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Morning Devotional...


Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat thus on the well.
John 4:6

Listening to the conversation of tourists who had come to draw water from the well in a resort village, I recalled that one day Jesus "sat thus on the well."

Think of that--the weary Saviour waiting to give a woman a drink of "living water"!

Still today, He wants to satisfy the thirst eternally of those who are drinking of the never-satisfying wells of pleasure, fame and wealth.

To such He says, "If any man thirst, let him come unto Me and drink."
                                                                                   --Robert Steele



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Good point Pat, Jesus, being weary, sat. . .  It is hard to imagine Him weary.  Yet how great his weariness had to have been,  He gave and gave and thro His weariness, He gave more, the Living Water.  Incredible.   We become weary and the last thing we "feel" like doing is giving of ourselves and yet that seems to be when we are needed the most.  He was weary, and sat. and gave.  That is a WOW picture.

It is late and I am unable to sleep.

I am going to brouse around through the forums.  I shall see all of you tomorrow.

JudyB

I'm in a rush to go to the craft market again this morning. Hope its better than the last couple of weeks.

Sounds like you guys ahd a fine time last night with your hymns. Thanks for posting, 'Just as I am, Pat. If I have time tonight I'll tell you a story about that hymn.

I'll post then hit the road.

'Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the Lord will do great things.'

'The Lord will do 'great things!'' I love this portion of the Lord's word. There are so many relevant promises within a few short verses and there has not been a day when I have not pled these promises before the Throne of Grace.

The problems in Joel's day all started when the people took God for granted. They lacked nothing. They were wealthy, and year after year their harvest produced an abundance of fruit. Instead of praising God for His goodness, they – without truly realising it – turned their backs upon their God resting instead in the works of their own hands.

What need did they have of God when all their provision was met for them in abundance?

It was at this point that the Lord sent in His army. Locusts, cankerworm, caterpillars and palmerworms. They ate everything in sight and destroyed all the crops. Even the cattle groaned and there wasn't even a sacrifice available for the altar.

This however did not happen overnight. It happened over a period of years and their work was done without the people coming to a proper realisation of what exactly was happening. They had done their damage unawares.

What a graphic picture is drawn for us here of the Christian or the church backsliding. How we take our God for granted when we have health and strength of body and mind. When we have sufficient in our bank accounts to meet our bills. No real burdens to bring us to our knees. Living apathetic and careless lives with little realisation of our state or condition.

Little sins have been allowed to enter in. Not one, but a whole army of 'little sins' that in years gone by, would not have been tolerated, but now have become the norm. The result is devastation.

Empty churches, no true worship or prayer life, Bibles left untouched, gathering dust. A spiritual wasteland filled with soul famished and unrepentant sinners. Am I describing a situation that occurred thousands of years ago, or am I describing our situation today?

We try every trick in the book to try and fill our churches. Bigger choirs, electric organs, louder music, rock bands, videos, plays, you name it, we try it. Does it work? Well some churches may fill for a while, but filled with what?

We manipulate the Bible to suit ourselves.

This is sin.

We are told that we must move with the times. Why?
We must be more accommodating, more liberal in our thinking and more lenient. Why should we be?

It is the preaching of the Gospel in all its fullness and purity that will win souls for eternity. Foolishness to men, but this is God's way! Do we know better then God?

Praise the Lord for His love, goodness, mercy and grace extended to undeserving sinners. What glorious promises are placed here before us. Repentance is the key, faith the vessel of acceptance and love that prompts the work.

It is ALL God's work!

It is He who works repentance in us. Today He calls us to repent of our sin and to turn from it. If we do then we can rightfully claim what He promises. I know of no greater encouragement in the Word of God when praying for revival than this passage. Revival not only within our own lives but throughout the church at large.

Corn is promised. The Bread of life. Once more we shall have an appetite to eat our daily Bread. Once more our souls will be nourished by God's Word and the dust will have no place on our Bibles. Let the Word of God dwell in you richly. Let His Word have dominance in our lives.

Wine is promised. The promise of cleansing through the shed blood of Christ. A fountain opened at Calvary for sin and uncleanness. Repented sins, no longer lying at our door, but washed freely in the blood of the Lamb, washing us whiter than the snow. What peace and joy there is for the sinner when sin is freely pardoned.

Oil is promised. The anointing of the Holy Spirit as the Psalmist could plead, 'Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation.' Blessedness and unity amongst the brethren.

Can you imagine our churches full, yea overflowing? Preachers anointed and proclaiming the Truth with power! Hell destined sinners, turning form their evil ways and turning to God. The children of God restored in soul, enabling them to be glad and to rejoice in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

He is waiting to pour out the former and latter rain upon you, He is waiting to bless you abundantly. Time to repent and to change our ways to His way. Time for God to work, and time for us to get out of His way. He is waiting for you!

Do not delay, rejoice and be glad for our God will do great things.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Judy - I should have gotten up instead of just tossing and turning when I couldn't sleep.  Perhaps we could have h :)ad a cyber visit., I could make us "cyber tea"....next time!

Iain:  I hope things went well today at the market too!..now its nearly 7:30 am as I post...what is the time difference?  Prince William's photo is on nearly every magazine cover over here in Canada., I can only imagine what it must be like over there where you are.
He certainly takes after his mother in the "looks department" dosen't he!

Iain:  Such a wonderful and meaningful post by you on the previous page.  It really hits home about some churches today., esp where you said about all the stuff we have to "draw people in."  Its the drums in our church that really bother me.  If it was played "gently" as a back ground it wouldn't be so bad., but the drummer we have is young, (I think its his first set of drums), and he really thinks he's "Ringo Starr", I'm sure!

Lets all remember to pray for Marilyn as she journey's to her new home!  Marilyn will have many prayer requests I'm sure.  One being, being able to witness to Gilbert and family.  Another being able to take her g. kids to church and Sunday school.

She does have a job to go to....am I right?

Hope you all have a  nice day.

Its very dreary, cool  :(and looks like we are going to get more rain, here in Guelph.  Oh well, I think today is to be the last of the rain for awhile. ...its calling for much warmer weather as of tomorrow, and for most of next week.

Our flowers need the sun!

WELCOME, SHINENLITE!! Come right in and sit down for a nice visit!

Great thoughts for the day!  I'm hurrying, because I'm going with Darrel to Fowler (about an hour or so away) to help him work on the security system at the bank there.  Someone is to be there at 9 to let us in, so time is short here!

If any of you like cute movies, you should go see "Finding Nemo."  That's the cutest (and cleanest) movie I have seen in ages!  Of course, being about a reef fish, it made me want to go scuba diving SOOO bad!  Maybe soon......

I just wanted to wish you all a good day.  I probably will be back in the late afternoon.

Good Morning Everyone...

Whewwwww...!!  It's already been a busy day for me and I thought I would be sleeping in today with it being Saturday and no hospital trip to Hamilton for Larry, my neighbour.

But the dog got me up at 5 am saying he had to go out to do his business and here there were about three rabbits having a great time eating my cabbages and so Geordie had to play with them for awhile and I didn't want to wake up the whole neighbourhood yelling at him so I allowed him to run in circles.  He wouldn't hurt them but he enjoys telling them that he's the master here and they are trespassing!

Then I had to do my little 8 am volunteer job on SN (which I did a little later) and then I uploaded a couple of photos for a member here and then...  well, I'm all out of breath now!  HAHAHA!


Since we're on PAGE ONE of Google.com now in the Search Engines, many will find our site so let's make it a habit to watch the bottom of the main page for new folks registering and lets make sure that they are given a good "CP WELCOME!"

Our newest member is Shinenlite!  Let's make sure that she feels part of our group here.


Sorry you couldn't sleep last night, Judy!  You came to the best place when sleep leaves us!

Iain, thanks so much again.  My goodness!  The word "Thanks" seems so feable to say when you offer us such wonderful feasts each day!

Let's remember Marilyn as she travels north!  I know that she'll be so happy to be settled into her new home next to her son.

Janet, enjoy your time with Darrel figuring out the security system.  You should post some photos on here of your scuba diving adventures for those who have never seen them.  I enjoy seeing them again and again.

Sorry you had a sleepless night too, Judy!  Hopefully it will be better tonight.

Well, hopefully, I've not left anyone out!

I'll be back.

Ohhh, there's a new Jigsaw Puzzle for you to work on.  It's a lovely photo of pink poppies of Pinkie's.

TTYL

Good morning everyone.  Another Saturday has come around.  Pat, seems like you always have things to do, things to do for the Lord.

Last night I was doing a little reading and came across this great passage from Jude.  This is a good message for us today.

Jude 1:20-25
20   But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
21   Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
22   Be merciful to those who doubt;
23   snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear-- hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
24   To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy--
25   to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
(NIV)

As we study God's word we become more conscious that there are things for us to do.  We can never pay any of the price for our redemption.  "Jesus paid it all."  But we do need to build ourselves up in the faith, to keep ourselves in God's love, and extend mercy to those who doubt, and realize that God is able to keep us from falling.  How wonderful is the glory, majesty, power and authority of our God.

I hope you all have a good day.  And we think of Marilyn today in her move to Northern California.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

  A VERY BIG WELCOME TO SHINENLITE  

Hi Ms Pat   I am on the reverie today and very far away. I am happy I can still see the CP. I hope I can post today too. It is a most wonderful morning. I am here with God.

Hi Papa John, it is too funny you can see my Chinese words. all my smileys are gone   I think i broke them all. It is  - God is Love -

Hi mr Moak, I thank you SO much.

Today i had to save a fly fish, he went right in the boat. And i think, we all need help some times, yes? so today I was his help and he can swim again to his family.

It is my wonder why God has make this fly fish for me today. I am here only with Him. I think today, what can I do only for God today?

Ms PAT - Still today, He wants to satisfy the thirst eternally of those who are drinking of the never-satisfying wells of pleasure, fame and wealth.
This is a puzzle to me today. Is this to say they drink of the wrong well? He want to have them drink of the well of Life with God? yes?  

Mr Iain, your words are wonderful again.

Ms JudyB, soz you did not asleep so well.

Ms Pat, do you know how much I love you?  

God, I thank you for the time you share with me this day. I hope I can do what is your wish.

Mr Bernard I am SO happy to see you here again.

Ms SONI, was it not SO fun to talk to everyone in the chat about Jesus.   they all need SO much help. perhaps it is like my fly fish today.

I hope I can see everyone here again tomorrow. When I am more far out to the sea it is sometimes hard to connect. I hope it is a very good day for everyone.
Oh and God want for me to say hello to everyone, he is here with me today.    I hope he is with you too.

Shinenlite!!!
Pat ~ Upon reading the devotion this morning, I was thinking, Thank God that Jesus just became weary and didn't give up!

Iain ~ Very thoughtful post.  Times change but are we suppose to live literally as Jesus did?  No conveniences at all?  No electricity?  No transportation?  No constructed homes of wood, steel or rock?  No manufactured clothing?  We are to 'think' as Jesus did but live...I don't think so.  Nothing is the same even one hundred years ago, let alone, 2,000 years ago.   I am not saying this to give an excuse for how we live today.  Just stating the facts.

Judy McK ~ I don't know how the drums are at your church but our leader told Jerry they have to hear the drums to get the rythmn.  Our drumists doesn't beat the drums, they play them.

Janet ~ I pray your trip to the bank with Darrell is good.  I like getting out and seeing the world.

Papa John ~ I love your words of wisdom.  I wish I knew the Bible half as much as you do.

Mieka ~ Are you saying you are on a boat or yacht or something out in the ocean?  How neat?  I love the water.  Don't get seasick!  Glad you could connect with us today.  We love you, Mieka!

I wish I had the knowledge that a lot of you have with words to music and music.  I am handicapped in that area.  I don't remember words to songs...but I love the words as I am singing them.  I don't remember songs but when I hear the music, I think, 'Oh, I love this song'.  

Jerry is here today.  We were going to mow but with another big rain last night (which did bring down a branch on a tree in my yard), we would need a boat motor instead of a lawn mower motor.  Different blades, too!  So we will probably go out to eat and do some grocery shopping.  

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"Ideas are like children--no matter how much you admire someone else's, you can't help liking your own best."

Just rushing in here with important news.  (Will read the posts in awhile)...


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Quote from: Iain.
Time for God to work, and time for us to get out of His way. He is waiting for you!
quote]

Iain, I have been saying this for some time, now, around here.  I want nothing more than more of Him!  I want to be so totally emptied of my self that there is not even a speck of "me" to hinder the free flowing of His Spirit through me.  You may know the song "Cleanse me, O Lord, and know my thoughts today ... "  My desire, for sure!  

Sorry I have been lax in greeting our new members... I think I missed saying  ...[size=+3]HELLO, JENNY[/size] And now here is [size=+3]SHININLITE!  [/size] Great to have you drop by for a chat ... I am looking forward to meeting you both!  (and any others I have missed greeting  .)

Thank you, Pat. Actually, Pinkie and I will blow out candles in a few days. But, she was responding to a message I sent her saying I may be out of town being a new grandma at that time, so I wanted her to know I was thinking of our shared birthday and wanted to wish her a good one.

I'm feeling a bit better today - I think my midmorning nap was healing, too.

There are so many good messages here that I can't respond to them all. Suffice it to say - this is a warm welcoming place and I love to come here for love, inspiration, challenges, and support when it's needed.

Ruth Ann

OK  Stop the Presses!

No Birthday Wishes today for two of our favorites!  

HAHAHAHA

Just to keep you all informed - I received a call from Marilyn at about 10 this morning.  She was at a place called Mohave, not too far from Bakersfield.  I estimate they couldn't arrive up here until tomorrow at best, depending on where and for how long they stop.

Thanks Al!

It's great to hear how our friend is progressing on this journey!

(Nice to see you too!)

 
It seems that today is a birthday day for more than a few.  It also is my darling hubby's birthday.  Happy Birthday John, Pinkie, and Ruth Ann.

I know where Bakersfield is,  I will continue to pray for Marilyn's safety in travelling.

I had a good sleep once I got there. Unfortunately my right sholder is what has kept me awake.

Judy the next time I have a bad night we can meet here and have a tea party, Any one else like to join us?

I have my son and his family coming over tonight for a bit of a party.  His boys are so sweet.  The oldest, Brytan, to differentiate between his grand dad's calls John Papa-Grandpa, and me Church-Grandma.  I got some good pics last night and will post them soon.

Well Have to go, John and I have a big job ahead of us so toodles.

Judy B

Hi Judy...

Sorry, but it isn't Pinkie's or Ruth Ann's birthday.  I put in a "Stop the Presses" message above.  That was my mistake!  

Say Happy Birthday to John for me.

Hi everyone and a special welcome to JENNY and  SHININLITE.  

I had a busy morning as we put on a seminar on computers for the seniors at our church.  I had developed a Powerpoint  presentation and gave it last year about this time and they wanted to do it again.  I didn't lead it this time as didn't feel up to standing and talking for an hour or more but agreed to attend and lend a hand, which I did.  We only had 8 attend plus the leader and 3 helpers.  After the presentation the group was invited to use the computers and ask any questions they had.  I think everyone had a good time and learned some things.  Even though I took a nap after lunch I am about worn out, doesn't take much.

I thought the devotional messages are all so good today.  I didn't read Iains devotional to say we shouldn't use different techniques but that the message shouldn't be changed and diluted in our efforts to attract people.  If I am reading this wrong Iain, please correct me.

I am glad that Marilyn contacted Al and we know they are well on their way.  That is a long trip in a truck and towing a car and especially traveling with large dogs.  I know we will all be relieved to hear that the journey has been completed.

We are home from Fowler.  We got all the new devices installed and now we're back home.  It isn't quite as hot as it has been earlier this week, which is a welcome relief.

I don't have any news, just checking in.

Here's a link especially for Karma but the rest of y'all can listen too!

Turn up your speakers and enjoy!

http://www.alighthouse.com/thelighthouse.htm

Pat - This is beautiful.  I turned the speakers up; both Norm and I were humming along...thanks.

BTW CP'ers:  Go to Shinenlite (Joann's) web page.  Its really worth seeing.

Can anyone remember just exactly when CP started?

Do you know that to date, we have just under 12,000 posts?  I think we are to be CONGRATULATED!

Soooo, pat yourselves on the back...take a bow... and while we're AT IT.... we need to thank our Moderator, Pat for getting this up and going!

         THANK YOU PAT SCOTT!!!

Well, Hey!  I don't get here very often but when I do ... there are sure a lot of messages from y'all to wade through ... read  

I won't wish Ruth Ann and Pinkie a happy birthday (today, anyway)    But I will say Happy Birthday to John!  

I have been through Mojave many many times on my trips back and forth between Oklahoma and Sacramento!  In fact the last trip I made, I was driving a big Ryder truck and towing my car behind it,    I drove by myself all the way from central Oklahoma to Sacramento, and then my daughter drove the truck towing her van and I drove my car up here to Coos Bay, Oregon.  Lots of fun!!  There's a first time for everything, they say ... I'm hoping that was not only the first but the last time for something like that!!

Judy, our first day was April 9th.  If you click on the New Every Morning main section and then the last page, you'll see all the posts of the first day!  All 90 of them and even more the next day!

http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=2

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOHN!!!!
Al, so glad that Marilyn called you so that we all know they are on the road.  They weren't very far from Lucerne Valley but on their way to McKinleyville.  I just looked at my maps and I have been in McKinleyville and Arcata but it has been a long time ago.

Nothing much more to add.  Jerry went out to the garage to do something.  He has been out there awhile.  Better go check on him.

I pray that everyone has a great night's rest so they may be with the Lord in His house tomorrow.  I am manning the lights tomorrow and Jerry will be doing his tape ministery.  After church there is going to be a church picnic.  The men are cooking...grilling burgers...and our ticket is to bring a dessert and chairs.  I made Chocolate Cake Mix/Chocolate Chip cookies!!!!

Good night all.  I know it is early but!!!!

Well, we have had a good day here today.  Cornelia and Martha were gone to a luncheon for several hours today and I had a good time reading my book.  I went with them to the Mall where they walked and I walked a little.

Mieka, I copied the Chinese thing before you lost your smileys etc.  I hope you can get them back.

Al, thanks for the report on Marilyn.  We hope they have a safe trip and that this move will be good for her.

Shinenlite  I join the others in giving you a hearty welcome.

Larry, I agree with you that the message of God's word must not be changed.  However I am sure that our methods of presenting it vary.  Styles do change.  I doubt that if we were able to visit the churches in the days of the New Testament that we would find church buildings, song books, air conditioning, printed teaching materials, etc.   Sometimes it is good to consider what will appeal to people in presenting the message of Jesus.  

1 Corinthians 9:19-22
19   For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, that I might win the more.
20   To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews; to those under the law I became as one under the law-- though not being myself under the law-- that I might win those under the law.
21   To those outside the law I became as one outside the law-- not being without law toward God but under the law of Christ-- that I might win those outside the law.
22   To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
(RSV)

I hope you all have a good night's rest.  Tomorrow we look forward to meeting with brothers and sisters to worship God.

--- Papa John              <)))><<
 

It's just so lovely to be able to come here and read the nice messages, isn't it?

As we think of tomorrow being the Lord's Day, many of us will be worshipping Him at the Breaking of Bread.

Let's remember how the Lord was Wounded For Us.