishes that which You desire and achieves the purpose for which You sent it, to set us free us from our sins, to teach us the way to live, to make us bud and flourish, even as You do the plant life on earth. Keep us on the straight and narrow and spur us on to bring as many as possible along with us as we journey onward toward our eternal home. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday February 1, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is an act of endless forgiveness-

2-Love at first sight is easy to understand.  It is when two people have been looking at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle-

3-Love is like a Rubik's Cube.  There are countless wrong twists and turns, but when you get it right it looks perfect no matter what way you look at it-

4-You can't change the past but you can ruin the present by worrying over the future-

5-Genuine love is valuing your spouse as God does-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The more important your e mail, the worse your e mail program will screw it up-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Life is not what we make but what we give away-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giant Pacific octopus can fit its entire body through an opening no bigger than the size of its beak-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did any of the Jews die from the degree issued by king Xerxes that all Jews were to be killed on a given day?

2-Who wrote the book Esther?

3-What kind of position did Esther's cousin Mordecai have in King Xerxes palace?

4-What made Esther so attractive to King Xerxes?

5-Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed his sexual immorality with his daughter in law, Tamar?

Answer for today   Judah   Genesis 38:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Psalm 131

Lord my heart is not proud I don’t look down on others.
I don’t do great things and I can’t do miracles.
2 But I am calm and quiet like a baby with its mother.
    I am at peace like a baby with its mother.

 

3 People of Israel put your hope in the Lord
    Now and forever.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 Father we know that none of us are 100% humble for we are clothed in these mortal fallible bodies. But we do know that Jesus is the model of One completely humble in His humanity and divinity. He did not consider equality with You our Father something to be grasped but took on His person hood as a man and became obedient to death on the cross. We look to Him as the supreme example of humility and obedience. As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that the attitude of gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You the Giver of every good and perfect gift. 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 January 31, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about our courageously and actively doing God's will-

2-People won't remember how fast you did a job but they will remember how well you did it-

3-Friends make good times even better-

4-Most men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power-

5-Love one another and you will be happy.  It is as simple and as difficult as that-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The more knowledge you gain the less certain you are of it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-One way of receiving God's blessing in your life is to be merciful to others-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Giant tortoises can live to be 150 years old or older-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How could Job know with great certainty that he had not sinned and caused God's retribution-

2-Were the three men who came to Job really his real friends?

3-Why do we say "patient as Job" when he really wasn't patient for he complained bitterly to God?

4-Was God unfair in how he answered Job's complaint?

5-Are there any references in the Old Testament to life after death?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed the building of the golden calf to God?

Answer for today    Moses    Exodus 32:31

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Mark 9:28-37

³³ Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. When they went into a house there, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴ But the followers did not answer, because their argument on the road was about which one of them was the greatest.

³⁵ Jesus sat down and called the twelve apostles to him. He said, “Whoever wants to be the most important must be last of all and servant of all.”
³⁶ Then Jesus took a small child and had him stand among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said, ³⁷ “Whoever accepts a child like this in my name accepts me. And whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we know that none of us are 100% humble, for we are clothed in these mortal, fallible bodies. But we do know that Jesus is the model of One completely humble in His humanity and divinity. He did not consider equality with You, our Father, something to be grasped but took on His personhood as a man and became obedient to death on the cross. We look to Him as the supreme example of humility and obedience. As we clothe ourselves in Your righteousness we can overcome the pride that is ever before us. We recognize that no good thing can come from us, but all that is good comes from You. Remind us daily that the attitude of gratitude is the antidote for feelings of pride. When we acknowledge that everything we have and all that we are is due to Your merciful blessings we are humbled and grateful to You, the Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.

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

Thursday January 30, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

 

1-Sometimes God allows pain so we can be stronger-

2-Sometimes God sends us failure so we can be humble-

3-Sometimes God allows sickness so we will take better care of ourselves-

4-Sometimes God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value of everything he gave us-

5-It is not love that blinds but self love-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A man with one watch is certain about the time-a man with two watches isn't sure-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping it is going to kill someone else-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giant flying foxes that live in Indonesia have wingspans of nearly six feet-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-There appears to be another story of a good man suffering that comes from the same area as Job called "A good man and his God"  that took place in the area of southern Iraq.  Are they the same story?  If not, are they just a coincidence?

2-What does "skin for skin" mean?

3-What was the painful skin disease that Job was dealing with?

4-Were Job's three friends words additional torment from satan?

5-Did satan have to get God's permission to send the three harsh and critical friends to Job?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What young man confessed his riotous living to his forgiving father?

Answer for today   The prodigal son   Luke 15:18

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Mark 9:17-24

¹⁷ A man answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking. ¹⁸ When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn’t.”
¹⁹ Jesus answered, “You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”
²⁰ So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.
²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been happening?”
The father answered, “Since he was very young. ²² The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.”
²³ Jesus said to the father, “You said, ‘If you can!’ All things are possible for the one who believes.”
²⁴ Immediately the father cried out, “I do believe! Help me to believe more!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, there is much that we don’t understand on this side; why some go through life seemingly with ease and little trouble and others seem to be born with trouble that never goes away. It is not for us to understand Your ways for You are a God of mystery with greater purpose than we can comprehend, and yet You have made clear to us through Scripture that which we are to understand. Some of the very trouble we seek to avoid is what brings us to faith and causes us to live a life that is honoring to You and purposeful to others. Keep our hearts sensitive and compassionate toward those who are undervalued by the world’s standards. When we put ourselves in their place, we identify with their struggles and feel the deep hurt they experience when looked down upon and rejected by others. May we be Your tender arm of compassion, Your gentle voice of acceptance and unconditional love. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Wednesday January 29, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love does not make the world go round, it is what makes the ride worthwhile-

2-It takes a lot of truths to gain trust, but only one lie to lose it-

3-Don't spend time with someone who doesn't care to spend time with you-

4-Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our souls-

5-Sometimes, God breaks our heart to make us whole-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No matter how complete your research is there is always someone who knows more-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Everything we do is motivated by something-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giant armadillo has as many as one hundred teeth, although they are small and fragile-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could the Psalms have covered many centuries of time?

2-Who wrote the book of Job?

3-Is the book of Job about an actual person or just a story about a good man suffering?

4-Is the accuser in the book of Job, satan, the one who later tempts Jesus?

5-Is Job's story the only ancient story of a good man suffering?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What scribe bowed in front of the temple and confessed the sins of Israel while the people around him wept bitterly?

Answer for today-Ezra  10:1

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 14:27-28

 When they arrived in Antioch, Paul and Barnabas gathered the church together. They told the church all about what God had done with them and how God had made it possible for those who were not Jewish to believe. ²⁸ And they stayed there a long time with the followers.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we look at Elijah who took a mighty stand for You during the plague of unbelief that spread throughout the land of Israel. And yet there were moments when he allowed the Mindset of the unbelievers, instead of the absolutes stated in Your Word, to weaken him, leading him to think that he was alone in standing true for You.  But You sent word to Elijah, that You have a remnant more interested in obeying You than bowing down to the ever-evolving philosophies of their generation. When we stand with You, Almighty God, we are a majority no matter the number of evil forces we oppose. Keep us looking upward as we walk onward in the truths of Your Holy Scripture. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

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

Monday January 27, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-You only really lose when you stop trying-

2-You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus-

3-Your future is more important than your past-

4-To get where you are going, you need to know where you are-

5-The more you want to get something done, the less you'll consider it work-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The chance a copy machine will break down is proportional to the importance of the material that needs to be copied-

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing crushes your spirit more than abuse-

DID YOU KNOW-There are fewer than one thousand giant pandas left alive in the world-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The last chapter of Proverbs was written by King Lemuel.  Who was he?

2-Can the tongue be tamed at all times?

3-What should our response be to the proverbs that seem to be in favor of spanking children as part of discipline?

4-What is a shepherd's staff used for?

5-Hard work seems to be praised in Proverbs.  Is strenuous physical labor being promoted?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed his own sin and Israel's sin after seeing a vision of God on his throne?

Answer for today-Isaiah   9:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 14:1-4

In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual to the synagogue. They spoke so well that a great many Jews and Greeks believed. ² But some people who did not believe excited the others and turned them against the believers. ³ Paul and Barnabas stayed in Iconium a long time and spoke bravely for the Lord. He showed that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to work miracles and signs. ⁴ But the city was divided. Some of the people agreed with the Jews, and others believed the apostles.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, Your patience and longsuffering toward a rebellious, hardhearted people is only possible because of Your loving compassion and tender mercies. You are slow to anger and abounding in love, full of forgiveness and healing. We are the undeserving recipients of Your remarkable redemption made available to all who call upon Your name. Thank You for bearing with us and loving us long before we responded to Your love. Help us to look intently into Your Holy Word and apply its teaching so that we enjoy freedom from sin, unceasing joy, and the promise of eternity spent with You.  With sincerity of heart we praise You and thank You for Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday January 28, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Failure is not the worst thing in the world-

2-Fear and anger can hold you prisoner-

3-You won't become what you need to be by remaining what you are-

4-A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be-

5-The time is always right to do the right thing-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If it works in theory, it doesn't work in practice-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Truth becomes treason in an empire of lies-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The giant African snail grows to a food long and reaches weights greater than a pound-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is wisdom promoted as a lady in the book of Proverbs?

2-Why are the Psalms so popular reading?

3-Why does Psalms have at least several writers?

4-Does God always show his children unfailing love?

5-What do you do when you pray and all you get is silence?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king confessed his adulterous affair after being confronted by the prophet Nathan?

Answer for today    David  2 Samuel 12:13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 14:15

 ¹⁵ “Friends, why are you doing these things? We are only human beings like you. We are bringing you the Good News and are telling you to turn away from these worthless things and turn to the living God. He is the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, help us to remember that Your restraints are loving and holy, offered in the package of grace You extend to those who call on Your name. When we refrain from activities and attitudes that displease You we’re preventing erosion of Christian values and preserving Your Spirit of holiness. The Bible says there is none righteous, no not one, but the Holy Spirit who resides within us draws us to You and thereby sets us apart for holy service. Keep us separate and help us to say “no” to anything that would ensnare us to the enemy who seeks to devour and destroy us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Sunday January 26, 2014 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Well done is better than well said-

2-Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom-

3-Do not seek security in a job, seek opportunity-

4-Faith is taking the first step even when you cannot see the top step of the stairway-

5-Excellence is the gradual result of always trying to do better-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Any simple instruction will be worded in the most complicated way-

 

I'VE LEARNED-You can't be seen in places you don't go-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Camels will refuse to carry loads that are not properly balanced-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is much of the advice in the book of Proverbs simply grandfatherly advice?

2-Are the proverbs to be understood as promises from God or observations from grandfathers who've observed life's principles-

3-Is all the advice in the book of Proverbs always completely true or do you need wisdom to apply it?

4-Could the author of the book of Proverbs have borrowed some of the advice he gives from other people?

5-Could Solomon have used some of the advice from Egyptian writers of long before his time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What sneaky Israelite confessed that he had stolen goods from fallen Jericho?

Answer for today       Achan  Joshua 7:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Philippians 4:4-7

⁴ Be full of joy in the Lord always. I will say again, be full of joy.

⁵ Let everyone see that you are gentle and kind. The Lord is coming soon. ⁶ Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. ⁷ And God’s peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to remember that Your restraints are loving and holy, offered in the package of grace You extend to those who call on Your name. When we refrain from activities and attitudes that displease You we’re preventing erosion of Christian values and preserving Your Spirit of holiness. The Bible says there is none righteous, no not one, but the Holy Spirit who resides within us draws us to You and thereby sets us apart for holy service. Keep us separate and help us to say “no” to anything that would ensnare us to the enemy who seeks to devour and destroy us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Saturday January 25, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The Spirit of God uses the Word of God to make us like the Son of God-

2-Never be ashamed of the scars life has left you with, for a scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed, you endured the pain and God has healed you-

3-Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced-

4-Failure prompts a person to rethink the status quo-

5-The truth is found when you are free to pursue it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Blaming is a form of judging-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Traveling at a rate of two to three miles per hour, camels can carry five hundred to one thousand pounds on their backs. They are able to keep up this pace for six or seven hours a day-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the Bible book Song of Solomon to be understood as a human celebration of love or as a symbol of spiritual love between Jesus and the church?

2-What is the point of human life?

3-What are the ways in which people measure their worth?

4-Why did the writer of the book of Ecclesiastes come to the conclusion "everything is vanity"?

5-If the book of Ecclesiastes is written in Hebrew, why does it have a Greek title?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who confessed his denial of Jesus?

Answer for today    Peter   Matthew 26:75

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY      1 Peter 4:7-11

⁷ The time is near when all things will end. So think clearly and control yourselves so you will be able to pray. ⁸ Most importantly, love each other deeply, because love will cause people to forgive each other for many sins. ⁹ Open your homes to each other, without complaining. ¹⁰ Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace. ¹¹ Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, it’s my desire to have the same Mindset as William Featherston who, following his conversion at the young age of 18, penned these words of commitment both in life and in death: “I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee in death, And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath; And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow, If ever I loved thee, My Jesus ’tis now.” Whether I’m young or old, healthy or sick, wealthy or poor, I choose to prepare my heart for eternity here and now so that I will be assured of endless delight as I draw my first breath in heaven. I want to be prepared, persevering and prayerful while I take my long but brief hike here below. In the name of Jesus I 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 January 24, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There is a difference in a trial we endure and a temptation-

2-Two things are sure, the deceptive lure of sin and the forgiving grace of God-

3-What controls your mind eventually comes out in your life-

4-Act as if what you do makes a difference, for it does-

5-Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you are trying to solve a problem, fix the problem not the blame-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Camels have three eyelids to protect their eyes from blowing sand-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is called the "fifth gospel" and why?

2-Was it God's original intent for Adam and Eve and descendants to never die?

3-What is a song about sex with no mention of God doing as a part of the Bible?

4-Is there a story line to the Song of Solomon?

5-Could it be possible that someone besides Solomon wrote the Song of Solomon, a woman perhaps?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who had confessed to God that he had done wrong in taking a census of Israel?

Answer for today    David  2 Samuel 24:10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  1 Peter 2:11-12

¹¹ Dear friends, you are like foreigners and strangers in this world. I beg you to avoid the evil things your bodies want to do that fight against your soul. ¹² People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such good lives that they will see the good things you do and will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, because You are the true, eternal and living God I can commit my past to You, and entrust my present needs to You.  I’m so glad the Word of God declares that You are the great “I AM”, not “I was.”  As my issues change and my needs grow You are present to meet every situation I bring before You. I place my confidence in You as I remain steadfast and faithful, abounding in my relationship with You, my true, living and eternally great God. Amen.


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

Thursday Jnuary 23, 2014 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When we accept tough jobs as the challenge to our ability and wade into them with joy and enthusiasm, miracles often happen-

2-There is no reason not to follow your heart-

3-Peace has its own victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them-

4-Nothing can take the place of persistence-

5-Never under estimate the power of sin and don't under estimate the power of God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Standard parts aren't-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Laughing faces do not mean there is absence of sorrow-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Camel's milk does not curdle-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God set people apart for his service even before they are born?

2-What ever happened to Jeremiah when he is forced to flee to Egypt with other survivors of the destruction of Jerusalem?

3-Does God ever get tired of giving us another chance?

4-At what point does God's patience run out?

5-Could the book of Isaiah have had more than one writer since it covers such a long time span?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What wicked king of judah confessed his sins when he as taken into captive in Assyria?

Answer for today   Manasseh   2 Chronicles  33:11-13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Hebrews 9:1-5

 The first agreement^[a] had rules for worship and a place on earth for worship. ² The Holy Tent was set up for this. The first area in the Tent was called the Holy Place. In it were the lamp and the table with the bread that was made holy for God. ³ Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place. ⁴ In it was a golden altar for burning incense and the Ark covered with gold that held the old agreement. Inside this Ark was a golden jar of manna, Aaron’s rod that once grew leaves, and the stone tablets of the old agreement. ⁵ Above the Ark were the creatures that showed God’s glory, whose wings reached over the lid. But we cannot tell everything about these things now.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Jesus, when I chose to surrender my life to You it was not simply an emotional response that would last for a short season. I asked You to be my Lord and Master and to rule my heart forever. Though there have been trials galore that would test my faith and countless remarks that would attack the truths presented in the Scriptures I choose to walk in Your name forever and ever. In the good and bad of life You will always remain my only Lord and Master


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