Thursday June 14, 2012 thought for the day

Just a note to let you know there will not be any blog posting from me until Sunday June 17.  Pat and I are taking a few days off to celebrate the 50th year since we were married on June 16, 1962.  Talk to you when we return--jasper

Wednesday June 13, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Your badness can't lose God's love but your will can resist it-

2-Every quality we attribute to God also applies to Jesus-

3-Heaven's door has one key and Jesus holds it-

4-The age of information is after the age of confusion-

5-Death bed converts and life long disciples enter heaven by the same door-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Luck is a loser's excuse for a winners position-

 

I'VE LEARNED-People will spend their health getting wealth and then gladly pay all they have earned to get their health back-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The practice of exchanging presents at Christmas originated with the Romans-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Joseph and Mary know each other before becoming engaged?

2-After Joseph and Mary were engaged, how long would it normally have been till they were married?

3-Did Joseph and Mary have an arranged marriage?

4-Did Mary have a normal 9 month pregnancy?

5-Would Jesus ever have caused Mary to worry?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who prophesied doom and defeat for King Ahab and was put in prison for his harsh words?

Yesterday's answer-Jehoiachin   2 Kings 24:12

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 17:14-21

Jesus Heals a Sick Boy

 ¹⁴ When Jesus and his followers came back to the crowd, a man came to Jesus and bowed before him.¹⁵ The man said, "Lord, have mercy on my son. He has epilepsy^[a] and is suffering very much, because he often falls into the fire or into the water.¹⁶ I brought him to your followers, but they could not cure him."

 ¹⁷ Jesus answered, "You people have no faith, and your lives are all wrong. How long must I put up with you? How long must I continue to be patient with you? Bring the boy here." ¹⁸ Jesus commanded the demon inside the boy. Then the demon came out, and the boy was healed from that time on.

 ¹⁹ The followers came to Jesus when he was alone and asked, "Why couldn't we force the demon out?"

 ²⁰ Jesus answered, "Because your faith is too small. I tell you the truth, if your faith is as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. All things will be possible for you.[ ²¹ That kind of spirit comes out only if you use prayer and fasting.]

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, any words we speak or analogies we use cannot adequately 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 flows from You, Almighty God. Even as the waves of the ocean are 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.

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

Tuesday June 12, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-We live in a hard world, but we don't have to live with a hard heart-

2-You cannot win God's love and you can never lose it-

3-Agape love is an exercise of God's will in deliberate choice-

4-Love is why Jesus came and why he endured-

5-Jesus didn't love us to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Who, in their infinite wisdom decreed that little league uniforms be white?  Certainly not a mother-

I'VE LEARNED-The difference in perseverance and obstinacy is that the first comes from a strong will and the other from a strong won't-

DID YOU KNOW-Ukrainian Monk Dionysius Exiguus created the modern day Christian calendar-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Would Joseph and Mary have had a typical engagement?

2-What was the significance that God wanted Elizabeth's baby boy to be named John?

3-Would Jesus have called Joseph "daddy"?

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

5-What stigma did Mary carry as a pregnant unmarried teenager?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah was sent into exile in Babylon and put in prison, but was later released and treated as a friend of the king of Babylon?

Yesterday's answer-Hanani    2 Chronicles 16:10

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Matthew 17:9-13

 ⁹ As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone about what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

 ¹⁰ Then his followers asked him, "Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?"

 ¹¹ Jesus answered, "They are right to say that Elijah is coming and that he will make everything the way it should be. ¹² But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him. They did to him whatever they wanted to do. It will be the same with the Son of Man; those same people will make the Son of Man suffer." ¹³Then the followers understood that Jesus was talking about John the Baptist.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, lay upon our hearts the unquenchable desire to pass on to others the important truths we received from reliable followers of Christ and from our own study of Your Holy Word. Help us not to relegate our duties to others, but take up our responsibility as we link together with other believers all over the globe transmitting Your timeless, life-changing truths to those who have ears to hear.  Amen.

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

Monday June 11, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When life hands you lemons, don't just make lemonade, open up a lemonade stand-

2-Friends are like 4 leaf clovers, hard to find and lucky to have-

3-A hard thing about business is minding your own-

4-Falling in love is awfully simple, falling out of love is simply awful-

5-If God can make a billion galaxies, he surely can make good out of our bad and sense out of our faltering lives-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-No one goes where the crowds are anymore, it is too crowded-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The elevator to success is out of order, you'll have to use the stairs, one step at a time-

 

DID YIOU KNOW-In Turkey, the color of mourning is violet.  In most Muslim countries and in China, it is white-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Bible says that John the Baptist was "filled with the Holy Spirit from birth".  Did he not have a sin nature?

2-Was Jesus "filled with the Holy Spirit" from birth?

3-Have all people and are all people born with a "sin nature"?

4-How and when did humans get to North and South America?

5-How and when did humans first get to Australia and all the islands of the seas?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who prophesied doom for King Asa and was put in prison?

Yesterday's answer-Zedekiah  2 Kings 25:6-7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 17:1-8

¹ Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John, the brother of James, up on a high mountain by themselves.²While they watched, Jesus' appearance was changed; his face became bright like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.³ Then Moses and Elijah^[a] appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

 ⁴ Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good that we are here. If you want, I will put up three tents here—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

 ⁵ While Peter was talking, a bright cloud covered them. A voice came from the cloud and said, "This is my Son, whom I love, and I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!"

 ⁶ When his followers heard the voice, they were so frightened they fell to the ground. ⁷ But Jesus went to them and touched them and said, "Stand up. Don't be afraid." ⁸ When they looked up, they saw Jesus was now alone.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, You made my heart to be the life-giving source for my physical existence and You also made my heart to be the life-giving source for spiritual existence. Create in me a pure and contrite heart, O God, and establish a steadfast spirit within me. It is only in the power of Your Holy Spirit that I can faithfully guard my heart from the follies of the world. Fill me with the abundance of Your goodness so that it overflows into the lives of others as my conversation and conduct reflect Your presence in my life. Help me, I pray, in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

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

Sunday June 10, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Distance grows as love erodes-

2-We seldom know ahead of time the plans God has for us-

3-A vertical perspective will keep you from a horizontal panic-

4-Discernment is needed to detect wrong advice from well meaning people-

5-There is really no way to experience joy until you decide to take that leap of faith and plunge into God's hands just like a child jumping into a swimming pool-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Older people are worth a lot more than younger folk-they have silver in their hair, gold in their teeth, stones in their kidneys and natural gas in their belly-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Never under estimate the power of sin-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are 3900 islands in Japan, the country of islands-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Joseph and Mary ever make it to the register's office in Bethlehem to be taxed?

2-How long a time had Joseph and Mary planned to be gone on their trip to Bethlehem?

3-In Jesus' day, why was Nazareth looked down on with disrespect?

4-Was Joseph born and raised and lived in Nazareth?

5-Why did Mary need to go to Bethlehem if it was not her ancestral home?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Judah was blinded and imprisoned because he defied Babylonian authority?

Yesterday's answer-Jeremiah   37-38

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 16:24-28

²⁴ Then Jesus said to his followers, "If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.²⁵ Those who want to save their lives will give up true life, and those who give up their lives for me will have true life. ²⁶ It is worthless to have the whole world if they lose their souls. They could never pay enough to buy back their souls. ²⁷ The Son of Man will come again with his Father's glory and with his angels. At that time, he will reward them for what they have done. ²⁸ I tell you the truth, some people standing here will see the Son of Man coming with his kingdom before they die."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Jesus, my load becomes lighter as I consider that the ongoing toil and labor of this life is only for a season. The daily struggle of meeting deadlines, employee relations, putting out fires, pleasing customers and bosses can be overwhelming and very frustrating, let alone the growing pile of dirty clothes that awaits me at home. Though I’ve asked for Your divine intervention many times some of these recurring irritants will not go away in my life’s work. May the sufficient grace of Your Holy Spirit grant me an enduring and victorious attitude even in the midst of these toilsome labors. Remind me again that Your blessings far outnumber the troubles of this day and that divine rest is promised to those who are faithful to the end. In Your name, Jesus, I pray.  Amen.

 

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

Saturday June 9, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A forgiving spirit has no expectations or conditions-

2-Justice is truth in action, an essential ingredient of God's character-

3-Restoration, if possible, is a goal after repentance-

4-It might be that your willingness to forgive and let go is all that is necessary to prompt God to bless you-

5-It takes fire to refine gold-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How far is east from west?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The mortality rate of mankind is the same the world over, one death per person-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Forty seven czars are buried within the Kremlin-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When is bigger better?

2-Is a bigger church better than a little church or a little church better than a big church?

3-Do you know when little things are really big things?

4-How do you do "big things" for God?

5-Are all deeds, good or bad, rewarded?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the kingdom of Judah?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph  Genesis 42

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 16:21-23

²¹ From that time on Jesus began telling his followers that he must go to Jerusalem, where the Jewish elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of the law would make him suffer many things. He told them he must be killed and then be raised from the dead on the third day.

 ²² Peter took Jesus aside and told him not to talk like that. He said, "God save you from those things, Lord! Those things will never happen to you!"

 ²³ Then Jesus said to Peter, "Go away from me, Satan!^[a]You are not helping me! You don't care about the things of God, but only about the things people think are important."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

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

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

Friday June 8, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-With integrity we stand in confidence and without it we drift into compromise-

2-It is not about us and our significance, it is all about God's magnificence

3-Without God there is no holiness, no promise of forgiveness, no source of absolute truth, no reason to endure and no hope beyond the grave-

4-When your God is great, your problems pale into insignificance and you stand in awe as you worship him-

5-It is hard to develop a humble heat in a contentious culture-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-How high is up?

 

I'VE LEARNED-The journey is not the destination-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Maine is the toothpick capital of the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How do you give your children to God?

2-Is there a limit to forgiveness?

3-Can true forgiveness be conditional?

4-Is God's forgiveness toward us conditional?

5-Can random acts of kindness change the world?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Whose brothers were imprisoned after being falsely accused of being spies in Egypt?

Yesterday's answer-Joseph  Genesis 39:7-19

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 16:13-20

Peter Says Jesus Is the Christ

 ¹³ When Jesus came to the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his followers, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"

 ¹⁴ They answered, "Some say you are John the Baptist. Others say you are Elijah, and still others say you are Jeremiah or one of the prophets."

 ¹⁵ Then Jesus asked them, "And who do you say I am?"

 ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

 ¹⁷ Jesus answered, "You are blessed, Simon son of Jonah, because no person taught you that. My Father in heaven showed you who I am. ¹⁸ So I tell you, you are Peter.^[a] On this rock I will build my church, and the power of death will not be able to defeat it. ¹⁹ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; the things you don't allow on earth will be the things that God does not allow, and the things you allow on earth will be the things that God allows." ²⁰ Then Jesus warned his followers not to tell anyone he was the Christ.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Ancient of Days, You have given us Your Holy Word as a spiritually historical foundation to build our lives upon. Through the centuries Your greatness is demonstrated through ordinary people just like us and through Your awesome acts that reveal Your incomparable power and divine attributes. History in the past and history in the making is subordinate to Your sovereign work in the lives of Your people. We lovingly submit ourselves into Your merciful hands. Amen.

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

Thursday June 7, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you have integrity nothing else matters, if you don't have integrity, nothing else matters-

2-Reflecting on past blessings gives us reasons to rejoice and keeps us from being negative-

3-Cynicism feeds on pride-

4-Pride causes you to look down on others because of an elevated opinion of your own importance-

5-Paul was given a "thorn in the flesh" so that he would not be overly impressed with his importance-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-don't be so opened minded that your brains fall out-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A crises to one person may be to another a minor setback or a personal challenge-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The San Francisco cable cars are the only mobile national monuments-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why in many Spanish cultures are boys given the name Jesus?

2-Do Christians have any authority in using the name of Jesus?

3-What is the best name to use in addressing God?

4-Does God prefer our using a certain name to address him?

5-Does suffering play any role in praying to God?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What famous dreamer was imprisoned after being accused of trying to seduce Potiphar's wife?

Yesterday's answer-John the Baptist  Matthew 14:3-5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 16:5-12

Guard Against Wrong Teachings

 ⁵ Jesus' followers went across the lake, but they had forgotten to bring bread. ⁶ Jesus said to them, "Be careful! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees."

 ⁷ His followers discussed the meaning of this, saying, "He said this because we forgot to bring bread."

 ⁸ Knowing what they were talking about, Jesus asked them, "Why are you talking about not having bread? Your faith is small. ⁹ Do you still not understand? Remember the five loaves of bread that fed the five thousand? And remember that you filled many baskets with the leftovers?¹⁰ Or the seven loaves of bread that fed the four thousand and the many baskets you filled then also?¹¹ I was not talking to you about bread. Why don't you understand that? I am telling you to beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the Sadducees." ¹² Then the followers understood that Jesus was not telling them to beware of the yeast used in bread but to beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, it is through devout godly people that You repair, restore and rebuild lives as they raise up the unchanging, ever relevant ancient words of Scripture. It takes faithful watchmen who serve with great vigilance, untiring in their ancient message of salvation to a world that is continuously desecrating that which was once sacred. Father, help us to be watchmen for our families, co-workers, and friends as we carefully measure the present principles of this world by the eternal principles established in Scripture. Grant us courage to speak out when the foundations are being shaken just as the watchmen were not silent night or day. We do not stand in the gap alone but You, our Father, are with us and we stand in Your strength!  Amen.

MAY YOU ALWAYS HAVE LOVE TO SHARE, HEALTH TO SPARE AND FRIENDS THAT CARE!

Wednesday June 6, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Good advice for all-spend less time in the newspaper and television and more time in the scriptures-

2-It is not about being politically correct, it is about being Biblically correct-

3-Seeking wisdom through human effort is a waste of time-

4-Wisdom is seeking life from God's point of view-

5-Pity can be short sighted and condescending, suffering can be dignifying and life changing-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Normal is only a setting on your dryer-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The San Diego Zoo has the largest collection of animals in the world-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why does God take the using of his name so seriously?

2-What does our name mean to us?

3-Would it make any difference if we are called by a name or a number?

4-Is it in Jesus' name or his death and resurrection we are saved from our sins?

5-Is there power in the name of Jesus?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What kinsman of Jesus was imprisoned for criticizing King Herod's marriage to Herodias?

Yesterday's answer   Hoshea 2 Kings 17:4

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Matthew 16:1-4

The Leaders Ask for a Miracle

 ¹ The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus, wanting to trick him. So they asked him to show them a miracle from God.

 ² Jesus answered,^[a] "At sunset you say we will have good weather, because the sky is red. ³ And in the morning you say that it will be a rainy day, because the sky is dark and red. You see these signs in the sky and know what they mean. In the same way, you see the things that I am doing now, but you don't know their meaning. ⁴ Evil and sinful people ask for a miracle as a sign, but they will not be given any sign, except the sign of Jonah."^[b] Then Jesus left them and went away.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we come with humbleness before Your great throne and declare You to be the King of kings and Lord of lords. You rule the universe and You rule the throne of our heart. We pray for our spirit to be subject to Your faithful leading since You have already taught and characterized all that is good. You require us to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You on this day and all the days that follow. May we be faithful to Your clear instruction.  Amen.

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

Tuesday June 5, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The more we hurt, the better we determine what really matters and during the process we replace knowledge with wisdom-

2-Suffering helps clear away the fog that success and prosperity create-

3-Your view of God determines how you view life-

4-Do not weary yourself gaining wealth-

5-Be discerning about what you watch and read for if the source is not reliable, the information will be skewed-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you are flat on your back the only way to look is up-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Since the 1930s, the town of Corona, California, has lost all seventeen to the time capsules they originally buried-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God searching for us or waiting for us to come to him?

2-Is there such a thing as total freedom?

3-Are there any choices without consequences?

4-Were the 10 commandments a control thing with God or a way for society to live together in harmony?

5-Is "God" a personal name or a descriptive name?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What king of Israel was imprisoned for defying Assyrian authority?

Yesterday's answer-Samson  Judges 16:24

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 15:32-39

More than Four Thousand Fed

 ³² Jesus called his followers to him and said, "I feel sorry for these people, because they have already been with me three days, and they have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away hungry. They might faint while going home."

 ³³ His followers asked him, "How can we get enough bread to feed all these people? We are far away from any town."

 ³⁴ Jesus asked, "How many loaves of bread do you have?"

   They answered, "Seven, and a few small fish."

 ³⁵ Jesus told the people to sit on the ground.³⁶ He took the seven loaves of bread and the fish and gave thanks to God. Then he divided the food and gave it to his followers, and they gave it to the people.³⁷ All the people ate and were satisfied. Then his followers filled seven baskets with the leftover pieces of food.³⁸ There were about four thousand men there who ate, besides women and children.³⁹ After sending the people home, Jesus got into the boat and went to the area of Magadan.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we do not want to be overcome by evil but we want to overcome evil with good and the way that we can do this is to absorb, maintain, and uphold the Scriptural understanding of good and evil. We pray against authorities, personalities, and persuasive rhetoric that tempt us to compromise or water down the truths we learn from Scripture. The contrasts of light vs. Darkness, good vs. Evil, the spiritual nature vs. The sinful nature are abundant in Scripture. May the guiding light by which we live our lives in these evil days be the light of Your Holy Word. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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

Monday June 4, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-The right people need to communicate the right things to the right recipients-

2-When accurate information is deposited into the ears of someone who may be unable to understand, confusion occurs-

3-When the "Day of Reckoning" comes, God is always just-

4-Grace doesn't wait for works to catch up-

5-If you want the presence of God, you need the reverence for God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If Wall mart is lowering prices everyday, why isn't anything free yet-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It takes a long time to grow young-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The 102 story Empire State Building, completed in 1931, is made up of more than 10 million bricks and has 6,500 windows.  It was built at a cost of $40, 948, 900.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God ever take time off?

2-How concerned is God about the little things of our life?

3-What happens when money is your god?

4-What does it mean "God is a jealous God"?

5-Do we tend to redefine God into someone he isn't?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was put in prison as a political enemy of the Philistines?

Yesterday's answer-Swords and clubs   Mark 14:43

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 15:29-31

Jesus Heals Many People

 ²⁹ After leaving there, Jesus went along the shore of Lake Galilee. He went up on a hill and sat there.

 ³⁰ Great crowds came to Jesus, bringing with them the lame, the blind, the crippled, those who could not speak, and many others. They put them at Jesus' feet, and he healed them.³¹ The crowd was amazed when they saw that people who could not speak before were now able to speak. The crippled were made strong. The lame could walk, and the blind could see. And they praised the God of Israel for this.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for making us joint heirs together with the family of believers in this wonderful eternal inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade kept in heaven for us. We gratefully claim this inheritance and await the appointed date when we will experience in full the blessings it provides. Troubles in this life diminish our hope, but rejoicing in the life yet to be revealed gives us a glorious living hope!  Help us to fix our present hope on the future return of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank You for making my reservation in heaven since it is only there that enemies such as disease, aging, pain and loss will not exist.  I want to keep this eternal perspective today! Through Jesus I come to You in prayer.  Amen.

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

Sunday June 3, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Caring and sensitive friends know when to come, how to respond and what to say-

2-Everyone needs a Nathan-

3-It is easy to be Monday morning quarterbacks-

4-Friendship will not stand the strain of too much "good advice" for very long-

5-The cultivation of obedient endurance is the crowning mark of maturity-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Most of us go to our graves with our music still in us-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Of all the things I've lost I miss my mind the most-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Central Park opened in 1876.  It is nearly twice the size of the entire country of Monaco-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-How does God pay attention to our needs?

2-What can we hide from God?

3-What does God not know about me?

4-How far can you run from God?

5-Is God on a time schedule?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What were the crowd of people carrying who were with Judas when they appeared in Gethsemane to betray Jesus?

Yesterday's answer-Menahem   2 Kings 15:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 15:21-28

Jesus Helps a Non-Jewish Woman

 ²¹ Jesus left that place and went to the area of Tyre and Sidon.²² A Canaanite woman from that area came to Jesus and cried out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter has a demon, and she is suffering very much."

 ²³ But Jesus did not answer the woman. So his followers came to Jesus and begged him, "Tell the woman to go away. She is following us and shouting."

 ²⁴ Jesus answered, "God sent me only to the lost sheep, the people of Israel."

 ²⁵ Then the woman came to Jesus again and bowed before him and said, "Lord, help me!"

 ²⁶ Jesus answered, "It is not right to take the children's bread and give it to the dogs."

 ²⁷ The woman said, "Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

 ²⁸ Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! I will do what you asked." And at that moment the woman's daughter was healed.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we recognize from Scripture that You long to be gracious to Your children, to show them compassion and give them direction.  You bless those who wait upon You. Though you give us the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, you also give us teachers, prophets, and believing friends who affirm or challenge us as we seek Your face and Your will for our lives.  As we hold up the lamp of Your Word to lighten the path before us, how good it is to hear Your voice behind us saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”  You’ve promised that You will never leave us or forsake us.  Darkness will not overtake us, for You are the Light of the World, and in You there is no darkness at all. Thank You for Your reassuring presence that You walk with us step by step on this day of our journey.  We’re en route now but we’re assured that our final destination will have an eternal glorious address where our dwelling will be with You in heaven forevermore. Amen.

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

Saturday June 2, 2012 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Whenever you have the opportunity to be with someone in great need or grief, even if what they are going through is the result of their own choices or failure, putting them down or reminding them of their failures never helps-

2-God is the potter, I am the clay-he is Lord and I am his disciple-he is the shepherd, I am the sheep- he is the master, I am the servant-

3-A right concept of God is basic not only to correct theology but also to practical Christian living as well-

4-The essence of idolatry is having thoughts about God that are unworthy of him-

5-When things turn from bad to worse, sound theology helps us remain strong and stable-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is it the people who are late are usually much jollier than those who have to wait for them?

 

I'VE LEARNED-For fast acting relief, slow down-

 

DID YOU KNOW-All the dirt form the foundation to build the World Trade Center in New York City was dumped into the Hudson River to form the community now known as Battery City Park-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Jesus know the crucifixion experience would be over by Sunday morning?

2-Did Jesus know what would happen to him during the time from crucifixion to resurrection?

3-What is it like to be really in love with God?

4-What culprit is the prime suspect for being the home "love terminator"?

5-Is love all it takes to make a marriage work?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who murdered Shallum and took his place on the throne of Israel?

Yesterday's answer-Zimri   1 Kings 16:8-10

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Matthew 15:12-20

¹² Then his followers came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees are angry because of what you said?"

 ¹³ Jesus answered, "Every plant that my Father in heaven has not planted himself will be pulled up by the roots. ¹⁴Stay away from the Pharisees; they are blind leaders.^[a]And if a blind person leads a blind person, both will fall into a ditch."

 ¹⁵ Peter said, "Explain the example to us."

 ¹⁶ Jesus said, "Do you still not understand? ¹⁷ Surely you know that all the food that enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then goes out of the body.¹⁸ But what people say with their mouths comes from the way they think; these are the things that make people unclean.¹⁹Out of the mind come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual sins, stealing, lying, and speaking evil of others.²⁰ These things make people unclean; eating with unwashed hands does not make them unclean."

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, though we don’t know the day nor the hour, You have the blessed event of Christ’s return on Your heavenly calendar. Even as the Son of Man ascended into heaven He will come again, but this time we have the blessed hope of ascending with Him and joining with those of like precious faith. Thank You for loved ones and witnesses of the truth who have repeated this glorious life-transforming message to us over the years preparing our hearts for this major event. May this be the resounding message from our own lips as we anticipate the glorious moment when we will all be changed in the twinkling of an eye. Help us to be faithful and eager for the blessed hope of Your second coming where those of us on earth will take up eternal residency in heaven. In Your name, Jesus, we pray as we  watch for Your reappearing. Amen.

LAUGHTER IS GOOD EXERCISE, IT IS LIKE JOGGING ON THE INSIDE!

Friday June 1, 2012 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY
1-What God permits may not make sense but we can still trust him-

2-Life is not based on blind fate or random change but choices-

3-The universe is the most accurate engineering known to man-

4-So much about God is unexplainable and understandable in human terms-

5-Pain plants the flag of reality in the fortress of a rebel heart-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Birthdays are good for you, the more you have the longer you live-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Without the dark we could never see the stars-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Three mile island is only 2.5 miles long-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there ever a time to not show mercy and grace?

2-What kind of life would we have if God was not merciful to us?

3-When have we done enough?

4-Do we ever lose the capability of sinning?

5-What held Jesus to the cross?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What traitor murdered Elah, king of Israel, and then later, after a seven day reign, committed suicide?

Yesterday's answer-a a thick cloth, dipped in water, and smothered the king   2 Kings 8:15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Matthew 15:10-11

¹⁰ After Jesus called the crowd to him, he said, "Listen and understand what I am saying. ¹¹ It is not what people put into their mouths that makes them unclean. It is what comes out of their mouths that makes them unclean."

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we see the greatest example of temporal suffering in the person of Jesus Christ. By giving His all to pay the full ransom for our sins He underwent inhumane persecution to the fullest extent of giving His life through death that we might live. What seemed a hopeless cause turned into a victory above all other victories when His resurrected body made it possible for us, as His followers, to join in His eternal glory. It’s just a little longer that we must wait before we enter through the pearly gates. May we be found faithful along the way! In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

 

 

 

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