Sunday February 12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

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

2-Love finds a way, indifference finds an excuse-

3-No one is rich enough to do without a friend-

4-The best exercise is to bend down and help someone up-

5-Always put off till tomorrow what you should not do at all-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When your electric goes out you are powerless to do anything about it-

I'VE LEARNED-If you are going to do it, do it right-

DID YOU KNOW-The great wall of China is more than 4,000 miles long and took more than 1,700 years to build-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is there no record of all the people the resurrected Jesus appeared to?

2-Why is there no record of Pilot's reaction when he learned that Jesus had returned to life?

3-Was anyone a new believer in Jesus because of his appearance with a resurrected body?

4-Was Jesus' burial place in a general burial site or in a place all by itself?

5-Did the disciples and Mary got to the burial place along with the body of Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was given by her Egyptian father as a reward to a Hebrew servant?

Yesterday's answer -Abishag 1 Kings 1:15

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY Galatians 1:1-5

Christians Are Saved by Grace

¹ From Paul, an apostle. I was not chosen to be an apostle by human beings, nor was I sent from human beings. I was made an apostle through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Jesus from the dead.² This letter is also from all those of God's family who are with me.

To the churches in Galatia:

³ Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.⁴ Jesus gave himself for our sins to free us from this evil world we live in, as God the Father planned.⁵ The glory belongs to God forever and ever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, we proclaim You to be the King of Kings and Lord of lords. Help us to boldly declare this glorious message, not only in a setting where we find receptive listeners, but also to a hostile world that is building its perishable kingdom here on earth. May we be full of conviction and infused with Your power as we courageously tell others “There is another King, one called Jesus.” You’ve called us to be light in a world full of darkness. You’ve also enjoined us to be peacemakers. Sometimes when we take a stand for righteousness it does not bring peaceful resolution, but instead further conflict arises. Then we go through a surge of emotions and doubts begin to arise regarding our stand. Would You help us to be diligent in our study, prayerful about our stand, and immersed in Your Holy Word. May we not stand in our own strength or be led by aimless ambition. Lord, as we take a position against the evil tide of our land help us to be unapologetic in our stand, consistent in our Christian walk, and loving in our approach. May we, by example and word, say to the fallen world that we serve not the god of this age, but we serve a King who is ageless and eternal. In Your strength alone we stand. Amen.

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

Saturday February 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Frustration is not having anyone to blame but yourself-

2-By the time most people learn that money doesn't grow on trees they are already way out on a limb-

3-Nothing is more frequently opened by mistake than your own mouth-

4-Don't judge a book by it's cover when you don't have time to read it-

5-In order to grow you must try to do something beyond what you have already mastered-

STRANGE THOUGHT-The worst kind of recycling is having to eat your own words-

I'VE LEARNED-Only those who try succeed-

DID YOU KNOW-In ancient Greece, women counted their age from the date they were married-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why doesn't the Bible describe the actual return to life process of the crucified Jesus?

2-Did the resurrected Jesus have his old or new body?

3-Why did the resurrected Jesus appear to those he did?

4-Why didn't the resurrected Jesus appear to religious and or political leaders?

5-Did the resurrected Jesus appear only to believers in him?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was with David when Bathsheba and Nathan pleaded with him to designate Solomon as his successor?

Yesterday's answer-Timothy 2 Timothy 1:5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

¹¹ Now, brothers and sisters, I say good-bye. Live in harmony. Do what I have asked you to do. Agree with each other, and live in peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

¹² Greet each other with a holy kiss.¹³ All of God's holy people send greetings to you.

¹⁴ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, help us to contend with those obstacles that are a part of our strict training so that we will receive an everlasting crown. Help us to patiently endure and prayerfully endear the important truths You teach us in our spiritual training. We want to hold on to Your unchanging hand as we build our lives not on the shifting sands of time, but on that which will never perish! Amen.

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

Friday February 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Character is not made in a crises, it is only exhibited-

2-The facts of our loss do not change, what changes are the stories we make out of the loss-

3-When you die, will your life have made any difference?

4-Grievers adjust to loss by believing that God is at work in their life-

5-A journey of many miles begins with your first step-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If the mountain was smooth you couldn't climb it-

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness is a transformative act, a path to spiritual contentment-

DID YOU KNOW-In 290 B.C., Aristarchus was the first Greek astronomer to suggest that the sun was the center of the solar system-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does God allow the horrible killing of unborn babies?

2-If God has a reason for everything, is there an explanation for all the cruel suffering by the innocent?

3-Since we don't have an answer to all the suffering, what should our response be to it?

4-What is the most puzzling mystery of the Christian faith?

5-Was Jesus the only person to rise from the dead? If not, how many are there recorded in scripture?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What pastor was the son of the devout Eunice?

Yesterday's answer-Phoebe Romans 16:1-2

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 13:5-10

⁵ Look closely at yourselves. Test yourselves to see if you are living in the faith. You know that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test.⁶ But I hope you will see that we ourselves have not failed the test.⁷ We pray to God that you will not do anything wrong. It is not important to see that we have passed the test, but it is important that you do what is right, even if it seems we have failed.⁸ We cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.⁹ We are happy to be weak, if you are strong, and we pray that you will become complete.¹⁰ I am writing this while I am away from you so that when I come I will not have to be harsh in my use of authority. The Lord gave me this authority to build you up, not to tear you down.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we recognize that we are over comers because we are children of God. The battles we conquer and the ultimate victory we attain in our lifetime is wholly because of the power of Christ at work in us. We are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us and gave His life for our sins. Thank you for the inexhaustible supply of Your grace, power, and provision for our salvation and our steadfast walk with You in the ensuing battles of daily life.

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

Thurday February 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God doesn't have a junior varsity-

2-Your service reflects your worship-

3-Just because you have nice things does not mean you are blessed-

4-A half truth is a whole lie-

5-Break the chain of gossip by not being a link-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When no one seems to measure up it is time to check your yardstick-

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness doesn't make you immune to emotions-

DID YOU KNOW-The ruins of Troy are located in Turkey-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God's anger need to be appeased by proper sacrifice?

2-Does Isaiah 53 talk about the coming messiah?

3-Is "freewill" an adequate reason for all the suffering in the world?

4-Why is there suffering in cases where it has nothing to do with "freewill" of anyone?

5-Why does God allow evil people to do horrible things to innocent people and children?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was probably the carrier of Paul's letter to the Romans?

Yesterday's answer-Priscilla Acts 18:26

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

¹ I will come to you for the third time. "Every case must be proved by two or three witnesses."² When I was with you the second time, I gave a warning to those who had sinned. Now I am away from you, and I give a warning to all the others. When I come to you again, I will not be easy with them.³ You want proof that Christ is speaking through me. My proof is that he is not weak among you, but he is powerful.⁴ It is true that he was weak when he was killed on the cross, but he lives now by God's power. It is true that we are weak in Christ, but for you we will be alive in Christ by God's power.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, though Satan’s temptations swirl about me in many forms and in various venues I resist the enemy’s desire to reside in my life. Even as the devil seeks to wrap his noxious tentacles around my heart, I stand firm against him because You, Jesus, are the Protector of my soul, who stands guard at all times. I am grateful for the warning signals often repeated throughout the Bible that teach me about Satan’s strategy. Thank You for Your still, small voice regularly reminding me that I am a child of God purchased by Your life-giving blood. May everything that passes before my eyes and all activities I engage in reflect the light of Your redeeming love within me. It is through Your power that I resist the devil and stand firm in the faith. Amen.

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

Wednesday February 8, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, and most do-

2-Some folks don't like thinking because it means less talking-

3-Most people don't recognize opportunities because they are usually disguised as hard work-

4-Though life is short, there is always time for courtesy, kindness and love-

5-God doesn't heal you so you will shut up and stop bothering him, but to help others-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Keep on your toes and you won't get run down at the heels-

I'VE LEARNED-Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity-

DID YOU KNOW-Cleopatra married two of her brothers-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are our cultural notions of love really applicable to God?

2-If God is in control, can we assume that all our suffering is in his plan for us?

3-What kind of God wants his children to suffer through things not of their own making or choices?

4-Does God always do what he wants?

5-Is suffering God's way of getting you to behave in ways that are better for your own interest?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman was capable enough to instruct the brilliant Apollos in theology?

Yesterday's answer -Keren-happuch Job 42:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 12:19-21

¹⁹ Do you think we have been defending ourselves to you all this time? We have been speaking in Christ and before God. You are our dear friends, and everything we do is to make you stronger.²⁰ I am afraid that when I come, you will not be what I want you to be, and I will not be what you want me to be. I am afraid that among you there may be arguing, jealousy, anger, selfish fighting, evil talk, gossip, pride, and confusion.²¹ I am afraid that when I come to you again, my God will make me ashamed before you. I may be saddened by many of those who have sinned because they have not changed their hearts or turned from their sexual sins and the shameful things they have done.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart overflow through the works of my hands, the causes that I support, and the spiritual encouragement that I give to others. As I meditate upon Scripture and apply it to my life, it gives me a firm foundation upon which I remain steady when the surges of doubt and fear soar upon me and it is from this firm foundation that I draw wisdom and biblical experience to share with others and challenge them in their faith walk to follow you wholeheartedly. I have been given so much because of Your benevolent kindness, therefore I have much to give in turn to those who observe my life. I want to leave plenty of evidence that You have done a great work in me. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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

Tuesday February 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Trouble is usually produced by those who produce nothing else-

2-A saint is someone who appears to make it easy to believe in God-

3-Become victors over, not victims of adversity-

4-Joy has to be shared to be enjoyed-

5-If you find a dream inside your heart don't ever let it go, for dreams can be the seeds from which tomorrows grow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If at first you don't succeed, you are about average-

I'VE LEARNED-You can't address a problem you won't acknowledge-

DID YOU KNOW-The Egyptian hieroglyph for one hundred thousand is a tadpole-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God all loving or does he also have an anger side?

2-Could God stop all suffering?

3-Is it God's will for some people to suffer?

4-Are there limits on God alleviating suffering?

5-If we want God's will for our lives, and it includes suffering, should we pray asking God to remove it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What daughter of Job had a twelve letter name?

Yesterday's answer-Lydia Acts 16:14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 12:14-18

¹⁴ I am now ready to visit you the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I want nothing from you, except you. Children should not have to save up to give to their parents. Parents should save to give to their children.¹⁵ So I am happy to give everything I have for you, even myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?

¹⁶ It is clear I was not a burden to you, but you think I was tricky and lied to catch you.¹⁷ Did I cheat you by using any of the messengers I sent to you? No, you know I did not.¹⁸ I asked Titus to go to you, and I sent our brother with him. Titus did not cheat you, did he? No, you know that Titus and I did the same thing and with the same spirit.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father help us to have the kind of faith prescribed in Hebrews 11:1 where “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” It is the kind of faith that is triumphant in the worst of circumstances because our faith in Christ is the victory that overcomes the world. We will not be overcome by life’s circumstances but we will overcome by the blood of the Lamb. Praise God! Amen.

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

Monday February 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-To encourage is to pour in courage-

2-Our faults irritate us the most when we see them in others-

3-Laziness may seem attractive but only work brings satisfaction-

4-When a person won't listen to their conscience it is usually because they don't want advice from a stranger-

5-It is not how many hours you put in, it is what you put in those hours-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Every ice cream cone has its last lick-

I'VE LEARNED-Fall in love with someone who deserves your best, not someone who plays with it-

DID YOU KNOW-The Egyptian city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What is the most difficult thing to accept by faith?

2-Does the Bible give an answer for why we suffer?

3-Is God all powerful?

4-Has God placed limits on his power?

5-Can God do anything?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had the same name as an old kingdom of Asia?

Yesterday's answer-Dorcas Acts 9:36, 39

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 12:11-13

¹¹ I have been talking like a fool, but you made me do it. You are the ones who should say good things about me. I am worth nothing, but those "great apostles" are not worth any more than I am!

¹² When I was with you, I patiently did the things that prove I am an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles.¹³ So you received everything that the other churches have received. Only one thing was different: I was not a burden to you. Forgive me for this!

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, the philosophies, trends, and mind-set of the world stands in great contrast to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your Word tells us that those who are not for You are against You. We can’t walk on both sides of the fence so we are faced with a choice we must make; the same kind of choice Joshua gave to the Israelites thousands of years ago. We must choose whether to follow after the gods of this world and forsake You or we must forsake the world and devote ourselves to You. Father, I choose to follow after You; You who reconciled me to Yourself through Jesus. You have proven Yourself trustworthy for Your promises are true. You provide the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit to lead me and direct my every path. Your Word illumines my every thought. I choose You today, exclusively and eternally! Amen.

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

Saturday February 4, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Live your life as an exclamation not an explanation-

2-The greatest thing you can do when you fall is to get right back up-

3-Don't miss the beautiful colors of the rainbow while you're looking for your pot of gold-

4-Don't lose your temper, someone else may find it-

5-Success is getting what you want, happiness is liking what you get-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Everyone is like a moon and has a dark side never shown to anyone-

I'VE LEARNED-In the middle of difficulty is opportunity-

DID YOU KNOW-If a surgeon in ancient Egypt lost a patient while performing an operation, his hands were cut off-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why didn't Jesus leave writing of his own?

2-Did the disciples always get along?

3-Who were the strong personalities in the 12 disciples?

4-Did the apostle Paul ever have any contact with any of the 12 disciples?

5-Do most of the bible books written by Paul have to deal with local crises?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had Tabitha as a pet name?

Yesterday's answer-Sapphira, wife of Ananias Acts 5

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

⁷ So that I would not become too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me, a painful physical problem was given to me. This problem was a messenger from Satan, sent to beat me and keep me from being too proud.⁸ I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me. ⁹ But he said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. ¹⁰ For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. Because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, when we’re tempted to be halfhearted in our vocational work or find ourselves bored by monotonous repetition help us to find creative means that will make us even more productive and content in our work assignments. May our conduct and attitude reflect values set forth in Scripture. Make us a blessing so that we bring joy to our co-workers, supervisors, and to the workplace in general. During times of personality conflict or when disagreements arise bring to our memory the Scripture that reminds us our primary motivation for being a good worker is that we are serving You when we are diligent in our work. Not only in our service do we want to do our best but we also ask You to keep our attitudes in check and our words uplifting in the work place. Help us to be quick to see another co-worker’s need and respond accordingly. May we be slow to judge and finding fault with others. Prompt us to be faithful in prayer for our employers, supervisors, co-workers, and the business in which we serve. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Friday February 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Think big thoughts and enjoy small pleasures-

2-Most people believe in law and order as long as they can lay down the law and give the orders-

3-Don't sip from the fount of knowledge, drink from it-

4-Advice is often headed least when need most-

5-A wise man gets more from his enemies than a fool does from his friends-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Bravery cannot exist without fear-

I'VE LEARNED-Contented people save more and go into debt less-

DID YOU KNOW-In Egypt around 1500 B.C., a shaved head was considered the ultimate in feminine beauty-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why is there no record of each of the 12 disciples writing something that became one of the books of the Bible?

2-Most or all of the Gospels were written 50 or more years after Jesus' life, so how could they be considered totally accurate, especially the spoken words of Jesus?

3-Why do we know so little about the personal lives of the Gospel writers?

4-Did any of the disciples have any personal interaction with Jesus before he started his ministry?

5-If Judaism had accepted Jesus as the messiah, would gentiles ever have been accepted into it?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first woman to go against Jesus, words "You cannot serve God and mammon"?

Yesterday's answer-Six

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 12:1-6

¹ I must continue to brag. It will do no good, but I will talk now about visions and revelations from the Lord.² I know a man in Christ who was taken up to the third heaven fourteen years ago. I do not know whether the man was in his body or out of his body, but God knows.^3-4 And I know that this man was taken up to paradise. I don't know if he was in his body or away from his body, but God knows. He heard things he is not able to explain, things that no human is allowed to tell.⁵ I will brag about a man like that, but I will not brag about myself, except about my weaknesses.⁶ But if I wanted to brag about myself, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will not brag about myself. I do not want people to think more of me than what they see me do or hear me say.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, as You do awesome works in my life I can’t help but tell of the splendor of Your majesty or proclaim Your great deeds. May my children and my children’s children rise up and call You blessed as they see the effects of Your work in my life. I don’t want to limit the transmission of the gospel to my own blood relations for I want it to spill over to all who are in my sphere of influence. As You give me opportunity to use my gifts and apply my skills, may the work of Your Holy Spirit be seen through me and draw others into a relationship with You. Amen.

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

Thurday February 2, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The only thing faster than the speed of light is the word of mouth-

2-The young want to change the world and the old want to change the young-

3-Good examples are better than good advice-

4-Doing is better than stewing-

5-Out of the mouths of babes come things parents never should have said-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Do pie making companies have a lot of turnovers?

I'VE LEARNED-Discontent is all about comparing-

DID YOU KNOW-According to Greek historian Herodotus, Egyptian men never became bald-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Is it possible that Jesus had a Pharisee education like Paul did?

2-Would there have been anything relevant happened in Jesus' life in his teens and twenties?

3-Would Jesus have observed all the Jewish customs and religious practices of his day?

4-What part of Judaism did Joseph and Mary follow?

5-Did all of the disciples write about their 3 years with Jesus?

BIBLE TRIVIA-How many Marys are there in the New Testament?

Yesterday's answer-Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:30-33

³⁰ If I must brag, I will brag about the things that show I am weak.³¹ God knows I am not lying. He is the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and he is to be praised forever.³² When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas wanted to arrest me, so he put guards around the city.³³ But my friends lowered me in a basket through a hole in the city wall. So I escaped from the governor.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

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

Wednesday February 1, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Many of life's failure are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up-

2-Just because everything has changed does not mean anything has changed-

3-Today is worth many tomorrows-

4-Use it as often as you wish but a happy memory never wears out-

5-They who have lived well, laughed often and loved much have achieved success-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you go to school on the equator, when does your summer vacation end?

I'VE LEARNED-We make our selves either happy or miserable-

DID YOU KNOW-About 3 hundred years ago, most Egyptians died by the time they were thirty-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did God create satan or did satan create himself by his own choices?

2-What is the highest order of angels?

3-Do angels have wings,and if so, what is their purpose?

4-Did Jesus need to learn scripture as a boy or did he already know it?

5-What kind of education did Jesus receive as a boy or young man?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had been healed of 7 demons by Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-The widow of Zarephath 1 Kings 17:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:22-29

²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they from Abraham's family? So am I.²³ Are they serving Christ? I am serving him more. (I am crazy to talk like this.) I have worked much harder than they. I have been in prison more often. I have been hurt more in beatings. I have been near death many times.²⁴ Five times the Jews have given me their punishment of thirty-nine lashes with a whip.²⁵ Three different times I was beaten with rods. One time I was almost stoned to death. Three times I was in ships that wrecked, and one of those times I spent a night and a day in the sea.²⁶ I have gone on many travels and have been in danger from rivers, thieves, my own people, the Jews, and those who are not Jews. I have been in danger in cities, in places where no one lives, and on the sea. And I have been in danger with false Christians.²⁷ I have done hard and tiring work, and many times I did not sleep. I have been hungry and thirsty, and many times I have been without food. I have been cold and without clothes.²⁸ Besides all this, there is on me every day the load of my concern for all the churches.²⁹ I feel weak every time someone is weak, and I feel upset every time someone is led into sin.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for the courageous girls and women who, in the most difficult of circumstances, choose to give life over choosing to dispense of their “problem.” We thank You for the vast groups of men and women who lend support to crises pregnancies, to those who take in and raise children who are given up for adoption. We thank You for those who have dedicated their lives to this tremendous cause, keeping it very much alive, so that those who accept it as a viable option due to its legalization in 1973 will come to realize that Your Word is the first and final authority on life, not the legislation of our day.

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

Tuesday January 31, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A good leader takes more than his share of the blame and less of his share of the credit-

2-Children are living messages we send to a time we will not see-

3-If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything-

4-Fear is the dark room where negatives are developed-

5-It is always darkest just before dawn-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Common sense is not so common-

I'VE LEARNED-Rash reactions never pay off-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are there any archangels beside Michael?

2-What rank of angel was satan before his rebellion against God?

3-Did satan possess greater powers than the other angels which followed him in rebellion against God?

4-What caused satan to want to rebel against God?

5-Is satan omniscient?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman accused Elijah of murdering her son, a son that Elijah then raised from the dead?

Yesterday's answers-The Samaritan woman John 4:18

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:16-21

¹⁶ I tell you again: No one should think I am a fool. But if you think so, accept me as you would accept a fool. Then I can brag a little, too.¹⁷ When I brag because I feel sure of myself, I am not talking as the Lord would talk but as a fool.¹⁸ Many people are bragging about their lives in the world. So I will brag too.¹⁹ You are wise, so you will gladly be patient with fools!²⁰ You are even patient with those who order you around, or use you, or trick you, or think they are better than you, or hit you in the face.²¹ It is shameful to me to say this, but we were too "weak" to do those things to you!

But if anyone else is brave enough to brag, then I also will be brave and brag. (I am talking as a fool.)

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, ignite within us the fire of Your Holy Spirit to be convicted of sin, comforted in our hour of trial, and zealous in our Christian service. We want to warm our hearts with the fire of Your Holy Spirit that is uplifting and filled with eternal hope, rather than the enemy’s fire that spreads destruction and ruin to all who are in its path. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Monday January 30, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Love is blind and friendship closes it's mind-

2-Look for strength and goodness in people not weakness and evil-

3-Most of us find in others what we look for-

4-There are no unimportant jobs, no unimportant people and no unimportant acts of kindness-

5-If the eye has no tear, the soul has no rainbow-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You can't live tomorrow until you live today-

I'VE LEARNED-When offering a reproof, remember that the goal is to be heard, not to prove that you are right and the other person is wrong-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Egyptians shaved off their eyebrows to mourn the death of their cats.

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-What was satan's original angel name?

2-Did all the fallen angels act independently or were they persuaded by satan to rebel?

3-Other than Gabriel talking to Mary about the baby Jesus she would deliver, did angels play any part in God's plan of salvation to us?

4-Do angels now play any part in our salvation?

5-What is the angel Gabriel's main duty?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What woman had had five husbands and was living with another man?

Yesterday's answer-The mother of John and James Matthew 20:21

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:12-15

¹² And I will continue doing what I am doing now, because I want to stop those people from having a reason to brag. They would like to say that the work they brag about is the same as ours.¹³ Such men are not true apostles but are workers who lie. They change themselves to look like apostles of Christ.¹⁴ This does not surprise us. Even Satan changes himself to look like an angel of light.¹⁵ So it does not surprise us if Satan's servants also make themselves look like servants who work for what is right. But in the end they will be punished for what they do.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we pray for listening ears to hear the voice of Your Spirit. Help us to understand the meaning of Your leading as You walk with us along the path of Your commands, where we find contentment, peace and connectedness to You, our Lord and Master. Turn our hearts away from those things that lead away from pursuing Your purpose for our lives. We desire to be in the center of Your will. Amen.

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

Sunday January 29, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Choose your love, love your choice-

2-We all have the strength to bear the misfortunes of others-

3-A friend is one who knows all about you and still loves you anyway-

4-When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on-

5-Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring and integrity, they think of you-

STRANGE THOUGHT-People are a lot like tea bags, they don't know their own strength until they get into hot water-

I'VE LEARNED-Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength-

DID YOU KNOW-In ancient Egypt, the apricot was called the egg of the sun-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do angels or the Holy Spirit give us guidance in our Christian living?

2-Do angels and the Holy Spirit have over lapping or distinctly different functions?

3-Should we always be looking for angels to appear?

4-Can we emphasize angels too much?

5-What would cause an angel to want to separate themselves from God?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who asked that her two sons could have places of priority in Jesus' kingdom?

Yesterday's answer-The Syro-Phoenician woman of Canaan Matthew 15:24

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:7-11

⁷ I preached God's Good News to you without pay. I made myself unimportant to make you important. Do you think that was wrong?⁸ I accepted pay from other churches, taking their money so I could serve you.⁹ If I needed something when I was with you, I did not trouble any of you. The brothers who came from Macedonia gave me all that I needed. I did not allow myself to depend on you in any way, and I will never depend on you.¹⁰ No one in Southern Greece will stop me from bragging about that. I say this with the truth of Christ in me.¹¹ And why do I not depend on you? Do you think it is because I do not love you? God knows that I love you.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father we thank you for the truths expressed in Scripture that reveal the way to wisdom. Your Word states that if any of us lacks wisdom, we should ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to us. So we ask that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. This wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. As we attain that wisdom may our lives be as a sharpened axe, useful for the purpose You ordained, leading to a life that pleases You. In Jesus Name, Amen

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

Friday January 27, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-No one is useless if you lighten the burdens of someone else-

2-Before we set our hearts on something we should look to see how happy those are who already have it-

3-Gratitude is the hearts memory-

4-A parent holds their children's hands for a while but holds their hearts forever-

5-When you've done your best you have done well-

STRANGE THOUGHT-When a person eats their words, that is recycling-

I'VE LEARNED-Rationalizations are usually based on good intentions, but they always lead to trouble-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Sumerians thought the liver made blood and the heart was the center of thought-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God still creating new angels today?

2-Did God replace the fallen angels that went with Satan with new ones?

3-Do angels have any divine power of their own?

4-Should we ever show thanks to an angel?

5-Should we ever ask God to send angels to help us or others?

BIBLE TRIVIA-To whom did Jesus say, "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-An issue of blood Mark 5:31

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 11:1-6

¹ I wish you would be patient with me even when I am a little foolish, but you are already doing that.² I am jealous over you with a jealousy that comes from God. I promised to give you to Christ, as your only husband. I want to give you as his pure bride.³ But I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ just as Eve was tricked by the snake with his evil ways.⁴ You are very patient with anyone who comes to you and preaches a different Jesus from the one we preached. You are very willing to accept a spirit or gospel that is different from the Spirit and Good News you received from us.

⁵ I do not think that those "great apostles" are any better than I am.⁶ I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have shown this to you clearly in every way.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, in this ever-changing society where transition is continually beckoning, You are the Changeless One. As we hold tightly to the hope we have in You we will not be pulled to the right nor to the left. You will keep us on course as You go before us instructing, inspiring and empowering us in our spiritual walk, for You who promised are faithful. May we keep a tight grip to Your hand that upholds us when we stumble, keeping us from being cast down. We thank You for Jesus who keeps a firm grip on us allowing no enemy to snatch us out of His hand. We hold unswervingly to You, the faithful One. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Thursday January 26, 2011 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't waste time learning "the tricks of the trade", instead learn the trade-

2-Maturity is knowing when to speak your mind and when to mind your speech-

3-Everything starts in someone's imagination-

4-The secret to living is to get wise before you get old-

5-Happiness is the ability to deal with problems, not the absence of them-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you run with with goats all week long, you won't smell like a lamb on Sunday-

I'VE LEARNED-If you are asking the wrong question, it doesn't matter what the answer is-

DID YOU KNOW-Ancient Sybarites taught their horses to dance to music to make their parades more glamorous-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The bible says that when Stephen was martyred, his face shone like that of an angel. How did it look?

2-Do all angels have freedom of choice?

3-Are angels moral beings?

4-Do angels have an angelic or a human voice?

5-When were angels created?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the affliction of the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' robe?

Yesterday's answer-Martha John 11:24-27

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 10:12-18

¹² We do not dare to compare ourselves with those who think they are very important. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they themselves are. This shows that they know nothing.¹³ But we will not brag about things outside the work that was given us to do. We will limit our bragging to the work that God gave us, and this includes our work with you.¹⁴ We are not bragging too much, as we would be if we had not already come to you. But we have come to you with the Good News of Christ.¹⁵ We limit our bragging to the work that is ours, not what others have done. We hope that as your faith continues to grow, you will help our work to grow much larger.¹⁶ We want to tell the Good News in the areas beyond your city. We do not want to brag about work that has already been done in another person's area. ¹⁷ But, "If people want to brag, they should brag only about the Lord." ¹⁸ It is not those who say they are good who are accepted but those the Lord thinks are good.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we’re reminded of the amazing and unpredictable way You work all things together for good when we read the story of Joseph, from the time of his youth to his final breath. Instead of scheming for revenge he sought to relieve his brothers. He comforted their troubled hearts with the reassuring message; You sold me, but God sent me. Help us to recognize that when we are hurt by others words or actions, You surpass their debilitating impact on our lives by the greater plan You’re working in us; teaching us to trust You implicitly, forgive unreservedly, and to be molded into the character of Christ who gave His all in the midst of hateful injustice. Evil was present, but the much greater purpose was that we might be saved from our sins through His submission to Your overall plan. We thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---

Wednesday January 25, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We are forever transformed by loss. We will never return to some previous state following a recovery-

2-Pride makes us do things well, love makes us do them to perfection-

3-Every end is a new beginning-

4-Only love can grieve-

5-Only when you walk in the dark can you see the stars-

STRANGE THOUGHT-If there are no stupid questions, what kind of questions do stupid people ask?

I'VE LEARNED-Strict obedience is better than good intentions-

DID YOU KNOW-Under the law of Mississippi, there is no such thing as a female Peeping Tom-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can we know if an encounter was actually an angel or simply another human being?

2-How can we know if we've experienced an angelic visitor or only seen a dream or a vision?

3-Should we focus on what an angel is and does or on the effect of the visitation on people?

4-Do angels have physical strength or divinely manifested strength?

5-Do angels have physical beauty?

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was the first woman to tell Jesus she believed he was the Messiah?

Yesterday's answer-With the apostles in the upper room in Jerusalem Acts 1:13-14

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY 2 Corinthians 10:7-11

⁷ You must look at the facts before you. If you feel sure that you belong to Christ, you must remember that we belong to Christ just as you do.⁸ It is true that we brag freely about the authority the Lord gave us. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. So I will not be ashamed.⁹ I do not want you to think I am trying to scare you with my letters.¹⁰ Some people say, "Paul's letters are powerful and sound important, but when he is with us, he is weak. And his speaking is nothing."¹¹ They should know this: We are not there with you now, so we say these things in letters. But when we are there with you, we will show the same authority that we show in our letters.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You know the exact number of words that will flow from my lips today; some of them meaningful while others are simply forgettable words. Would You make me sensitive to those who need caring words. Help me to look not only to my own interests but also to the interests of others as I offer words fitly spoken to those who need to hear a word from You through a servant like me. Amen.

I WISH YOU ENOUGH---