Sunday, March 31, 2013

March 31

Greetings: God bless you This Lord's Day!
Happy Easter everyone! We have arrived to our destination on our
Journey this week. The is the greatest event in the history of the
world.  HE HAS RISEN! HE IS ALIVE!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
On the first day of the week, early in the morning  the women took the spices
they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away
from the tomb and when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord
Jesus. While the women were wondering about this, suddenly two men in
clothes that gleamed like lightening stood before them. In fright the women
bowed their faces to the ground but the men said unto them, "Why look for
the living among the dead?  He is not here he has risen!" Luke 24: 1-6

The week has been one of a paradox. It has been one from triumph to tragedy
and then one of VICTORY!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda



Saturday, March 30, 2013

March 30

Greetings: God bless you this day.
This is day seven on our journey to the cross Jesus has been laid
to rest in a borrowed tomb and since this is the Sabbath Day, it
is a day of rest.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good
and upstanding man who had not consented to their decisions and action.
He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the
Kingdom of God. Going to pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. Then he took
it and wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock, one
in which no one had been laid. it was preparation day and the Sabbath was
about to begin. Luke 23:50-54

After this quick burial his disciples took the Sabbath Day off. It was a day of
rest under the Jewish law and no one was suppose to do any work, It is
a hard concept for us as Christians to come to terms that Jesus was a Jew, not
only by faith but by birth. He was born under the Jewish law. He kept all the
Jewish laws, in fact He was the only one that was ever able to do that.

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Friday, March 29, 2013

March 29

Greetings: God bless you this day!

Today is known as "Good Friday" And I usually send out the following poem
On Good Friday. there is some controversy over whether this happened on Thursday
or Friday. Tradition has it set on Friday, so I am following tradition. It does not really
matter what day,  just that it "happened!" The death burial and resurrection of our
Savior is the most significant thing to happen in the history of the world.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
SIX HOURS ONE FRIDAY:
Six hours one Friday,
Just an ordinary day,
People of Jerusalem,
Went about their way.

Some went to market,
Others tended sheep
Thousands to the Temple,
With sacrifices there to keep.

While the city bustled,
On this ordinary day,
History was changing,
In an extraordinary way.

Within six hours on that Friday,
The earth trembled to the core.
The Temple curtain became torn,
From the ceiling to the floor.

All around was darkness,
The sun refused to shine.
People groped about them,
As if they were blind.

On a distant hill,
They heard an erie cry,
From the center figure,
That was about to die.

"My God, My God,
Why have You forsaken Me?"
Came the pleading voice
From the One upon the tree.

Six hours on that Friday,
God claimed a victory,
Over death and Satan,
On a cross on Calvary.

But not all believe the story.
That it came about that way,
That God works His best miracles,
On an ordinary day!

SCRIPTURE:
"My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:46

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda




Thursday, March 28, 2013

March 28

Greetings: God bless you this day!
This is day 5 on our journey to the cross and today we find
Jesus before Pilate. After the Garden, they moved on to the
mount of Olives, where the met Judas and the mob. After a
night of harassment , Jesus was brought before Pilate.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
CHRIST BEFORE PILATE:
And straightaway in the morning the chief priest held a consultation
with the elders and the scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus,
and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
And Pilate asked him," Art thou the king of the Jews?"  And he answering said
unto him, "Thou sayest it." And the chief priest accused him of many things: but
he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him, again saying, "Answerest thou
nothing? Behold how many things they witness against thee." But Jesus answered
nothing; so that Pilate marveled.
And the multitude shouted, "crucify him."
But Pilate answered them, saying , "Will ye that I release unto you the king of the
Jews?" But the chief priest moved the people , that he should release Barabbas unto
them, And Pilate answered and said, "What will ye then that I shall do unto him
whom ye call the king of the Jews?
And they cried out again "Cruficy him!"
Mark 15: 1-5, 8-9, 11-13

What a mock of a trial, Pilate clearly believed that Jesus was innocent, in fact his wife had
a dream,  about Jesus and wrote Pilate a note to warn him not to have anything to do with
this mock trial. But Pilate, being of weak character, was afraid of the mob of important Jews,
that could put an end to his career. He washed his hands before them, as if that would
cleanse him of his guilt.

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda
 


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

March 27

Greetings: God bless you this day!
This is day four on our journey to the cross and today
we will be with Him in the Garden.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
GETHSEMANE
And he came out, and went  to the mount of Olives; and his disciples
also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them,
"Pray that ye enter not into temptation," and he was withdrawn from them
about a stone's cast, and kneeled down and prayed. saying, "Father, if thou
are willing, remove this cup from me, nevertheless not my will, but thine be
done." And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven , strengthening him.
And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and sweat as it were great drops
of blood falling to the ground. And he rose from his prayer, and came to his
disciples, and found them sleeping for sorrow. Luke 22:39-45

Jesus was fully man and as so, like us, He did not want to suffer. But this was
planned before foundation of the world and He had to keep his appointment with
destiny. We all have our Gethsemane's and we need not feel guilty when we do not
want to fulfill them like Him we just do it anyway. I have a feeling that Jesus often
went to this garden to pray. It was quiet and out of the way of the hustle an bustle
of the city. Do you have a quiet special retreat, when you're troubled?

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

March 26

Greetings: God bless you this day!
This is day three on our journey to the cross. This is perhaps out
of sequences  and happened on Wednesday, but I want to follow
His steps, to the cross and some happened on the same day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
And when the hour come he sat down and the twelve apostles with
him. And he said unto them I desire to eat this passover with you before
I suffer. For I say unto you, I will not eat thereof, until it be fulfilled
in the kingdom of God. And he took the cup and gave thanks and said
Take this and divided it among yourselves. For I say unto you, I will not
drink it again until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took the bread
and gave thanks, broke it and gave it unto them, saying, this is my body
which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also
the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood,
which is shed for you. Luke 22: 14-20

Jesus had a heavy heart, with thoughts of Judas' coming betrayal and His
coming arrest and mock trial and painful death, so like all of us, He wanted
to share His sorrow with His friends. He wanted to eat one last meal with them.

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Monday, March 25, 2013

March 25

Greetings God bless you this day!

This is day two of Jesus' last entry into Jerusalem:
JESUS AT THE TEMPLE

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling
there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those
selling doves, "It is written," he said to them, "My house will be called the house
of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers." Matthew 21: 12-13

It did not take Jesus long, after his successful entry, to ruffle the feathers of those
who were more interested in a profit than the coming Passover Feast. People
traveled from far places to attend the yearly Passover and could not bring their
sacrifices with them. The money changers were taking advantage of this and
Jesus was angry, not only because they were cheating, they used the temple area
to do it! Even today, if you want to make Jesus angry, take advantage of the those
who cannot defend themselves... that will do it!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Sunday, March 24, 2013

March 24

Greetings: God bless you this Lord's Day!
Today is what is known as Palm Sunday. The day of Jesus'
triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This week I want to do things a
bit different and trace His last footsteps through Scripture, that last
week of His earthly life.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
The Triumphant Entry
And it came to pass, when he was come nigh to Bethpage and Bethany at
the mount called Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying, "Go ye into the
village over against you; in which at your entering ye will find a colt tied,
whereon yet never a man sat: loose him , and bring him hither. And if any
man ask you. Why did you loose him? Thus shall you say unto him, the Lord
hath need of him".
They brought him to Jesus and they cast garments upon the colt, and set Jesus thereon.
And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And as he came nigh, even now
at the descent the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of disciples began to rejoice
and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen; Saying,
"Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory
in the highest, Luke 19:29-38

In less then a week most of this same crowd will be shouting... "crucify him!"  This
week is called "Passion Week."  When I think how young Jesus was at this time I have
a grandson that is 34, just one year older than He was, it puts it into perspective for me.
I hope these passages throughout this week will help us all to focus on the reason for this
"Easter Season."

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Saturday, March 23, 2013

March 23

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Have you found yourself alone at times? Your home may be filled with
people, your schedule may be jammed with events, but you feel alone.
Why is that? I have come to find myself in that place frequently. I really
believe that the loneliness is a result of understanding the companionship
with our Lord. Only Jesus can fill your lonely cup .
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fulness of joy.
Psalm 16:11

Let Jesus fill your lonely cup today!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Friday, March 22, 2013

March 22

Greetings: God bless you this day!
Our Grandson, Jeremy Walker, is leaving today for an eight day
medical mission in Haiti. I would appreciate prayers for his safe
travel.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
You meet people every day that are completely lost in life, not knowing
where they are, or even where they are going. They do not realize God
is all-knowing and all-powerful and has all authority in directing every
event in their lives.(Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight.
Psalm 119:35

If we let God direct our path, we will never be lost!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Thursday, March 21, 2013

March 21

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
As your creator, God custom built you for a unique purpose. Talk
to Him everyday. as you learn more about His attributes, you will
learn more about yourself. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
I know your works. Revelation 3:8

And just remember the Master Potter does not create junk!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

March 20

Greetings: God bless this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
As Christians , we are blessed to live in God's promises. The Bible is filled
with his promises. Sometimes the "new land," is hard to see, but if we step
out in faith, we will see how God has taken care of us, every step we take.
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
Every promise has been fulfilled, not one has failed. Joshua 23:14

And just as in Joshua's day, God is still fulfilling His promises.

know I prayed for you today. Blessing-Freda

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

March 19

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Regardless of how we look or feel in times of crises, we need to
learn how to get through those times with the Lord. When life
has pinned you down and chained you in... surrender to the Lord.
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
In every thing give thanks, for tihis is the will of God in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

When we surrender to Him, He carries us through... everything!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Monday, March 18, 2013

March 18

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Hebrews 4:12 says, "The word of God is living and active sharper
than a two edged sword." People often rebel at the truth because it
can mean letting go of something valued or involved. making change
difficult to implant. There are many doctrines; usually the most
pleasant are the most popular. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
Watch your life and doctrine closely. 1 Timothy 4:16


Sometimes it is hard to stand up and be counted, when "go with the flow"
would be easier, but we have an example to follow.... all the way to the
cross!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Sunday, March 17, 2013

March 17

Greetings: God bless you this Lord's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Today is an anniversary for me I've been sending "thought for today"
out since 2000. It has been on almost a daily basis, except when I was
out of town. Some of you have been following it since the first one
went out. I want to thank you for your faithfulness. This is from last year.
I've also sent out over 750 poems on my poetry blog.
http://fredasgardenofpoetry.blogspot.com

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
An Irish Blessing:
May your pockets be heavy,
Your burdens be light.
May good-luck pursue you,
Each morning and night.
(From Heartarmers)

SCRIPTURE:
The Lord bless and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face
toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26

For Christians, luck has nothing to do with our blessings.
They come from the Lord!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda McCoy Fullerton

Saturday, March 16, 2013

March 16

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Does your outside and inside match? God knows even if no one
else does. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
You, Lord, who knows the hearts of all. Acts 1:24

You've heard the expression, "What you see is what you get." But
is that the honest truth? Most of us would not want our inside laid
out for the world to see!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Friday, March 15, 2013

March 15

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God knows your past, present and future. You can trust Him
because He wants the best for you. Spend time talking to God
and reading His Word. Ask Him to reveal His plans for you each
day. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
Even though the world does not know you, I know you.
John 17:25

I'm amazed that the God of creation who knows everything and
knows that I'm not so good, loves me anyway!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Thursday, March 14, 2013

March 14

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God does not value our intelligence, wealth or strength. God values
a person who trusts and boasts in Him. (Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
We will boast in the name of our God. Psalm 10:7

 We must make sure we boast in God, not our own goodness!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

March 13

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGH FOR TODAY:
No matter how severe life's storms may be, God's wings are stronger
and more constant. (From Georgene Davies-Elizabeth Ann Bussey)

SCRIPTURE:
(The Lord) will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will
find refuge, his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 91:4

Beautiful word picture of how He will protect us!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

March 12

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God offers the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38) without that gift
of power you'll be in the dark. You can't have His light without His
power. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
I am the light of the world whoever follows me will never walk in
darkness. John 8:12

A wonderful promise!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Monday, March 11, 2013

March 11

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Today is my husband, Jim's 89th birthday. Where have the years gone?
I thank God for the 59 +years that He has gives us together!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY
The Lord that raised Jesus from the tomb will come for you, believe in Him.
(Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
And God raised the Lord and will also raise us by his power.
1 Corinthians 6:14

Such comforting words!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Sunday, March 10, 2013

March 10

Greetings: God bless you this Lord's Day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
By God's great mercy and grace, He chooses us today. He loves
us beyond our imagination, not because of who we are, but because
of who He is. (Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world.
Ephesians 1:4

An awesome concept, that we just can't phantom!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Saturday, March 9, 2013

March 9

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
When Jesus was alive on earth, He commissioned His followers to go
and tell others about His story. They related His story, so others would
know Christ personally and experience His love as their own. Be His
story teller. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
With great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection
of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

That story still has the power to change lives today!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Friday, March 8, 2013

March 8

Greetings: God bless you this day.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
My sister was looking through her car-owner's manual and her
4 year-old granddaughter, Emma, asked "Mamaw, why are you
looking at that book?" She answered, "I'm trying to find out how
to fix my car." Emma ran to her room and brought back a book
and handed it to her grandma. my sister said, "Emma this is your
Bible. Emma answered, "Yes, mamaw, everything you need to know,
you can find in the Bible, even how to fix your car! What a great faith.
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little
child, will by no means enter it. Mark 10:15

Oh, for the faith and innocence of a 4-year old!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Thursday, March 7, 2013

March 7

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God's power is most evident when it is displayed through weak
vessels. God has all the power you need to overcome challenges
and be a shining reflection of His love to others.
(Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing powers
belong to God, not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

And this power is available to us through Him!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

March 6

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Regardless of what you struggle with today in the flesh, do not try to hide
it from God. He already knows everything about you. Tell the Lord your
thoughts and feelings. Jesus did not come for the righteous, He came for
sinners. Jesus does not ask us to heal or fix ourselves.
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
For the good that I try to do, I do not, but the evil I will not do, that I practice.
Romans 7:19

We all struggle with something and God knows our struggles and how we feel.

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

March 5

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Your impact as a Christian is not determined by how many-or
how few resources you have, of much greater importance: a
servant's heart, and a commitment to honor the Lord in everything.
(Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
The Lord redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes
refuge in him. Psalm 34:22

And only God knows the heart of each of us!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Monday, March 4, 2013

March 4

Greetings: God bless you this day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Famines, wars and plagues have wiped out whole civilizations,
but love... love has never been wiped out.(Touched by an Angel)


SCRIPTURE:
Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8

Love is the strongest force in the universe.

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Sunday, March 3, 2013

March 3

Greetings: God bless you this Lord's Day!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God's justice does not over-rule His mercy, nor does His mercy
supersede His justice. The same universally omnipotent Lord
has numbered the hairs on your head and kept track of your
tears. Aren't you amazed? This great God has a personal interest
in you. (Vantage Point Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
Indeed the very hairs of your head are numbered. Luke 12:7

It is hard to think that the God of creation is so interested in each
of us, that He has our hairs numbered... but He is the same God
that gave His only Son on a cross for our sins... amazing!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda

Saturday, March 2, 2013

March 2

Greetings: God bless you this day!
If my brother, Glendon had lived, today would have been his 78 birthday.
He died when he was two.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
I was speaking with someone the other day who used to attend our Bible study.
She shared an observation: "Some people act a certain way in church, but a
different way outside of it." Many of us look really good on the outside, but are
falling apart on the inside. In other words, we put on a good show. God clearly
sees the thoughts and intents of our hearts. (Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
These people come near with their mouth to honor me with their lips, but their hearts
are far from me. Isaiah 29:13

We can NEVER fool God!

Know I prayed for you. Blessings-Freda

Friday, March 1, 2013

March 1

Greetings: God bless you this day!
Can you believe it is March already!

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
God will give us as much as we can handle. As we become faithful
to do what the Lord tells us, in small ways, He will intrust us with
bigger commands. An obedient heart, just wants to please God
regardless of the extent of the ministry or the commands.
(Daily Disciples Devotional)

SCRIPTURE:
If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15

When we're faithful in small things, He will intrust us in larger things,
by the way... no act of obedience is small in God's eyes!

Know I prayed for you today. Blessings-Freda