Sunday December 21, 2008 thought for the day

THE CHRIST OF CHRISTMAS
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-When God shows mercy to you, you can't be anything but grateful-
2-Most people in the Bible that God blessed and used were less than "perfect" people-
3-If you want to know God, get to know Jesus-
4-Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius-
5-Where we start is not as important as where we finish-

Strange thought-You will never have true friends if you are afraid of making enemies-

I've learned-The best thing to put on your face is a smile-

5 things I want to know
1-Did the angelic choir announce Jesus birth only to the shepherds?
2-Why were the shepherds told of the birth of the "lamb of God"?
3-Why didn't God announce to the whole world that the savior and redeemer had come?
4-Why was Jesus's birth held in secrecy from the multitudes?
5-How did the shepherds know where to find the manger that held the baby Jesus?

Scripture for today-After the wise men heard the king, they left. The star they had seen in the east went before them until it stopped above the place where the child was. When the wise men saw the star, they were filled with joy. They came to the house where the child was and saw him with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. They opened their gifts and gave him treasures of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But God warned the wise men in a dream not to go back to Herod, so they returned to their own country a different way. Matthew 2:9-12

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Saturday December 20, 2008 thought for the day

A PRETTY NATIVITY SCENE
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-Living a life that matters doesn't happen by accident-it is not a matter of circumstances but of choice, so choose a life that matters-
2-If you're not thankful for little things you won't be thankful for much-
3-Whether we are on the mountain top or down in the valley, God is still God-
4-Richness is a state of mind, not how much money you have-
5-People who are least concerned about making an impression are usually free from depression-

Strange thought-there are millions of excuses for failure but not a single reason-

I've learned-having a lot of money makes you wealthy, not rich-having no money makes you broke, not poor-

5 things I want to know
1-Why did the star lead the Magi to Jerusalem and not directly to Bethlehem?
2-Why didn't King Herod send his own people to find the new "King of the Jews"?
3-Why weren't the Jews looking for the messiah in Bethlehem?
4-If the shepherds came to the manger, who watched the sheep?
5-How many shepherds actually came to the manger?

Scripture for today-Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea during the time when Herod was king. When Jesus was born, some wise men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, "Where is the baby who was born to be the King of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him". When Herod heard this, he was troubled, as well as all the people of Jerusalem. Herod called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Christ would be born. Matthew 2:1-4

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Friday December 19, 2008 thought for the day

"THE BIRTH"!!!!!
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-What matters is not how many people you know but how many will feel a lasting loss when you are gone-
2-What matters is every act of integrity, compassion, couage or sacrifice that enriched or encouraged others to follow your example-
3-What matters is how long you will be remembered by whom and for what-
4-What matters is what road you choose to travel for it will determine where you go-
5-What matters is what or who you worship for it will determine your destiny-

Strange thought-December is the month when kids begin to discuss what to get dad for Christmas--some insist on a shirt, others a pair of sox, and the argument usually ends in a tie-

I've learned-the heart of Christmas is not the presents you give, but the love you share-

5 things I want to know
1-Why did Jesus live 33 years--why not more or less?
2-Hanging on the cross, how could Jesus know he was thirsty when he was in so much pain?
3-Why did Jesus have to suffer and die alone on the cross without any heavenly help?
4-Was Jesus crucifixion any more physically painful than that of the two thieves hanging nearby?
5-Why didn't Jesus shorten the time of his crucifixion?

Scripture for today-Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Thursday December 18, 2008 thought for the day

A PRETTY MANGER SCENE PICTURE
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-What matters is not what you bought but what you built-
2-What matters is not what you got but what you gave-
3-What matters is not your success but your significance-
4-What matters is not what you learned but what you taught-
5-What matters is not your competence but your character-

Strange thought-If I never met you, I wouldn't like you--if I didn't like you I wouldn't love you---if I didn't love you I wouldn't miss you--but I did,I do and I will-

I've learned-the difference between failure and success is mind set-

5 things I want to know
1-How do we acknowledge God "in all our ways"?
2-How is it possible that when "a man's ways are pleasing to God, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him"?
3-When you are living in obedience to God, does it not often stir up conflict in others?
4-Are all the proverb statements generally true or are they absolutely true?
5-How do we "cast all our anxieties" on the Lord?

Scripture for today-God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Wednesday December 17, 2008 thought for the day

THE HOLY FAMILY
Here are my thoughts for today
1-Life is not how long you live but how you make the journey-
2-Perseverance is not one long race but many short ones-
3-It is not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived-
4-Only God knows how often he allows us to be apart of a divine moment when we're completely unaware of the significance-
5-What you leave behind is not what is engraved on stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others-

Strange thought-if your parents never had any children, chances are you won't either-

I've learned-always borrow money from a pessimist for they don't expect to be paid back-

5 things I want to know
1-Why did God say that where Moses was standing by the burning bush was holy ground?
2-Can you ever talk God out of his plan?
3-Is it difficult to hear God speak to you?
4-What does it mean to "trust God with all your heart"?
5-What does it mean "in all your ways acknowledge Him"?

Scripture for today-He saved us and he called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. 2 Timothy 1:9 (TEV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Tuesday December 16, 2008 thought for the day

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS DINNER SETTING
Here are my thoughts for today
1-We need to learn to be our own best friend for we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemy-
2-Life is like throwing a boomerang, our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy-
3-Some people know the price of everything and the value of nothing-
4-If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door-
5-You won't achieve your dreams if they don't become your goals-

Strange thought-Christmas has some weird customs-what other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

I've learned-there is no value of being the richest person in the cemetery-

5 things I want to know
1-What does the word "holy" mean and how is it applied?
2-How can we be "holy" as God is "holy"?
3-Since God was in the burning bush that Moses saw was it "holy"?
4-Was the place of the burning bush "holy" after the burning stopped?
5-Can a person have a sinful experience and still be "holy"?

Scripture for today-My child, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in mind. Then you will live a long time, and your life will be successful. Proverbs 3:1-2

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Monday December 15, 2008 thought for the day

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS PICTURE
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-You can't say you believe something and not live it-
2-You cannot have an encounter with God and come away unchanged-
3-Sometimes the things we think will make us happy never do-
4-You will never be filled if you ration God in your life-
5-It is in the broken places of your life that God does the greatest work if you give him all the pieces-

Strange thought-if going to church makes you a Christian then going to McDonalds makes you a hamburger-

I've learned-being rich is having just $1 dollar more than you need-

5 things I want to know
1-Can a person have an anointing from God without knowing him intimately?
2-Are the gifts of God irrevocable?
3-Would there be a Christian church without Pentecost?
4-Does the "thou shall not covet" commandment mean we should never desire what others may have?
5-Does scripture teach absolute submission in all cases in every area or situation?

Scripture for today-She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus — “God saves” — because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (MSG)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Sunday December 14, 2008 thought for the day

BEAUTIFUL PICTURE
Here are my thoughts for today
1-If you have a thousand friends, you still don't have one to spare-
2-Whatever you plant in the garden of your life will eventually grow up for all to see-
3-Meekness is not weakness-
4-Meekness is a learning process-
5-If I were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

Strange thought-Old age is when former classmates are so gray, wrinkled and bald they don't recognize you-

I've learned-One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young-

5 things I want to know
1-Which is more important, our faithfulness at church, at work or at home?
2-Can Christians separate their life into two segments-sacred and secular?
3-Why did God's plan of salvation have to include the painful execution sacrifice of Jesus on a cross?
4-How can we say that Jesus is the only way to heaven without sounding arrogant or intolerant?
5-Should Christians be concerned about being politically correct?

Scripture for today-Wisdom will come into your mind, and knowledge will be pleasing to you. Good sense will protect you and understanding will guard you. It will keep you from the wicked, from those whose words are bad,who don't do what is right but what is evil. Proverbs 2:10-13.

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Saturday December 13, 2008 thought for the day

A HOLY DAY IT WAS

Here are my thoughts for today
1-Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better-
2-Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by-
3-Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it is your sunlight that should lead the way-
4-Sorrow looks back--worry looks around--faith looks up-
5-A promised land always lies on the other side of the wilderness-

Strange thought-don't wait for 6 strong men to take you to church

I've learned-God promises a safe landing not a calm passage

5 things I want to know
1-Is there any significance that Joseph was 30 years old when made governor over Egypt and Jesus was 30 when he started his ministry?
2-Did Joseph have any idea that God was directing his life before he became governor?
3-When Joseph was governor why didn't he try to contact his family back in Canaan?
4-What thoughts might Joseph have had about his brother Simion in prison while waiting his other brothers return with their father from Canaan?
5-Why is there no scripture written by Joseph?

Scripture for today-My child, listen to what I say and remember what I command you. Listen carefully to wisdom: set your mind on understanding. Cry out for wisdom, and beg for understanding. Search for it like silver, and hunt tor it like hidden treasure. Then you will understand respect for the Lord, and you will find that you know God. Proverbs 2:1-5

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Friday December 12, 2008 thought for the day

A BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS SCENE
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-Angels exist and sometimes we call them friends-
2-You must feel confident enough in yourself to follow your own dreams-
3-You must be willing to make sacrifices to be successful-
4-You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so your final goal can be realized-
5-Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged-

Strange thought-a lot of people who are singing "standing on the promises" are just sitting on the premises-

I've learned-Quit complaining about your church, if it was perfect you couldn't belong-

5 things I want to know
1-If God is long suffering, is He always and forever patient?
2-Why didn't God chose Caleb as Moses's successor to lead the people into the promised land?
3-Is it true we are not ready to live until we are ready to die?
4-If God wanted us to have a Bible to live by, why didn't he transcribe one to a holy man like he did to Moses for the 10 commandments?
5-Why would Pharaoh make Joseph, who was a prisoner, the governor over Egypt just because he interpreted his dreams--after all he was not an Egyptian?

Scripture for today-Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Luke 2:11-12 (NIV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Thursday December 11, 2008 dthought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS SCENE
Here are my thoughts for today
1-Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous-
2-Don't change the message, let the message change you-
3-You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him-
4-The love of God is like the ocean, you can see its beginning but not its end-
5-There comes a time when you must stand alone-

Strange thought-people are funny, they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road and the back of the church-

I've learned-opportunity may knock only once, but temptation bangs on you door forever-

5 things I want to know-
1-How did God speak to Aaron to go meet his brother Moses at a given mountain?
2-Why didn't Pharaoh have Moses and Aaron put in prison?
3-Where in the bible do you find "God helps those who help themselves"?
4-From where does disobedience come?
5-Why should forgiven acts or attitudes still bear consequences?

Scripture for today-But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Luke 2:10 (NLT)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Wednesday Deceber 10, 2008 thought for the day

A PRETTY CHRISTMAS PICTURE
Here are my thoughts for today
1-Many folks want to serve God but only as an advisor-
2-It is easier to preach 10 sermons than to live one-
3-When you get to your wits end, you'll find that God lives there-
4-God doesn't judge a person until they've died, so why should we?
5-God call us to be witnesses not lawyers and judges-

Strange thought-excuses are the nails used to build the house of failure-

I've learned-many things will catch your eye, but only a few will catch your heart--pursue them-

5 things I want to know
1-Why did Jesus chose the 12 disciples he did?
2-How does a Christian lose their saltiness?
3-Was Jesus a tolerant person?
4-Is character only formed through difficult situations?
5-Is Moses remembered at all in Egyptian history?

Scripture for today-“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’” Matthew 1:23 (NLT)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Tuesday December 9, 2008 thought for the day

MERRY CHRISTMAS SCENE
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never did-
2-There are two kinds of failures-those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought-
3-We are what we repeatedly do-therefore, excellence is a habit and not an act-
4-Wisdom is knowing the right path to take and integrity is taking it-
5-Knowledge is like climbing a mountain, the higher you reach the more you can see and appreciate-

Strange thought-in the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins, not through strength but by perseverance-

I've learned-no one can help another without helping themselves-

5 things I want to know
1-Do Christians today have a pharisee problem?
2-Why did it take a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins?
3-Early followers of Jesus didn't have to bow at an altar to repent---do we?
4-Of Jesus's 12 disciples, who are we most like?
5-Do we really want to be like Jesus-or just the good parts of him like doing miracles, healing others, etc?

Scripture for today-For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NLT)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Monday December 8, 2008 thought for the day

PRETTY CHRISTMAS PICTURE
1-Christians should do what is right just because it is right-
2-Prayer without faith is like a ship without a rudder-
3-It's our attitude in life that determines life's attitude toward us-
4-Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter the least-
5-The only thing that stands between a person and what they want from life is often the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible-

A strange thought-a spoken word can never be retracted-

I've learned-the man on the top of the mountain didn't just fall there-

5 things I want to know
1-Before Jesus returns, will there ever be peace on earth?
2-What is the biblical significance of 40 days?
3-How do you really know God's will for your life?
4-Can the church really reach the world we live in?
5-Why does the church not seem to attract the lost?

Scripture for today-“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Sunday December 7, 2008 thought for the day

HAPPY CHRISTMAS SEASON
Here are my thoughts for today
1-We are what we think, not what we eat-
2-Don't confuse the necessary with the most convenient-
3-Don't sell your soul for the trivial-
4-The stretching of truth is really a lie-
5-We are known for what we say and do-

Strange thought-Why are you in a movie and you are on TV?

I've learned-Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it-

5 things I want to know
1-Did Jesus die to save us from our sin or sins?
2-Will both heaven and hell last for eternity?
3-Will God allow man to destroy himself on this planet?
4-Since Jesus is equally God, why doesn't he know when he is returning to earth?
5-Is there anything that Jesus does not know?

Scripture for today-Do all things without complaining and disputing-Philippians 2:14

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Saturday December 6, 2008 thought for the day

THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
Here are my thoughts for today
1-If we were "perfect", we would never need Jesus-
2-Your actions speak so loud I can't hear what you are saying-
3-To believe means "by my life's actions"-
4-Moral and ethical integrity must be the cornerstone of Christian living-
5-Christians should be the most ethical of all peoples-

Strange thought-if a deaf person has to go to court, is it still called a hearing?

I've learned-sadly, many Christians are allowing our culture to define who we are and how we should live-

5 things I want to know
1-Why did God create such a large universe if no one is living on other planets?
2-Do angels have a choice of obedience?
3-If Satan was originally an angel, how could pride have entered him and caused him to rebel against God?
4-Which is more certain-God's promises, God's wrath or God's love?
5-Why do we now hear so much preaching about God's love and so little about God's judgement?

Scripture for today-Wait on the Lord' be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait I say on the Lord--Psalm 27:14

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Frida December 5, 2008 thought for the day

CHRISTMAS SEASON
Here are my thoughts for today
1-Being thankful is the only logical response you can have for a forgiveness that is totally undeserved-
2-You are thankful most for what you don't deserve-
3-No one craves for more when they are grateful for what they have-
4-Thankfulness conquers selfish ambition-
5-There is no way to be thankful and resentful at the same time-

Strange thought-why do we say we "slept like a baby" when babies wake up every two hours?

I've learned-a sure way to fail is to try to please everyone-

5 things I want to know
1-What does the term "involuntary transgression" mean?
2-Does God tempt us?
3-Why did God create Satan?
4-Why did God allow sin to have so much power in the world?
5-Why has there been so much fighting and wars in the name of Christianity?

Scripture for today-But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Thursday December 4, 2008 thought for the day

FRIENDS
Here are my thoughts for today-
1-All false gospels are based on works-
2-Just as law has no grace grace has no law-
3-Even if you wanted to contribute to your righteousness you couldn't-
4-Astonishment is always the permanent feeling of a forgiven sinner-
5-The worst moment for an atheist comes when they are truly thankful and have no one to thank-

Strange thought-the more things a man is ashamed of the more respectable he is-

I've learned-sometimes we get it right and sometimes we get it wrong-

5 things I want to know
1-How do you love those you do not like?
2-Is there a sense of time in heaven?
3-Can God do anything, anytime, anywhere?
4-Has God set limits on himself?
5-If God is Spirit, how can we use a male term to describe Him?

Scripture for today-“I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” John 12:24 (NIV)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Wednesday December 3, 2008 thought for the day

FRIENDS
Here are my thoughts for today
1-The best teachers are not above being taught-
2-Faith is always new-
3-The closer our relationship is to God, the more we are aware of what in us is not God like-
4-When you deserve grace, it is no longer grace you need-
5-The best way to avoid putting people down is to put them up instead-

Strange thought-God often delivered his people through a person with serious faults who behaved with little or no regard of the right thing to do-

I've learned-some leaders have a hard time being led-

5 things I want to know
1-Is faith learned or received?
2-Do Christians often take their salvation for granted?
3-Why did Jesus say he would send the "Comforter"?
4-Why does a lot of preaching often tend to de-Christian the hearers?
5-Can we really know God, not about Him, but really know Him?

Scripture for today--“But you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!” 2 Chronicles 20:17 (NLT)

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper

Tuesday December 2, 2008 thought for the day

FRIENDS
Here are my thoughts for today
1-Receiving mercy and being merciful always go together, you can't have one without the other-
2-Heaven is for sinners who faced up to their sin and hell is for those who refuse to-
3-Whatever we are angry about in someone else is most likely something we need to deal with in our own life-
4-Sometimes a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, for if you knew a little bit more you would realize how much you don't know-
5-There is no greater obstacle to truth than to think you already know what you need to know-

Strange thought-cynicism is a dangerous virus that grows in the light of familiarity-

I've learned-failure is often the door to success-

5 things I want to know
1-Are Christians to be "fruit inspectors"?
2-What does Biblical "perfection" mean?
3-How often are you to repent of your sins?
4-To whom/where is the tithe to be given?
5-On what is the tithe figured?

Scripture for today-“Do not remember the past events, pay no attention to things of old. Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:18-19 HCSB).

I wish you a day filled with love, laughter, forgiveness and thanksgiving-jasper