Saturday October 17, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The reality of suffering constitutes the single greatest challenge to the Christian faith-

2-Only in a world where faith is difficult can faith exist-

3-If there is no God, where did we get the standard of goodness by which we judge evil as evil?

4-If death has no meaning then life ultimately has no meaning-

5-God did not create evil, he created the possibility of evil, man actualized that potentiality-

 

Strange thought-You can't take the wet out of water and still have water-

 

I'VE LEARNED-God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In 1989, Pepsi came out with a morning soft drink called Pepsi AM.  It didn't last long on the market-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Gospel of Matthew and Luke disagree about 10--12 years on Jesus birth date.  Is it critical?

2-In what city was Jesus born?  Mark and John call Nazareth Jesus' hometown as Jesus does himself.  Matthew and Luke set his birth in Bethlehem.

3-Where was the exact place of Jesus' birth?  Was it a stall with no covering, a feeding lot in the open, or a cave (an early Christian tradition)?

4-The prophet Micah prophesied that a shepherd king, a messiah to lead Israel would come from bethlhem.  Was this Jesus?

5-Why would Jesus say he was from Nazareth if he was born in Bethlehem?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible?-"Eat, drink, and be merry"

Answer for the day       Ecclesiastes   8:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 12:4-7

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. ⁵ I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, this is the one you should fear.

⁶ “Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies, and God does not forget any of them. ⁷ But God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You are our spiritual covering as we carry out our duties on this day, for Your eyes are on the righteous. In our interaction with others, in our work responsibilities, our daily commute and family duties there are numerous temptations that seek our allegiance which would make us vacillate in our devotion to You. You know our areas of weakness where we’re vulnerable to the enemy and You desire to strengthen and uphold us, keeping our hearts fully committed to You. Thank You for assuring us that we are never out of Your view nor away from Your loving care. Not only are we within Your view, but we are within Your hearing range for Your ears are attentive to our prayers. Through Christ our Lord we give praise and thanksgiving.  Amen.


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

Friday October 16, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We do not make requests of God because we are righteous but because of his great love and mercy-

2-God answers our prayers based on his goodness not our worthiness-

3-Worship is a voluntary act of gratitude offered by the saved to the savior, by the healed to the healer, and the delivered to the deliverer-

4-God doesn't improve he perfects, he doesn't enhance, he completes-

5-When God sees us, he sees Christ and the perfection paid for by him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Living dead-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes there is no next time, sometimes there are no second chances, sometimes it is now or never-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The first western consumer product sold in the former Soviet Union was Pepsi Cola-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did the Eastern Orthodox Church ever have a split like the Roman Catholic Church and Protestantism did?

2- Matthew dates the birth of Jesus to the time of King Herod and he died in 4 bce, could Jesus have been born around 6bce?

3-Why are there so many conflicting stories of when Jesus birth date was?

4-King Herod is said to have issued a royal order to kill all the Jewish male infants under two in Bethlehem.  When was this ordered?  There appears to be no histrorical record of Herod issuing this order.  Is there anyway to confirm Matthew's story of the massacre?

5-Luke connected the birth of Jesus with a taxation ordered by emperor Augustus.  There is no historical record of such a census of the entire Roman world even took place at this time.  The only census carried out by Quirinius took place in 6bce, ten years after Herod died.  Is it possible that Luke writing his gospel 75 years later simply got his information mixed up?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"A drop in a bucket?"

Answer for today     Isaiah 40:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 12:4-7

⁴ “I tell you, my friends, don’t be afraid of people who can kill the body but after that can do nothing more to hurt you. ⁵ I will show you the one to fear. Fear the one who has the power to kill you and also to throw you into hell. Yes, this is the one you should fear.

⁶ “Five sparrows are sold for only two pennies, and God does not forget any of them. ⁷ But God even knows how many hairs you have on your head. Don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we’re tempted way too often to behave badly, in big ways and little ways. Grant us a firm resolve to do good whatever the cost. Above all, remind us through Your Holy Spirit, that we choose to do good because it pleases You. May the fulfillment of pleasing You be of much greater importance than pleasing or impressing those among us. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.



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

Thursday October 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The safest place to stand in your storm is next to your heavenly father-

2-Faith is not an award given to the most learned, most disciplined or most religious-

3-Faith is a desperate dive out of a sinking boat of human effort and a prayer that God will be there to catch us-

4-The supreme force in our salvation is God's grace, not our works, talents, feelings or strength-

5-The most amazing response to God's gift of salvation is our reluctance to accepting it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-legally drunk-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The next time you are in a holding pattern or a waiting mode , be encouraged.  The fog will lift, it always does-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Pepsi originally contained pepsin, hence the name-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does the word Christmas mean?

2-Who choose December 25th as Jesus birth date?

3-What did the word "pagan" mean to early Roman Christians?

4-What split the Christian church between east and west?

5-How much does the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic Church have in common?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"Can a leopard change his spots"?

Answer for today       Jeremiah 13:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 12:1-3

12 So many thousands of people had gathered that they were stepping on each other. Jesus spoke first to his followers, saying, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, because they are hypocrites. ² Everything that is hidden will be shown, and everything that is secret will be made known. ³ What you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in an inner room will be shouted from the housetops.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as I seek You in the morning through prayer and Scripture reading I hear Your personal calling to me through the words of Christ Jesus, “Come, follow me.” Jesus suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps and walk blamelessly, according to the law of the Lord. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed so we do well to walk in all Your ways and honor You in the way we live our Christian lives. May we be a sweet smelling fragrance to you as we offer up our lives. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-

Wednesday October 14, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Faith can often be the child of fear-

2-Great acts of faith are seldom born out of calm calculations-

3-At the beginning of every act of faith there is often a seed of fear-

4-Faith that begins with fear ends up closer to the Father-

5-Faith begins when you are in a valley and you see God on the mountain and you know you are too weak to make the climb-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Large minority-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Waiting is an important part of the faith life-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Diet Coke was only invented in 1983-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Jesus and his disciples not have celebrated their birthdays?

2-When in history did people start celebrating the birth of Jesus?

3-Were the wise men really kings or were they magicians from Persia?

4-Why do we use the term "We three kings" visiting the baby Jesus when we don't know how many there really were?

5-Why do we put the wise men at the manger and not at the place where Jesus and family were living.  At their arrival Jesus could have been two years old.

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in theBible-"Woe is me"-

Answer for the day     Isaiah 6:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:52-54

⁵² “How terrible for you, you experts on the law. You have taken away the key to learning about God. You yourselves would not learn, and you stopped others from learning, too.”

⁵³ When Jesus left, the teachers of the law and the Pharisees began to give him trouble, asking him questions about many things, ⁵⁴ trying to catch him saying something wrong.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we’re reminded of Your absolute faithfulness as we reflect upon the Israelites journeying in the wilderness. Even when they were unfaithful and rebellious, in Your compassionate faithfulness, You provided for their daily needs. Your steadfast love never ceased and Your mercies never came to an end, for they were renewed everyday and are this day as well. All we have need of Your hand provides. We want to do our part in receiving it with thanksgiving and being careful not to waste, but to share with those in genuine need. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday October 13, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We should love God more than we fear hell-

2-When no one is watching, live as though someone is-

3-Toot your own horn and your notes come out flat-

4-Never let the important fall victim to the trivial-

5-As the mother sees yesterday, a daughter sees tomorrow-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Jumbo shrimp-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Troubles are often the tools by which God fashions us for better things-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Coke is used to clean up blood spills on highways-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why and when was December 25th chosen as the date to celebrate Jesus birthday?

2-Why is there no record of the birth date of Jesus?

3-If Jesus' birth date isn't 12/25 then when most likely was it?

4-Isn't there any importance in having Jesus birth date correct?

5-Did not any of the gospel writers know when Jesus' birth date was?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"Holier than thou"?

Answer for today       Isaiah 65:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:45-51

⁴⁵ One of the experts on the law said to Jesus, “Teacher, when you say these things, you are insulting us, too.”

⁴⁶ Jesus answered, “How terrible for you, you experts on the law! You make strict rules that are very hard for people to obey, but you yourselves don’t even try to follow those rules. ⁴⁷ How terrible for you, because you build tombs for the prophets whom your ancestors killed! ⁴⁸ And now you show that you approve of what your ancestors did. They killed the prophets, and you build tombs for them! ⁴⁹ This is why in his wisdom God said, ‘I will send prophets and apostles to them. They will kill some, and they will treat others cruelly.’ ⁵⁰ So you who live now will be punished for the deaths of all the prophets who were killed since the beginning of the world— ⁵¹ from the killing of Abel to the killing of Zechariah,^[a] who died between the altar and the Temple. Yes, I tell you that you who are alive now will be punished for them all."

Footnotes:

1. 11:51 Abel . . . Zechariah In the Hebrew Old Testament, the first and last men to be murdered.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is salvation to all of us who believe upon Jesus as the Son of God. It’s natural and inviting to join in with a crowd of believers and declare with exuberance our privilege and joy to be a Christian. But when we stand alone against a defiant crowd or are confronted by those who declare evil against the Christian believer it becomes not only a privilege but a grave responsibility and conviction to honor Christ by proclaiming our allegiance in a hostile setting. We pray for those confronted with that choice this very day. We also pray for families and friends who grieve the loss of their loved ones who took a Christian stand by staying true to their Christian faith though it cost them their earthly lives. May these families, all over the world, be consoled by the Scripture in Revelation 2:11 declaring that those faithful unto death will be given “the crown of life”. That is our prayer today that we be found faithful in life and faithful unto death, however that comes to us. In the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.

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

Monday October 12, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Yesterday's challenges are lost in today's joy-

2-Jesus might come in a way we don't expect and we might miss the answers to our prayers-

3-If we do what is right, God will do what is best-

4-Because we look for the bright light we miss the candle light, because we listen for the shout we miss the whisper-

5-One failure doesn't make a person a failure, one achievement doesn't make a person a success-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Hospital food-

 

I'VE LEARNED-All the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola owns the world's second largest truck fleet-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does the book of John not contain so many of the Jesus stories as written about in the other three gospel books?

2-Could John, the writer of the book of John, have been an eyewitness to the things he wrote about?

3-If John, the writer of the book of John, was an eye witness to the things he wrote about, why did he wait so long before he wrote about them, late in the first century?

4-Why was the early church so deeply divided over who Jesus was?

5-How can anyone possibly get a true picture of the "historical Jesus" since he left no writings about himself-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"salt of the earth"?

Answer for today         Matthew

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 11:37-44

³⁷ After Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee asked Jesus to eat with him. So Jesus went in and sat at the table. ³⁸ But the Pharisee was surprised when he saw that Jesus did not wash his hands^[a] before the meal. ³⁹ The Lord said to him, “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil. ⁴⁰ You foolish people! The same one who made what is outside also made what is inside. ⁴¹ So give what is in your dishes to the poor, and then you will be fully clean. ⁴² How terrible for you Pharisees! You give God one-tenth of even your mint, your rue, and every other plant in your garden. But you fail to be fair to others and to love God. These are the things you should do while continuing to do those other things. ⁴³ How terrible for you Pharisees, because you love to have the most important seats in the synagogues, and you love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces. ⁴⁴ How terrible for you, because you are like hidden graves, which people walk on without knowing.”

Footnotes:

1. 11:38 wash his hands This was a Jewish religious custom that the Pharisees thought was very important.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, in our own lifetime we see the beginning stages of disaster spreading from nation to nation and the mighty storm rising from the ends of the earth. Your Word teaches us to watch for these disastrous signs and how to prepare our hearts, along with those whom we might influence, as we see these things coming to pass. Though Jeremiah gave warning for over 23 years the people would not listen, as in the days of Noah, so we’re reminded that we shouldn’t be surprised when others turn a deaf ear to our message either. Enable us to keep Your truth ever before us so that we are not deterred, distracted, or disheartened although the majority refuse to listen or pay attention. In this lull before the full-blown storm may we not doubt or quibble with Scripture but rather, be still and know that You are God. Amen.


MAY YOU HAVE ENOUGH HAPPINESS TO MAKE YOU SWEET, ENOUGH TRIALS TO MAKE YOU STRONG, ENOUGH SORROW TO KEEP YOU HUMAN AND ENOUGH HOPE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY-

Sunday October 11, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Blessed are those who know what they are on earth to do and do it-

2-It is hard to see God through feelings of pain-

3-When you can't find God, trust him anyway-

4-Christians can endure their journey because they know their destination-

5-God never said the journey would be easy but he did say the arrival would be worth it-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Head butt-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We can't expect God to come to our rescue when we cause our own problems through bad choices or behavior-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A can of diet coke will float in water, while a can of regular coke sinks-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who was the author of the book of Mark.  Jesus had no disciple named Mark.  Could it be John Mark who was with Paul?  Could it be an unknown Christian named Mark who drew on a large number of traditions in order to compose his organized narrative?

2-Why weren't all the books of the New Testament put in order by date written?

3-It is thought that the book of Mark was the first Gospel written.  If so, why wasn't it listed first?

4-Was the book of Matthew written by the disciple named Matthew (the tax collector) or an unknown later author?

5-Why was the book of John inserted between the two books Luke wrote-Luke and Acts?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the Bible-"Wolf in Sheep's clothing"?

Answer for today       Matthew

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Luke 11:33-36

³³ “No one lights a lamp and puts it in a secret place or under a bowl, but on a lampstand so the people who come in can see. ³⁴ Your eye is a light for the body. When your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But when your eyes are evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. ³⁵ So be careful not to let the light in you become darkness. ³⁶ If your whole body is full of light, and none of it is dark, then you will shine bright, as when a lamp shines on you.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

“O Lord of The Harvest, send out workers into Your harvest field.” So much spiritual work awaits those whose hearts are drawn to eternal truths, to God’s commands, and to Christ’s provision of salvation. Lord, You are not willing that any should perish but that all would have eternal life through Christ Jesus who gave His all that we might have forgiveness of sins and a home in heaven for all eternity. We are confident that You will equip those who have replied, “Yes, I will be a worker of the spiritual harvest by sharing the gospel with those who have not yet heard the claims of the gospel.” I can do all things through Christ who enables me in such a worthy endeavor. Amen.


I WISH YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART-PEACE IN YOUR SOUL- JOY IN YOUR LIFE-ALWAYS-

Saturday October 10, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-When all hell breaks loose, all heaven draws near-

2-Never interpret our numbness for God's absence-

3-There is only so much sand in the hourglass-

4-When programs take priority over people, people lose-

5-We need to say no to the important so we can say yes to the vital-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Hands off management-

 

I'VE LEARNED-How we respond to critics, determines whether or not we grow in wisdom-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola was originally green-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was the early Christian community a big happy family or were they divided over just what to believe?

2-Why was there such division in the early church fathers over what should be considered "God's Word"?

3-Who was the first person to list all 27 books of our present New Testament?

4-Why did it take over 300 years after Jesus died for the New Testament to be assembled?

5-Are there Christian groups that don't have 27 books in the New Testament?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where is this commonly used phrase found in the bible --"the skin of my teeth"?

Answer for today    Job

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:31-32

³¹ On the Judgment Day the Queen of the South^[a] will stand up with the people who live now. She will show they are guilty, because she came from far away to listen to Solomon’s wise teaching. And I tell you that someone greater than Solomon is here. ³² On the Judgment Day the people of Nineveh will stand up with the people who live now, and they will show that you are guilty. When Jonah preached to them, they were sorry and changed their lives. And I tell you that someone greater than Jonah is here.

Footnotes:

1. 11:31 Queen of the South The Queen of Sheba. She traveled a thousand miles to learn God’s wisdom from Solomon. Read 1 Kings 10:1–3.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we need our minds stirred up by those things which are true, honorable, right and pure. Stimulate our minds to wholesome thinking as we consider Your Word which not only purifies us within, but also guides us as we develop godly character. Help us to maintain a teachable heart that is open to a fresh perspective on ancient truth but is also blessed when we receive the reminders of truths well established from the beginning of time. Remind us often that our words and actions give us opportunity to bring You glory as we reflect Your image. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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

Friday October 9, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Solitude and no service equals selfishness-

2-When energy intended to be used outside is used inside the result is an explosion-

3-We often forget strengths and point out weaknesses-

4-Nothing restores perspective better than a trip to the emergency room-

5-Remarkable things often occur in unremarkable situations- 

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-When those called to fish, don't fish, they fight-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When we help the poor, God accepts our help as if we had offered it directly to him-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Earl Dean developed the bottle design for Coca-Cola-

 

5 THINGS I WANTED TO KNOW

1-Over what period of time were the New Testament books written?

2-When was the first New Testament book written and when was the last one written?  Which books were they?

3-Why are there questions about the identities of writers, place of writing and dates of composition for so many New Testament books?

4-When did the concept of a "New Testament" take place?

5-Why were most of the Gnostic Gospel writings rejected by the early church fathers as illegitimate?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book in the Old Testament, mostly history and part law, gets quoted the tenth most times with 73 references?

Answer for today     Numbers

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:29-30

²⁹ As the crowd grew larger, Jesus said, “The people who live today are evil. They want to see a miracle for a sign, but no sign will be given them, except the sign of Jonah.^{[a] 30} As Jonah was a sign for those people who lived in Nineveh, the Son of Man will be a sign for the people of this time.

Footnotes:

1. 11:29 sign of Jonah Jonah’s three days in the fish are like Jesus’ three days in the tomb. See Matthew 12:40.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, in this depraved generation, darkness is sweeping across the land. At one time morality and virtuous behavior was applauded, but we now live in a time where good is called evil and evil is called good. Those who uphold Biblical truths are seen as archaic, old-fashioned, unenlightened, and even backward. May we not be confused by where the line crosses Your perfect will for our lives. We know in our hearts that teachings or lifestyles that defy Your holy Word is evil, not good. Enable us to “speak Your Word with great boldness” like Peter on the Day of Pentecost. May we not be intimidated or allow ourselves to be bullied into a position that contradicts that which is revealed in Your Holy Word. We rely on the power of Your Holy Spirit to live out our lives in a way that honors You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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

Thursday October 8, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The same voice that stilled the storm on the sea of Galilee can still the storm in your life-

2-There are times when life's conductor stops the drums and only the flute is allowed to play-

3-God became a man in order to convince man to trust God-

4-God sees our faults and failures but he also sees our value-

5-God's goodness comes from his nature not by our worthiness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Government organization-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A blameless life is far more valuable than wealth, but most people don't act as if they believe this-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Only two people in the world know the secret recipe for Coca-Cola-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Many early Christians expected the "second coming" of Jesus to happen any day.  Should we still do that today?

2-Had the letters sent by Paul been kept so that they could be collected and copied?

3-Many of the New Testament books began in the oral tradition by being passed on from generation to generation.  When were they finally written down?

4-Since there are no originals of the epistles and gospels to copy from, how can we be sure the copies are authentic with no copying errors or additions made afterward?

5-There are thousands of hand copied versions of fairly early New Testament documents.  I'm sure they are all not exact duplicates.  So which ones are correct?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, probably one of the least read Old Testament books, gets quoted the ninth most times in the New Testament?

Answer for today       Leviticus 

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 11:27-28

²⁷ As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out to Jesus, “Blessed is the mother who gave birth to you and nursed you.”

²⁸ But Jesus said, “No, blessed are those who hear the teaching of God and obey it.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, help me to store this vital Scripture today; “a righteous man will be remembered forever.” When I’m tempted to compromise my integrity in exchange for ungodly choices may this Scripture ring alarm bells in my heart and mind. Let its truth persuade me to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions so that I can live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age, for Your way is the best and lasting way.


MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-

Wednesday October 7, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You don't have to speak to encourage-

2-We have the power to change anothers life by the words we speak-

3-God loves you simply because he has chosen to-

4-The lack of your love does not diminish God's love for you-

5-Love is a fruit-the first fruit of the "fruits of the spirit"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Good grief-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A truly brave person does not look for chances to prove it-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The formula for Coca-Cola was created by pharmacist John Pemberton-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the reason for Jesus' absence from traditional written history outside the Bible?

2-Since the authorship of so many books of the Bible are not clearly identified, could any of the books not be authentic?

3-Who was Joseph Ben Matthias?

4-Who was Flavius Josephus?

5-Why was there no one recording the events of Jesus and his disciples and followers during Jesus' life?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book in the Old Testament, a book by one of the later prophets, gets quoted the eighth most times in the New Testament?

Answer for the day     Jeremiah

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:24-26

²⁴ “When an evil spirit comes out of a person, it travels through dry places, looking for a place to rest. But when it finds no place, it says, ‘I will go back to the house I left.’ ²⁵ And when it comes back, it finds that house swept clean and made neat. ²⁶ Then the evil spirit goes out and brings seven other spirits more evil than it is, and they go in and live there. So the person has even more trouble than before.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, depending on the state of our hearts we view the Scriptures about death or the return of Your Son in dread, as a warning or as a welcoming. We prepare our hearts by trusting You and asking You for the forgiveness of sins and inviting You to reign in our lives. We pray for those we love that they too will make spiritual preparations for their death or to be ready for the trumpet sound when the dead in Christ rise first and then we who believe will be caught up to meet Jesus in the skies. We have been warned, let us be prepared, and welcome with great anticipation the time when we will transition or at the second coming of our Lord.  We lift up our heads as our redemption draws near.  Amen.


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

Tuesday October 6, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Not everything done in the name of Christ should be attributed to Christianity-

2-There is a difference in cultural and authentic Christianity-

3-Christianity gives us a revaluation of the meaning of life-

4-Misconceptions about faith often open the door to doubts because they can create false expectations or misunderstandings about God-

5-Right or wrong we define ourselves through other peoples eyes-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Genuine imitation

 

I'VE LEARNED-We all need friends who will stick close, listen, care and offer help when it is needed in good times and bad.

 

DID YOU KNOW-Coca-Cola was first served at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta in 1886 for only five cents a glass-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Gospels are divinely inspired.  Are they also works of history, biography or personal memoirs?

2-During what period of time was the New Testament written?

3-During the last many centuries why have there been so many book burning's inspired by Christianity?

4-Which New Testament books were written first-the Epistles or the Gospels?

5-Were any of the Epistle writers related to Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Old Testament book with many visions in it, gets quoted the seventh most times in the New Testament?

Answer for today       Daniel

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 11:21-23

²¹ “When a strong person with many weapons guards his own house, his possessions are safe. ²² But when someone stronger comes and defeats him, the stronger one will take away the weapons the first man trusted and will give away the possessions.

²³ “Anyone who is not with me is against me, and anyone who does not work with me is working against me.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, help me not to be anxious about perplexing matters before me, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I want to present my requests to You so that Your peace which surpasses human understanding will guard my heart and my mind in Christ Jesus. Keep my eyes on Jesus who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life because that is the way to You, our Heavenly Father.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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

Monday October 5, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The ultimate sin-rejection of God, the ultimate punishment-everlasting separation from God-

2-The longer people live separated from God, the less likely they are able to exercise their free choice and place their trust in him-

3-We should never decide what is true based on what we like or don't like-

4-Hell is not a place of people who just didn't believe the right way but those who defy their creator and want their own way-

5-Confession should be one of the hallmarks of a Christian-admit fault, seek forgiveness and endeavor to change our way-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Friendly fire-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Better to be poor than a liar-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Fanta Orange is the third largest selling soft drink in the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does most information about Jesus come from second or third hand sources?

2-Was Jesus primarily a preacher or teacher?

3-When was Jesus first called the "Christ"?

4-Is the word "Christ" a name for Jesus or a title bestowed on him?  Which is the correct way to address Jesus-"Jesus Christ" or "Jesus the Christ"?

5-Why are there some remarkable differences in the four gospels about the life of Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, a long book of prophecy in the Old Testament  gets quoted the sixth most times in the New Testament with 141 references?

Answer for today     Ezekiel

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 11:14-20

¹⁴ One time Jesus was sending out a demon who could not talk. When the demon came out, the man who had been unable to speak, then spoke. The people were amazed. ¹⁵ But some of them said, “Jesus uses the power of Beelzebul, the ruler of demons, to force demons out of people.”

¹⁶ Other people, wanting to test Jesus, asked him to give them a sign from heaven. ¹⁷ But knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom that is divided against itself will be destroyed. And a family that is divided against itself will not continue. ¹⁸ So if Satan is divided against himself, his kingdom will not continue. You say that I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons. ¹⁹ But if I use the power of Beelzebul to force out demons, what power do your people use to force demons out? So they will be your judges. ²⁰ But if I use the power of God to force out demons, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we know that it’s not the one who runs the swiftest, nor the one who runs for just a day, but the one who endures to the end that will be saved. Help us to remain steady, and consistent, being joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer. We grow anxious and fearful regarding our loved ones who are not following in the ways of the Lord. We pray that they will submit their will to Yours, Lord, for it is the only certain hope for today and absolute hope for all eternity. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

 

 

 

MAY YOU HAVE ENOUGH HAPPINESS TO MAKE YOU SWEET, ENOUGH TRIALS TO MAKE YOU STRONG, ENOUGH SORROW TO KEEP YOU HUMAN AND ENOUGH HOPE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY-

Sunday October 4, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Good works have a place as a demonstration of receiving God's forgiveness but not as a merit badge of having earned it-

2-Often, something we like isn't the right thing to do and often the right thing isn't pleasurable-

3-Hell is the final place for those who refuse to live for the purpose for which they were created-

4-God allows people to suffer the natural consequences of the attitudes they have chosen to have-

5-Peoples character is not formed by major decisions but by the thousands of little choices made every day-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Found missing

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is wrong for us to treat the less fortunate with contempt and arrogance-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The citrus soda 7-Up was created in 1929.  The 7 was selected because the original containers were seven ounces.  "Up" indicated the directions of the bubbles.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Who were the first people to remove the Apocrypha books from their Bible?

2-Did Jesus speak Greek as well as Aramaic?

3-Was the name "Christ" a Jewish or Greek name?

4-Could Jesus write.  If so, did he leave any personal history.  If not, why not?

5-Why was there no physical description of the man Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Old Testament book, more law than history, gets quoted the fifth most times in the New Testament with 208 times?

Answer for today    Deuteronomy

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 11:9-13

⁹ So I tell you, ask, and God will give to you. Search, and you will find. Knock, and the door will open for you. ¹⁰ Yes, everyone who asks will receive. The one who searches will find. And everyone who knocks will have the door opened. ¹¹ If your children ask for^[a] a fish, which of you would give them a snake instead? ¹² Or, if your children ask for an egg, would you give them a scorpion? ¹³ Even though you are bad, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more your heavenly Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Footnotes:

1. 11:11 for Some Greek copies include the phrase “for bread, which of you would give them a stone, or if they ask for . . . ”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, You sent Jesus to be the Light of the world, and He now sends us out as redeemed messengers in the places where we live. Some of those places are very dark and we’re afraid to share the message of light and truth because we feel inadequate, unworthy, and unprepared to convey such a wondrous message. But in holding back we fail to introduce others to You whose searchlight from the Holy Spirit guides us into all truths, delivers us from the evil one, and sets our feet upon a firm rock. We know that it is not by our might or power that we are able to shine like stars in the universe, but it is through Your Spirit that we can lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Amen.


I WISH YOU LOVE IN YOUR HEART-PEACE IN YOUR SOUL- JOY IN YOUR LIFE-ALWAYS-

Saturday October 3, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-If God gave everyone what they truly deserve, no one would get to heaven-

2-We often try to claim goodness by comparing ourselves to others-

3-If hell is the absence of God, then for me to live with the absence of God is to be already on the road to hell-

4-There is sorrow in delayed salvation because your tears are tears of what was lost before you came to God-

5-One of the hard truths of the scriptures is to understand that we do not earn our way to heaven-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Extinct life-

 

I'VE LEARNED-One who has unreliable friends comes to ruin-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Carbonated water is the main ingredient in soda pop-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If the Song of Solomon is classified as a love poem, is it an erotic love poem?

2-The book of Solomon does not mention God, doesn't deal with laws, prophecy or religion.  How did such a sexual poem with erotic imagery and not overly concerned with marriage make it into the Bible in the first place?

3-What was the last book written to be accepted onto Hebrew cannon?

4-Who wrote the book of Daniel?

5-For the first four centuries after Jesus, the Apocrypha books were accepted as holy by early Christians.  Why did that change?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book part narrative and part law in the Old Testament gets the quoted fourth most times in the New Testament with 250 references?

Answer for the day     Exodus

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY       Luke 11:5-8

⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you went to your friend’s house at midnight and said to him, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves of bread. ⁶ A friend of mine has come into town to visit me, but I have nothing for him to eat.’ ⁷ Your friend inside the house answers, ‘Don’t bother me! The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything.’ ⁸ I tell you, if friendship is not enough to make him get up to give you the bread, your boldness will make him get up and give you whatever you need.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, when we begin our journey with You, we’re uncertain of all that lies ahead. We’re told in Scripture that if we are in Christ old things have passed away, and all things have become new. That’s because we now begin to align our thoughts and actions according to Scripture; we begin to see through the eyes of Christ; and we press on to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus so that we will receive our future eternal reward laid up for us already in heaven. Keep us steady, trusting, and faithful as we press on in the faith. Through Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Friday October 2, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You cannot communicate the love of God in non loving terms-

2-What a person really and truly believes is what they will eventually live out-

3-Where there are no moral standards, raw power often wins- 

4-Jesus didn't come to make bad people good, he came to make dead people live-

5-Anyone who spends eternity with God does so because of God's grace and Jesus' provision-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Exact estimate-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The proud attitude heads the lists of seven things God hates-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Carbonated water, with nothing else in it, can dissolve limestone, talc, and many other low-Mohs hardness minerals-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How could Solomon have such great wisdom and yet not have great moral standards?

2-Does "sparing the rod really spoil the child"?

3-Is the book of Ecclesiastes more philosophical than religious?

4- Is the book of Ecclesiastes more negative than positive?

5-Is the Song of Solomon an R or X rated writing?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, part of the Torah, gets quoted the third most times in the New Testament?

Answer for today       Genesis

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Luke 11:1-4

1 One time Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his followers said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray as John taught his followers.”

² Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say:

‘Father, may your name always be kept holy.
May your kingdom come.
³ Give us the food we need for each day.
⁴ Forgive us for our sins,
    Because we forgive everyone who has done wrong to us.
And do not cause us to be tempted.’”^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 11:2–4 ‘Father . . . Tempted.’ Some Greek copies include phrases from Matthew’s version of this prayer (Matthew 6:9–13).

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, whether our trials are emotional, physical, spiritual, financial or relational we are absolutely dependent on You for everything that we have need of. When we rely on our own intellect, past experience or natural giftings we miss the opportunity to see Your will perfected in our lives as we work matters out in our own limited strength and faulty wisdom. You work in the supernatural realm while we are confined to the natural unless we welcome Your power to be manifested in our lives. Help us not to resent or be embarrassed by our weaknesses, but to invite Your Holy Spirit power to work through them, so that we can learn endurance, find strength, glorify You, and be an example to others undergoing trial. Amen.


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

Thursday October 1, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Don't confuse what the Bible records with what it approves-

2-God is the explanation for the miracle of existence-

3-It is not for lack of evidence that people turn from God.  It is their own pride or will-

4-Love never works coercively, it only works persuasively-

5-If truth is not undergirded by love, it makes the possession of that truth repulsive-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-dodge ram

 

I'VE LEARNED-In a lawsuit, the first to speak seems right until someone comes forward to cross examine-

 

DID YOU KNOW-On average, there are 178 sesame seeds on each Mc Donald's Big Mac bun-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the book of Job leave the reader with more unanswered questions than it began with?

2-Is it accurate to say that the Psalms were written by multiple authors over hundred of years?

3-Is it accurate to say that the Psalms are poems to be sung and not doctrinal statements nor sermons?

4-Why are some Psalms so violent and revengeful?

5-Was the book of Proverbs written by a multitude of writers over a long period of time?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book, the longest in the Old Testament, gets quoted the second most times with 414 references in the New Testament?

Answer  for today      Psalms

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 10:38-4

³⁸ While Jesus and his followers were traveling, Jesus went into a town. A woman named Martha let Jesus stay at her house. ³⁹ Martha had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to him teach. ⁴⁰ But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me.”

⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. ⁴² Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we give You all the glory for You have done great things; things so great they are far beyond the scope, understanding, knowledge or creativity granted to us, Your creation. So we praise You for all that You provide us, all that is ours to hold in our hands, see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and taste with our tongue. But purer and higher and greater than all these wonderful things will be the moment that Christ returns for His children. He will be our wonder, our transport, from our swift sojourn here on earth to our eternal dwelling in the heavens. Keep us faithful till that appointed hour. Amen.


MAY YOU ALWAY HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE-