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Morning Devotional...


When He had heard therefore that he was sick, He abode two days still in the same place where He was.
John 11:6


Is this what love does?

It seemed that Jesus had not heard or even cared.

Martha, baffled at this absence of her Lord, grieves. She and her sister Mary needed a miracle--albeit a second class one, the healing of a sick Lazarus.

Did He really love them? The evidence ran in His tears.

Now He would show the reason for their grief--it was glory. He would do a first class miracle: Lazarus radiantly alive.

Are you sorrowing today?

Does the Lord seem far away?

Is this what love does? Yes! It goes beyond the grief, the groans, the grave, and brings the glory that fadeth not away.
                                                                      --J. Boyd Nicholson


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Thank you, Pat.  The devotional is very fitting for some in our fellowship ... our pastor Bev is really going through some horrific physical challanges and it is difficult for some to have faith that her healing has already been accomplished...and wait for the manifestation of it in her body.  She has been battling an illness/infection for more than 3 years.  Lately it seems the physical symptoms have increased.  But we still pray and know God is in control.

Judy~You asked if we have potluck dinners often ... Yes, the first Sunday of each month is Potluck Sunday.  Always a great time for fellowship and sharing in a relaxed atmosphere.  Because of concern for Bev there seemed to be a few who couldn't help worrying today, though.      She would be the last one to want to put a damper on things.

Pat - I hope that you are feeling much better today, been praying for you lass. I hope that my own post will dove tail nicely with your lovely devotion this morning.

Folks - Sunday is a day of rest for me and because I work every day on my Computer, I never switch it on on Sundays.

I do not switch on the TV or radio or anything like that. The Sabbath is a day when I can shut out the world with all its attractions and distractions and I can rest in the Beloved.

It may sound old fashioned to many of you, but I would not change it for the world. I love the peace and quiet of this one day in the week. I get time to read and time to rest. It is also a time when the family are all together.

I am sorry if some of you are missing my posts, but at least now you know the reason why.

LOL

'Behold thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes. Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea pleasant: also our bed is green.'

Song of Solomon 1:15-16

It is dull, overcast and poring with rain here today. A typical summers day in Stornoway! In many ways the weather is reflecting the state of my soul. I feel heavy and not a little despondent this morning. The stress and strains of the last few months seem to be catching up on me and I feel worn out.

I read much yesterday without being aware of any real benefit. My study this morning was no different. My heart felt heavy and I was reminded of what someone told me years ago. The dove seeks her refuge in the clefts of the Rock, yet always seems to have a tear in her eye!

The same could be said for the child of God. It is little wonder if we have a tear in our eye when we are daily surrounded by corruption and sin.

We may have a tear in our eye as we carry forward the memories of those who once trod the same pathway with us. They have been called Home to their eternal rest and we are left behind.

We may have a tear in our eye as we remember better days in our churches where there was love and joy and unity. Where homes were open to all and a welcome was always certain. We may also carry a tear for the sin that grieves us daily, knowing that it is our Beloved that we are sinning against.

We may also carry a tear as we yearn for Home where God Himself awaits to wipe all out tears away.

I am reminded of the character of some of the finest Christians that I have met on this earth. The dove has a beauty and serenity that makes it different from other birds.

The Christians I refer to have an inner strength that shines through, yet a gentle manner that I find difficult to describe. They truly reflect the image I have of my Beloved Saviour Redeemer.

The dove's home is in the clefts of the rock. A place of refuge with a narrow opening forbidding any unwanted entrance to her enemies. The dove has no defence of her own, she relies on the safety provided by the rock.

The Lord will also show us the we have no real strength and that we must always, and at all times rely on the Rock of ages to be our guide our guard and our shield. The stone cut without hands. The One called the Ancient of days.

Doves will not suffer anything unclean. At the flood there would have been many carcases floating about upon which the dove could have rested, however it would not pollute itself with that which was corrupt. We must also steer clear of corruption and that which is unclean.

Keep clear of anything which many cause offence. Part of Jabez's prayer was that he would be kept from evil. It is so easy for us to be enticed by the depravity that invades our daily lives but let us dare to be different. Let us ask God to censor every thought prior to it becoming an action.

Many a heartache will be prevented if we had the courage to pray like this.

'Our bed is green!' Well if ever a few words got me thinking then these words did. Please remember that what I write in these posts are my own private, simple  thoughts. I am no scholar and no Theologian.

I just thought you might like to know what went through my mind as I thought on these words.

My immediate thought took me to green pastures where the sheep have been led and where the Good Shepherd watches over them throughout the night. He slumbers not nor sleeps. No matter the time of day or night we can call upon the Good Shepherd for help. Many are the wiles of the evil one.

How often have you and I laid own heads on our pillows with heavenly thoughts on our minds. Aware of the Good Shepherd's presence with us, not wanting to go to sleep in case our wonderful 'feelings' have all but disappeared in the morning!

We also lie down in green pastures because we are refreshed through our sleep. Our bodies need rest and the Good Shepherd leads us to a comfortable place where He Himself provides the safety and He also provides our sustenance for our needy souls.

One of the best nights sleep I have ever had was in Romania. We were asked if we fancied sleeping on fresh cut grass in the hay loft, outside in the barn. There are some nights that are oppressively hot and sticky and we were thankful and not a little excited at the thought of sleeping on a bed of green.

The grass mattress was both soft and firm and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. No doubt that I snored for Scotland that night!

I may be completely wrong in my thinking on these words but nonetheless I draw comfort from the fact that if I have been led to make my bed on green pastures I can rest assured that my Good Shepherd is close by.

Let us follow our Good Shepherd today with renewed hope and renewed strength, leaving our destination and next green bed of rest to Him alone. He knoweth the way that I take.

His sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. It is a spiritual adventure with Christ leading the way, so just for today let us wipe the tear from our eye and hope. This may be the very day when our weeping is turned into laughter.

LOL
Your brother in Christ
Iain

Good morning to Pat, Iain, and Jane.  I was planning on being up much earlier, but since mom's gone, Ben had me up almost all night.

Pat, Ethan is with Jim Gilette, and his wife, I've forgotten her name.

Thanks for the devotional this morning Pat, and your added thoughts Iain and Jane.  I've got a busy day ahead of me, and the kids will soon be waking up.  God be with you all, and hope you all have a safe and wonderful day.  Drive safe, Pat.  Jen.

Thank you, Iain, for the visions of comfort and rest in the "bed of green!"  Because this Scripture is a song of married love, I think of the great joy we shall experience of togetherness with our dear Lord, a togetherness that enjoys the "greenness" of eternal comfort, eternal perfection, eternal righteousness!  Everything shall be made right at last, and both we and our Lord shall rightly enjoy that righteousness as never before.  It's good to contemplate joining our Lord in His triumphant joy!  Let's begin now!

Good morning to Pat, Jane, Iain, mercychild and Al.

I enjoyed Pats and Iains words this morning Iain your words about the dove I did not know so that was a learning experience for me.

It has been raining this morning and I have now noticed that the sun in peeking through.  The church I attend is starting there camp program and each afternoon for 4 of the 5 days they have lunch in a nearby park then continue to the local pool for a swin so being a school bus driver I also take my lunch and off I go donating my afternoon hours to drive them there.

Have a great day.

Ruth

Well, all of you started out slow in posting yesterday and went out with a boom!!!  A chatty bunch, indeed!

Like Judy, I didn't keep any notes this time so I will not address each of you.  Just pray that Papa John's back will quit being spasmatic.  That Travis has Tremendous Two's and keeps on with his cuteness.  That Pat gets relief from her sore jaw and it ISN'T dry socket(s).  That Paulette uses her time away for the benefit to herself as well as her family.  That Iain gets his rest on Sunday's that the Lord provides...we all could benefit from your Sunday's and use ours the same way.  That is recognizing a few of you and hope all of you feel recognized without words.

Jerry left early last evening and I walked over to Ivalou's while she was picking up sticks in the yard that blew down during our storms.  We went inside.  Then Barb came over.  Then we called Kaye Don and Libby (the dog) to come over.  We played 'Phase 10'.  Well, Libby didn't but she watched us as she took turns sitting on our laps.  It is a fun game full of memories because we used to play Phase 10 when we were all in Louisiana...our Mom included.  Mom always sat next to Kaye Don and would play her 'Skip' card and say "Sorry!"   to Kaye Don and then giggle like a teenager .  She was so much fun!  Mom/Ruby was mentioned several times during our game last night.  

Jerry is coming back today so we can go to Lowe's to get supplies to fix a leak in his roof.  I want to go to AAA to get my Triptik for Canada.  I like to study it before going and Ivalou wants to study it, too, since she will be the navigator!  And, of course, we will eat out somewhere!  Too wet to mow.  If it doesn't dry off soon, we will have to bale the grass when we do mow.  Or bail water!!

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"Take a tip from nature:  Your ears aren't made to shut, but your mouth is."

I'm at work and we are busy, but I just wanted to pop in and say hello!  I will post more later!

It is good to see each one of you today.  I have been working all morning on birthday greetings, anniversary greetings, and welcoming letters.  It is kind of a private ministry which Cornelia and I have.

We are having a beautiful Monday, one of those days when you are just glad to be alive and to enjoy God's creation.  It IS hot outside, up in the 80's, but nice and cool in the house.

One of the things we read recently in our daily Bible readings was  Proverbs  22:24-25  "Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared."  (NIV)

I thought of how important it is for us to be careful who our close friends are because we are influenced by the people we are with.  On the other hand we can have a good influence on others when we relate to people who need the influence of God's children.  Jesus made friends of sinners and was criticized for it by the Pharisees.  Luke 15:2  But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."  (NIV)

We need to understand that those who are sick need the physician.  We can't share Jesus with people unless we make friends with those who need Him.   - - - -  Just a thought.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

Mr Iain - I draw comfort from the fact that if I have been led to make my bed on green pastures I can rest assured that my Good Shepherd is close by.
I have a hard time to undarstand why I am a sheep to Jesus. This is a great help to me. I do undarstand it today.

Hi Papa John, I did go to the church on Sunday   I did get to gather. I am very happy from your help, again.  (((hug))) and I do pray you will not have a problems with your back any more.  

MS PAT I pray you are better today.  


Ms Etta Sue..... Why will nature want for my mouth to shut?  

I feel I have been away for a month. There is SO much to read today. It was a very busy work for me this week. I am glad to rest this week.

AND HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO
Mr and Mrs HANNA  

I noticed over on SN in Boots Tids and Bits that there are anniversery wishes for Larry and pat. soooooooooo
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Thanks Mieka for the "feelin' better" wishes.  I am!

Thanks for the reminder, Marilyn (Larry and Pat's Anniversary!)

[size=250]HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO THE HANNAS!!![/size]
May God grant you many more years of happiness and love as you serve Him together.

Happy Anniversary folks!!


LOL

I had a very lovely day today, I went to a new customer, and after chatting a while to this nice,  but sad,  lady, I noticed hanging in the kitchen window a red, embroidered heart, with the words "lOVE YOU FOREVER" written on it looking out the way.
I asked if it was to her husband,  or from him, she replied "no, its to my son, he committed suicide twelve years ago,I know he is in heaven and if he can look down I want him to see it !"
I told her how sorry I was and gave her a small photo from my shirt pocket which read  "Love one another as I have loved you."
She said "It's beautiful, are you a Christian?
I said I was, and she said " me too."
So we chatted for a while then she had to go off to work, she gave me a big hug and said, " It's really great meeting you today"
After she left I went to the van, and felt that I had to look through my paperwork on the off chance of another photo being there, and there was!
Just one, a lovely 7"x5" scenic which must have been there for a couple of months, and what did the scripture verse on it say?

   "He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds."
psalm 147 v 3!
I left it in her kitchen for her return tonight.
Never doubt God's timing!

Oh, Chris...  Come over and leave one of those in my kitchen for me!  I miss my deary so much!  I know He heals the broken hearted but the healing seems to take a long time sometimes.  It will come... I know it will.

Thanks for that little picture of your day.  I'm so happy that you were able to help this lady in her grieving.  It's wonderful to meet another brother or sister along life's road.

Attaboy! bro!

LOL

When I was in college, I was terribly homesick.  (Please don't think I am comparing homesickness to losing a loved one, I just need to set up some background information).  Terribly homesick.  I talked to one professor about it, and asked him, "How do I get over this?"  His response is one I have used for years when things get too heavy for me to bear.  "You don't get over it, you learn to effectively deal with it."

I don't think you ever completely "get over" losing a loved one.  You simply learn to trust in Christ and look to him to feel that void until you can meet again.

How many years Larry?  Seems like the years go by much faster than they used to.

Mieka, good to see you today.  I think you brighten the day for all of us when you show up.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

I would like to share the devotional I received in my email today. I comes from www.seriousfaith.com These devional to me are like a daily Bible Study lesson.

A Faithful Saying: Enduring
030707 Monday, July 7, 2003 Daily Devotional by Brent Riggs

2Timothy 2.11-13 This is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him. If we endure, We shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. (NKJV)

This is a faithful saying: If we endure, we shall reign with Him.

To reign with Him. Have you ever thought of about that? Sometimes our picture of eternal life with God is an eternal church service singing hymns that won't be boring because we're in heaven. Or maybe you have no idea what eternity will be like, you'll just be glad to sneak through the gates.

Rev 22.5 ...And they shall reign forever and ever.
Rev 20.6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.
Rev 5.10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth."
God has left us with many things to ponder about our future eternal life in Heaven but He has revealed enough that we can be assured that eternity will be infinitely more than a passive existence. We will reign with Christ. Jesus will be Supreme Lord, Judge, Commander, King and Ruler and in some capacity we will serve and assist Him in His reign over creation.

We shall reign if we endure. Endure what? As with our death in Him, this enduring encompasses both the question of salvation and how it applie to our daily sanctification. God has promised us endurance in our decistion of faith as part of the gift of salvation:

John 5.24 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.
John 6.37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.
Eph 1.13-14 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Heb 10.22-23 ... let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.
So as to the question of endurance in our belief and faith in Christ, true believers will endure to the end and receive the gift of eternity with God. God will see that none of His are lost.

How does this question of endurance apply to us on a daily basis and what spiritual profit is there in this endurance? In short, what we endure for the sake of Christ allows us to relate to Him better, depend on Him more, grow to be more like Him and love Him more fully.

(Jas 5.9-11) When we endure mistreatment the Lord is merciful and compassionate toward us. We learn not to grumble and complain when others mistreat us.
(Heb 12.7-11) When we endure chastening and correction, we mature and grow stronger in our faith. We are assured of God's love for us for what good father does not correct and discipline His children. We are assured of God's presence and attention because we know that He has to be paying attention to us and know us in order to discipline us.
(2 Tim 4.5) When we endure afflictions in Christ's name, we identify not only with His suffering but also with the suffering of other Christians, the Apostles and the martyrs.
(2 Tim 2.10) When we endure suffering we help to bring salvation to others through our example of faith, trust, belief in Jesus and our commitment to God.
(2 Tim 2.3) When we endure hardship we are fulfilling our duty as Christian soldiers. Ask any military war veteran about the hardships of warfare. We are enlisted in God's Army and as such must endure as a faithful soldier the deprivations of the spiritual war we are engaged in (Eph 6.11-13)
(2 Thess 1.3-12) We endure tribulation and persecution because it is the evidence of God's righteousness, makes us worthy of entering the kingdom of God, and allows us to experience the peace and rest found only in the Lord.
(1 Cor 9.12) We endure denying ourselves for the sake of not hindering the Gospel. At times we forego what is rightfully due us in order that the Gospel may more effectively and fully be demonstrated.
(1 Cor 4.8-13) We endure mistreatment, reviling, deprivation, hard work, suffering and defamation as evidence of our commitment and obedience to Christ. Why? Because if the world hated and crucified our Master, how much will they hate and persecute us? (John 15.18; Luke 21.17)
Enduring is our path to spiritual growth. Enduring is obedience, faith, courage and love in action.

Enduring is our evidence and reminder of the reward to come.

Karmat, You are so right, we just have to deal with the lonliness.  

I have had years of having my darling away and there have been times with the length of time between visits home that it would be no harder if he were gone to glory.  The new job he has is a real blessing, he is home weekly and often during the week too. The amazing thing is the paychecks are bigger.


That reminds me of John Quincey Adams Mother  She and his father were apart for business for a period of 6 years.  think about it. . . . and no cell phones!

Aparently she was a real tough mother too, If any of you have anything on her biography I'd love to read it.

Well have to go will be back later.
Judy B

Thank you all so much for the nice Anniversary greetings.  This was our 41st anniversary and after my treatment we stopped at a great restruarant called Smokey Bones and had a delicious lunch.  I then came home and took a nap and now am feeling very tired so I am going to make this short today.  

Is is good to see everyone here.

Well folks,

Things have been so hectic in my life the last several days, that I haven't really had time to breathe!

Started work on Friday, with 2 days of intense training.  I am truely thinking that this is going to be a great job.  It is strickly commission, and I know that some folks that I have talked to have said things like, "don't get your hopes up" and "Don't count your chickens before they hatch", however I was talking with a dear friend of mine, who is in a salary job, and he has said that he would take a commission job any day.  He told me specifically not to be worried about it.

I took today to totally familiarize myself with the features and benefits of the company I am working for, as well as some of the answers to likely objections, so I am ready to see prospective customers tomorrow morning bright and early at 9 am.

I do come in to read every day, however lately I haven't had the time to post anything.  Please know my prayers are with you all.

Love
Heather

Thanks Karma...  Yes, the doctor told me the very same thing... "You NEVER get over it...you learn to cope with it".  Unless someone has experienced the loss by dying of a loving spouse, it's just not understood at all.   I never understood it before.  I thought I did.  But I didn't.  No one can understand it unless they've experienced it.  He's not 'just away'--he's not coming home to me--EVER!



OK...  Let's get on with brighter topics.  Sorry folks!  Sometimes it comes flowing out but I don't wish it to dampen our conversation in here.

Are you all singing that lovely chorus above?  I am!

Happy Anniversary To The Hannah's

I have posted a poem co-authored by Melvin Killough and myself via email. He has entered it into a Poetry contest also.  It is in the Poetry corner.
Marilyn