Friday May 15, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God not only wants us to obey his laws, but he wants us to love him with all our being-

2-We can relate to the Psalms because they express our own feelings-

3-True joy is far deeper than happiness for we can feel joy inspite of our deepest troubles-

4-Happiness is temporary because it is based on external circumstances, but joy is lasting because it is based on God's presence with us-

5-We deceive ourselves when we measure our happiness or contentment in life by the amount of wealth we possess-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Even if you are on the right track you can still be hit by a train-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Ingratitude will make you a selfish, grumpy, old person and will finally destroy you-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Kemosabe means "soggy shrub" in Navajo

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-In Christian conversion, do we miraculously become new people with our old ways transformed or overtime does God take these ways and use them for his good?

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

3-Is God's desire to judge us greater than God's capacity for love, mercy and forgiveness?

4-Is the time of our death preordained and is there anything we can do about it?

5-Does the Bible provide a list of beliefs and conduct Christians must adhere to?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "We are all one man's sons; we are true men; your servants are no spies"-

Answer    Joseph's brothers    Genesis 42:11

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Luke 1:21-25

²¹ Outside, the people were still waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he was staying so long in the Temple. ²² When Zechariah came outside, he could not speak to them, and they knew he had seen a vision in the Temple. He could only make signs to them and remained unable to speak. ²³ When his time of service at the Temple was finished, he went home.

²⁴ Later, Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, became pregnant and did not go out of her house for five months. Elizabeth said, ²⁵ “Look what the Lord has done for me! My people were ashamed^[a] of me, but now the Lord has taken away that shame.”

Footnotes:

1. 1:25 ashamed The Jewish people thought it was a disgrace for women not to have children.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

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


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

Thursday May 14, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God's work is not done until we care for the needs of the poor-

2-If you give up on God, you give into a life of despair-

3-We become atheists in practice when we rely more on ourselves than on God-

4-To speak in direct defiance of God is to play the part of a fool-

5-No one but God is perfect, all of us stand guilty before him and need his forgiveness-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Chocolate comes from cocoa, which is a tree.  That makes it a plant.  Chocolate is a salad?

 

I'VE LEARNED-When God released snakes among the Israelites in the wilderness because of their ingratitude, the symbolism showed shades of the Garden of Eden-

 

 DID YOU KNOW- Karaoke means "empty orchestra" in Japanese-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Are the ministries and programs of the church acts of worship?

2-Does God only watch over and care for Christians?

3-What does the Bible mean when it says "love never ends"?

4-Is it okay to call the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit the Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier?

5-Is Christian conversion an act or a process?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said "I will not let you go, until you bless me."

Answer    Jacob    Genesis 32:26

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 1:18-20

¹⁸ Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I know that what you say is true? I am an old man, and my wife is old, too.” ¹⁹ The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand before God, who sent me to talk to you and to tell you this good news. ²⁰ Now, listen! You will not be able to speak until the day these things happen, because you did not believe what I told you. But they will really happen.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we’re given the example of sterling young men like Azariah, and his fellow Hebrew friends, who refused the Babylonian king’s orders, to bow down to the golden image. Surely they were weary of enduring the daily testing as they were few in number standing against the godless culture of their day. Was it the teachings their parents presented of Moses who stood time after time before the godless Pharoah as he sought the release of the Jews? Was it the story of God providing a ram just seconds before Abraham was going to slay his only son, Isaac? Was it their parents who reinforced that God always comes through in His perfect timing to provide for their needs or deliver them from trouble? Perhaps they’d witnessed numerous challenges their parents were dealt as they remained steadfast in their faith. In the land of many gods they continued to bow down to only one, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We ask your blessings upon all who seek to pass on Biblical faith to their children and equip them to stand when the day of evil comes. In our Lord’s mighty Name we pray. Amen

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

Wednesday May 13, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Regular communication helps any friendship and is certainly necessary for a strong relationship with God-

2-God cannot condone or excuse even the smallest sin-

3-As God makes us aware of sin, we must be intolerant toward it and and be willing to change-

4-If God treated us with justice alone and not with mercy, we would be wiped out by God's wrath-

5-Our tongue can be our greatest enemy, though small, it can do great damage-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-"There" is often not where most people think it is.  When they get to the place where they thought "there" was, it is usually not where or what they thought it would be-

 

I'VE LEARNED-With all we have, it is easy for ingratitude to take over-

 

DID YOU KNOW-It is possible to drown and not die.  Technically, the word  drowning  refers to the process of taking water into the lungs, not to death caused by that process-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How old was Joseph (Mary's husband) when he died?

2-How old was Jesus when Joseph died?

3-How old was Mary when Joseph died?

4-Why is there no information of when Jesus stayed with the Samaritans after talking to the Samaritan woman at the well?

5-What is "organized" religion?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-Who said, "I need to be baptized by you, and you are coming to me to be baptized "?

Answer    John the Baptist   Matthew 3:14

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 1:8-17

⁸ One day Zechariah was serving as a priest before God, because his group was on duty. ⁹ According to the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to go into the Temple of the Lord and burn incense. ¹⁰ There were a great many people outside praying at the time the incense was offered. ¹¹ Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, standing on the right side of the incense table. ¹² When he saw the angel, Zechariah was startled and frightened. ¹³ But the angel said to him, “Zechariah, don’t be afraid. God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give birth to a son, and you will name him John. ¹⁴ He will bring you joy and gladness, and many people will be happy because of his birth. ¹⁵ John will be a great man for the Lord. He will never drink wine or beer, and even from birth, he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ He will help many people of Israel return to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will go before the Lord in spirit and power like Elijah. He will make peace between parents and their children and will bring those who are not obeying God back to the right way of thinking, to make a people ready for the coming of the Lord.”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, there is no sin too great that Your mercy is not greater.  We were born with a sin problem, but You provided the solution for our sin sick souls through the wondrous sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ.  We could never be good enough, rich enough, famous enough, or smart enough – nothing we offer is enough.  Anything we offer is sin-based because of our human condition and all that Christ offers is sin-less because He is the divine Lamb without spot or blemish. Only Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God, is enough to pay for our sins and begin the wonderful work of transforming us into Your likeness. Thank You for Your gift of eternal life through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.


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

Tuesday May 12, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-True friends should help you draw closer to God, not hinder your relationship with him-

2-God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin.  He judges them on the basis of their faith in him and their response to his revealed will-

3-If you want to follow God closely, you must know what scripture says-

4-Everyone serves somebody or something, whether a human leader , an organization or even one's own selfish desires-

5-Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God.  Happiness is unpredictable.  Inward joy defeats discouragement.  Happiness covers it up.  Inward joy is lasting, happiness is temporary-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The hardness of the butter is proportional in reverse to  the softness of the bread-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We need to take thanksgiving (not the holiday) seriously, for God does-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Hara kiri" is an impolite way of saying the Japanese word seppuku, which means, literally, "belly splitting"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where and in what way are we not trusting God?

2-Why is trusting God so hard for even Christians to do?

3-Did Jesus ever get into an argument?

4-What is God's supreme purpose for the Christian's life?

5-Would Jesus have attended his father Joseph's funeral?  Why isn't that event recorded in scripture?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "not loved"?

Answer   Lo-ruhamah      Hosea 1:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 1:5-7

⁵ During the time Herod ruled Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to Abijah’s group. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, came from the family of Aaron. ⁶ Zechariah and Elizabeth truly did what God said was good. They did everything the Lord commanded and were without fault in keeping his law. ⁷ But they had no children, because Elizabeth could not have a baby, and both of them were very old.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as I live out my time here on this earth, I’m so glad that I belong to You. You hold my right hand and guide me with Your counsel which is leading me to a glorious destiny, though the journey may be long, arduous, and at times downright frightening. Though my health may fail and my spirit grows weak, You, Father, remain the strength of my heart and my portion forever. You are my Refuge, my Fortress and my Deliverer. Help me to be courageous and reliant on You so that I will dutifully tell those who will listen of Your mighty works, most especially Your redeeming power and and saving grace through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
We pray for those who are presently experiencing persecution, many to the point of violent death. Grant them an assurance of Your steadfast love and grace and divine anesthetic.

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

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-True friends should help you draw closer to God, not hinder your relationship with him-

2-God doesn't judge people on the basis of race, sex or national origin.  He judges them on the basis of their faith in him and their response to his revealed will-

3-If you want to follow God closely, you must know what scripture says-

4-Everyone serves somebody or something, whether a human leader , an organization or even one's own selfish desires-

5-Inward joy is steady as long as we trust God.  Happiness is unpredictable.  Inward joy defeats discouragement.  Happiness covers it up.  Inward joy is lasting, happiness is temporary-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The hardness of the butter is proportional in reverse to  the softness of the bread-

 

I'VE LEARNED-We need to take thanksgiving (not the holiday) seriously, for God does-

 

DID YOU KNOW-"Hara kiri" is an impolite way of saying the Japanese word seppuku, which means, literally, "belly splitting"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Where and in what way are we not trusting God?

2-Why is trusting God so hard for even Christians to do?

3-Did Jesus ever get into an argument?

4-What is God's supreme purpose for the Christian's life?

5-Would Jesus have attended his father Joseph's funeral?  Why isn't that event recorded in scripture?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "not loved"?

Answer   Lo-ruhamah      Hosea 1:6

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 1:5-7

⁵ During the time Herod ruled Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah who belonged to Abijah’s group. Zechariah’s wife, Elizabeth, came from the family of Aaron. ⁶ Zechariah and Elizabeth truly did what God said was good. They did everything the Lord commanded and were without fault in keeping his law. ⁷ But they had no children, because Elizabeth could not have a baby, and both of them were very old.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as I live out my time here on this earth, I’m so glad that I belong to You. You hold my right hand and guide me with Your counsel which is leading me to a glorious destiny, though the journey may be long, arduous, and at times downright frightening. Though my health may fail and my spirit grows weak, You, Father, remain the strength of my heart and my portion forever. You are my Refuge, my Fortress and my Deliverer. Help me to be courageous and reliant on You so that I will dutifully tell those who will listen of Your mighty works, most especially Your redeeming power and and saving grace through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
We pray for those who are presently experiencing persecution, many to the point of violent death. Grant them an assurance of Your steadfast love and grace and divine anesthetic.

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

Monday May 11, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Focusing our thoughts on God moves us to praise him-

2-If you can trust God in pain, confusion and loneliness, you will overcome them and eliminate doubt, one of satan's greatest foot holds in your life-

3-Only when honest feelings and emotions are shared can real people be known, loved and helped-

4-In scripture, praise is recognizing, appreciating and expressing God's greatness-

5-God moves us to praise him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A gossip is a person with a strange sense of rumor-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Just saying the words "thank you" lifts our spirits-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Groaking is to watch people eating in the hope that they will offer you some-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does the term "Son of God" apply only to Jesus?

2-Are all Christians siblings?

3-What is the difference in sin and mistake?

4-What does the term"in Christ" mean?

5-What does it mean to "live a Christ like life"?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for the term "not my people"?

Answer   Lo-ammi       Hosea 1:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Luke 1:1-4

1 Many have tried to report on the things that happened among us. ² They have written the same things that we learned from others—the people who saw those things from the beginning and served God by telling people his message. ³ Since I myself have studied everything carefully from the beginning, most excellent^[a] Theophilus, it seemed good for me to write it out for you. I arranged it in order, ⁴ to help you know that what you have been taught is true.

Footnotes:

1. 1:3 excellent This word was used to show respect to an important person like a king or ruler.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, at one time we were alienated and excluded from heavenly citizenship. We were foreigners destined to perish. But You, in Your great mercy, redeemed us through Your precious blood and thereby we receive our heavenly citizenship. We also consider the privilege of being citizens of the country from which we were born or choose to live in. There are many benefits as well as responsibilities placed upon us – much that we appreciate and understand and all the while we struggle with the corruption and defiance of many in power who no longer heed the Judeo Christian heritage of our great country’s founding. We want to do our part to turn it around not only for ourselves but for our children and our children’s children. But above all, we fix our attention on our heavenly citizenship in the midst of our disappointments on earth so that we do not lose heart. As our focus is heavenward we are filled with renewed hope and an enduring spirit until You call us to our home in heaven. Keep us obedient, faithful, and hopeful till that glorious day. 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-

Friday May 1, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Our greatest test may be that we must trust God's goodness even though we don't understand why our lives are going a certain way-

2-Too often we presume to speak for God, to put words in his mouth, to take him for granted, or to interpret his silence to mean he is absent or unconcerned-

3-God's Actions do not depend on ours.  He will do what he knows best regardless of what we think-

4-We must trust God with our unanswered questions-

5-It is difficult to forgive someone who has incorrectly accused us of wrong doing-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The gene pool could use a little chlorine-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Gratitude is a dialysis of sorts for it flushes the self pity out of our system-

 

DID YOU KNOW-EMI stands for electrical and musical instrument-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is God a jealous God.  If so, what does that mean?

2-How are we to "fear the Lord"

 3-How do we identify who our God is?

4-What if anything should make Christians angry?

5-Is jealousy ever okay?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "Burning"?

Today's answer    Taberah    Numbers 11:3

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 16:14-19

¹⁴ Later Jesus showed himself to the eleven apostles while they were eating, and he criticized them because they had no faith. They were stubborn and refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen from the dead.
¹⁵ Jesus said to his followers, “Go everywhere in the world, and tell the Good News to everyone. ¹⁶ Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who does not believe will be punished. ¹⁷ And those who believe will be able to do these things as proof: They will use my name to force out demons. They will speak in new languages. ¹⁸ They will pick up snakes and drink poison without being hurt. They will touch the sick, and the sick will be healed.”
¹⁹ After the Lord Jesus said these things to his followers, he was carried up into heaven, and he sat at the right side of God.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, it seems the longer we live the more likely it is that we grow weary, lose interest, or become frustrated by others who might not help carry the work load, whether it’s in the family, work, or church setting. But if we carry out that which You’ve laid upon our hearts and faithfully serve, even in the mundane chores that others are not attracted to, we do that which pleases You and make an essential contribution to the overall function of the home, workplace, church, community and world. Even that which is mundane to others can be appealing to those whose hearts are zealous, filled with spiritual fervor, because they are “doing their work heartily as unto the Lord”, which is even more important than doing it for others. Keep us joyfully on track and focused heavenward as we faithfully serve You in the mundane chores of life. Amen.

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

Thursday April 30, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Depending on wealth for happiness is idolatry and denies the God of heaven-

2-True Christians should purge themselves of the deep desire for more power, prestige and possessions-

3-Becoming wise is an ongoing, life long pursuit-

4-Job's greatest test was not his pain and grief but that he did not know why he was suffering?

5-We must learn to trust in God who is good and not in the goodness of life-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-I didn't like my beard at first but then it grew on me-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Fathers are blessed to be promoted into grandfathers-

 

DID YOU KNOW-EEG stands for electroencephalogram

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-How can we do greater things than Jesus did?

2-Does Jesus always do anything/everything we ask for him to do if we ask in his name?

3-How do we ask for something from God that is "according to his will"?

4-How do we make God a part of every area of our life?

5-Does God ever say to us "If you will, I will"-

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "shelters"?

Today's answer   Succoth   Genesis 33:17

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 16:14

⁴ Later Jesus showed himself to the eleven apostles while they were eating, and he criticized them because they had no faith. They were stubborn and refused to believe those who had seen him after he had risen from the dead.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as I walk in Your truths, give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your holy name and heed Your still small voice. Help me to walk uprightly and live more by faith, less by sight so that I don’t come to rely only on that which I see with my eyes, but I listen for the voice of the indwelling Holy Spirit. In doing so I am far more likely to follow the truths and principles of Scripture as learned throughout the Holy Word of God. Help me to be faithful, I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.


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

Wednesday April 29, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The message of Job is that you should not give up on God just because he allows you to have difficult experiences-

2-Faith in God does not guarantee personal prosperity, and lack of faith does not guarantee troubles in your life-

3-If we always knew why we are suffering, our faith would have no room to grow-

4-Often we feel we must say something spiritual and insightful to a hurting friend.  Perhaps what they need most is just our presence, showing we care-

5-We so often want to learn patience instantly-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The squeaky wheel may get the grease, or it may be the first to be replaced-

 

I'VE LEARNED-As a grandfather, my father had silver in his hair and gold in his heart-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Dibble means to drink like a duck-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Was getting drunk and naked before his sons the only act of sinfulness in Noah's life?

2-Do we confess our sins or do we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior?

3-Do American Christians take God seriously?

4-Did Jesus do the will of God his father in every life's situations?

5-If God is a trinity, was God incomplete when Jesus was on earth, as well as while the Holy Spirit is here on earth?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "Small"?

Answer  Zoar   Genesis19:22

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 16:9-13

⁹ After Jesus rose from the dead early on the first day of the week, he showed himself first to Mary Magdalene. One time in the past, he had forced seven demons out of her. ¹⁰ After Mary saw Jesus, she went and told his followers, who were very sad and were crying. ¹¹ But Mary told them that Jesus was alive. She said that she had seen him, but the followers did not believe her.

¹² Later, Jesus showed himself to two of his followers while they were walking in the country, but he did not look the same as before. ¹³ These followers went back to the others and told them what had happened, but again, the followers did not believe them.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we know there is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. That’s why we cannot choose a man based law that stands in contrast to the Bible, for it will lead us to a spiritual death and we will ultimately spend eternity apart from You and all the untold blessings You have prepared for us in heaven. For those of us who hold to the traditional view of marriage as described and defined from the very beginning, help us not to cave in to cleverly invented arguments or allow the law of man to supersede the law of God in such a grave matter. We want to recognize, honor, celebrate and preserve marriages in general as designed by You, our Creator God. And we also do all that we can, in keeping with our own marital vows, to love, honor and cherish our spouse and preserve our marriage. Through Christ we come to You in prayer. Amen.


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

Tuesday April 28, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Anger is not necessarily a sin, but actions motivated by anger can be sinful-

2-Anger should be the energy behind good actions not bad actions-

3-The consequences of sin may last a lifetime or longer-

4-A covenant is a promise-

5-Noah was the second father of the human race-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-The person who invented the earthquake warning system died.  People were very shaken up about it-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Don't ever forget to say "I love you!" whenever you have the chance, for someday it will be the last time-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Dendrology is the study of trees-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God keep all his promises?

2-Is there sufficient reason to live by faith?

3-Does the soul leave the body when the body dies, or does the body die when the soul leaves?

4-Does a person's soul exist before their conception?

5-Can you be in love with Jesus and no one know about it?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for Red?

Edom  Genesis 25:30

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 16:4-8

⁴ Then the women looked and saw that the stone had already been rolled away, even though it was very large. ⁵ The women entered the tomb and saw a young man wearing a white robe and sitting on the right side, and they were afraid.

⁶ But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who has been crucified. He has risen from the dead; he is not here. Look, here is the place they laid him. ⁷ Now go and tell his followers and Peter, ‘Jesus is going into Galilee ahead of you, and you will see him there as he told you before.’”
⁸ The women were confused and shaking with fear, so they left the tomb and ran away. They did not tell anyone about what happened, because they were afraid.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we pray for discernment, so that we make wise decisions since You warn us that deceivers have gone out into the world, and if we’re not on our guard, we will be taken in by their deceptive ways. As we read Your Word we learn of those things that are true, honest, good, just and virtuous and we also learn of that which is false, destructive, and misleading. We learn how to detect the enemy though he or she may be dressed in sheep’s clothing and even masquerade as a Christian. But in time their words and their works will reveal who they really are. Keep us on our guard so that we are not taken in by those who prey on undiscerning believers. Instead we want to expose the fruitless deeds of darkness and build up the Kingdom of God. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray for discernment. Amen.


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

Monday April 27, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-God cannot be fooled by satan-

2-"The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord"-

3-Christians are to love God for who he is, not for what he gives-

4-Job's suffering was a test for Job and satan, not God-

5-The ark was six times longer than it was wide.  That is the same ratio as used by modern ship builders-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-People who live in stone houses shouldn't throw glass-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Your children need your presence more than your presents-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Degringolade means to "fall and disintegrate."

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does consistent, persistent prayers get God to change his mind?

2-When do you quit praying for something or someone-

3-Is God the father present in our world today or just the Holy Spirit alone?

4-Do genuine miracles still occur today?

5-Are there really angels all around us?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for the meaning of the word "Confused?"

Answer     Babel   Genesis 11:9

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 16:1-3

The day after the Sabbath day, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought some sweet-smelling spices to put on Jesus’ body. ² Very early on that day, the first day of the week, soon after sunrise, the women were on their way to the tomb. ³ They said to each other, “Who will roll away for us the stone that covers the entrance of the tomb?”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, as we embrace the cross of Calvary and apply Christ’s redemptive blood to our hearts we find newness of life. We are no longer bound by the chains that fettered us to sin. What great liberty and boundless joy to know that our names are written down in heaven. If we set our hearts on this world, or declare allegiance to those things which have no eternal merit, we will wear down and lose the joy that comes with newness of life. But as we set our hopes and joys on serving Christ, the joy of our salvation is ongoing, uplifting, and a testimony to all who seek answers that this world cannot provide. Like the early apostles may we, give testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Thank You for raising Christ from the dead so that we can be redeemed and walk in newness of life everyday!  In Jesus’ 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-

Sunday April 26, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Any Christian who is committed to God should expect Satan's attacks.  Satan who hates God also hates God's people-

2-God's people can overcome Satan's attacks through God's power-

3-Although God loves us, believing in and obeying him do not shelter us from life's calamities-

4-God is fully aware of every attempt by Satan to bring suffering and difficulty on us-

5-God is never surprised by our troubles and is always compassionate-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What does the word "benign" mean.  It is what you will be after you be eight-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Blood doesn't bind, love does-

 

DID YOU KNOW-An animal epidemic is called an "epizootic"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-When the Holy Spirit comes into our life, why do we still have a struggle with sin?

2-What qualities must a person have that God uses?

3-Should you seek God's power or just wait for God to give it to you?

4-Can you know when God uses you?

5-Who is more likely to see angels, children or adults?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper meaning for "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me"?

Answer   Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani    Mark 15:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 15:42-47

⁴² This was Preparation Day. (That means the day before the Sabbath day.) That evening, ⁴³ Joseph from Arimathea was brave enough to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body. Joseph, an important member of the Jewish council, was one of the people who was waiting for the kingdom of God to come. ⁴⁴ Pilate was amazed that Jesus would have already died, so he called the army officer who had guarded Jesus and asked him if Jesus had already died. ⁴⁵ The officer told Pilate that he was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. ⁴⁶ Joseph bought some linen cloth, took the body down from the cross, and wrapped it in the linen. He put the body in a tomb that was cut out of a wall of rock. Then he rolled a very large stone to block the entrance of the tomb. ⁴⁷ And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw the place where Jesus was laid.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, Your Word declares that Jesus rose from the dead. The eyewitnesses to this glorious miracle were initially in disbelief but when they were face to face with Jesus they were filled with jubilant hope. It is because You live that we live also. You’ve put our sin nature to death and raised our spiritual nature to life. And one day our physical nature will give way to death but because of Your power over the grave we will be resurrected to eternal life. Praise be to God, the Lord is risen indeed! Amen.


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

Saturday April 25, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-When we congratulate ourselves for being right, we become proud-

2-Sin has twisted justice and made our world unpredictable-

3-Faith in God is justified, even when our situations look hopeless-

4-To be unshakeable, faith must be built on the confidence that God's ultimate purpose will come to pass-

5-Because God is creator of all angels, both those who serve him and those who rebelled, he has complete power and authority over them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Scientists have turned back time and end up with emit-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Adversity introduces a person to themselves-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Alma mater  means "bountiful mother"-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Does God hear all our prayers?

2-Does humility come from wisdom or experience?

3-Is there free will in heaven?

4-Did God know before creating Adam and Eve that they would disobey him and do what they had been warned not to do?

5-Did Adam and Eve have a sin nature when God created them?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "bitter"?

Answer-Marah   Exodus 15:23

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 15:38-41

³⁸ The curtain in the Temple^[a] was torn into two pieces, from the top to the bottom. ³⁹ When the army officer who was standing in front of the cross saw what happened when Jesus died, he said, “This man really was the Son of God!”

⁴⁰ Some women were standing at a distance from the cross, watching; among them were Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph. (James was her youngest son.) ⁴¹ These women had followed Jesus in Galilee and helped him. Many other women were also there who had come with Jesus to Jerusalem.

Footnotes:

1. 15:38 curtain in the Temple A curtain divided the Most Holy Place from the other part of the Temple. That was the special building in Jerusalem where God commanded the Jewish people to worship him.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, the message “He Is Risen” resounds beyond the inner walls of the tomb where Jesus’ body no longer lay, for it resounds in our hearts and soars within our spirits nearly 2000 years later.  We serve a risen Savior who is in the world today, who dwells within our hearts, and who reconciles us to You, our Father in heaven. What a joyous and triumphant day we celebrate at Easter and everyday as we acknowledge our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ who died, was buried, and who rose again.  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 April 24, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-The issue is not the size of your faith but the object of your faith-

2-People often have short memories when it comes to God's faithfulness-

3-Suffering is not always a direct result of personal sin-

4-Prosperity is not always a reward for being good-

5-We must be careful not to judge others who are suffering-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-A terminal illness is when you get sick just before boarding the plane-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Every time you smile at someone it is a gift to that person-

 

DID YOU KNOW-According to author Douglas Adams, a salween is the faint taste of dish washing liquid in a cup of fresh tea-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-Is Biblical faith a power?

2-Is Biblical faith complicated?

3-Is faith a blind trust on your part?

4-Is there a formula to believing faith?

5-Does confidence build faith or faith build confidence?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for "King of righteousness"?

Today's answer     Melchizedek    Hebrews 7:2

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 15:33-37

³³ At noon the whole country became dark, and the darkness lasted for three hours. ³⁴ At three o’clock Jesus cried in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.” This means, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”

³⁵ When some of the people standing there heard this, they said, “Listen! He is calling Elijah.”
³⁶ Someone there ran and got a sponge, filled it with vinegar, tied it to a stick, and gave it to Jesus to drink. He said, “We want to see if Elijah will come to take him down from the cross.”
³⁷ Then Jesus cried in a loud voice and died.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, our hearts are stirred as we consider the extent of Your love in sending Jesus to die for our sins. As He wept over Jerusalem we see His tender humanity in relation to our sin problem. How grateful we are that Jesus yielded Himself fully to be used as a sin sacrifice, once for all, not just for Jerusalem but for peoples of every tribe and language; for all generations prior to His sacrificial death and for all who follow. We thank You, God, that You made Jesus who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness that You require in order that we might have forgiveness of sins and become joint heirs with Jesus. We walk in newness of life, in the power of the resurrected Christ, with the living hope of eternal life in heaven. Praise You, Father, for this finished work of Christ, that redeems our soul, once and for all! Amen.


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

Thursday April 23, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-There are no triumphs without troubles-

2-Trusting God does not mean we do nothing-

3-God never intended for people to profit from others misfortune-

4-Make it a practice to help those in need around you-

5-Sometimes the way we take for granted the very blessings God has given us leads us to forget him-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-What does "varicose" mean?--nearby-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A father is always making his little girl into a little lady and when she is a lady he turns her back again-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A scholar who studies the Marquis de Sade is called a Sadian, not a Sadist-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW-

1-Were all supplies used in building the ark found locally?

2-How were large pieces of wood handled to be put in place in building the ark?

3-Did Noah have contractor or builder skills?

4-Were there any animals on the earth not taken onto the ark?

5-Were any foul or fish taken onto the ark?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for the word "sent"?

Today's answer   Siloam   John 9:7

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 15:25-32

²⁵ It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified Jesus. ²⁶ There was a sign with this charge against Jesus written on it: the king of the Jews. ²⁷ They also put two robbers on crosses beside Jesus, one on the right, and the other on the left. [²⁸ And the Scripture came true that says, “They put him with criminals.” ²⁹ People walked by and insulted Jesus and shook their heads, saying, “You said you could destroy the Temple and build it again in three days. ³⁰ So save yourself! Come down from that cross!”

³¹ The leading priests and the teachers of the law were also making fun of Jesus. They said to each other, “He saved other people, but he can’t save himself. ³² If he is really the Christ, the king of Israel, let him come down now from the cross. When we see this, we will believe in him.” The robbers who were being crucified beside Jesus also insulted him.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, we thank You for the many, many precious saints spread throughout the whole world, who have obtained like precious faith through Your righteousness and the righteousness that comes through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Though we have not seen You, we love You, and though we cannot see You now we are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for we are among the redeemed who have an inheritance awaiting us in heaven, where no moth, rust or decay destroys. No matter the evil that surrounds us or the temptations that abound we seek to remain steadfast, immoveable and always abounding in the work of the Lord walking in the steps of our Saviour. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.


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

Wednesday April 22, 2015 thought for the day

 

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Doing God's will begins with our desires-

2-Forgiveness is not limited by the amount of sin, but by our willingness to repent-

3-The unread Bible is as useless as a lost one-

4-Sin repeated, but never repented of, invites disaster-

5-Believers today must be careful not to threaten their walk with God by taking on the practices of non believers-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-To keep milk form turning sour, keep it in the cow-

 

I'VE LEARNED-What a child doesn't receive they can seldom later give-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A poem written to celebrate a wedding is called an epithalamium-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What place does confidence play in faith?

2-How many people helped Noah build the ark?

3-What kind of tools were used to build the ark and did Noah already have them?

4-Did Noah work full time (continuously) on the ark?

5-Did God give Noah a blue print to build the ark from?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What is the proper name for"be opened"?

Today's answer  Ephphatha   Mark 7:34

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 15:21-24

²¹ A man named Simon from Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was coming from the fields to the city. The soldiers forced Simon to carry the cross for Jesus. ²² They led Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means the Place of the Skull. ²³ The soldiers tried to give Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he refused. ²⁴ The soldiers crucified Jesus and divided his clothes among themselves, throwing lots to decide what each soldier would get.

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Jesus, we consider everything that You went through was for our benefit. Your tender response to betrayal and cruelty serves as an example to us when we are treated unjustly. Your obedience in life and especially Your death on the cross shows us how to remain steadfast in the face of tremendous opposition. You embodied the very teaching You delivered to Your followers as You carried out the will of the Father no matter the cost. Each wound that tore Your flesh brought us spiritual and physical healing.  You were numbered with the transgressors so that we could be numbered with the saints. Because Your death was redemptive in power, the dark cross of Calvary has a wondrous attraction where we witness Your divine sacrifice on our own personal behalf. What wondrous, amazing love; it demands my soul, my life, my all.  Amen.

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

Tuesday April 21, 2015 thought for the day

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-Temptation is satan's invitation to give in to his kind of life and give up God's kind of life-

2-You don't have to do evil to gain more experience and learn more about life-

3-When Eve gave into satan's temptation, a knowledge of both good and evil seemed like a good thing-

4-A small sin has a way of growing out of control-

5-Fear is never a good excuse for failing to trust God-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Dew is formed by the sun shining down on the leaves and grass and making them perspire-

 

I'VE LEARNED-A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart-

 

DID YOU KNOW-A necropsy is an autopsy on animals-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-If there were no God, would there be any good in the world?

2-Is casting lots the same as throwing dice?

3-How much faith is enough?

4-Does luck have any place in the life of a Christian?

5-Did Noah know in advance how long it would take to build the ark?

 

BIBLE TRIVIA-What was the proper name for a little girl?

Today's answer   Talitha     Mark 5:41

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY    Mark 15:15-20

¹⁵ Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he freed Barabbas for them. After having Jesus beaten with whips, he handed Jesus over to the soldiers to be crucified.

¹⁶ The soldiers took Jesus into the governor’s palace (called the Praetorium) and called all the other soldiers together. ¹⁷ They put a purple robe on Jesus and used thorny branches to make a crown for his head. ¹⁸ They began to call out to him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ¹⁹ The soldiers beat Jesus on the head many times with a stick. They spit on him and made fun of him by bowing on their knees and worshiping him. ²⁰ After they finished, the soldiers took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him again. Then they led him out of the palace to be crucified.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, salvation belongs to You who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb! Words are inadequate to express our joy in knowing that one glorious day we will attend the Wedding Supper of the Lamb because You sent Jesus to be the sacrifice Lamb who provided for our salvation. Though words cannot adequately express our joy, the way we conduct ourselves is an expression of thanksgiving to You. We look forward to that glorious day when we shed these mortal bodies and take on immortality, when we receive our wedding garments which will be robes of white. Until then, we prepare ourselves by praying in the Holy Spirit and keeping ourselves in Your love as we wait for the future wedding supper of the Lamb.


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

Monday April 20, 2015 thought for the day-from jasper

HERE ARE MY THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

1-One antidote for depression is to meditate on the record of God's goodness to his people-

2-There is no way to buy eternal life with God.  Only God can redeem a soul-

3-Right conduct can come only from a clean heart and spirit.  Ask God to create a pure heart and spirit in you-

4-You can never please God by outward actions, no matter how good, if your inward heart attitude is not right-

5-A fool does not necessarily lack intelligence for many atheists and unbelievers are highly educated.  Fools are people who reject God, the only one who can save them-

 

STRANGE THOUGHT-Our four seasons are salt, pepper, garlic and onions-

 

I'VE LEARNED-Banks are not trying to help you by offering you credit,  they are selling a product that makes them money-

 

DID YOU KNOW-Women who wink at men are known as nictitating women-

 

5 THINGS I WANT TO KNOW

1-What does "orthodoxy" mean?

2-If all Christians have the mind of Christ, how is it possible to have so many different church groupings?

3-How is the Christian faith primarily demonstrated?

4-Who is the first to know when you become a Christian?

5-How will others know if we are religious or are Christian?

 

Bible trivia-What is the proper name for "sorcerer," (magician)-

Today's answer-     Elymas  Acts 13:8

 

SCRIPTURE FOR THE DAY   Mark 15:6-14

⁶ Every year at the time of the Passover the governor would free one prisoner whom the people chose. ⁷ At that time, there was a man named Barabbas in prison who was a rebel and had committed murder during a riot. ⁸ The crowd came to Pilate and began to ask him to free a prisoner as he always did.

⁹ So Pilate asked them, “Do you want me to free the king of the Jews?” ¹⁰ Pilate knew that the leading priests had turned Jesus in to him because they were jealous. ¹¹ But the leading priests had persuaded the people to ask Pilate to free Barabbas, not Jesus.
¹² Then Pilate asked the crowd again, “So what should I do with this man you call the king of the Jews?”
¹³ They shouted, “Crucify him!”
¹⁴ Pilate asked, “Why? What wrong has he done?”
But they shouted even louder, “Crucify him!”

 

PRAYER FOR THE DAY 

Father, our hearts are stirred as we consider the extent of Your love in sending Jesus to die for our sins. As He wept over Jerusalem we see His tender humanity in relation to our sin problem.  How grateful we are that Jesus yielded Himself fully to be  a sin sacrifice, once for all, not just for Jerusalem but for peoples of every tribe and language; for all generations prior to His sacrificial death and for all who follow. Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  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-