Thursday December 12, 2013 thought for the day

   
                                          What is in this picture?

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Anger and love have no limits-

2-When the word "biblical" can mean anything, it means nothing-

3-The grace of God is the mending glue for broken hearts-

4-Churches should be "no shame zone" places for broken people to come when they are hurting-

5-Every Christian has a past and every sinner can have a future-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--"He could lead if he got the lead out"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Life is an echo.  What you send out, you get back.  What you give, you get in return-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Dogs that do not tolerate small children well include the Saint Bernard, the Old English sheepdog, the Alaskan malamute, the bull terrier, and the toy poodle-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What part does confidence play in faith?

2-Which of God's promises seem to be the most important?

3-What requests are appropriate to bring to God in prayer?

4-Are mercy and grace tangible promises?

5-What is happening when God is not answering your prayers?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Where did Paul have a vision asking him to found churches in Europe?

Answer for today   Troas   Acts 16:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 28:7-11

⁷ There were some fields around there owned by Publius, an important man on the island. He welcomed us into his home and was very good to us for three days. ⁸ Publius’ father was sick with a fever and dysentery.^[a] Paul went to him, prayed, and put his hands on the man and healed him. ⁹ After this, all the other sick people on the island came to Paul, and he healed them, too. ^10-11 The people on the island gave us many honors. When we were ready to leave, three months later, they gave us the things we needed.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, as we give praise to You we are offering our heartfelt thanks for who You are and all that You do on our behalf. As we mature in our Christian walk we realize that there are many occasions when we must offer a sacrifice of praise since it doesn’t always come easily nor often enough. It is in those circumstances that we willfully choose to praise You out of obedient hearts desirous of pleasing You and glorifying Your name. May our words be fruitful and our thoughts praiseworthy in the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen.


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

Wednesday December 11, 2011 thought for the day

LOOK CLOSELY AT THIS PICTURE TO SEE WHAT IT REALLY IS-

 

There will be a series of these pictures so tell me what you think it is?

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Don't plan your future by your past-

2-He is most free from danger, who, even when safe, is on guard-

3-The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness-

4-A belief is something you will argue about, a conviction is something you will die for-

5-Our convictions determine our conduct-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"We must polish the polish furniture"-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Real charity doesn't care if it is tax deductible or not-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There are more than 100 million dogs and cats in the United States-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How does faith really work?

2-How can we be sure we haven't misinterpreted God's direction?

3-If you have questions about God, do you have a weak faith?

4-Does God ever wonder "Why do you ask me that"?

5-Does God sometimes not answer our prayers because we have too little faith?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church had Crispus, a synagogue leader, as a member?

Answer for today-Corinth     Acts 18:8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 28:1-6

28 When we were safe on land, we learned that the island was called Malta. ² The people who lived there were very good to us. Because it was raining and very cold, they made a fire and welcomed all of us. ³ Paul gathered a pile of sticks and was putting them on the fire when a poisonous snake came out because of the heat and bit him on the hand. ⁴ The people living on the island saw the snake hanging from Paul’s hand and said to each other, “This man must be a murderer! He did not die in the sea, but Justice^[a] does not want him to live.” ⁵ But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and was not hurt. ⁶ The people thought that Paul would swell up or fall down dead. They waited and watched him for a long time, but nothing bad happened to him. So they changed their minds and said, “He is a god!”

Footnotes:

1. 28:4 Justice The people thought there was a god named Justice who would punish bad people.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, to authenticate that we are truly Your children, You make us heirs with You and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in Christ’s sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. Our glorious eternal inheritance does not come without our participation in the temporal suffering believers are called upon to endure here on earth. We may have to endure mockery and persecution. It may be physical affliction or great financial restraints. We may lose the love and devotion of those whom we hold dear when we take an unyielding stand for You. No matter the price and no matter the suffering may it teach us more about Your decrees and the glory of our suffering for Christ. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday December 10, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Defeat is not the worst failure-not to have tried is the true failure-

2-Laugh as much as you breathe and love as long as you live-

3-To love is to risk not being loved in return-

4-You are never too old to set another goal or dream-

5-The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language--The dump was so full it had to refuse more refuse-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Silent gratitude is not much to anyone-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It is estimated that manatees live a maximum of fifty to sixty years-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How many apostles were there in the New Testament?

2-What requirements are necessary to be an apostle?

3-Every Christian is a disciple, so is every Christian an apostle?

4-What is the difference in "trusting God' and "hoping" for something?

5-How are faith and trust similar and yet different?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church began at Pentecost?

Answer for today-  Jerusalem   Acts 2:47

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 27:39-44

³⁹ When daylight came, the sailors saw land. They did not know what land it was, but they saw a bay with a beach and wanted to sail the ship to the beach if they could. ⁴⁰ So they cut the ropes to the anchors and left the anchors in the sea. At the same time, they untied the ropes that were holding the rudders. Then they raised the front sail into the wind and sailed toward the beach. ⁴¹ But the ship hit a sandbank. The front of the ship stuck there and could not move, but the back of the ship began to break up from the big waves.

⁴² The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim away and escape. ⁴³ But Julius, the officer, wanted to let Paul live and did not allow the soldiers to kill the prisoners. Instead he ordered everyone who could swim to jump into the water first and swim to land. ⁴⁴ The rest were to follow using wooden boards or pieces of the ship. And this is how all the people made it safely to land.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, I want the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart to be pleasing to You this day. I pray that my conversation is uplifting so that I build others up rather than tear them down. May I walk and talk with Your grace so that I impart grace to others showing respect, courtesy, and interest in their lives. Just as salt is tasty to food making it more pleasant to eat, I pray that my dialogue is wholesome, making conversation pleasant and beneficial to those who listen.  Amen.



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

Monday December 9, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If you are driven by self importance, nothing is sacred-

2-The God who blesses is also the God who can break-

3-God is more concerned with our Holiness than with our happiness-

4-No life is insignificant when God chooses to use it to teach his truth to others-

5-Knowing is not enough, we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Money is a morally neutral issue-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We behave the way we think-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sea otters inhabit water but never get wet because they have two coats of fur-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are there things which Christians cannot do because it might offend someone?

2-When do things become an idol or god?

3-Why do Christians think they have to eat to have fellowship?

4-How does a Christian become a stumbling block to someone?

5-Is a Christian with a legalistic approach to Christian living a weak or a strong Christian?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-To what church did Paul send Epaphroditus as a minister?

Answer for today  Philippi   Philippians 2:25

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY  Acts 27:33-38

³³ Just before dawn Paul began persuading all the people to eat something. He said, “For the past fourteen days you have been waiting and watching and not eating. ³⁴ Now I beg you to eat something. You need it to stay alive. None of you will lose even one hair off your heads.” ³⁵ After he said this, Paul took some bread and thanked God for it before all of them. He broke off a piece and began eating. ³⁶ They all felt better and started eating, too. ³⁷ There were two hundred seventy-six people on the ship. ³⁸ When they had eaten all they wanted, they began making the ship lighter by throwing the grain into the sea.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, while the world obsesses over outward appearances such as good looks, muscular bodies or perfect figures Your Word is impassioned with teaching regarding the inner heart; the very character of who we are when no one but You are looking. Help us to be more concerned what You see on the inside than what others view from the outside. Peace, joy and love come from within the soul and no outward adornment, fashion accessory or muscular frame can produce or duplicate those fruit of the Spirit. Help us to be slow to judge and quick to pray for those who are different from us and help us to see them and love them as Jesus does. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.


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

Sunday December 8, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Rationalization always accompanies greed-

2-A good rationalization washes away the guilt in order to provide the necessary permission to act inappropriately-

3-Greedy people become masters of self deceit-

4-Rationalization provides right sounding motives for poor conduct-

5-The antidote for rationalization is the discipline of accountability-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The same creativity that helps us dream wonderful dreams can also fantasize destructive fantasies-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Rationalization makes all sin less objectionable-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Sea otters have the world's densest fur--a million hairs per square inch-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the New Jerusalem a literal massive city?

2-Why is it so hard to live a life of grace?

3-Why are men typically not good relationship builders?

4-Who should we talk to about the temptations we face?

5-Why is it easier to see anothers faults and short comings and yet not see our own?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who was sent by the Jerusalem church to oversee the church at Antioch?

Answer for today-Barnabas    Acts 11:22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 27:27-32

²⁷ On the fourteenth night we were still being carried around in the Adriatic Sea.^[a] About midnight the sailors thought we were close to land, ²⁸ so they lowered a rope with a weight on the end of it into the water. They found that the water was one hundred twenty feet deep. They went a little farther and lowered the rope again. It was ninety feet deep. ²⁹ The sailors were afraid that we would hit the rocks, so they threw four anchors into the water and prayed for daylight to come. ³⁰ Some of the sailors wanted to leave the ship, and they lowered the lifeboat, pretending they were throwing more anchors from the front of the ship. ³¹ But Paul told the officer and the other soldiers, “If these men do not stay in the ship, your lives cannot be saved.” ³² So the soldiers cut the ropes and let the lifeboat fall into the water.

Footnotes:

1. 27:27 Adriatic Sea The sea between Greece and Italy, including the central Mediterranean.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, I resist the lowering standards of this world and its influence upon my thoughts, words and actions. Instead I choose to uphold and teach the timeless and always relevant truths revealed in Your Word to my family and all who seek my counsel. I will trust You to work in the hearts of those whom I seek to influence for Your Kingdom and will do my part to live a pure and holy life in this decadent age where the wicked strut about in their disobedient acts in rebellion to Your commands. The day of judgment is coming and even now we see in part Your judgment as we observe the disarray and aimlessness of those caught up in shameful behavior which greatly contributes to the instability of our times. In the name of Jesus we pray for Your merciful conviction to fall upon our darkened world. Amen.


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

Saturday December 7, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Greed is a desire that will consume a person from the inside out-

2-Greed uses people to obtain things and is never acceptable-

3-Greed often begins as covetousness-

4-Greed is when the desire for things surpasses one's ability to afford them-

5-Greed hides itself behind excessive desires for the good things of life-

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-"The farm used to produce produce"-

I'VE LEARNED-Isn't it amazing the more generous you are the more God blesses your life!

DID YOU KNOW-Hippopotami cannot swim-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-The Bible says that God will create a new heaven and a new earth.  Is this literal or figurative?

2-How do we know when to interpret any scripture either literally or figuratively?

3-What is a correct understanding of "Paradise"?

4-Was Paradise the Garden of Eden?

5-If a scripture is to be taken symbolically, can it also be taken literally?

BIBLE TRIVIA-At what church did believers hold their property in common?

Answer for today   Jerusalem   Acts 11:22

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 27:21-26

²¹ After the men had gone without food for a long time, Paul stood up before them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me. You should not have sailed from Crete. Then you would not have all this trouble and loss. ²² But now I tell you to cheer up because none of you will die. Only the ship will be lost. ²³ Last night an angel came to me from the God I belong to and worship. ²⁴ The angel said, ‘Paul, do not be afraid. You must stand before Caesar. And God has promised you that he will save the lives of everyone sailing with you.’ ²⁵ So men, have courage. I trust in God that everything will happen as his angel told me. ²⁶ But we will crash on an island.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Jesus, You made us to be time-sensitive creatures. Our schedules are guided by hours, days, weeks, years, seasons and on and on it goes. While most of our activity is decided by our prearranged schedules we don’t usually allot waiting time, but You do. You arranged it for the patriarchs of old and expect it of Your followers throughout the ages as we often find ourselves waiting and waiting and waiting.  But it’s not a waste of our precious time, for You tell us that we are strengthened in the wait, as we depend upon You to work out the details for our lives. You’ve promised that if we wait upon You our strength will be renewed and we will mount up with wings as eagles. As we do so we’re refreshed in our spirit and find ourselves more patient, confident, and courageous as we wait upon You to accomplish Your intended plan for our lives. We look to You and are sustained by Your Almighty Hand during the wait! Amen.

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

Friday December 6, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Determine to use all God gives you for his purposes-

2-Let no one pretend to be the Lord's representative in terms of proclaiming his message of miraculous deliverance or his power to cleanse your sin or heal your life-

3-Once a person acknowledges their sinfulness, the journey to salvation is nearly complete-

4-As soon as we abandon our own way, we are capable of following God's way-

5-Greed is an excessive desire to acquire something for the benefit of self-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-English is a strange language-----The bandage was wound around the wound-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Do not confuse your career with your life-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The hippopotamus has skin an inch and a half thick.  It is so solid that most bullets cannot penetrate it-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can our human bodies be God's holy temples?

2-Is heaven a place where Christians will live forever in a disembodied existence in an immaterial realm?

3-Are people in heaven aware of what is happening on earth?

4-Why are "figures of speech" used so much in the Bible?

5-How much of the Bible should be interpreted literally?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-To what church did Jesus say, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock"?

Answer for today    Laodicea   Revelation 3:20

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 27:13-20

¹³ When a good wind began to blow from the south, the men on the ship thought, “This is the wind we wanted, and now we have it.” So they pulled up the anchor, and we sailed very close to the island of Crete. ¹⁴ But then a very strong wind named the “northeaster” came from the island. ¹⁵ The ship was caught in it and could not sail against it. So we stopped trying and let the wind carry us. ¹⁶ When we went below a small island named Cauda, we were barely able to bring in the lifeboat. ¹⁷ After the men took the lifeboat in, they tied ropes around the ship to hold it together. The men were afraid that the ship would hit the sandbanks of Syrtis,^[a] so they lowered the sail and let the wind carry the ship. ¹⁸ The next day the storm was blowing us so hard that the men threw out some of the cargo. ¹⁹ A day later with their own hands they threw out the ship’s equipment. ²⁰ When we could not see the sun or the stars for many days, and the storm was very bad, we lost all hope of being saved.

Footnotes:

1. 27:17 Syrtis Shallow area in the sea near the Libyan coast.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, there is much that we can learn from our temporal problems here on earth that better prepares us for eternity.  As we work through these troubles, they enable us to have the mind of Christ so that attitudes reflecting the fruit of the Spirit become a spontaneous response to the difficulties that challenge us daily.  Just as light, soil, air and moisture are requirements for growth in vegetation so must faith, prayer, self-denial and persistence in obeying God’s Holy Word be requirements for growth in our Christian walk. Help us not to become so caught up in viewing our daily challenges from an earthly perspective that we lose the view of our future home in heaven following the storms we weather here below. We stand in the strength of the Lord Jesus and in the power of His might. Amen.


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

Thursday December 5, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-A small struggling start doesn't necessitate a limited life-

2-No measure of success is safe without God's presence and power-

3-When God blesses a life, no place for guilt remains-

4-With great responsibility comes an equal load of stress-

5-Never apologize for blessings God gives you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If con is the opposite of pro is congress the opposite of progress-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When you use the gifts God has given you, it is an act of worship-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The hippopotamus is, next to  the elephant, the heaviest of all land mammals.  It may weigh as much as eight thousand pounds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will there be "time travel" in heaven?

2-Is earth the opposite of heaven?

3-Can satan create?

4-Was God in a human form when he walked with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden?

5-Was Jesus' resurrected body in a human form?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was noted for hating the Nicolaitan heresy?

Answer for today    Ephesus    Revelation 2:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 27:9-12

⁹ We had lost much time, and it was now dangerous to sail, because it was already after the Day of Cleansing.^[a] So Paul warned them, ¹⁰ “Men, I can see there will be a lot of trouble on this trip. The ship, the cargo, and even our lives may be lost.” ¹¹ But the captain and the owner of the ship did not agree with Paul, and the officer believed what the captain and owner of the ship said. ¹² Since that harbor was not a good place for the ship to stay for the winter, most of the men decided that the ship should leave. They hoped we could go to Phoenix and stay there for the winter. Phoenix, a city on the island of Crete, had a harbor which faced southwest and northwest.

Footnotes:

1. 27:9 Day of Cleansing An important Jewish holy day in the fall of the year. This was the time of year that bad storms arose on the sea.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, we seek to be clear-minded in this generation where messages come from every direction seeking to confuse, delude, and undermine that which we learn from Your holy Scriptures. Instead of feeling despair help us to see it as a challenge to more deeply embrace the ancient Holy Word. Its truth does not change according to the whim of society. We resolve not to interpret Scripture in light of our generation, but instead we interpret our generation in light of Scripture, clearly defining right and wrong, good and bad as taught in Scripture not in the “scholarly” academia of our time. We must keep our head in all situations on a personal level as well as that which affects our society at large. We desire a clear mind, trusting spirit, and a steady aim at following You no matter the cost. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Wednesday December 4, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Success reveals who the real person is-

2-Success doesn't destroy character, it exposes character-

3-Ambition in the the right context is not wrong-

4-Complacency is the dark side of contentment-

5-Surrendering to God doesn't involve a defeated attitude-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why are dwellings called apartments when they are all stuck together-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Extra ordinary kindness is a result of who people are in the inside, not the product of a job description-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Seals must teach their young how to swim-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will their be travel in heaven?

2-Is the "new earth" heaven?

3-Where will the "New Jerusalem" be?

4-Is it possible that God has made countless cosmic wonders that no human will ever see?

5-Has God exhausted his creative resources?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What love filled church sent members to accompany Paul all the way to Athens?

Answer for today   Berea     Acts 17:10-15

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 27:1-8

 It was decided that we would sail for Italy. An officer named Julius, who served in the emperor’s^[a] army, guarded Paul and some other prisoners. ² We got on a ship that was from the city of Adramyttium and was about to sail to different ports in Asia. Aristarchus, a man from the city of Thessalonica in Macedonia, went with us. ³ The next day we came to Sidon. Julius was very good to Paul and gave him freedom to go visit his friends, who took care of his needs. ⁴ We left Sidon and sailed close to the island of Cyprus, because the wind was blowing against us. ⁵ We went across the sea by Cilicia and Pamphylia and landed at the city of Myra, in Lycia. ⁶ There the officer found a ship from Alexandria that was going to Italy, so he put us on it.

⁷ We sailed slowly for many days. We had a hard time reaching Cnidus because the wind was blowing against us, and we could not go any farther. So we sailed by the south side of the island of Crete near Salmone. ⁸ Sailing past it was hard. Then we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

Footnotes:

1. 27:1 emperor The ruler of the Roman Empire, which was almost all the known world.

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, as we read about Moses we learn a great deal from his act of obedience. Not only did his choice to experience mistreatment along with Your people provide an exodus for the Israelites, but it also provided a Biblical foundation for our lives centuries later. We’ve gained so much from the spiritual truths taught through Moses’ applied wisdom, his discipline, and his obedience in recording Your truths and principles. The very core of our Christian faith is realized through the books of Moses. Help us to look away from the forbidden fruit that litters the path of life You have laid before us, and keep our eyes on the eternal pleasures that await us as we walk in obedience to You.  In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Tuesday December 3, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Remorse is the pointless wish we had done things differently-

2-The time to make things right with those we love is before they die-

3-Kind David was a success in public accomplishments but a failure when it came to his family-

4-Failure to repair a broken relationship inflicts wounds that never heal-

5-Everyone has a dark side which is never shown to anyone-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

 

I'VE LEARNED-A little bit of love goes a long way-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Fur seals get miserably sick when they are carried aboard ships-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Did Eve's yielding to the serpent's temptation catch God by surprise?

2-Was God's plan for mankind of sending Jesus to die for us, in his divine plan before he created Adam and Eve?

3-Will people in heaven laugh?

4-Will there be sports in heaven?

5- Why was Jesus born into a carpenter's family?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church was Silas from?

Answer for today-Antioch   Acts 15:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 26:29-32

²⁹ Paul said, “Whether it is a short or a long time, I pray to God that not only you but every person listening to me today would be saved and be like me—except for these chains I have.”

³⁰ Then King Agrippa, Governor Festus, Bernice, and all the people sitting with them stood up ³¹ and left the room. Talking to each other, they said, “There is no reason why this man should die or be put in jail.” ³² And Agrippa said to Festus, “We could let this man go free, but he has asked Caesar to hear his case.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, Your Word is living and active, sharper than any double edged sword. It penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and attitudes of our heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from You, but everything is uncovered and laid bare before Your eyes. We will give an account of our thoughts, motives and actions to You, our loving Father and Supreme Judge. We want to keep our conscience clear and our character above reproach so that we will give You the honor due Your name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Monday December 2, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Make yourself necessary to someone-

2-How you finish is more important than how you start-

3-Sometimes God will let us have our own way, knowing it will hurt us because painful consequences play a major role in maturing us-

4-God's stories are not merely for entertainment but also for our spiritual development-

5-Unresolved sin and anger will eventually lead to tragedy-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I started out with nothing and have most of it left-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Kindness is one of the hardest things to give away because it is nearly always returned-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Seals have back flippers that can't bend under the body to "walk" on land, while sea lions use their leg like hand flippers to "walk" on land-

 

5 THINGS  I WANT TO KNOW

1-Could animals have a spiritual dimension far beyond our understanding?

2-Are any of God's divine attributes evident in animals?

3-Will extinct animals live on the new earth?

4-Is our affection for animals God given?

5-Will we have pets on the new earth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the first church to send forth missionaries?

Answer for today   Jerusalwm  acts 8:5,14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 26:24-28

²⁴ While Paul was saying these things to defend himself, Festus said loudly, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Too much study has driven you crazy!”

²⁵ Paul said, “Most excellent Festus, I am not crazy. My words are true and sensible. ²⁶ King Agrippa knows about these things, and I can speak freely to him. I know he has heard about all of these things, because they did not happen off in a corner. ²⁷ King Agrippa, do you believe what the prophets wrote? I know you believe.”
²⁸ King Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think you can persuade me to become a Christian in such a short time?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Father, we thank You for Your grace that meets our most pressing needs. It also helps us to say “no” to those temptations that are common to all and purifies us to be Your holy people who are eager to do that which is good. Your grace helps us to rise above the struggles of this world and most especially when we focus on the perfect, everlasting life to come when the glorious appearing of Jesus is seen by those He redeemed. Fill us with anticipation and expectancy, Father. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.


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

Sunday December 1, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-An angry person is seldom reasonable and a reasonable person is seldom angry-

2-Try and fail, but don't fail to try-

3-No smile is as beautiful as one which struggles through tears-

4-You may face many defeats in life but don't let yourself be defeated-

5-What a person laughs at reveals their character-

STRANGE THOUGHT-You'll never be old and wise if you weren't once young and crazy-

I'VE LEARNED-Happiness is where we find it but rarely where we seek it-

DID YOU KNOW-Seals can withstand pressure of up to 850 pounds per square inch-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do animals have such a thing as non human souls?

2-Why did God save animals from the great flood?

3-What did the meat eating animals eat on the ark?

4-Why did God have to kill all but two of the living animals per species?

5-Psalm 150 says "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord".  Does that include animals, birds, fish, etc.

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church saw the martyrdom of faithful Antipas?

Answer for today    Pergamum     Revelation 2:13

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    acts 26:19-23

¹⁹ “King Agrippa, after I had this vision from heaven, I obeyed it. ²⁰ I began telling people that they should change their hearts and lives and turn to God and do things to show they really had changed. I told this first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem, and in every part of Judea, and also to the other people. ²¹ This is why the Jews took me and were trying to kill me in the Temple. ²² But God has helped me, and so I stand here today, telling all people, small and great, what I have seen. But I am saying only what Moses and the prophets said would happen— ²³ that the Christ would die, and as the first to rise from the dead, he would bring light to all people.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, Your amazing grace provides for us Your undeserved favor, forgiveness of sins, treasures of eternal worth, and blessed redemptive fear. Just as parents teach their children a healthy fear of the dangers present in their daily surroundings, so also Your grace teaches us to fear that which brings danger to our spirit in our daily battle with the enemy of our soul. We thank You for Your redemptive grace that sounds the alarm when we’re entering enemy territory. It comes to us through the Holy Spirit speaking to our hearts, through the Scriptures that convict us, through a concerned Christian brother or sister who prayerfully approaches us when they see us headed in the wrong direction, and it comes in the consequences we experience following the good or bad choices we make or the consequences we view in others’ lives who’ve made bad choices. Above all, it is Your loving grace that teaches us a healthy and reverential fear toward You, that we might walk in obedience to You and say no to ungodliness, worldly passions and live a self-controlled, upright and godly life in this present age. Thank You for the grace that becomes a personal reality the hour we first believe. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

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

Saturday November 30, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-If it is not the right thing to do, never do it-if it is not the truth, never say it-

2-Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise-

3-If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies-

4-Fear of failure is the greatest barrier to success-

5-It is better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Kindness is one of the hardest things to give away for it is nearly always returned-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The elephant seal is the heaviest seal in the world; males can reach twenty feet in length and eighty eight hundred

pounds-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will there be only one universal language in heaven?

2-Will we maintain our current language in heaven?

3-Will ancient cultures be resurrected on the new heaven?

4-Will there be animals on the new earth-both wild and domesticated?

5-How did God make the original animals on the earth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-On what Greek island did Titus supervise the churches?

Answer for today-Crete    Titus 1:5

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY     Acts 26:12-18

¹² “One time the leading priests gave me permission and the power to go to Damascus. ¹³ On the way there, at noon, I saw a light from heaven. It was brighter than the sun and flashed all around me and those who were traveling with me. ¹⁴ We all fell to the ground. Then I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language,^[a] saying, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are only hurting yourself by fighting me.’ ¹⁵ I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ The Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. ¹⁶ Stand up! I have chosen you to be my servant and my witness—you will tell people the things that you have seen and the things that I will show you. This is why I have come to you today. ¹⁷ I will keep you safe from your own people and also from the others. I am sending you to them ¹⁸ to open their eyes so that they may turn away from darkness to the light, away from the power of Satan and to God. Then their sins can be forgiven, and they can have a place with those people who have been made holy by believing in me.’

Footnotes:

1. 26:14 Hebrew language Or Aramaic, the languages of many people in this region in the first century.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

 

Father, we honor our military veterans who gave their all that we might enjoy our freedoms. Some of them bear visible reminders of their service such as a missing limb, or a jagged scar. Others carry less visible signs such as a pin holding a bone together, shrapnel buried beneath their skin, tortuous physical and mental images that cannot be erased from their minds, causing many of them deep disturbance in their mental health. Many have been deployed to the Philippines following the indescribable loss of life and property from the recent typhoon. Help them to make a powerful difference to those who are left to sort out life in a way they could never have imagined. We pray that You will encourage the veteran’s families, provide physical, financial and emotional services, and place godly people in their paths who will build relationships with them giving them an opportunity to share their faith. We pray for those serving today who are being denied their expression of faith due to the politically motivated changes within the military. We consider the chaplains who uphold the teachings of the Bible rather than the philosophies of our day that redefine what is right and what is wrong. Fortify them with courage, wisdom and the resolve to stay firm in the days ahead to hold to what is true no matter what they endure as a result. And, lastly, we pray for our spiritual veterans who have forged the straight and narrow path before us that leads to eternal life. We follow behind and don’t look back to the broad path that leads to destruction and eternal doom. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Friday November 29, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-It It is easy to find reasons why others should be patient-

2-Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom-

3-Miracles happen only to those who believe in them-

4-You don't lose until you stop trying-

5-Joy is the feeling of grinning on the inside-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-It takes a long time to grow an old friend-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Kindness is a language everyone understands-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Whale blubber can reach up to twenty inches thick-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is there private ownership in heaven?

2-What is the inheritance God will give Christians in heaven?

3-Does private ownership bring jealousy and envy?

4-In heaven will we renew or regain lost relational opportunities?

5-Was the risen Jesus Jewish?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church took up a large love offering for the needy believers in Jerusalem?

Answer for today-Antioch  Acts 11:30

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 26:9-11

⁹ “I, too, thought I ought to do many things against Jesus from Nazareth. ¹⁰ And that is what I did in Jerusalem. The leading priests gave me the power to put many of God’s people in jail, and when they were being killed, I agreed it was a good thing. ¹¹ In every synagogue, I often punished them and tried to make them speak against Jesus. I was so angry against them I even went to other cities to find them and punish them.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, many times Scripture that speaks of waiting on You is followed by the directive of being courageous. Indeed it does take courage for me to trust You and not take matters into my own hands since that comes so naturally to my way of thinking and doing things. But as a loving, protecting and omnipotent Father You tenderly care for me as I commit my concerns to You. My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior. Getting ahead of Your divine plan and perfect timing only leads to more frustration and difficulty. Help me to remember that waiting coupled with prayer brings about growing courage and dependence on You rather than myself. Amen.


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

Thursday November 28, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-When you smile you make life more beautiful-

2-We are shaped and destined by what we love-

3-Look for and welcome the joys of today-

4-Forgiveness doesn't change the past, it opens the future-

5-Love is the triumph of imagination over intelligence-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-My computer beat me at checkers, but I beat it at kick boxing-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your spiritual gifts are not for your own benefit but are given to you to help other people-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Seals and whales keep warm in the icy polar water thanks to a layer of fat called blubber under the skin-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can a Christian's belief be accurate yet be incomplete?

2-Can angels in heaven have differing opinions?

3-If Christians see things differently, could they still use wise Godly counsel?

4-Will people in heaven need or have privacy?

5-Will God give us a new name in heaven?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church received from Paul an epistle that has never been found?

Answer for today    Laodicea   Colossians 4:16

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 26:4-8

⁴ “All my people know about my whole life, how I lived from the beginning in my own country and later in Jerusalem. ⁵ They have known me for a long time. If they want to, they can tell you that I was a good Pharisee. And the Pharisees obey the laws of my tradition more carefully than any other group. ⁶ Now I am on trial because I hope for the promise that God made to our ancestors. ⁷ This is the promise that the twelve tribes of our people hope to receive as they serve God day and night. My king, they have accused me because I hope for this same promise! ⁸ Why do any of you people think it is impossible for God to raise people from the dead?

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, many times Scripture that speaks of waiting on You is followed by the directive of being courageous. Indeed it does take courage for me to trust You and not take matters into my own hands since that comes so naturally to my way of thinking and doing things. But as a loving, protecting and omnipotent Father You tenderly care for me as I commit my concerns to You. My unbelief and impatience leads to fearsome worry and unwise behavior. Getting ahead of Your divine plan and perfect timing only leads to more frustration and difficulty. Help me to remember that waiting coupled with prayer brings about growing courage and dependence on You rather than myself. Amen.


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

Wednesday November 27, 2013 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-Hearing the truth is not enough-

2-God's blessings almost always follow obedience-

3-The end of life reveals more than it's beginning-

4-After achieving public success in ministry, God considered Eli a failure at home and judged him for it-

5-"If you continue in my word, then you truly are my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free"-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is the person who handles your money called a broker?

 

I'VE LEARNED-A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as you expect-

 

DID YOU KNOW-There once was more sea lions on earth than people-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If children go to heaven directly when they die, why doesn't the Bible teach us that directly?

2-Will inhabitants of heaven be able to talk to anyone they want to ?

3-Will we have "best friend" in heaven?

4-Will the inhabitants of heaven know there is a hell somewhere?

5-How will we be able to enjoy heaven knowing we have family and friends who are not there?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the most commended church in Revelations?

Answer for today-Philadelphia   Revelation 3:7-13

 

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY   Acts 26:1-3

26 Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now speak to defend yourself.”Then Paul raised his hand and began to speak. ² He said, “King Agrippa, I am very blessed to stand before you and will answer all the charges the evil people make against me. ³ You know so much about all the customs and the things they argue about, so please listen to me patiently.

 

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, as Your new creation we have crucified our sinful selves and found new life through Your indwelling Holy Spirit. We have given up our old selfish desires and sin no longer masters our thoughts and actions. We deny our sinful nature so that Your will may be accomplished in our lives as we reflect Your glory day by day. Your deliverance power gives us the strength we need to deal with ongoing temptation to yield to our old sinful nature. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. It is through Christ that we resist the enemy and yield to the Spirit. Amen.



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

Tuesday November 26, 2013 thought for today

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

1-God's remedy for incidental spiritual failure as well as long term rebellion is repentance-

2-No where in scripture is there anything to suggest that an action has to hurt someone else in order for God to consider it sin-

3-Sin, to some degree, always affects others-

4-If we hold ourselves accountable for sin no one else needs to-

5-Complacency is the enemy of obedience-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavors and dish washing liquid is made with real lemons?

I'VE LEARNED-Life is a gift, freedom is a responsibility-

DID YOU KNOW-The largest white shark ever caught measured thirty seven feet and weighed twenty four thousand pounds-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How will people in heaven relate to each other?

2-What will fill the void of sexual intimacy in heaven?

3-Why do we believe in "the age of accountability" when we say mankind is born in sin?

4-Can a person be filled with the Holy Spirit before they are born?

5-Is the Christian doctrine that God welcomes children to heaven implied or Biblically taught?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What church had fallen prey to the legalistic Judaizers?

Answer for today-Galatia       Galatians   1:6-9

SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY    Acts 25:22-27

²² Agrippa said to Festus, “I would also like to hear this man myself.”

Festus said, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”²³ The next day Agrippa and Bernice appeared with great show, acting like very important people. They went into the judgment room with the army leaders and the important men of Caesarea. Then Festus ordered the soldiers to bring Paul in. ²⁴ Festus said, “King Agrippa and all who are gathered here with us, you see this man. All the people, here and in Jerusalem, have complained to me about him, shouting that he should not live any longer. ²⁵ When I judged him, I found no reason to order his death. But since he asked to be judged by Caesar, I decided to send him. ²⁶ But I have nothing definite to write the emperor about him. So I have brought him before all of you—especially you, King Agrippa. I hope you can question him and give me something to write. ²⁷ I think it is foolish to send a prisoner to Caesar without telling what charges are against him.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY 

Father, You’ve called us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily and follow You. Each day has its own set of challenges and flow of blessings. Each is ordained by You, for it is in the testing that we are given opportunity to grow, mature, increase our faith and develop our character. Your presence is with us on days that are bright and sunny as well as those that are dark and stormy. Help us to watch for Your blessings because sometimes they’re hidden in the dark clouds of a trial. Nevertheless You are with us and unfolding a blessing that will strengthen, encourage and guide us as we travel here below. We thank You for Your every provision through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.


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