Friday October 14, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-An unhappy home breeds unbalanced children-

2-An undisciplined home breeds insecurity and resentment-

3-If a hypocrite is standing between you and God then they are closer to God than you are-

4-God doesn't ask for equal gifts from his children but he does want equal obedience-

5-God's delays are always better ways-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When you get what you wanted so desperately it won't be all that you had thought it would be-

I'VE LEARNED-Live simply and appreciatively-

DID YOU KNOW-A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans. Every year, more than 8,800 people injure themselves in some way with a toothpick-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God still creating?

2-Will heaven have living things besides people and angels such as plants,trees, animals, etc?

3-Why has Jesus not yet returned as he said he would?

4-Is everything ready for Jesus return?

5-Why did God have to test Adam and Eve's love for him with a "thou shall not..."?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What epistle mentions an archangel's voice in connection with the resurrection of believers?

Yesterday's answer-Paul Acts 9:4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 4:14-17

⁴ I am not trying to make you feel ashamed. I am writing this to give you a warning as my own dear children.¹⁵ For though you may have ten thousand teachers in Christ, you do not have many fathers. Through the Good News I became your father in Christ Jesus,¹⁶ so I beg you, please follow my example.¹⁷ That is why I am sending to you Timothy, my son in the Lord. I love Timothy, and he is faithful. He will help you remember my way of life in Christ Jesus, just as I teach it in all the churches everywhere.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, only through the death of Your Son could we know the full extent of Your grace. Though our sins bring untold loss, Your grace brings infinite gain. Your grace exceeds our rebellion and points us to the Refuge for our sinful souls. Thank You, Father! You don’t grant a partial pardon, but You extend a full pardon to all who call upon Your name. Your grace is incomprehensible, infinite, and indiscriminate to all of Your creation. Help us to extend grace to others as You have richly extended Your grace to us. Amen.

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

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal-

2-Marriage should be a love affair (why isn't it)-

3-We usually do not value the things that are given to us too freely-

4-God didn't call us to leave the world but did call us to come unto him-

5-An unreconciled relationship breeds sores that refuse to heal even in death-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The ultimate goal of frugality is generosity-

I'VE LEARNED-Free your mind from worries and things you can do nothing about-

DID YOU KNOW-Four thousand people are injured by teapots every year-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God trying to speak to us through all the calamities of nature or is he showing us his anger-

2-When the earth is to be destroyed, will it be by man made technology or by natural causes such as earthquakes or volcanoes?

3-When the Bible speaks of the earth "being destroyed" does it mean change the way it looks or eliminated totally?

4-Can we envision a sinless existence?

5-Will we have assignments in heaven?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard the voice of Jesus many months after Jesus' ascension to heaven?

Yesterday's answer-Isaiah 29:4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 4:8-13

⁸ You think you already have everything you need. You think you are rich. You think you have become kings without us. I wish you really were kings so we could be kings together with you.⁹ But it seems to me that God has put us apostles in last place, like those sentenced to die. We are like a show for the whole world to see—angels and people.¹⁰ We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are very wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You receive honor, but we are shamed.¹¹ Even to this very hour we do not have enough to eat or drink or to wear. We are often beaten, and we have no homes in which to live.¹² We work hard with our own hands for our food. When people curse us, we bless them. When they hurt us, we put up with it.¹³ When they tell evil lies about us, we speak nice words about them. Even today, we are treated as though we were the garbage of the world—the filth of the earth.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, we receive Your Holy Word through faith to be the very words You want to speak to us. You used ordinary men who followed an extraordinary Savior to communicate to us that which You want us to read and to live by. It is a living book that shows us through history those who have walked the path before us. It is an instruction manual revealing the way we are to live. And it is a book of unending hope where miracles unfold, lives are restored, sins are forgiven and heaven is waiting for those who earnestly follow Christ. Thank You for Your Scriptures, Your vital urgent Word that is like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Amen.

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

Wednesday October 12, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When will you know you have enough? What will you do then?

2-Don't judge your parents, they were just 2 people who had a child-

3-You can go through most anything if you know you are loved-

4-Faith and love work hand in hand-

5-God can make a way for you where there seems to be no way but

you have to trust him enough to walk through the door he opens for you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Families are like fudge, mostly sweet with a few nuts-

I'VE LEARNED-Free your heart from anger and hatred-

DID YOU KNOW-Americans spend $1.5 billion every year on toothpaste-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can God be accused of unfairness?

2-Had God really forsaken Jesus on the cross?

3-Where was Jesus between his death and his resurrection?

4-What is eternity like?

5-Is God going to destroy our planet and move us to another one?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet mentions Jerusalem with he voice of a ghost?

Yesterday's answer-John 12:28-30

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 4:6-7

⁶ Brothers and sisters, I have used Apollos and myself as examples so you could learn through us the meaning of the saying, "Follow only what is written in the Scriptures." Then you will not be more proud of one person than another.⁷ Who says you are better than others? What do you have that was not given to you? And if it was given to you, why do you brag as if you did not receive it as a gift?

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, only through the death of Your Son could we know the full extent of Your grace. Though our sins bring untold loss, Your grace brings infinite gain. Your grace exceeds our rebellion and points us to the Refuge for our sinful souls. Thank You, Father! You don’t grant a partial pardon, but You extend a full pardon to all who call upon Your name. Your grace is incomprehensible, infinite, and indiscriminate to all of Your creation. Help us to extend grace to others as You have richly extended Your grace to us. Amen.

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

Tuesday October 11, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-In the midst of your storm remember what Jesus says to you-

2-What appears to be the end may really be a new beginning-

3-Give your grief to God and give God time-

4-Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift and that is why we call it the present-

5-You will not be happy when you get what you think you want if you can't be happy with what you have and who you are now-

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one has told the bumblebee it is not supposed to able to fly-

I'VE LEARNED-Old age is like a bank account, you withdraw from what you put in it-

DID YOU KNOW-Dentists recommend that a toothbrush be kept six feet away from a toilet to avoid airborne particles resulting from the flush-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does hell prompt remorse or repentance?

2-Will those in hell complain about injustice?

3-When people get to hell will they still be atheists?

4-Does a sinners rebellion warrant an eternity of suffering?

5-Why do we only hear the part about God being a God of love?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which gospel mentions the voice of God speaking during Jesus' farewell address to his disciples?

Yesterday's answer-Jeremiah 31:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Apostles Are Servants of Christ

¹ People should think of us as servants of Christ, the ones God has trusted with his secrets.² Now in this way those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust.³ As for myself, I do not care if I am judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself.⁴ I know of no wrong I have done, but this does not make me right before the Lord. The Lord is the One who judges me.⁵ So do not judge before the right time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light things that are now hidden in darkness, and will make known the secret purposes of people's hearts. Then God will praise each one of them.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be wise in the way we act toward those outside the faith. We don’t want to be neutral, but we want to take a courageous stand for You in whatever opportunity You provide so that we bring You glory and we influence others for Christ. Keep us watchful, prayerful, and vigilant in extending to others Your hand of mercy and Your heart of compassion. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Monday October 10, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It is not easy to separate the person from the action-

2-A hurt is a disappointment that has turned into a pain that will not go away-

3-Disappointment is a reality, depression is a reaction-

4-God, teach me the wisdom of tolerance so that I may not blind to your blessings-

5-Life is a bridge I have to cross not a cross I have to bear-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Sincerity doesn't count for anything-

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time-

DID YOU KNOW-Some toothpaste contains antifreeze-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do the worst segments of society know the grace of God?

2-Does the grace of God stop at the entrance to hell?

3-Is hell worse than society at its worst?

4-Does God honor our request to leave him alone?

5-Are the "doors of hell" locked on the inside or outside?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What prophet predicted that Racheal's voice would be heard, wailing for her dead children?

Yesterday's answer-Lazarus John11:43

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

¹⁶ Don't you know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?¹⁷ If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person, because God's temple is holy and you are that temple.

¹⁸ Do not fool yourselves. If you think you are wise in this world, you should become a fool so that you can become truly wise,¹⁹ because the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. It is written in the Scriptures, "He catches those who are wise in their own clever traps."²⁰ It is also written in the Scriptures, "The Lord knows what wise people think. He knows their thoughts are just a puff of wind."²¹ So you should not brag about human leaders. All things belong to you:²² Paul, Apollos, and Peter; the world, life, death, the present, and the future—all these belong to you.²³ And you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we want to be wise in the way we act toward those outside the faith. We don’t want to be neutral, but we want to take a courageous stand for You in whatever opportunity You provide so that we bring You glory and we influence others for Christ. Keep us watchful, prayerful, and vigilant in extending to others Your hand of mercy and Your heart of compassion. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Sunday October 9, 2011 thought for the day-

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Someone's negative opinion of you does not have to become a reality-

2-It isn't so much how busy you are but rather why you are busy-

3-When spouses don't tell each other how they feel, it is as if there is an elephant in the room that never gets talked about-

4-The only one of the 12 disciples who did not become a disciple became a traitor-

5-We feel closest to those who know how human we are and love us anyway, not to those who constantly tell us how wonderful we are-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't act like a skunk without someone getting wind of it-

I'VE LEARNED-We build walls around us to keep out pain, but they also keep out happiness-

DID YOU KNOW-Oral-B is a combination of "oral hygiene" and the letter B, which stands for the word better.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Jesus said "no one knows the father, except the son". So how can I know God?

2-Why do we casualize, trivialize and minimize the word "hell"?

3-Exactly where is hell?

4-Does hell last as long as heaven?

5-What does "perish" mean?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who came forth when Jesus called to him in a loud voice?

Yesterday's answer-Isaiah 9:8

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

¹⁰ Using the gift God gave me, I laid the foundation of that house like an expert builder. Others are building on that foundation, but all people should be careful how they build on it.¹¹ The foundation that has already been laid is Jesus Christ, and no one can lay down any other foundation.¹² But if people build on that foundation, using gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw,¹³ their work will be clearly seen, because the Day of Judgment will make it visible. That Day will appear with fire, and the fire will test everyone's work to show what sort of work it was.¹⁴ If the building that has been put on the foundation still stands, the builder will get a reward.¹⁵ But if the building is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. The builder will be saved, but it will be as one who escaped from a fire.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, may words of encouragement, comfort, instruction, and exhortation flow from our lips so that we may spur others on in the faith, most especially our own children. We pray that You would help Christian fathers everywhere to verbalize their faith and live in a way that honors You and shows others where their source of strength lies. Help them to be the spiritual leaders of their homes so that a harvest of righteousness and peace will be upon their households. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Saturday October 8, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Friendship is an action word (verb)-

2-Romance talks about love, friendship puts it to the test-

3-The lack of friendship in a marriage leads to estrangement--

4-Marriage love without close friendship is only an illusion-

5-I'd rather fail in doing something I love than succeed in doing something I hate-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you chase two rabbits you not catch either one-

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember-

DID YOU KNOW-More people use blue toothbrushes than red ones-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why do we rather talk than listen?

2-Why does God bless some people with more than enough?

3-Where were all of Jesus siblings while he was going through his trials?

4-When were angels created?

5-Is there a finite number of angels?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard God's voice in the temple in the year that King Uzziah died?

Yesterday's answer-The throne Revelation 21:3

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Following People Is Wrong

¹ Brothers and sisters, in the past I could not talk to you as I talk to spiritual people. I had to talk to you as I would to people without the Spirit—babies in Christ.² The teaching I gave you was like milk, not solid food, because you were not able to take solid food. And even now you are not ready.³ You are still not spiritual, because there is jealousy and quarreling among you, and this shows that you are not spiritual. You are acting like people of the world.⁴ One of you says, "I belong to Paul," and another says, "I belong to Apollos." When you say things like this, you are acting like people of the world.

⁵ Is Apollos important? No! Is Paul important? No! We are only servants of God who helped you believe. Each one of us did the work God gave us to do.⁶ I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it. But God is the One who made it grow.⁷ So the one who plants is not important, and the one who waters is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important.⁸ The one who plants and the one who waters have the same purpose, and each will be rewarded for his own work.⁹ We are God's workers, working together; you are like God's farm, God's house.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, we receive Your Holy Word through faith to be the very words You want to speak to us. You used ordinary men who followed an extraordinary Savior to communicate to us that which You want us to read and to live by. It is a living book that shows us through history those who have walked the path before us. It is an instruction manual revealing the way we are to live. And it is a book of unending hope where miracles unfold, lives are restored, sins are forgiven and heaven is waiting for those who earnestly follow Christ. Thank You for Your Scriptures, Your vital urgent Word that is like a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Friday October 7, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-As now, so then-

2-I'm sorry, it was my fault, forgive me are often the hardest thing for us to say-

3-In life, we always get back what we give away-

4-If you know Jesus, you need to go to those who need to know Jesus-

5-Friendship is a key ingredient of a good marriage-

STRANGE THOUGHT-A chrysanthemum by any other name....would be easier to spell-

I'VE LEARNED-A healed memory is not a deleted memory-

DID YOU KNOW-Colgate faced a big obstacle marketing toothpaste in Spanish speaking countries. Colgate translates into the command "go hang yourself"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will God discipline someone to turn them from their wrongful ways?

2-Is God ever shocked or surprised?

3-Is it common for God to speak to us today in dreams and visions?

4-Was Job a little arrogant to insist that he had not sinned against God as a cause for his suffering?

5-Does God always and only make his presence known in a gentle manner?

BIBLE TRIVIA-In Revelation, where did the voice proclaiming the new heaven and earth come from?

Yesterday's answer-Song of Solomon 2:14; 8:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 2:11-16

¹¹ Who knows the thoughts that another person has? Only a person's spirit that lives within him knows his thoughts. It is the same with God. No one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.¹² Now we did not receive the spirit of the world, but we received the Spirit that is from God so that we can know all that God has given us.¹³ And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom but with words taught us by the Spirit. And so we explain spiritual truths to spiritual people.¹⁴ A person who does not have the Spirit does not accept the truths that come from the Spirit of God. That person thinks they are foolish and cannot understand them, because they can only be judged to be true by the Spirit.¹⁵ The spiritual person is able to judge all things, but no one can judge him. The Scripture says:
¹⁶ "Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Who has been able to teach him?" — Isaiah 40:13
But we have the mind of Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, it’s amazing that You have every star in the heavens named; You control the universe without the aid of people’s wisdom or technology; and if all humankind ceased to exist the universe would still be in the perfect order in which You created it. Yet You purposed that we would have an essential part in learning about and caring for Your creation just as Adam tended the garden and cared for the animals. May we good stewards and thankful servants as we consider that You are mindful of us, that You actually delight in us, and that You rejoice over us with singing! You truly are a refuge for us in times of trouble as we place our trust in You. We give You thanks in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday October 6, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Forgiveness is more powerful than anger-

2-They who anger you control you-

3-Evil cannot exist without the cooperation of good people-

4-Peace of mind is a priceless feeling-

5-Most marriages break up over selfishness of at least one partner-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The loudest cry may never make a sound-

I'VE LEARNED-No one can help everyone, but everyone can help someone-

DID YOU KNOW-At the height of inflation in Germany in the early 1920s,approximately two dollars were equal to a quintillion German marks-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What has to be given in exchange for getting wisdom?

2-What does "fear of the Lord" mean?

3-How do you define wisdom?

4-How do you know when you have wisdom?

5-How is he word "understanding" defined as it is used in scripture?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What book mentions the sweet voices of lovers in the garden?

Yesterday's answer-The shepherd's John 10:4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 2:6-10

God's Wisdom

⁶ However, I speak a wisdom to those who are mature. But this wisdom is not from this world or from the rulers of this world, who are losing their power.⁷ I speak God's secret wisdom, which he has kept hidden. Before the world began, God planned this wisdom for our glory.⁸ None of the rulers of this world understood it. If they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. ⁹ But as it is written in the Scriptures:
"No one has ever seen this,
And no one has ever heard about it.
No one has ever imagined
What God has prepared for those who love him." — Isaiah 64:4

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

The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I thank You for D.L. Moody and for countless others who’ve answered Your calling in their lives. They chose to do Your will and because of their obedience our lives have been spiritually enriched. Above all, I thank You for Jesus who chose to do Your will; who left the sinless portals of heaven to make His home among us so that we might see You clothed in flesh. We want to hold loosely to this temporal passing world and direct our affections toward the eternal dwelling place as we seek to be among those who choose to do the will of the Lord and abide forever. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday October 5, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TOAY

1-Faith is a refusal to panic-

2-God doesn't want stars, he wants servants-

3-When you wait on God with faith and trust, you are worshipping him-

4-We are to wait on God with peace-

5-When we forgive those who have wronged us, we release God's forgiving power to work in us-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Calm evenings often precede stormy nights-

I'VE LEARNED-Excuses are tools of the incompetent used to build monuments to nothing. For those who specialize in them shall never be good at anything else-

DID YOU KNOW-The original fifty cent piece in Australian decimal currency had around $100 worth of silver in it before it was replaced with a less expensive twelve sided coin-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If we could get a glimpse of God, would we need answers to our questions?

2-Does a Christian have "rights" with God?

3-Is pain and suffering our enemy?

4-What comes to your mind when you think of God?

5-Where can wisdom be found?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Jesus, whose voice do the sheep know?

Yesterday's answer-Babylon Revelation 18:23

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

The Message of Christ's Death

¹ Dear brothers and sisters, when I came to you, I did not come preaching God's secret with fancy words or a show of human wisdom. ² I decided that while I was with you I would forget about everything except Jesus Christ and his death on the cross.³ So when I came to you, I was weak and fearful and trembling.⁴ My teaching and preaching were not with words of human wisdom that persuade people but with proof of the power that the Spirit gives.⁵ This was so that your faith would be in God's power and not in human wisdom.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, my hope is built on Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is on this solid Rock that I anchor my soul and hold fast until the storms of life are passed. You uphold me by Your Spirit giving me faith that smiles when skies are frowning, faith that is purified by my suffering. Firm and fearless, help me to be as I walk the path designed for me. When thorns at times will pierce me, may my faith be unwavering as I hold to Thee. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Tuesday October 4, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We can't be perfect so God gave us his grace-

2-Impossible situations can only be calmed by Jesus-

3-God's faithfulness is the greatest faith builder-

4-God's silence should not be misunderstood as casual concern-

5-The moment we truly forgive we are free to be all we can be-

STRANGE THOUGHT-I drive way too fast to worry about my cholesterol-

I'VE LEARNED-When you understand how much God has forgiven you, you can find the ability to forgive others-

DID YOU KNOW-The first coins issued by authority of the United States government were minted in 1787. These pennies were inscribed with the plainspoken motto "Mind your own business."

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can you frustrate God's plans and purposes?

2-Is it a sin to be disappointed with God?

3-Does God always respond in ways that fit his character?

4-If we had answers to the "why" questions we have would it be helpful?

5-What do we do with the fact that God often doesn't act as we think he should act?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What city in Revelation was seen as a place that would never hear the voices of brides and grooms?

Yesterday's answer-Wisdom Proverbs 1:20

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

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

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, any words we speak or analogies we use cannot fully describe your infinite mighty power. It miraculously reaches beyond the heavens, is visible throughout all the earth, and is resident within our own hearts. It is only in experiencing a personal relationship with you that we begin to tap into the inexhaustible power and might that comes from You, Almighty God. Even as the waves of the ocean are constant and powerful and wash up on shore, may You fill our lives to overflowing so that Your mighty presence is visible in our lives and spills out to those around us. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Monday October 3, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you are out on a limb, remember that is where the fruit is-

2-When things are dark, remind yourself what you believe and what you know to be true-

3-Replace fear of the seen with faith in the unseen-

4-You'll have your hands full just minding your own business-

5-Refuse to allow yourself to be controlled by the situation-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you want to make it through life's winter days, you have to carry your own spring with you-

I'VE LEARNED-Even in the best of relationships, people struggle with selfishness-

DID YOU KNOW-The face of a penny can hold thirty drops of water-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God ever say to us "shame on you!"?

2-Why doesn't God speak to us audibly?

3-In Job, what does "command of his lips" mean?

4-Why does God permit such terrible evil, especially against the innocent and the righteous?

5-Does God have a "wonderful plan" for everyone's life?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Proverbs, what lifts up it voice in the streets?

Yesterday's answer- John 5:25

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Christ Is God's Power and Wisdom

¹⁸ The teaching about the cross is foolishness to those who are being lost, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ It is written in the Scriptures:
"I will cause the wise to lose their wisdom;
I will make the wise unable to understand." — Isaiah 29:14

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

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, from the Biblical story of Job’s unequaled sufferings emerges one of the most radiant and hopeful promises that I can apply to my life, “I know that my Redeemer lives!” Though my heart and my flesh may fail, You are my strength and my portion forever. The troubles that seem larger than life itself lose their magnitude in comparison to knowing that in the end I will see You myself with my own eyes. What glorious anticipation fills my heart as Your overcoming spirit leads me through the trials of this day! It is not by my might, nor by my power but by Your Spirit that I find You to be the anchor in the storms that assail me. Amen

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Sunday October 2, 2011 thought for the day-

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God gives wisdom to stay out of certain people way-

2-No one sins truly alone-

3-A scar is a sure sign or healing-

4-Face the sun and your shadows fall behind you, but turn your back on the sun and your shadows face you-

5-You can't run with satan and walk the promised land-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades-

I'VE LEARNED-Friendship isn't about who you have known the longest, it is about those who came and never left your side-

DID YOU KNOW-The Australian $5,10,20,50 and $100 notes are made of plastic-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If you are suffering, are you out of God's will?

2-Does God want everyone well?

3-What causes some people to become Christians and some to reject it?

4-Is the person who rejects Christianity a fool?

5-Is it possible for the ultra wealthy to be Godly people?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Which Gospel mentions the dead awakening to the voice of the Son of God?

Yesterday's answer-John Revelations 18:2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 1:10-17

Problems in the Church

¹⁰ I beg you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose. ¹¹ My brothers and sisters, some people from Chloe's family have told me quite plainly that there are quarrels among you.¹² This is what I mean: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another says, "I follow Apollos"; another says, "I follow Peter"; and another says, "I follow Christ."¹³ Christ has been divided up into different groups! Did Paul die on the cross for you? No! Were you baptized in the name of Paul? No!¹⁴ I thank God I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius¹⁵ so that now no one can say you were baptized in my name.¹⁶ (I also baptized the family of Stephanas, but I do not remember that I baptized anyone else.)¹⁷ Christ did not send me to baptize people but to preach the Good News. And he sent me to preach the Good News without using words of human wisdom so that the cross of Christ would not lose its power.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Saturday October 1, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is based on grace not works-

2-Peace abides when love rules-

3-Christianity is a religion of relationship-

4-Emotional healing begins with forgiveness-

5-Discipline by a loving father is never retribution-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Reaching high keeps you on your toes-

I'VE LEARNED-Riches consist not in the extent of your possessions but in the fewness of your wants-

DID YOU KNOW-On the new U.S. $100 bill, the time on the clock tower in Independence Hall is 4:10

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What changes our ambitions?

2-What does it mean to "glorify God"?

3-What kind of investments should Christians make?

4-What should we value most in life?

5-What should motivate us the most?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who heard a voice telling of the fall of Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-The cedars of Lebanon Psalm 29:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Help for a Church with Problems

¹ From Paul. God called me to be an apostle of Christ Jesus because that is what God wanted. Also from Sosthenes, our brother in Christ.

² To the church of God in Corinth, to you who have been made holy in Christ Jesus. You were called to be God's holy people with all people everywhere who pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

³ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul Gives Thanks to God

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

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father God, You have called us to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people set apart to show forth the praises of Christ who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Since You have enlightened our darkness we will not conceal it in the privacy of our home or car, but we want to shine it forth wherever we are; in the marketplace, in the business place, in the neighborhood, in the voting booth, in church and wherever we have opportunity to bring ofrth light in this world of darkness. We can make a difference and want to do so. We want to witness faithfully through Jesus Christ our Lord in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

Friday September 30, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even the unlovable need a loving touch-

2-In the Christian life, healing comes through brokenness, victory comes in surrender, finding yourself by losing yourself-

3-Peace, joy, love do not come from emotions, they come from a mindset-

4-With joy we are to lift his name in praise-

5-Be at peace my child for I am with you-Jesus-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Foosball is a combination of soccer and shish kabobs-

I'VE LEARNED-My mouth doesn't have a backspace key-

DID YOU KNOW-If it takes just a second to pick up a penny you find lying on the ground, a person could make $36 per hour just picking up pennies-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are we guilty sometimes for worshiping God for what we can get from him?

2-Was all that God allowed satan to take from Job more or less important than his life?

3-Is satan a being or a spirit?

4-Is it true that nothing touches your life that has not passed through the will of God for you?

5-Does God need your help to get his will done?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Psalms, what trees are broken by the power of God's voice?

Yesterday's answer-John the Baptist John 3:29

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 16:21-27

²¹ Timothy, a worker together with me, sends greetings, as well as Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.

²² I am Tertius, and I am writing this letter from Paul. I send greetings to you in the Lord.

²³ Gaius is letting me and the whole church here use his home. He also sends greetings to you, as do Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus. [ ²⁴ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.]

²⁵ Glory to God who can make you strong in faith by the Good News that I tell people and by the message about Jesus Christ. The message about Christ is the secret that was hidden for long ages past but is now made known.²⁶ It has been made clear through the writings of the prophets. And by the command of the eternal God it is made known to all nations that they might believe and obey.

²⁷ To the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You promise to give us all things that we have need of as we seek You and Your Kingdom above all. May Your light shine in our hearts to give us the light of Your glory in the face of our Lord Jesus Christ. Remind us continually through the presence of the Holy Spirit and through reading the Scriptures to trust You for that which weighs heavy on our hearts this day. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

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

Thursday September 29, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Even the right person can go wrong under the right set of circumstances-

2-God requires faithfulness and rewards with fruitfulness-

3-Adversity breeds toughness-

4-To identify with is greater than to have sympathy for or to be sorry for-

5-God will assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to him-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Patience is the ability to count down before the blast off-

I'VE LEARNED-Any government that is capable of giving you everything you need is also powerful enough to take away everything you have-

DID YOU KNOW-The ridges on the side of a coin are called reeding or milling. A dime has 118 ridges around the edge and a quarter has 119 ridges-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does satan have foreknowledge of the future?

2-Did satan really believe what he said to God about Job?

3-Did Job's wealth come from his obedience to God or from God's favoritism?

4-What is the best thing God could say about you?

5-Does God always return to you (make it up to you) what he has allowed to be taken from you?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said that the bridegroom's friend is happy when he hears the bridegroom's voice?

Yesterday's answer-The heavens Psalm 19:4

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Romans 16:17-20

¹⁷ Brothers and sisters, I ask you to look out for those who cause people to be against each other and who upset other people's faith. They are against the true teaching you learned, so stay away from them.¹⁸ Such people are not serving our Lord Christ but are only doing what pleases themselves. They use fancy talk and fine words to fool the minds of those who do not know about evil.¹⁹ All the believers have heard that you obey, so I am very happy because of you. But I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil.

²⁰ The God who brings peace will soon defeat Satan and give you power over him.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, I boldly declare that You are the living God whom I serve. Only a God like You can turn evil into good, exchange sorrow for joy, or offer life beyond the grave. May I fearlessly proclaim You to be the Lord and Savior of my life and tell of all Your wondrous deeds. I join with the apostle Paul in asking that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel to those who have not yet heard or comprehended its meaning for their lives. Amen.

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

Wednesday September 28, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Opportunity favors the prepared-

2-Thoughtlessly spending money is as senseless as overeating-

3-It is not how much money you make that matters, rather what you do with it-

4-He who thinks he has no faults has one-

5-Many people are like medicine bottles, they have a label but nothing inside-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you could have everything, where would you put it?

I'VE LEARNED-Cherish all your happy moments for they make a soft cushion for old age-

DID YOU KNOW-Playing cards in India are round-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When I am led astray, is it by satan or demonic forces?

2-Does satan know what his end will be?

3-Does satan have intellect and emotions?

4-What was Satan's ultimate purpose in trying to destroy Job and family?

5-Did satan know ahead of time that Job would not betray his God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-According to Psalm 19, what has a voice that goes out to all the world?

Yesterday's answer-An eagle Revelation 8:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY

⁵ Greetings to my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first person in Asia to follow Christ. ⁶ Greetings to Mary, who worked very hard for you.⁷ Greetings to Andronicus and Junia, my relatives, who were in prison with me. They are very important apostles. They were believers in Christ before I was.⁸ Greetings to Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.⁹ Greetings to Urbanus, a worker together with me for Christ. And greetings to my dear friend Stachys.¹⁰ Greetings to Apelles, who was tested and proved that he truly loves Christ. Greetings to all those who are in the family of Aristobulus.¹¹ Greetings to Herodion, my fellow citizen. Greetings to all those in the family of Narcissus who belong to the Lord.¹² Greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who work very hard for the Lord. Greetings to my dear friend Persis, who also has worked very hard for the Lord.¹³ Greetings to Rufus, who is a special person in the Lord, and to his mother, who has been like a mother to me also. ¹⁴ Greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and all the brothers and sisters who are with them. ¹⁵ Greetings to Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and to all God's people with them.¹⁶ Greet each other with a holy kiss. All of Christ's churches send greetings to you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Daily prayer: Father, deep in my soul I have peace and reassurance as I “chew” on a particular Scripture verse throughout my day. You speak to me through Your Word and it refreshes and often challenges me as it lingers on my mind. It helps me to focus not just on the here and now. Sometimes You use the words of a Christian song and it’s recurring tune to fill my thoughts as I go about my work. At times You bring to mind the words of a Christian friend or a written message that draws me from indifference or complacency and inspires me to meditate on the Living Word. You satisfy my hungry heart and fill my thirsty soul with Your living water. Your words are a sweet savor to my soul as I walk in obedience to Your Holy Word. Amen.

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