Tuesday September 13, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The secret to happiness is helping someone else-

2-A friend is one of life's most valuable treasures-

3-Life isn't a travel guide to follow but an adventure to undertake-

4-All you really need to be happy is to have something you are enthusiastic about-

5-A smile is the light in the window of your face-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even if you fall on your face you are moving forward-

I'VE LEARNED-We will reap in eternity what we plant in this life-

DID YOU KNOW-The wheat that produces a one pound loaf of bread requires two tons of water to grow-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What would life be like if we never attempted anything new?

2-Do you obey God to experience Him or do you experience God and then obey Him?

3-What is the risk involved with love?

4-Why doesn't a loving God eliminate the possibilities for evil?

5-Did Jesus raise himself from the dead or did God the Father do it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What apostle addressed the Pentecost crowd in a loud voice?

Yesterday's answer--Laodicea Revelations 3:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:17-21

¹⁷ If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right.¹⁸ Do your best to live in peace with everyone. ¹⁹ My friends, do not try to punish others when they wrong you, but wait for God to punish them with his anger. It is written: "I will punish those who do wrong; I will repay them," says the Lord. ²⁰ But you should do this:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head." — Proverbs 25:21–22
²¹ Do not let evil defeat you, but defeat evil by doing good.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we stand daily on the promises within Your Holy Word. Zephaniah reminds us that “Every morning You bring Your justice to light; You do not fail.” If we rely on ourselves, our abilities or our resources, we will utterly fail. Instead we look to You who faileth not, whose mercies are unending, and whose steadfast love never ceases. Our faith is strengthened and our hope is increased as we declare with the prophet Jeremiah, “Great is Your faithfulness!” Amen.

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

Monday September 12, 2011 thought for the day

(A PRESEASON PICTURE)

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is foolish to worry about anything so temporary as today-

2-Every mountain has at least 2 valleys-

3-Be sure you haven't lost what money can't buy-

4-You should tell your money where to go instead of asking where it went-

5-The hardest thing about making money last is the ability to make it first-

STRANGE THOUGHT-It is always the darkest when your eyes are closed-

I'VE LEARNED-The key is not the will to win, it is the will to prepare to win that is important-

DID YOU KNOW-Shredded Wheat was the first ready to eat breakfast cereal-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is the removal of shoes done as a sign of standing on holy ground?

2-Did Jesus condemn the owning of material possessions?

3-Have we lost the concept of eternity and accountability?

4-How does God become involved in the life of those he loves?

5-What can we do to show God we love him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To which church did Jesus say, "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him"?

Yesterday's answer- Saul 1 Samuel 26:17

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:9-16

⁹ Your love must be real. Hate what is evil, and hold on to what is good.¹⁰ Love each other like brothers and sisters. Give each other more honor than you want for yourselves.¹¹ Do not be lazy but work hard, serving the Lord with all your heart.¹² Be joyful because you have hope. Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.¹³ Share with God's people who need help. Bring strangers in need into your homes.

¹⁴ Wish good for those who harm you; wish them well and do not curse them.¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and be sad with those who are sad.¹⁶ Live in peace with each other. Do not be proud, but make friends with those who seem unimportant. Do not think how smart you are.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You have shown us through the example of Jesus that we are to accept others in the same way that Christ accepted us. Show us ways that we can effectively reach out to others, especially those who feel rejected by family or society as a whole. Help us to show them genuine love and to initiate a friendship in the same way that You reached out to others and befriended them. As we do this in obedience to your command and as we are led by Christ’s example Scripture indicates that we bring praise to You which is our heart’s desire. Amen.

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

Sunday September 11, 2011 thought for the day

SHE STILL FLIES OVER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY-

1-Buried in common place things, the pearl of happiness is to be found-

2-A great artist can paint a great picture on a small canvas-

3-Most of us will never do great things but we can do small things in a great way-

4-A friend is someone to whom you can entrust the key to your heart-

5-The longer you carry a problem, the heavier it gets-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you have one watch you know what time it is, but if you have two watches you are never quite sure-

I'VE LEARNED-No where in scripture is there sentimental wishful thinking-

DID YOU KNOW-Rice is thrown at weddings as a symbol of fertility-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What does it take for God to call you his "friend"?

2-Why did God chose Abraham to bless him into a great nation?

3-Did Abraham live blameless before God after God called him?

4-Did God make Hagar's child Ishmael into as blessed people?

5-Why does the Bible use fire as a sign of purity?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said, "Is that your voice, David my son?"

Yesterday's answer-Revelation 1:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:6-8

⁶ We all have different gifts, each of which came because of the grace God gave us. The person who has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in agreement with the faith.⁷ Anyone who has the gift of serving should serve. Anyone who has the gift of teaching should teach.⁸ Whoever has the gift of encouraging others should encourage. Whoever has the gift of giving to others should give freely. Anyone who has the gift of being a leader should try hard when he leads. Whoever has the gift of showing mercy to others should do so with joy.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, I consider the words of Paul in Romans 14:7 where he reminds us that everyone’s life and eventual death has a relation to others as well as themselves. The choices I make and the actions that come from those choices either better my family name or inflict disaster on society. I choose to live my life according to Your will and enjoy the present and eternal blessings that come from this decision. I, with absolute intention, refuse to give Satan a foothold in my life thereby bringing evil human desires that eventually destroy my faith in You. I want to carefully guard the basic spiritual principles prayerfully instilled in me through Your Holy Word. Amen.

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

Saturday September 10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A coincidence may be God's way of acting anonymously in your life-

2-The only constant in life is change-

3-Not all religion is to be found in the church anymore than all knowledge is found in the classroom-

4-Self respect is the finest garment which anyone can clothe themselves in-

5-Of all the things you wear, your smile is the most important-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Comedy is a funny way of being serious-

I'VE LEARNED-Joy is the serious business of heaven-

DID YOU KNOW-Rice is grown on more than 10 percent of the earth's farmable surface and is the main food for half of the people of the world-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is it that some people, no matter how nice you are to them, cannot be nice to you in return?

2-Are some Christians just as extremist as some in other world religions?

3-What causes anyone to become a religious extremist?

4-Are Christians always to repay evil with good?

5-What does it mean to be "pure in heart"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book says that the divine voice sounds like a waterfall?

Yesterday's answer-Daniel 4:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 12:1-5

Give Your Lives to God

¹ So brothers and sisters, since God has shown us great mercy, I beg you to offer your lives as a living sacrifice to him. Your offering must be only for God and pleasing to him, which is the spiritual way for you to worship. ² Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you; you will know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. ³ Because God has given me a special gift, I have something to say to everyone among you. Do not think you are better than you are. You must decide what you really are by the amount of faith God has given you.⁴ Each one of us has a body with many parts, and these parts all have different uses.⁵ In the same way, we are many, but in Christ we are all one body. Each one is a part of that body, and each part belongs to all the other parts.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, because the Scripture tells us so much about our future eternal homeland, we find ourselves homesick for a place we’ve never been. Perhaps that’s because we’ve chosen to live as strangers in this world in reverential fear toward You, our holy God! Our hopes, our affections and our joys will be fully realized on the other side where Jesus will wipe away the tears from our eyes and we will know no sorrow, no suffering, no good-byes and no sin. Can’t wait but will endure till you call us home! Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Friday September 9, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-There aren't many things as therapeutic as smiles and laughter-

2-Wherever you go--there you are-

3-Listen to your heart-

4-Every survival kit should include a sense of humor-

5-Do not pray for easier lives, pray to be a stronger person-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you want your dreams to come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up-

I'VE LEARNED-In early Christian Greek tradition, Easter Monday was a "day of joy and laughter" called Bright Monday-

DID YOU KNOW-There are more than fifteen thousand different kinds of rice-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can God and Jesus be one as Jesus said they were?

2-Is there a difference in compassion and enabling?

3-Is it really possible to love your enemies?

4-Does "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" really work?

5-Is anyone beyond rescue by God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard the voice of an angel ordering that a large tree be chopped down?

Yesterday's answer-Matthew 2:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:33-36

Praise to God

³³ Yes, God's riches are very great, and his wisdom and knowledge have no end! No one can explain the things God decides or understand his ways. ³⁴ As the Scripture says,
"Who has known the mind of the Lord,
Or who has been able to give him advice?" — Isaiah 40:13
³⁵ "No one has ever given God anything
That he must pay back." — Job 41:11

³⁶ Yes, God made all things, and everything continues through him and for him. To him be the glory forever! Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we read in Proverbs that “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” and “The fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” We must choose to fear You rather than man so that we prepare ourselves for living as sojourners here below with heaven in view at all times. We can do this when we live as strangers in reverent fear of You, our Father in heaven. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday September 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God does not remind you of your forgiven past failure, satan does that-

2-You can't do anything about what is gone, but you can do something about what you have left-

3-When you dwell on the past you are bringing your past into today-

4-It isn't how little you know but how anxious you are to learn-

5-Be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, tolerant of the weak and wrong for there will be times in your life you will be all of these-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The one who graduates today stops learning tomorrow and is uneducated the day after-

I'VE LEARNED-The Gospels contain wonderful stories, but they record only a small fraction of what Jesus did-

DID YOU KNOW-Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God work more effectively in the lives of people we pray for?

2-When do Christians receive "the mind of Christ"?

3-When the Holy Spirit fills you, do you have all of God's presence?

4-Why did Jesus refer to God as his father?

5-Did God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit exist together from the very beginning?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Gospel mentions the voice of Rachel weeping for her children?

Yesterday's answer-Samuel 1 Samuel 15:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:28-32

²⁸ The Jews refuse to accept the Good News, so they are God's enemies. This has happened to help you who are not Jews. But the Jews are still God's chosen people, and he loves them very much because of the promises he made to their ancestors.²⁹ God never changes his mind about the people he calls and the things he gives them.³⁰ At one time you refused to obey God. But now you have received mercy, because those people refused to obey. ³¹ And now the Jews refuse to obey, because God showed mercy to you. But this happened so that they also can receive mercy from him. ³² God has given all people over to their stubborn ways so that he can show mercy to all.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, may our spirit be like that of David’s who acknowledged his sin to You and did not cover up his iniquity. You forgave the guilt of his sin and cleansed him from unrighteousness. You forgive every sinner who confesses his or her need to be saved from their sin, and You forgive every believer who acknowledges that they have sinned and come short of Your glory. Thank You for Your amazing grace that brings about our spiritual cleansing. Through the precious blood of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday September 7, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you can't let go of your past you won't be able to go into your future-

2-Shut the door on doubt-

3-Excessive mourning does not bring happiness-

4-The more you dwell on your disappointments, the more you block God's blessings coming your way-

5-The mercies of God are fresh and new each day-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Nobody can be exactly like me and sometimes even I have trouble doing it-

I'VE LEARNED-Till the 17th century history of the church, the understanding of living things included the doctrine that animals as well as humans had souls-

DID YOU KNOW-Nutmeg is extremely poisonous if injected intravenously-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Had Joseph been married with a family prior to his marriage to Mary?

2-What makes a person great?

3-What should motivate the Christian?

4-Do we really understand what sin does?

5-How does God make his offer of salvation to those who do not know or acknowledge him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who told Saul that obeying God's voice was more important than sacrificing animals?

Yesterday's answer-The fire Deuteronomy 5:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:22-27

²² So you see that God is kind and also very strict. He punishes those who stop following him. But God is kind to you, if you continue following in his kindness. If you do not, you will be cut off from the tree.²³ And if the Jews will believe in God again, he will accept them back. God is able to put them back where they were.²⁴ It is not natural for a wild branch to be part of a good tree. And you who are not Jews are like a branch cut from a wild olive tree and joined to a good olive tree. But since those Jews are like a branch that grew from the good tree, surely they can be joined to their own tree again.

²⁵ I want you to understand this secret, brothers and sisters, so you will understand that you do not know everything: Part of Israel has been made stubborn, but that will change when many who are not Jews have come to God.²⁶ And that is how all Israel will be saved. It is written in the Scriptures:
"The Savior will come from Jerusalem;
He will take away all evil from the family of Jacob.
²⁷ And I will make this agreement with those people
When I take away their sins." — Isaiah 59:20–21; 27:9

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is far too easy to become earthbound with our affections, aspirations, and accumulations. Yet, as we place our faith in You and follow the Scriptures, we learn that our hope is not fully realized through our earthly pilgrimage and certainly the best awaits us on the other side. Help us to find the joy of living here below as we store up our true lasting treasures in heaven where we will fully experience the eternal, unbounded blessings that await us as we enter Paradise. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Tuesday September 6, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is the illusion of permanence that distorts our perception of this life-

2-When the pressure is on us, what is in us comes out of us-

3-It is not often easy to let go of the past, in fact it often takes courage-

4-They who lie for you will lie against you-

5-If you are afraid to let go of the old, you will miss what is new-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A lot of pessimists got that way by financing optimists-

I'VE LEARNED-What you do is the result of what you are-

DID YOU KNOW-You should not eat a crayfish with a straight tail, it was dead before it was cooked-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How long after Mary was pregnant did she tell Joseph?

2-Did Jesus have a Bar Mitzvah?

3-Why was Jesus given an ordinary common name?

4-Was Joseph special because he was Mary's husband, he was Jesus' step father or because he was obedient to the angel of his dream?

5-Was Joseph a common ordinary man?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Deuteronomy, where did God's voice come from?

Yesterday's answer-Hannah 1 Samuel 1:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:16-21

¹⁶ If the first piece of bread is offered to God, then the whole loaf is made holy. If the roots of a tree are holy, then the tree's branches are holy too.

¹⁷ It is as if some of the branches from an olive tree have been broken off. You non-Jewish people are like the branch of a wild olive tree that has been joined to that first tree. You now share the strength and life of the first tree, the Jews.¹⁸ So do not brag about those branches that were broken off. If you brag, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.¹⁹ You will say, "Branches were broken off so that I could be joined to their tree."²⁰ That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe, and you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Do not be proud, but be afraid.²¹ If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, then he will not let you stay if you don't believe.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the privilege of working with our hands and engaging our minds. Work is ordained by you and carried out in our homes and places of employment. Help us to make a positive difference as we live out our Christian testimony while diligently performing our work duties. There is no perfect workplace, yet we as people who seek to honor You, will be able to deal with less than ideal circumstances as we do our work primarily for You, knowing that it is from You that we receive the reward You grant to those who are diligent and faithful. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Monday September 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Paul and Silas didn't sing while in prison because they were in bondage but because they were free-

2-Preach God's love at all time--use words if necessary-

3-Sometimes our guilt keeps us from accepting God's unconditional love-

4-The more you dwell on the past the less of a future you will have-

5-If a problem is too small to pray about it is too small to worry about-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I sat up all night thinking about the sun and then it dawned on me-

I'VE LEARNED-You're happiest while you are giving of yourself-

DID YOU KNOW-The liquid inside young coconuts can be used as a substitute for blood plasma in an emergency-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If Jesus said his generation was "sinful and adulterous" what would he call our society today?

2-How did Mary and Joseph get together as a couple?

3-Did Mary have a painless birth with Jesus?

4-Did Mary have help giving birth to Jesus?

5-Why was Joseph willing to do with Mary what he had seen in a dream?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What barren woman moved her lips in prayer but made no sound?

Yesterday's answer-Mount Sinai Exodus 19:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:13-15

¹³ Now I am speaking to you who are not Jews. I am an apostle to those who are not Jews, and since I have that work, I will make the most of it.¹⁴ I hope I can make my own people jealous and, in that way, help some of them to be saved.¹⁵ When God turned away from the Jews, he became friends with other people in the world. So when God accepts the Jews, surely that will bring them life after death.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, thank You for Your repeated warnings in Scripture that informs, instructs and protects us from the evil one. Help us not to ignore your warnings or procrastinate in our obedience to Your commands. Embolden our spiritual leaders to be fearless watchmen who speak out Your truths, even when they’re not popular or politically expedient. May we be receptive to Your Word and obedient in our response. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Sunday September 4, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your choices determine your level of success-

2-Your road to success is paved by your own determination-

3-A happy life is about making wise choices-

4-It is not how you start out, it is what you become-

5-Freedom doesn't guarantee success, it only guarantees your right to make choices-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade-

I'VE LEARNED-What chance gathers it easily scatters-

DID YOU KNOW-Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing gas in a space suit damages it-

(some things I really don't need to know)

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does the Bible mean by "heart"?

2-Could the word demon as used in the New Testament have been normal human illness?

3-Can you ever reason with God?

4-When was it evident to the disciples that there was more bread and fish to feed the multitude than the 5 and 2 they started out with?

5-Why don't we know the reaction of the disciples to Jesus feeding the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did God speak to Moses in a voice like thunder?

Yesterday's answer-John Revelation 1:10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:7-12

⁷ So this is what has happened: Although the Israelites tried to be right with God, they did not succeed, but the ones God chose did become right with him. The others were made stubborn and refused to listen to God. ⁸ As it is written in the Scriptures:

"God gave the people a dull mind so they could not understand." — Isaiah 29:10
"He closed their eyes so they could not see
And their ears so they could not hear.
This continues until today." — Deuteronomy 29:4
⁹ And David says:
"Let their own feasts trap them and cause their ruin;
Let their feasts cause them to stumble and be paid back.
¹⁰ Let their eyes be closed so they cannot see
And their backs be forever weak from troubles." — Psalm 69:22–23

¹¹ So I ask: When the Jews fell, did that fall destroy them? No! But their failure brought salvation to those who are not Jews, in order to make the Jews jealous. ¹² The Jews' failure brought rich blessings for the world, and the Jews' loss brought rich blessings for the non-Jewish people. So surely the world will receive much richer blessings when enough Jews become the kind of people God wants.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Daily prayer: Father, from the time of creation generation after generation have proclaimed the truths passed down to them from the prophets to their own people. It is our turn, in the 21st century, to boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a lost and dying world, to give them hope beyond their present circumstances and eternal hope beyond the grave. We want to be a solid link in the transmission of truth and salvation to all who will receive through Jesus Christ in whose Name we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH-

Saturday September 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remember as bad as things are for you, there are those who have it worse-

2-Having that one special thing is great, but if you're not enough without it , you'll never be enough with it-

3-The test of your mettle is what you've endured to make the impossible possible-

4-Freedom will do you little good if you are not willing to accept its responsibilities-

5-Correlation does not relate to causation-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never do anything you wouldn't want to explain to the paramedics-

I'VE LEARNED-If you want to be happy practice compassion-

DID YOU KNOW-A company in Taiwan makes dinnerware out of wheat so you can eat your plate-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus know there were other people living in areas other than the middle east?

2-How many people did Jesus raise from the dead?

3-Are most church services based on the traditions of men?

4-Is it possible that many church traditions are not God ordained?

5-What does the Bible mean by "unclean"?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard a voice that said, "Write down what you see?"

Yesterday's answer-Above the Ark of the Covenant Numbers 7:89

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 11:1-6

God Shows Mercy to All People

¹ So I ask: Did God throw out his people? No! I myself am an Israelite from the family of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.² God chose the Israelites to be his people before they were born, and he has not thrown his people out. Surely you know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he prayed to God against the people of Israel. ³ "Lord," he said, "they have killed your prophets, and they have destroyed your altars. I am the only prophet left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." ⁴ But what answer did God give Elijah? He said, "But I have left seven thousand people in Israel who have never bowed down before Baal."⁵ It is the same now. There are a few people that God has chosen by his grace.⁶ And if he chose them by grace, it is not for the things they have done. If they could be made God's people by what they did, God's gift of grace would not really be a gift.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is because of the great love of Your Son, Jesus, and His willingness to take our sins upon Himself that we are reconciled to You. It is truly amazing and the greatest news of all time for all generations. Father, we want to be passionate as Christ’s ambassadors since You are making Your appeal through us reaching out to others with the greatest message of all time: ”Be reconciled to God.” When we were lost, broken, and without hope Christ reconciled us to You who sought us, repaired our broken lives, and gave us eternal hope. Where would we be without Jesus! Thank You for receiving us, redeeming us, and reconciling us to Yourself. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Friday September 2, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you had only 7 days to live, what would you do. What is keeping you from doing it?

2-Don't leave your happiness to destiny-

3-Happiness doesn't find you, you create your own-

4-Happiness is a state of mind-

5-You are as happy as you make up your mind to be-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The batteries were given out free of charge-

I'VE LEARNED-To harvest later you must plant now-

DID YOU KNOW-Japan is the largest exporter of frogs' legs-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus and his disciples regularly pray before eating food?

2-Where did Jesus and his disciples get their daily food from?

3-Did the disciples have to work for their food or did Jesus miraculously supply it?

4-Are most Christians legalistic to some degree?

5-The bible says that all who touched Jesus for healing were healed, so why is it not so today?

BIBLE TRIVIA-When Moses was in the tabernacle, where did God's voice come from?

Yesterday's answer-Isaac Genesis 27:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:16-21

Father, we find direction and sufficient grace as we follow Psalm 27:14: “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say on the Lord.” The Psalmist tells us twice in the same sentence to wait on You. We’re not to doubt, be despondent or give up in despair, but instead we are to go forward in faith, trusting You completely, since “no eye has seen, and no ear has heard what the Lord has in store for those who wait for Him.” Help us to endure the wait and enjoy our faith walk with You. Amen.

¹⁶ But not all the Jews accepted the good news. Isaiah said, "Lord, who believed what we told them?"¹⁷ So faith comes from hearing the Good News, and people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ.

¹⁸ But I ask: Didn't people hear the Good News? Yes, they heard—as the Scripture says:
"Their message went out through all the world;
Their words go everywhere on earth." — Psalm 19:4
¹⁹ Again I ask: Didn't the people of Israel understand? Yes, they did understand. First, Moses says:
"I will use those who are not a nation to make you jealous.
I will use a nation that does not understand to make you angry." — Deuteronomy 32:21
²⁰ Then Isaiah is bold enough to say:
"I was found by those who were not asking me for help.
I made myself known to people who were not looking for me." — Isaiah 65:1
²¹ But about Israel God says,
"All day long I stood ready to accept
People who disobey and are stubborn." — Isaiah 65:2

PRAYER FOR TODAY

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Thursday September 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only way you are going to make it is to convince yourself you are going to make it-

2-If you tell yourself something negative, your body will respond to your brains command-

3-For a change in attitude you must think differently-

4-Be careful of what you say when you talk to yourself-

5-You don't really know what you have until it is gone-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Stress is the glue that holds me together-

I'VE LEARNED-Time is life-

DID YOU KNOW-The glue on Israeli postage stamps is certified kosher-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was Jesus a vegetarian?

2-What is the scriptural basis for "giving thanks" at meal time?

3-Should praying before meals be "giving thanks" or"asking the blessing"?

4-Jesus gave thanks for the 5 loaves and 2 fish but did he also ask God to multiply them into enough for 5000 men?

5-Why are Christians to pray before eating but not before every other act of living throughout the day?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What blind father recognized Jacob's voice but was deceived by his glove covered hands?

Yesterday's answer-John the Baptist Mark 1:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:14-15

¹⁴ But before people can ask the Lord for help, they must believe in him; and before they can believe in him, they must hear about him; and for them to hear

about the Lord, someone must tell them;¹⁵ and before someone can go and tell them, that person must be sent. It is written, "How beautiful is the person

Who comes to bring good news."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Wednesday August 31, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No matter how hard it may be, keep a positive attitude-

2-It is on the darkest night that the stars are seen best-

3-How do you know what you are capable of if you don't give it your all-

4-Life is not now or ever will be fair-

5-To achieve what you want you must do what you have to do-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Action requires traction but the enemy brings distraction-

I'VE LEARNED-Time can be your worst enemy or your closest allie-

DID YOU KNOW-More than half of the different types of cheese in the world come from France-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus' hometown have any revelation as to who Jesus really was?

2-Why was Jesus considered a prophet by some people?

3-What are "evil spirits" which the Bible refers to?

4-Did Jesus instruct his disciples to anoint people with oil for their healing?

5-Was there any significance in 5 loaves and 2 fish equaling 7 (the perfect number)?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What New Testament character was the "voice crying in the wilderness"?

Yesterday's answer-Jesus, when he walked on the lake Mark 6:48

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:5-13

⁵ Moses writes about being made right by following the law. He says, "A person who obeys these things will live because of them."⁶ But this is what the Scripture says about being made right through faith: "Don't say to yourself, 'Who will go up into heaven?' " (That means, "Who will go up to heaven and bring Christ down to earth?")⁷ "And do not say, 'Who will go down into the world below?' " (That means, "Who will go down and bring Christ up from the dead?") ⁸ This is what the Scripture says: "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart." That is the teaching of faith that we are telling. ⁹ If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and if you believe in your heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we declare with our mouths that we believe, and so we are saved. ¹¹ As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed."¹² That Scripture says "anyone" because there is no difference between those who are Jews and those who are not. The same Lord is the Lord of all and gives many blessings to all who trust in him,¹³ as the Scripture says, "Anyone who calls on the Lord will be saved."

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

Father, it has been written that he who stands for nothing will fall for anything. Most within our generation stand for very little that has eternal value though we have been given thorough instruction from Your Holy Word to guide our lives, teach us right from wrong, and how to prepare for eternity. We are convinced of these teachings by the Holy Spirit, by men and women of deep faith, and by our own defining experiences in life. Help us to stand unashamedly and fearlessly as people of deep conviction we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Tuesday August 30 , 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Just because an assumption is logical doesn't mean it is true-

2-Failure is succeeding in a way that doesn't matter-

3-Even if you pay the price, there is no guarantee of achievement-

4-There is always a price to pay to achieve your dreams-

5-Your mind is the strongest part of your body-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I hate this but I don't want to waste this-

I'VE LEARNED-In the critical areal of life, you cannot make up for lost time-

DID YOU KNOW-France has the highest per capita consumption of cheese-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does becoming a Christian make Jesus your Savior as well as your Lord-

2-When Jesus cast out demons from a man into a herd of pigs, they ran into a lake and were drowned. Did the demons die also?

3-Did Jesus ever compensate the owners of the pigs who drowned themselves in a lake?

4-Did Jairus the synagogue ruler, whose daughter Jesus healed, become a believer and follower of Jesus?

5-Who were Jesus brothers and who were his sisters?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who frightened his followers, who thought he was a ghost when he passed by them late at night?

Yesterday's answer-The Lord 1 Samuel 4:1-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 10:1-4

¹ Brothers and sisters, the thing I want most is for all the Jews to be saved. That is my prayer to God.² I can say this about them: They really try to follow God, but they do not know the right way.³ Because they did not know the way that God makes people right with him, they tried to make themselves right in their own way. So they did not accept God's way of making people right.⁴ Christ ended the law so that everyone who believes in him may be right with God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the powerful God that You are. Even the winds and waves recognize You as Creator and obey Your voice. Your Word is a lighthouse that directs us safely toward heaven when the furious waves swirl about us and the water rises up to our necks. Keep us firmly anchored in Your ways so that we stay above the waters and endure to the very end. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH----

Monday August 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The greater the heat, the greater the expansion-

2-God gives us faith as generously as he gives us his love-

3-Some people die at 24 but aren't buried until 74-

4-You have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find your handsome prince-

5-There is no such thing as an overnight success-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I am not sure how ambivalent I should be-

I'VE LEARNED-You cannot save up time-

DID YOU KNOW-If China imported just 10 percent of its rice needs, The price on the world market would increase by 80 percent-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there anything God will not or cannot forgive you of?

2-Why did Jesus appoint his apostles from his 12 disciples?

3-Did Jesus have more than 12 men who were his disciples?

4-If a parable is confusing to those who don't understand it, why didn't Jesus speak so everyone would understand what he was saying-

5-Was Jesus more critical of his day's religious leaders than ordinary people?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who paid the young Samuel a late night call?

Yesterday's answer-Gideon and his men Judges 7:19

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 9:26-33

²⁶ "They were called,
'You are not my people,'
But later they will be called
'children of the living God.' " — Hosea 1:10

²⁷ And Isaiah cries out about Israel:
"The people of Israel are many,
Like the grains of sand by the sea.
But only a few of them will be saved,
²⁸ because the Lord will quickly and completely punish the people on the earth." — Isaiah 10:22–23

²⁹ It is as Isaiah said:
"The Lord All-Powerful
Allowed a few of our descendants to live.
Otherwise we would have been completely destroyed
Like the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah." — Isaiah 1:9

³⁰ So what does all this mean? Those who are not Jews were not trying to make themselves right with God, but they were made right with God because of their faith.³¹ The people of Israel tried to follow a law to make themselves right with God. But they did not succeed,³² because they tried to make themselves right by the things they did instead of trusting in God to make them right. They stumbled over the stone that causes people to stumble. ³³ As it is written in the Scripture:
"I will put in Jerusalem a stone that causes people to stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
Anyone who trusts in him will never be disappointed."

— Isaiah 8:14; 28:16

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, during life’s testings You are providing us opportunities to examine our spiritual condition. It’s far too easy to make faulty assumptions. When we fail we often cast blame on others, on circumstances, or sometimes we even question Your hand in the matter. Give us the courage and thoroughness to turn the search light on our own hearts rather than shining the spotlight on others. We invite the spiritual scrub brush of Your Holy Word to do the needed cleansing and purging. Your love is ever before us and will lead us in the way we should go! It’s not by our strength or power, but by walking in Your Spirit that we cast out wrong attitudes and stop undesirable behavior. Thank You for never giving up on us and for Your Spirit’s conviction in our life! Amen.

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

Sunday August 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We have no idea of the consequences that our disobedience brings-

2-In necessary things-unity, in doubtful things-liberty, in all things-charity--

3-Jesus became a man to understand man-

4-If you are successful at work and a failure at home, you are a failure-

5-If you answer before hearing, you aren't listening-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Due to recent cutbacks and until further notice, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off-

I'VE LEARNED-You can run out of stuff and still have time left, but you cannot run out of time and have life left-

DID YOU KNOW-China's Beijing Duck Restaurant can seat nine thousand people at one time-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why was Jesus crucified and not stoned to death?

2-Was Mark the first New Testament book written?

3-How do we know that some of the non canonical books written about Jesus' life are not accurate or authentic and helpful to the Christian?

4-Did Jesus ever anoint anyone with oil for their healing?

5-Did Jesus ever teach his disciples to tithe?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who attacked a Midianite camp late at night?

Yesterday's answer-Saul 1 Samuel 28:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 9:19-25

⁹ So one of you will ask me: "Then why does God blame us for our sins? Who can fight his will?"²⁰ You are only human, and human beings have no right to question God. An object should not ask the person who made it, "Why did you make me like this?"²¹ The potter can make anything he wants to make. He can use the same clay to make one thing for special use and another thing for daily use.

²² It is the same way with God. He wanted to show his anger and to let people see his power. But he patiently stayed with those people he was angry with—people who were made ready to be destroyed.²³ He waited with patience so that he could make known his rich glory to the people who receive his mercy. He has prepared these people to have his glory,²⁴ and we are those people whom God called. He called us not from the Jews only but also from those who are not Jews. ²⁵ As the Scripture says in Hosea:
"I will say, 'You are my people'
To those I had called 'not my people.'
And I will show my love
To those people I did not love." — Hosea 2:1, 23

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when You compel me like you did Esther to do or say something that’s not within my comfort zone I become fearful of the outcome which prevents me from stepping out in faith and following through with an obedient heart. Would You remind me that there is great blessing when I follow Your leading. Help me not to fear the outcome, for that is in Your hands. My part is simply to be obedient to Your inner voice speaking to me. Thank You for Your prompting and for entrusting me to be a part of your grand purpose.

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