New Every Morning~May 21

[Janet]

 

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Morning Devotional...


 
 



 

Don't Waste Time Wondering

"Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
(Ephesians 5:17)

Sometimes, believers wring their hands and worry about whether or not they're praying according to God's will. "Oh, dear me," they say, "I certainly can't expect God to do something for me that's outside His will." And they're absolutely right.

But they don't need to waste time standing around looking puzzled. They need to grab their Bibles and find out what the will of God is.

God has made some very specific promises in His Word and it's His will to fulfill every one of them in your life. In fact, those promises are divinely guaranteed by a contract that's been signed in the blood of Jesus.

Think of it this way. Your Bible is the last will and testament of Jesus Christ. It is a record of your inheritance. Everything that belongs to you has been written down in that book and the smartest thing you can do is to find out what is in it. Don't leave it lying on the coffee table and hit the floor crying, "Oh, God! Oh, God! I'm searching for the truth."

Pick up your Bible from the coffee table and find out what belongs to you! Find out how you need to change to get in line with God's will.

Some people don't do that. They try to change God instead. They'll go on and on trying to convince God just how badly they hurt or how poor they are. They'll beg and plead and wheedle, all the while acting as though they had to somehow change God's mind about the situation. Those folks are in for a long wait.

God is never going to change. The Bible says He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. His will is too. So don't waste your time wondering if your prayers are in line with it. Get the Book and base your prayers on it. Then you can rest assured the answer is on the way!


Scripture Study: Proverbs 2:1-12 
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[karmat]

Good morning and Happy Saturday everyone!
Hope ya'll have a marvelous day.

Gotta lot to do, so I'd better get crackin'

laters

[Marilyn]

Janet that is the most wonderful devotional. It says everything that I believe. Praying the word of God and claiming his promises for myself and for my family. God is Awesome in the way he answers our prayers when we pray his word into our lives. Amen?

Good Morning to one and all. Yesterday when I was having my nails done, a woman came in delivering Krispy Kreme donuts. The boxes were small but contained one dozen.Amazing that they would fit into such a small box. I did not actually see them. We don't have a Krispy Kreme shop in this area, I think they may have come from Santa Rosa, which is 4 hours (approx 200 miles) from here.

I went to Blue Lake  yesterday evening to another Little League game of Savannah's they won 10 - 0, then  went to Gilbert's house to give Sarah her birthday gifts.I saw a friend of mine running the Snack Bar at the game.

Today the Red Hatters are meeting at the casino in Blue Lake but myself and another of the members are not going because we do not do casinos or even the restruants at the casinos. I am not giving a gambling establishment any of my money even for food.

Today is shopping day for Fay, I do not work for Versal on Friday or Saturday So my afternoons on those days are mine. This afternoon I will take the dogs for a walk, do some crocheting on the Baby Afghan that I am making, shampoo my hair and relax.

TTYL

[Marilyn]

 

Today's Daily Word - Saturday, May 21, 2005

One Voice

With one voice, we speak and act from the love of God within us.

As faith-filled members of our world community, we unite with one another in prayer for our planet and all its inhabitants. Praying for peace throughout our world, we acknowledge that we are one family of God and that with God all things are possible. We share the same thought of peace as we pray.

As one voice, we link our hearts in faith, holding the people of every region and every country of the world in prayer. Willing to let God be our guide, we think and speak with a unity of spirit.

The diversity within the members of the family enriches the harmony of the whole. There is a miraculous power for good released as we speak and act from the love of God within each one of us, a power that unites us in an even stronger bond of peace.

"And all the people answered with one voice, and said, 'All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.'"--Exodus 24:3 

[Chris & Margit Saunders]

May 21
   
Preaching: Making An Accommodation

Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. 
Matthew 26:41

I am having a hard time trying to comprehend what has happened to sound Bible teaching. What has happened to preaching on Christian discipleship and on our daily deportment in the spiritual life? We
are making an accommodation. We are offering a take-it-easy, Pollyanna type of approach that does not seem ever to have heard of total commitment to One who is our Lord and Savior.

I regret that more and more Christian believers are being drawn into a hazy, fuzzy kind of teaching that assures everyone who has ever "accepted Christ" that he or she has nothing more to be concerned about. He is OK and he will always be OK because Christ will be returning before things get too tough. Then all of us will wear our crowns, and God will see that we have cities to rule over!

If that concept is accurate, why did our Lord take the stern and unpopular position that Christian believers should be engaged in watching and praying? 
Men Who Met God, 31-32.

"Lord, help me to watch and pray faithfully. Help me to boldly challenge to total commitment and never to make an accommodation to make people comfortable. Amen."

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[Ruth Ann Bice]

Good morning, I enjoyed both devotionals today. Speaking of diversity, I mentioned something alluding to that in last night's posting. Isn't it wonderful that we each are individuals, with our strengths and weaknesses, and we are ACCEPTED into the Kingdom just as we are, warts and all!

I'm reading an article today on legalism and how believers can be damaged through legalism. Now, that has nothing to do with following the law (in that sense, being legal), but my own parents were so legalistic that it nearly turned me from the faith. No reasoning with them --- it's THIS way or no way. So hard to understand and fathom two people who loved God so much and let some of their witness be discarded by those they loved so much simply because they were so legalistic. For instance, I once knew a preacher who got so caught up in not adorning himself that he went to the extreme, using a safety pin instead of a tie tack or tie clip to keep his tie in place - that poor man got so entangled in his legalism that he ended up commiting suicide - how sad. I truly believe in following the law, but strongly disagree with legalistic extremism.

Now, since I've said all that, let me finish by saying I love the different viewpoints each of us bring to this discussion - I've been broadened and strengthened in my faith through your comments.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

[Pat]

Good Morning Everyone...

It's such a nice day here in Guelph.  Earlier the sun was shining but now it's hidden behind a big fluffy cloud but the cloud is moving quickly and will once again let the sun shine.  I love the sun shining.  I didn't get the lawn cut yesterday so I will try to get it done today.  This will be the first cut of this year for me and it sure needs it.

Thanks for all the devotionals! 

I'll be back...  I just settled down here to read and there's someone at my door! 

[karmat]

Ruth Ann -- I so agree about the legalism.  I know of another man that had severe mental illness problems because of the "grace" he tried to find in the merciful God and the "you wouldn't/shouldn't/couldn't" his church taught him growing up.  It's sad.  That said, if someone wants to be legalistic, fine.  But don't impose the manmade standards you may have (and sincerely feel are from God) on everyone in the world.  I am not talking about Biblical truths and standards God has given us.  I guess it is tricky, though, to decide what is God's standard and what is man's, in some instances.

I guess what bothers me is when people start defending or measuring your quality of Christian-ness by a certain measure.  I have heard hundreds, if not thousands, of times in my life "Those at church on Wednesday nights are the good, strong Christians."  What if someone absolutely cannot get to their church on Wed. because they work too far away, or some other reason.  Are they less of a Christian?  I went to a church one time that you almost had to "prove" what a good Christian you were.  You had to be at every service, participate in as many ministries as possible (with no regard to your spiritual gifts or leading, seemingly), and basically never be involved with an outside ministry (ie -- Bible study, etc) if it wasn't connected with this church. 

Wow.  Sorry to expound when ya'll probably didn't really want me to.  I know in my life right now, I do some things that several members of my family considers wrong -- wear jeans, cut hair, wear make-up (I even sell make-up ), but God has never convicted me of those things.   When around them, I do not flaunt my "freedom."  I wear a skirt if possible, and little if no makeup.  (I can't do anything about the hair, okay?).  It doesn't hurt me in the least, and I don't have to feel "guilty." 

So, that is karmat's monologue on legalism, and it is probably more than you would ever want to know.

That said, well, that's said.

I've got to go for now!!

Take care!

love
karmat

[Pat]

A really fun topic on the Photography Cafe is choosing a Caption for a funny photo.

So I put a photo of mine in our "A Time to Smile" area and maybe you'd like to try it?

CHOOSE A CAPTION FOR THIS PHOTO

[karmat]

oh wow oh wow oh wow, Pat

I was going to suggest that. You are so cool!!!!

[Pat]

GMTA, Karma!  

[Etta Sue]

Well, I started reading NEM this morning and the phone rang.  Ivalou wanted me to go with her to Kaye Don and Barb's to watch their anniversary video.  I did.  Then we both decided to mow our yards.  I did.  Kaye Don is finishing his mowing now.  Then I fixed me a bite to eat.  And ate.  Then Ivalou came over and cut my hair.  I just got out of the shower...all squeaky clean. 

A wonderful day.  I have the windows open and Ali and Inky are having a great time running from window to window. 

Later, Ivalou, my classmate, Judy and I are gong to the Spaghetti and Meat Ball dinner at a church in Lapel.  I know I need to get gas in the car before heading for Greenfield tomorrow so will do that before coming home.  If the Dollar General is still open...who knows what I might find that I can't do without there. 

So until tomorrow afternoon........

(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*(*)*

[Marilyn]

Ok Pat and Karma what is GMTA?


Karma a friend of mine moved from California, the little town I lived in down south where you could wear almost anything to church, ( as long as you weren't indecent) (decent shorts on Wed. Night) to North Carolina for a year, when she came back she told us  that you definitely had to wear a dress to church every time you went. She said she couldn't handle all the restrictions so moved back to California.

Here we wear slacks, dresses, skirts, pant suits, but no shorts. Once in awhile I even wear a hat, but usually end up taking it off. Being one of the greeters and hugging people it gets in the way. I always have my arms full of stuff to pass out, bulletins, magazines, devotional, what ever. I have asked the Pastor to include the sermon notes in the bulletin for one less thing to hand out.I told him I was going to get a table to put at the door if he gave me anything else to hand out.

I am home for the day, went out front and did some more weedeating untill the battery was too low to do much good. (Hey AL    those weeds didn't taste too bad haha) I will walk the dogs later when it is a little cooler, right now it is too hot to be walking in the sun.

ttyl

[Pat]

GMTA = Great Minds Think Alike!

[Pat]

Footsteps of Jesus
(Click to hear music)


Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me,
he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me'.
Matthew 16:24


Words - Mary B.C. Slade, 1826-1882
Music - Asa B. Everett, 1871




Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.


Refrain
Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where'er they go.


Though they lead o'er the cold, dark mountains,
Seeking His sheep;
Or along by Siloam's fountains,
Helping the weak.


Refrain


If they lead through the temple holy,
Preaching the Word;
Or in homes of the poor and lowly,
Serving the Lord.


Refrain


Then at last, when on high he sees us
Our journey done,
We will rest where the steps of Jesus
end at his throne.


Refrain

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[Larry Hanna]

Hi everyone.  It seems to be a very quiet day here on CP.  Guess folks are enjoying the nice spring day.  

I spent the morning doing some errands after coffee.  I had to get a new paper shredder and get a rebate situation cleared up at Staples Office Supply store.  When I got the mail I got the rest of the rebate on some phones we had purchased and the adjustment I got at the store completed the rebates on them.

Pat, hope you were able to get your lawn mown today.  Unless the electric mowers have changed a lot you don't want it grass to get too tall.  Hope mowing won't aggravate your neck.

Ruth Ann and Karmat, interesting thoughts on legalism.  I understand what you are saying.  

Maryland, hope you have enjoyed your afternoon off.

Janet, Chris and Marilyn thanks for the devotional thoughts today.  

[Janet]

Howdy!  We are back from the graduation festivities for Mark!  Had a really nice time, and we afe so proud of Mark, he's come a long way.  I was reading in his high school newspaper, and noticed that he was voted "most dependable" which I consider quite a compliment to him.  He was awarded one scholarship at graduation, every little bit helps! 

If anyone was in this morning before I got the new NEM posted, sorry about that!  I was so tuned into getting Mark's album finished last night, I never turned my computer on at all, and didn't think about it being my day until I got up early this morning.  I had all of 15 minutes to get it done---   Whew!

It is VERY hot here today--101 degrees!  Graduation was in the non-air conditioned gym, and the reception was in the kids' back yard, so it is nice to get home to a cooler house.  Well, their house was cool, but we were outdoors quite a bit.  They had several of those shade tent things which helped tremendously.  It would have been unbearable in the full sunshine.

I think I will take a look at the photos I took today and see how they look.  This has felt like Sunday to me all day, so I will have two Sundays in a row.  (Not a bad thing!) 

I did want to say that I was pleased at graduation that both the invocation and the benediction were given by members of the graduating class.  Very refreshing!

[Marilyn]

I have paid all my bills, and taken Bebe for her walk, still need to walk Happy, this cold or whatever it is  keeps me huffing and puffing out there in the sunshine. Had to come back to rest  bit before taking out Happy.

Yes Larry I am thoroughly  enjoying the rest of my day off.

TTYL

[Ruth Ann Bice]

By working in "fits and starts" I've really accomplished a lot. When my son gets up, I have 2 little "honey-doo" things to ask him to do, then, I think I'll "rest on my laurels" today. Very tired indeed, but thankful for what's been done. It's been SOOOO long since I felt like doing ANYthing, that this productive day really raises my self esteem.

Marilyn, get well soon. I hope the dogs got accustomed to the gentle leader. Last week a man came walking down our street with a large dog and he was using one. Says the dog absolutely loves it and he said it only took 15 minutes to get his dog accustomed to it. Actually, it took my son about a week to train Shelby. But, oh, what a difference in the stress it puts on me.

Y'all have a good evening.

Ruth Ann

[Pat]

Sounds like you had a lovely time, Janet.  It would be so nice to see your grandson's accomplishments.  Glad you got the scrapbook done.


Marilyn, I have three bills sitting here to pay.  It's so handy doing it online.


Hi Ruth Ann.  Glad you got so much accomplished.


Larry, I got my lawn cut.  It wasn't bad at all.  I just pushed and held with my right hand and it went really great.  So it looks much better out there now. 


We need some more captions for the "Heeland Coo".    CAPTIONS WANTED HERE

[stoob]

Hi everyone, I have not been able to post here for a very long time.  Several months ago I had a crash with my computer and when the dust settled I was not able to connect to this site.  I would try to sign in but I would get an anwser my pass word was wrong or else the user name did not exist.

My email address had to be changed and that might have caused a problem, and I had no way to alert the site I had changed my mail.  I lost all my old address book entries in the crash.

I would use my name to try and come on as a new person and I would get the message that the name was already in use.

So I have been lurking for a long time, not every day but occasionally just to keep up withyou all.

I finally thought I would come on as a new person, so I chose the name of stoob.  If you will spell it backwards you might recognize me.

[Janet]

Hello again, Stoob..........er.........Boots!  I remember you, and it's good to have you back with us.  Clever way to solve your problem. 

Here is a smile for you this evening.


Before I could start my first job right out of college, I had to present evidence that I was a U.S. citizen, so I brought a driver's license and birth certificate. The clerk looked at my driver's license and copied down some information. She then picked up my birth certificate and gave it a good, long look. "Is something wrong?" I finally asked. "Yes," she said. "I can't find the expiration date." 

--Contributed to "All In a Day's Work" by Greg DelMain

[Pat]

Hi everyone, I have not been able to post here for a very long time. Several months ago I had a crash with my computer and when the dust settled I was not able to connect to this site. I would try to sign in but I would get an anwser my pass word was wrong or else the user name did not exist.

My email address had to be changed and that might have caused a problem, and I had no way to alert the site I had changed my mail. I lost all my old address book entries in the crash.

I would use my name to try and come on as a new person and I would get the message that the name was already in use.

So I have been lurking for a long time, not every day but occasionally just to keep up withyou all.

I finally thought I would come on as a new person, so I chose the name of stoob. If you will spell it backwards you might recognize me.

Boots, if you wish me to change your password and your email address with your old login, that's very easy to do.

Let me know?

[Al Moak]

Boots!  It's great to see you back on here!  Keep doin' it!

[Pat]

Time to lock the door...

Tomorrow's NEM