Sunday March 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Our conduct today is affected by what we know of tomorrow-

2-As conditions of our world worsen, Jesus said we shouldn't hang our heads in depression or shake our heads in confusion-

3-The book of Revelations has a two fold purpose--one is to inform of Jesus return and two is to inform of his ultimate reign on the earth-

4-The history of Christianity has been written in the blood of martyrs-

5-Satan is the old testament name for the evil being of hell and the devil is the new testament name-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-At a bookstore I asked the clerk where the self help section was.  She said if she told me it would defeat the purpose-

 

I'VE LEARNED-I'm not young enough to know everything-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Clans long ago who wanted to get rid of their unwanted people without killing them used to burn down their houses, hence the expression "get fired"-

 

5 THINGS I WANTED TO KNOW

1-When all the dead in Christ are gathered up, where are their souls and when will they be reunited with their bodies?

2-When are our bodies transformed from mortal to immortal bodies?

3-Scripture says "on that day heaven will pass away with a roaring shout".  Does the word "heaven" mean where God dwells or the universe as we know it?

4-Scripture says that Jesus will return on clouds in the sky.  Why are clouds needed?

5-Where is the "great throne" that Jesus will sit on when he returns?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the name of the New Testament paraphrase, done in the style of Southern black tales, written by Clarence Jordan?

Answer for today       The Cotton Patch Version

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 10:35-41

³⁵ Then James and John, sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus and said, “Teacher, we want to ask you to do something for us.”

³⁶ Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?”
³⁷ They answered, “Let one of us sit at your right side and one of us sit at your left side in your glory in your kingdom.”
³⁸ Jesus said, “You don’t understand what you are asking. Can you drink the cup that I must drink? And can you be baptized with the same kind of baptism that I must go through?”^[a]
39 They answered, “Yes, we can.”
Jesus said to them, “You will drink the same cup that I will drink, and you will be baptized with the same baptism that I must go through. ⁴⁰ But I cannot choose who will sit at my right or my left; those places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”
⁴¹ When the other ten followers heard this, they began to be angry with James and John.

Footnotes:

1. 10:38 Can you . . . Through? Jesus was asking if they could suffer the same terrible things that would happen to him.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, because the Israelites dwelt in tents in their wilderness wanderings, You instructed that a tabernacle be constructed that would travel with them, where Your presence would abide. Surely the instructions You provided Moses did not always make sense nor would they have fully understood the purpose of all the particulars, yet the Israelites followed the instructions, thereby honoring You and blessing Moses as their leader. They responded to Moses’ instructions by giving, doing, and following in total the directions You laid out. Help us to practice obedience even when we can’t see the end results, for that is what You ask of us; to trust You, yield to You, and fully obey You. 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 March 14, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude-

2-Forgiveness does not change the past but it does enlarge the future-

3-Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it-

4-You are likely to forgive many things in life but don't forget to express gratitude to those you love-

5-Scripture is a guide for conduct as well as a source of doctrine-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Atheism is a non prophet organization-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Freedom isn't free, somebody paid for it-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Three dog night" (attributed to Australian Aborigines) came about because on especially cold nights, these nomadic people needed three dogs around them to keep from freezing-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is the Holy Spirit to be considered a person?

2-If God's spirit is in us, why do we have power failures?

3-Can a person be "saved" and not be filled with the Holy Spirit?

4-What is an archangel?

5-When Jesus returns with a shout, all the "dead in Christ" will be gathered together.  What happens to the unsaved?  Are they also called and gathered up together?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English translator died as a martyr before he could complete his translation of the Old Testament?

Answer for today        William Tyndale

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 10:32-34

³² As Jesus and the people with him were on the road to Jerusalem, he was leading the way. His followers were amazed, but others in the crowd who followed were afraid. Again Jesus took the twelve apostles aside and began to tell them what was about to happen in Jerusalem. ³³ He said, “Look, we are going to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be turned over to the leading priests and the teachers of the law. They will say that he must die, and they will turn him over to the non-Jewish people, ³⁴ who will laugh at him and spit on him. They will beat him with whips and crucify him. But on the third day, he will rise to life again.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You’ve created us as individual human beings and by Your design You placed us in families.  Within one family unit there are many different personalities, giftings, and varying interests. Thank you for the important things we learn about sharing, assuming responsibility, working, loving, and forgiving.  Help us to do our part in keeping our family of primary importance and taking the time to appreciate those dear ones who make up our family.  It is a blessing that only You can give and it is a privilege that we must never take for granted. Make each of us a blessing as we give unreservedly of our love to one another. 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 March 13, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Courage is being afraid but going on anyway-

2-He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things he has not but rejoices for those which he has-

3-To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself-

4-Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own-

5-Fathers, don't wait to make your son a great man, make him a great boy-

STRANGE THOUGHT-Is there another word for synonym?

I'VE LEARNED-Always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific-

DID YOU KNOW-The term mayday used for signaling for help (SOS) comes from the French M'aidez, which is pronounced mayday and means "help me"-

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When does eternal life start-birth, being born again or death?

2-Does God bless programs as well as people?

3-How can Christians proclaim a message of urgency while living a lifestyle of complacency?

4-Why did Jesus only stay on earth for 33 years of which only 3 were spent in ministry?

5-Does God alone have the power to render satan powerless?

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English translation of the Bible, published in 1966 had notes based on a French translation done in Jerusalem?

Answer for today    The Jerusalem Bible

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 10:29-31

²⁹ Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, all those who have left houses, brothers, sisters, mother, father, children, or farms for me and for the Good News ³⁰ will get more than they left. Here in this world they will have a hundred times more homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields. And with those things, they will also suffer for their belief. But in this age they will have life forever. ³¹ Many who are first now will be last in the future. And many who are last now will be first in the future.”

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we ask for clean hands, a pure mind, and a steadfast heart that follows hard after You. Temptation regularly knocks at our door, but with Your Holy Spirit residing within, we have the will and desire to turn it away.  We don’t want even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, or anything considered improper for Your holy people. It is through Christ that we can live such a life above reproach and honoring to You. Amen.

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

Thursday March 12, thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Most Christians can take their problems to Jesus but leaving them there is where the difficulty lies-

2-In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were spiritually and physically sound until they disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit.  When they did so everything fell out of harmony.  They had a falling out with God and with each other.  Nature and the human body fell out of balance.  Their fall was a fall from wholeness.  Sin opened the door and sickness and pain walked in-

3-Sin and sickness are the consequences of the same rebellion. They are cured by the same redeemer-

4-The very sin and sickness that satan intended for evil, God redeems for good.  Sin became a showcase of his grace.  Sickness became a demonstration of God's ability to heal.

5-Perseverance is stubbornness with a purpose-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If someone with multiple personalities threatens to kill himself, is it considered a hostage situation?

 

I'VE LEARNED-Common sense is a flower that doesn't grow in everyone's garden-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The phrase "Once a bridesmaid, but never a bride" actually comes from an advertisement for Listerine mouthwash-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does it mean "to be Christ like'?

2-What is the "indwelling of the Holy Spirit"?

3-What produces "holiness" in our lives?

4-What does it mean "Jesus lives in me"?

5-Will God ever test you to reveal what is in your heart?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What French Protestant scholar, riding on horseback from Paris to Lyons, divided the New Testament into verses?

Answer for today      Robert Estienne

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 10:23-28

²³ Then Jesus looked at his followers and said, “How hard it will be for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

²⁴ The followers were amazed at what Jesus said. But he said again, “My children, it is very hard to enter the kingdom of God! ²⁵ It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
²⁶ The followers were even more surprised and said to each other, “Then who can be saved?”
²⁷ Jesus looked at them and said, “For people this is impossible, but for God all things are possible.”
²⁸ Peter said to Jesus, “Look, we have left everything and followed you.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we thank You for the record of Scripture that not only encourages, guides, and instructs us, but also provides examples of those who choose to follow or disobey Your commands. The consequence of their actions further instructs us about Your promise of judgment. We also see Your provision of Jesus who mercifully saves us from the awful mess we make of our lives when we forsake Your commands. Though technology has advanced exponentially with each passing generation we find that human behavior remains the same as that from the time of Adam and Eve. We are great sinners and You provide a great Saviour for which we are thankful. In living for Christ we are able to heed the warnings written in Scripture and experience the peace and blessing that comes in walking faithfully with You, our Father and our God. We love You and thank You for Jesus in whose name we pray. Amen.

 

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

Wednesday March 11, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-If the power of prayer depends on the one who hears the prayer, and if the one who hears my prayer is my heavenly father, then I have hope-

2-God loves with a great love and forgives with a great forgiveness-

3-If God were only mighty, we would salute him.  But since he is merciful and mighty, we can approach him-

4-Mary told the servant at the wedding "Whatever he says to you, do it."  She identified the problem, brought it to Jesus and left it with him.  She trusted him completely-

5-An unprayed for problem is like an embedded thorn-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If a deaf child signs swear words, does his mother wash his hands with soap-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The most successful people are those who are good at plan B-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The magic word abracadabra was originally intended for the specific purpose of curing hay fever-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Why should it be difficult for you to know what God wants you to do?

2-How do we know when to take a step of faith or to wait on the Lord?

3-Why didn't God tell Abraham not to do as Sara had suggested?

4-Is God a jealous God?

5-The Bible tell us to "put on Christ".  What does that mean?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What medieval Archbishop of Canterbury is largely responsible for dividing the Bible into chapters?

Answer for today      Stephen Langton  

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY      Mark 10:17-22

¹⁷ As Jesus started to leave, a man ran to him and fell on his knees before Jesus. The man asked, “Good teacher, what must I do to have life forever?”

¹⁸ Jesus answered, “Why do you call me good? Only God is good. ¹⁹ You know the commands: ‘You must not murder anyone. You must not be guilty of adultery. You must not steal. You must not tell lies about your neighbor. You must not cheat. Honor your father and mother.’”
²⁰ The man said, “Teacher, I have obeyed all these things since I was a boy.”
²¹ Jesus, looking at the man, loved him and said, “There is one more thing you need to do. Go and sell everything you have, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow me.”
²² He was very sad to hear Jesus say this, and he left sorrowfully, because he was rich.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, we want to do our part in standing firm against the growing tide of evil. So we go on the offensive by applying the Sword of the Spirit which helps us understand, interpret and spiritually prepare for that which we were not subjected to in the past. We go on the defensive by suiting up in our spiritual armor; the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, gospel of peace, shield of faith, and helmet of salvation.  Like a blanket we cover all these weapons of spiritual warfare in prayer, asking You to prepare us for the daily challenges of living for Christ. We also pray that we will remain faithful and uncompromising to Your Holy Word should we face any cataclysmic event in our lifetime. In the holy name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday March 10, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Christians are to fight the good fight by putting on the armor of God-

2-Prayer is the hand of faith on the door knob of your heart-

3-Prayer is not just a privilege for the pious-

4-Prayer is simply a heart felt conversation between God and his child-

5-Prayer begins with an honest heart felt "Oh, Daddy...."

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A sweater is a garment worn by a child when it's mother feels cold-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There are some things you learn best in a calm and some in a storm-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In the late nineteenth century and earlier years of the twentieth century, when gramophones or phonographs amplified the sound through large horns, woolen socks were often stuffed in them to cut down  on the noise; hence the phrase "put a sock in it"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Will the Holy Spirit be gone from the earth during the great tribulation?

2-How far away were Joseph's brothers from their father while attending his sheep?

3-Did Joseph's beautiful ornate coat give him authority over his brothers?

4-How could Jacob not know he was spending his wedding night with Leah instead of Rachel?

5-How is spiritual maturity developed?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What former monk made a translation of the Bible into German that was loved for centuries?

Answer for today       Martin Luther

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 10:13-16

¹³ Some people brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch them, but his followers told them to stop. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was upset and said to them, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them, because the kingdom of God belongs to people who are like these children. ¹⁵ I tell you the truth, you must accept the kingdom of God as if you were a little child, or you will never enter it.” ¹⁶ Then Jesus took the children in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, as children of the light, we no longer desire the attitudes or behavior we practiced when living in ignorance where darkness reigns. After dying to self You took up residence and equipped us with the necessary tools to battle our struggle against sin. Help us to throw off everything that hinders, entangles, or identifies us with the enemy. Your discipline is always right and good for us because it means we will share in Your holiness. Self-control is a difficult exercise since it requires self-denial, restraint and full surrender to You. The reward follows as we enjoy a wonderful harvest of right living. Not only will it benefit us personally, but it will result in a testimony of thanksgiving to You, make us more like Christ and be an example to those we seek to influence. We ask Your help in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

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

Monday March 9, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Satan brought death into the world, Jesus came to vanquish it-

2-God's grace is not fairness in human terms.  In his kindness he is offering to give it to us anyway-

3-Putting our trust in Jesus is a matter of our wills not our intellect-

4-Your sinful past is not a problem for God-

5-Christians should not be passive people-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I'm not lost, I just don't know the way-

 

I'VE LEARNED-There is no comparison between that which is lost by not succeeding and that which is lost by not trying-

 

DID YOU KNOW-People didn't always say "hello" when they answered the phone.  When the first regular phone service was established in 1878, people said "ahoy"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do we have the right to demand God to forgive us?

2-Does God expect excellence from his children?

3-Does maturity lead to perfection?

4-Why is the word "rapture" not found in scripture?

5-What does the word "rapture" mean?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What version of the Bible, popular with American evangelicals, was sponsored by the Lockman Foundation, in 1971?

Answer for today        New American Standard Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark:1-9

Then Jesus left that place and went into the area of Judea and across the Jordan River. Again, crowds came to him, and he taught them as he usually did.

² Some Pharisees came to Jesus and tried to trick him. They asked, “Is it right for a man to divorce his wife?”
³ Jesus answered, “What did Moses command you to do?”
⁴ They said, “Moses allowed a man to write out divorce papers and send her away.”
⁵ Jesus said, “Moses wrote that command for you because you were stubborn. ⁶ But when God made the world, ‘he made them male and female.’^{[ 7} ‘So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, ⁸ and the two will become one body.’ So there are not two, but one. ⁹ God has joined the two together, so no one should separate them.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, it was faithful Joshua who issued this challenge to the Israelites: “Choose this day whom you will serve.” He reminded them that their fathers, before crossing over the Red Sea, lived among those who worshiped heathen gods in Egypt just as they now lived among the Amorites who worshiped heathen gods.  This passage serves as an example to those of us currently experiencing the results of a pluralistic society where God our Creator is being viewed as just one of the gods we might be devoted to. But we hold steady to the words of Scripture, “that all the peoples of the earth may know that the Lord is God; there is no other.” Like the followers in Scripture, “We want our hearts therefore to be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in His statutes and keeping His commandments.” If it requires that we lay down our life for You, may we do so willingly, knowing that full obedience to You on this side brings great reward in the eternal dwelling that follows. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy-

Saturday March 8, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The secret to getting ahead is getting started-

2-Don't confuse your path with your destination.  Just because it is stormy now doesn't mean you aren't headed for sunshine-

3-If we leave the cross out of the life of Christ, we have nothing left and certainly not Christianity-

4-Jesus is not just a teacher or a revolutionist, but our savior-

5-Jesus is the only one who divided history-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I wanted to be an ideal parent but I am too busy  raising my children-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sisters are different flowers from the same garden-

 

DID YOU KNOW-In the 1940s, the Bich pen was changed to Bic for fear that Americans would pronounce it"bitch"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Can God use someone with an imperfect past?

2-What is the difference in letting go and giving up?

3-Is there such a thing as a "lukewarm" Christian?

4-Is there such a thing as "half hearted obedience" to God?

5-Can you be a Christian and have unforgiveness in your heart-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What multi volume translation, done by a number of Catholics, Protestants, and Jews, began in 1964 and is still incomplete?

Answer for today     The Anchor Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:43-50

⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to lose part of your body and live forever than to have two hands and go to hell, where the fire never goes out. [ ⁴⁴ In hell the worm does not die; the fire is never put out ⁴⁵ If your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to lose part of your body and to live forever than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. [ ⁴⁶ In hell the worm does not die; the fire is never put out.] ⁴⁷ If your eye causes you to sin, take it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. ⁴⁸ In hell the worm does not die; the fire is never put out. ⁴⁹ Every person will be salted with fire.⁵⁰ “Salt is good, but if the salt loses its salty taste, you cannot make it salty again. So, be full of salt, and have peace with each other.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, it is reassuring that in this ever-changing world some things, dear and precious to us, do not change. Most importantly the sacred truths and basic principles presented in Scripture are not to be altered or amended in conformity to one’s worldview or to that of any particular generation. Your inspired truths are useful for teaching, reproof, and training in righteousness. Their intent is to guide us day by day on our earthly journey with daily decisions, lifestyle, and choices as well as keeping our hope and focus on that which can’t be held with our hands, seen with our eyes, or heard with our ears, not down here in our mortal bodies. The Bible only intensifies our longing with these words, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” In these perilous days when so many do what they think is right in their own eyes we want to walk according to what is right in Your eyes according to Scripture. 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 March 7, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-How we walk with the broken speaks louder than how we sit with the great-

2-At my lowest God is my hope--at my darkest God is my light--at my weakest God is my strength--at my saddest God is my comfort-

3-If you don't want anyone to find out, don't do it-

4-Faith isn't always a leap.  Sometimes it is just one little step after another, with lots of falling down and getting back up again-

5-Love cannot be found where it doesn't exist-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The hand that rocks the cradle usually is attached to someone who isn't getting enough sleep-

 

I'VE LEARNED-When a child is born, so is a grandmother-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Happy as a clam" is from the expression "happy as a clam at high tide."  Clams are only harvested when the tide is out-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does persecution help grow the church?

2-Is God still speaking universes into existence today?

3-What is God's most usual way of speaking to us today?

4-If we could completely understand God, would we still worship him?

5-Is the Bible correctly called "the word of God," even the Old Testament with all its killing and slaughter?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English Catholic did a popular translation of the Bible in the 1940s?

Answer for today    Ronald A. Knox

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 9:42

⁴² “If one of these little children believes in me, and someone causes that child to sin, it would be better for that person to have a large stone tied around his neck and be drowned in the sea.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, it is in Christ alone that my hope and reason for living can be found. There is no Rock, no foundation that can hold me steady on solid ground except that of the master builder of my faith, Jesus Christ, my Master, Saviour and Lord. It seems that there is always a new or recycled ideology that grabs the attention of those who are seeking after the latest ear tickling thrill that fits their worldview. We’re even warned about this in Scripture when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. There is only one Teacher that has authority from heaven to teach truth from error, and to give life in place of death. It is Jesus that I choose and it is by His teaching that I live. And it is through His name that I pray to You, Father God. 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 March 6, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-You are never without hope because you are never without prayer-

2-In order to realize the worth of the anchor you need to feel the stress of the storm-

3-Do you want to know who your friends are-just make a mistake-

4-Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be a burden-

5-Faith is like radar that sees through the fog, the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Clothes line-solar powered laundry dryer-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Just because it pops into my head does not mean it should come out of my mouth-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Ham radio operators coined the word "ham" from the expression "ham fisted operators," a term used to describe early radio users who sent Morse code by pounding their fists.

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is goal setting a spiritual thing?

2-How do we know we are following God's agenda for our lives?

3-In what ways do we share in the suffering of Christ?

4-Who sets the Christian agenda?

5-Is God always predictable?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English Bible, prepared during the reign of Elizabeth I, was popular with the clergy but not  with  the common people?

Answer for today    The Bishops' Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:38-41

³⁸ Then John said, “Teacher, we saw someone using your name to force demons out of a person. We told him to stop, because he does not belong to our group.”

³⁹ But Jesus said, “Don’t stop him, because anyone who uses my name to do powerful things will not easily say evil things about me. ⁴⁰ Whoever is not against us is with us. ⁴¹ I tell you the truth, whoever gives you a drink of water because you belong to the Christ will truly get his reward.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, there are many troubling situations that weigh our heart down when that is our sole focus.  But You want us to bring these troubles to You in prayer, entrust them to Your care, and be joyful on our journey. Nehemiah reminds us, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” We want to have a joyful disposition so that we can bring cheer to those around us. In the name of Jesus we pray.  Amen

 

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

Thursday March 5, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The Bible is not about good and bad, it is about being his-

2-Knowing the truth does not save you, acting on it does-

3-Christmas gift suggestions-to your enemy, forgiveness-to an opponent, tolerance-to a friend, your heart-to a customer, service-

    to all, charity-to every child, a good example-to yourself, respect-

4-Life is better when you are happy, but life is best when other people are happy because of you-

5-There are two ways to live your life-one is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-We are what we think, but we are not always what we think we are-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to make the turn-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Some coins used in the American colonies before the Revolutionary War were Spanish dollars, which could be cut into pieces, or bits.  Because two pieces equaled one quarter dollar, the expression "two bits" came into being as a name for twenty five cents-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does being "perfect" mean being flawless?

2-Does the tendency to sin ever leave the Spirit filled Christian?

3-How do you get to know God?

4-What is "pure religion"?

5-Is there any guarantee that love will always win and overcome?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Scottish scholar, famous as the author of the Daily Study Bible, published his own translation of the New Testament?

Answer for today        William Barclay

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 9:33-37

³³ Jesus and his followers went to Capernaum. When they went into a house there, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” ³⁴ But the followers did not answer, because their argument on the road was about which one of them was the greatest.

³⁵ Jesus sat down and called the twelve apostles to him. He said, “Whoever wants to be the most important must be last of all and servant of all.”
³⁶ Then Jesus took a small child and had him stand among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said, ³⁷ “Whoever accepts a child like this in my name accepts me. And whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 

Father, Your Word teaches us that the way to heaven  isn’t secured by what we say with our lips or the label we go by. Instead the way to heaven is found through surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. As we surrender to Your will we will obey Your commands and live a life above reproach, conforming our will and desire to Yours. Spiritual showmanship will not assure us entry into heaven, for Jesus taught that some who cast out demons, perform miracles, and prophesy in His name did not gain entry into heaven since they were living double lives. Outwardly they performed great works in Your name, but inwardly they were sinful and disobedient. Hypocrites are usually exposed in time, but many will not be exposed until the final harvest. Help us to live humble lives, not seeking to impress others by our good works, but rather seeking to live earnest lives of obedience to Your commands with ever-increasing love for Your people and for the lost. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.


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

Wednesday March 4, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God has no problems, only plans-

2-As Christians we trust Jesus to be the carrier, protector, and redeemer of our hearts and that death is no longer dying-

3-When we die we leave behind us all that we have and take with us all that we are-

4-There is no such thing as freedom without a price-

5-You can't keep hurting a person and expect them to keep loving you-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Dad, you have always been like a father to me-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is our choices that show who and what we are, not our abilities-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Before the turn of the century, newspapers were called tabloids, chronicles, gazettes, etc.  Most had local stories, and far away stories were were quite old because it took a while for stories to travel.  With the advent of the teletype, stories could be broadcast all over at unheard of speed.  Several of the papers started carrying a section with stories from all over-north, east, west and south--and that is why they are called newspapers-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How is Jesus interceding on our behalf with his father?

2-How do you know if God is active in your life?

3-What is the greatest temptation for Godly men and women?

4-Why do we "serve God"?

5-Does the Bible tell us anywhere to do something we are not capable of doing?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What Bible scholar published a translation of Paul's epistles called Letters to Young Churches?

Answer for today     J B Phillips

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:30-32

³⁰ Then Jesus and his followers left that place and went through Galilee. He didn’t want anyone to know where he was, ³¹ because he was teaching his followers. He said to them, “The Son of Man will be handed over to people, and they will kill him. After three days, he will rise from the dead.” ³² But the followers did not understand what Jesus meant, and they were afraid to ask him.

 

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

 Father, shape my thinking into that which will bring about growth and conformity to Your will. Teach me to think not in accordance with my own human instincts or that of others, but in accordance with the truth as revealed in Your Word.  There is a growing majority of those with a secular platform whose hearts are hardened against godly teaching. They are darkened in their understanding to the point that they choose and condone sinful behavior. With the growing acceptance and visibility of every kind of impurity I ask You to help me stand firm to that which is taught in Scripture lest I be drawn by the tempter into this contest of depravity that spreads daily in this evil world. I am not discouraged but determined to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and invite others to join me on the straight and narrow way that leads to life eternal. It’s in His name that I pray. Amen.

 

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

Tuesday March 3, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The words "I love you" and knowing that there is always someone who is there for you, no matter what, is the greatest gift anyone can ever have-

2-The manner of giving is worth more than the gift-

3-Kindness is always in our power, even when fondness is not-

4-The world's idea of greatness is to rule, but Christian greatness consists in serving-

5-The most wasted day of all is the one during which we did not show kindness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The comfort zone boat never gets far from the shore-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Nothing shows a person's character more than what they laugh at-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The term potty comes from the pint sized chamber pot built for children-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Do all blessings come from God and all crises from satan?

2-What is "spiritual warfare"?

3-How much should we rely on our ability to make good decisions or choices?

4-Did Jesus have to leave the earth after his resurrection or could he have stayed and continued in ministry?

5-When the Holy Spirit was sent to the world, was he available to people groups who had never heard of him?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English translation, published in 1965, contains bracketed words intended to explain many difficult phrases?

Answer for today     The Amplified Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 9:25-29

²⁵ When Jesus saw that a crowd was quickly gathering, he ordered the evil spirit, saying, “You spirit that makes people unable to hear or speak, I command you to come out of this boy and never enter him again!”

²⁶ The evil spirit screamed and caused the boy to fall on the ground again. Then the spirit came out. The boy looked as if he were dead, and many people said, “He is dead!” ²⁷ But Jesus took hold of the boy’s hand and helped him to stand up.
²⁸ When Jesus went into the house, his followers began asking him privately, “Why couldn’t we force that evil spirit out?”
²⁹ Jesus answered, “That kind of spirit can only be forced out by prayer.”^[a]

Footnotes:

1. 9:29 prayer Some Greek copies continue, “and fasting.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, though I am sometimes perplexed by that which I don’t understand I have an unshakable confidence in You. Your Word is truth and Your promises never fail. There are many things of which I am uncertain, but I have absolute certainty that I can trust You for everything that concerns me. May obedience be an expression of my unwavering trust and devoted love toward You, my Lord and my God.  Amen.

 

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

Monday March 2, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The value of a gift is its appropriateness rather than its value-

2-The wise man does not lay up treasures.  The more he gives to others, the more he has for his own-

3-If you give from your heart, unselfishly and unconditionally, it will be returned to you many times over-

4-The gift of gratitude is the best gift you can give or receive-

5-The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Never have plastic surgery if the doctor's office has portraits of Picasso on the walls-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Sometimes I wish I was a little kid again for skinned knees are easier to fix than broken hearts-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The phrase "sleep tight" originated when mattresses were set upon ropes woven through the bed frame.  To remedy sagging ropes, one would use a bed key to tighten the rope-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-We need to ask God, "what do you want to say to me today?"

2-What does it mean to fear God?

3-What is "Holy fear of God"?

4-What disconnects us from God?

5-When you are going through a hard time, how do you know if it is because of God's discipline or just human experiences?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What fresh translation from the Hebrew and Greek was published in 1970 with the assistance of the university presses of Oxford and Cambridge?

Answer for today      The New English Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 9:20-24

²⁰ So the followers brought him to Jesus. As soon as the evil spirit saw Jesus, it made the boy lose control of himself, and he fell down and rolled on the ground, foaming at the mouth.

²¹ Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has this been happening?”
The father answered, “Since he was very young. ²² The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.”
²³ Jesus said to the father, “You said, ‘If you can!’ All things are possible for the one who believes.”
²⁴ Immediately the father cried out, “I do believe! Help me to believe more!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

 Father, I recognize my relationship with You is based solely on the faith You impart to me through the power of Your Holy Spirit when I surrender my heart to You. Your Word declares that the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the power of God. Through my words and actions I want to express to a disbelieving world that I do believe! I am not ashamed of the Gospel, even if it would cost me my life on this side of heaven, because it is the power of God to everyone who believes. Help me to be merciful to those who doubt and praying for them to be snatched from the fire as You save them through Your atoning blood. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior we pray. Amen.

 

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human, and enough hope to make you happy-

Sunday March 1, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-How marriages survive- "I forgive you, I love you, Let's move on"-

2-You never know where kind words and good deeds influence will end-

3-The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others is the beginning of a happier life for ourselves-

4-No one made a greater mistake than they who did nothing because they could only do a little-

5-A kind and compassionate act is often it's own reward-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you cannot solve it, it is not a problem, it is just reality-

 

I'VE LEARNED-It is much better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense-

 

DID YOU KNOW-During early years of feudal rule in England, each shire had a reeve who was the law for that shire, called the shire reeve.  When the term was taken to America, it was shortened to sheriff-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can you know for sure when God is speaking to you?

2-Does God ever surprise us?

3-Is Christianity a religion of oxy morons?

4-How much of the Old Testament in written form was available to Jesus?

5-To be a Christian we have to do what?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-When was the New King James Version published?

Answer for today    In 1982

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:14-19  

¹⁴ When Jesus, Peter, James, and John came back to the other followers, they saw a great crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. ¹⁵ But as soon as the crowd saw Jesus, the people were surprised and ran to welcome him.

¹⁶ Jesus asked, “What are you arguing about?”
¹⁷ A man answered, “Teacher, I brought my son to you. He has an evil spirit in him that stops him from talking. ¹⁸ When the spirit attacks him, it throws him on the ground. Then my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked your followers to force the evil spirit out, but they couldn’t.”
¹⁹ Jesus answered, “You people have no faith. How long must I stay with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, we find those who speak into our lives words of encouragement and blessing further motivate us to stay on course and dispense the same kind of message to others. Whether in conversation by way of counsel, comfort, affirmation or on occasion, admonition. Harsh, cutting words abound and cut us like a knife, but when people give us a message in love and grace, it appears as an apple of gold – the best there is to offer. It ministers to the responsive heart and thereby edifies and builds us up in the body of Christ. May our words build and not destroy, bring joy and not pain, help rather than hurt, in keeping with Scripture that it might benefit others. 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 February 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Even if you have been since your youth a bigot or racist, you don't have to die one-

2-When the disciples shouted for fear in the storm, Jesus slept through it-

3-Refuse to be guided by vengeance-

4-If you have given yourself to God, he has given himself to you-

5-Christians are to shift their glance away from the one who hurt us and set our eyes on the one who saved us-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Money is the root of all wealth-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Forgiveness doesn't change the past but it can enlarge the future-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Forget me not"-according to "German legend, this flower gets its name from the last word of a knight, who was drowned while trying to pick some from the riverside for his lady-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where are all of the disciples and apostles buried?

2-Where are Mary and Joseph (Jesus' earthly parents) buried?

3-How can we be sure of our understanding of who God is and how we relate to him?

4-How would our life change if we accepted God's grace and forgiveness and let go of all our regrets?

5-Could we still say "God is love" if Jesus had not died for our sins?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What English translation was made in Europe by scholars who fled the persecution of protestants under Bloody Mary?

Answer for today   The Geneva Bible

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 9:9-13

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 So the followers obeyed Jesus, but they discussed what he meant about rising from the dead.
¹¹ Then they asked Jesus, “Why do the teachers of the law say that Elijah must come first?”
¹² Jesus answered, “They are right to say that Elijah must come first and make everything the way it should be. But why does the Scripture say that the Son of Man will suffer much and that people will treat him as if he were nothing? ¹³ I tell you that Elijah has already come. And people did to him whatever they wanted to do, just as the Scriptures said it would happen.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, may we be found trustworthy in our relationship to You and in our relationship to our fellow man. In a cold often harsh world help us to be shining lights. As we seek to understand and demonstrate the teachings of Scripture help us to be faithful stewards of all that is entrusted to us. Help us to do the next right thing and live responsible lives as we seek to honor You, showing respect and consideration to others. 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 February 27, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-It is a wonderful day when we stop working for God and begin working with God-

2-It is one thing not to know, it is another to know and not learn-

3-So many want employment but not work-

4-God may delay our requests but he will never disappoint our trust-

5-Even if you worried every day of your life, you needn't worry the rest of your life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-If you don't know where you are going, you'll probably end up somewhere else-

 

I'VE LEARNED-The love we give away is the only love we keep-

 

DID YOU KNOW-The most difficult tongue twister is "The sixth sick Sheik's sixth sheep's sick"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-For the Christian, is there ever a non sacred moment?

2-Did Jesus' disciples have to "repent" before they could be his followers?

3-Can you become a Christian for selfish reasons?

4-Does living the Christian life make us "good"?

5-If the men whom Jesus called to be his disciples didn't know Jesus ahead of time, why would they want to be his disciples?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What text of the Old testament-the first to include vowel marking along with the Hebrew consonants- is considered the authoritative text for most Bible translators?

Answer for today    The Masoretic text

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY     Mark 9:2-8

² Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a high mountain by themselves. While they watched, Jesus’ appearance was changed. ³ His clothes became shining white, whiter than any person could make them. ⁴ Then Elijah and Moses^[a] appeared to them, talking with Jesus.

⁵ Peter said to Jesus, “Teacher, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶ Peter did not know what to say, because he and the others were so frightened.
⁷ Then a cloud came and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!”
⁸ Suddenly Peter, James, and John looked around, but they saw only Jesus there alone with them.

Footnotes:

1. 9:4 Elijah and Moses Two of the most important Jewish leaders in the past. God had given Moses the Law, and Elijah was an important prophet.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY

  Father, You know that many of my days are spent at a frantic pace. Often it’s due to my improper use of time, other times it’s responding to unexpected needs that arise. As I invite You to examine my heart and mind, I lay before You the people, projects, and pursuits that drain me of needed peace and rest and further away from a heart and mind that is fully submitted to You. Though You have not removed me bodily from this world, You have raised me up spiritually to find peace and rest even as I carry out my daily duties. As a vehicle needs fuel to properly function, I need Scripture and prayer to uphold and equip me for the day that lies ahead so I place this discipline at the top of my list and submit all other duties in accordance to Your leading. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

 

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