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Morning Devotional...


Knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Romans 13:11


We do a lot of funny things with time.

We watch it, guard it, keep it, take it, spend it, pass it, lose it, steal it, waste it, kill it, fill it, and beat it, when all the while the Bible says we should redeem the time!

Time in turn drags on, passes by, slips away, moves fast, marches on, runs out, and flies--when you're having fun!

God, the Creator of time and eternity, works precisely. Christ was born, moved, and died at just the right time.

Have you taken the time to thank Him?

Are you redeeming the time?
                                                                                         --Rex Trogdon


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Good morning all!
Lots to praise the Lord for today!

Ruth Ann,
I thank you for your inquiry in yesterday's post. I will share with all of you the results of your faithful prayers so far:
Lots happening this past week.God is moving in wonderful ways.
First and foremost it has been over a week since I was last in a bar.
I have decided that I have wasted enough time running from the emotions I was left with after the divorce.
I have started sorting out the material for my book. I will start typing it into the computor in the format they need for submissions. I am then going to submit it to as many Christian publishers as I can find.
My landlord has said that he is not tearing the building down for over a year and that he would renew my lease if I want at the end of September. It really surprised me as I have been late with the rent for the past 6 months. He said the rent will stay where it's at. No increase. I think if he agrees to fix the stove, I will take him up on his offer.
God has been very generous with me this month and already I have earned over $1300 in commisions for next month. (and there's still nearly half a month left  to close some of the other prospects that I helped with.)  My boss had a $73,000 contact signed  that I helped with  and he gave me the full 1%! I will finally be able to get even with my bills! I have been struggling so much these past months.  Usually I have only days before they are going to disconnect the phone or electricity, but God has remained faithful and nothing has ever been shut off. I will be able to pay the landlord all of August's rent and half of September's on the 15th of Aug!  I'm not sure how much taxes will be taken from my check, but I know whatever is left is going to make a big difference.
I have a made a new friend. His name is Max.  
He is 31 and owns a couple of businesses in Bonita. He has been kind enough to help me with my car by rotating the tires and plugging a screw hole. He gave me a fuel filter and new pvc valve for my birthday! He even volunteered to install them for me.
He's not looking for anything, he's just been through some tough times himself and others have given him a leg up so that he could be where he is now. Very stable and established in the community. Guess he's doing the "pay it forward" thing and I have been blessed to be on the receiving end.
We were talking yesturday about my financial situation, and he has  offered to pay the downpayment to a bancrupcy lawyer in exchange for my cleaning his house once a week. Should be about 6 weeks worth of work. And if I'm good (and I am), he'll keep me on and pay me cash once my debt is paid.! He was paying his cleaning lady $60 a week. That money will go to my uncle until I finish paying him back for a car loan. He has been very patient with me
THERE IS A LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!!.
God is so faithful!! I'll never really understand why He is so nice to me.
I think He really does see our hearts....
I am looking for a new church to attend. I went online today to see what was out there and kindof close to home. If it's too far, I won't show up- I know myself well enough.
I didn't see anything much, but I will look in the newspaper for the listings of area churches and pick one. I want to go where no one knows me. Where I can have a fresh start and only God has to know about my past mistakes until such a time when I am ready to share them through devotionals and poetry to His glory.
Tonight I am taking my laundry to Max's house and using his machines.It's one of the benefits of being his housekeeper. NO MORE LAUNDRYMATS!!!!
God is so good to me!
The only down side to all of this, and it really isn't, just feels like it right now, is that without the use of anything to numb my heart, the emotions are starting to surface.
I hadn't realized how much anger I have in my heart towards Jay. Please pray for  the Lord to fill me with forgiveness to Jay and myself.
I tend to be pretty weepy these days. I felt I had to tell my boss and the saleman at work what was going on because I feel so fragile and might start to cry over any little thing. They both said they were proud of me for making the attempt and they've been real supportive also.
I hate feeling the way I feel when my heart begins to ache. I ache for my marriage and the ministry that never got off the ground. I'm angry at Jay. I feel as if he lied to me the whole time we were courting. I'm angry for the financial position he left me in. I know that I will recover, but it is very hard to not be able to buy a lipstick or hairdye when I want to. It seems like I am always having to put myself on hold while I give my hard earned money to the bill collectors and utility companies.
Please keep me in prayer as I seek a heart of forgiveness.

May you all have a blessed day!

Jenny. 9.05 a.m.

Jo ...well done!....Yes indeed what a wonderful God we have.....He does not punish us as we deserve....we take one step towards Him and He rushes towards us, with arms outstretched. I will continue to pray for you and will add Jay to those prayers.I have written his name on my list which is beside my "puter".
As I awoke this morning  the words to "Oh what a beautiful morning were laid on my heart,"Oh what a beautiful morning, Oh what a beautiful day....I've got a wonderful feeling everything's going my way".....Such positive words for us all.......Was it Howard Keel that sang this? Anyway, I too have noticed God is doing a new thing.  He is turning hearts to me in amazing ways....folks who have been difficult in my life are starting to be kinder.  Yesterday you could have  blown me down with a feather. The nurse at my local doctor's surgery is a very brusk person and upsets everyone.....she was so kind and compassionate to me when I had to pop in for a quick test........(nothing serious by the way). It wasn't until later that I recalled sitting on the high stool in the kitchen last time I saw her and praying for her. This truly is the Lord's doing and it is marvellous in my eyes...Praise God!
My next door neighbour (not the noisy house) called me in and gave me a cup of tea the other day.  It's never happened before and I've lived here for 9 years. I have been asking Jesus to deal with these feelings of isolation....."Little by little bit by bit"....."Let patience have her perfect work"........agreed Iain?
Perhaps we could all take one difficult person to pray for this morning, then leave that person in the Lord's hands and see the result in His perfect timing...no heavy prayers, He can hear us.
AL.... I have your young men on my list too.

Dear Brothers and sisters have a blessed day as I know I shall. "This is the day that the Lord has made....Let us rejoice in it".....BLESSINGS WILL ABOUND.

Love Jenny.

I am not sure whether to post my devotional this morning or not.

Redeeming the time, is more important to me now than ever it was before. Thanks Pat.

Jo - Sis I am weeping with you, praying for you and praising the Lord for answered prayers. keep on keping on lass. You are heading in the right direction. 'Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.'

Jenny- I was reminded of this text and I am quoting it off the top of my head. 'When a man's ways plaese the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.'

Please forgive any errors.

LOL

'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you'

John 15:16

Chosen by God! Wow! What a privilege! How many of us are truly aware of the honour bestowed upon us? As Christians, do we take our God and all His benefits for granted? It seems that once saved we are happy to live on a level where we do not wish anything to disturb our equilibrium.

For many, the Christian life holds no challenge. Why put ourselves out when others will do it? We are happy to accept the benefits of being a Christian, however we get very embarrassed if we are asked to do something for Him.

We shun the shame of the cross. There is no need for me to tell the whole world that I am a Christian. I am happy to keep these things quiet. I am happy to get on with my life without doing harm to anyone or causing offence. I'll be humble and keep these things to myself.

Life after all is hard enough. No point in making things worse!

Can you imagine the kind of world we would be living in today, if our forefathers in the faith had thought and lived in like manner? Sadly that is the way with many claiming to be Christians in our day. Many are so well off with regards to material possessions, health and financial security that they assume that the Lord is well pleased with their lives.

They bear no fruit whatsoever. It does not seem to bother them. They are regular attendants at every church meeting and there is no outward sin that anyone can accuse them of. They love nothing better than to sit in judgement. Fault finding is their speciality.

I wonder just how many read verse two of this chapter and take it to heart?

It is fearful!

I cannot understand any Christian who does not want to bear fruit for his Saviour. I know full well that we fail each and every day of our lives in this respect, however there is surely a spirit within us that yearns not only to bear fruit, but to bear much fruit. It is as natural to the spiritual man as breathing.

Does the love that veiled itself in human form on the cross for sinners such as us not motivate us to do exploits for God? Does the innocent blood that flowed not move us anymore?

Are we like those who guard the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London. They see these precious gems and crowns every day of their lives and they now take them for granted. They no longer hold that special WOW when first they set eyes on them.

Each new day is special. Eternity awaits, we are but a breath away. We have but a short time here in this body to do business with our God. Are we scared to be different? Do we still fear what man may do or say to us? Are we still not able to harness that resurrection power in our lives?

Listen to the Word. We did not choose this life for ourselves, God did! We truly deserve an eternity in Hell! Not one of us can deny that. Sometimes I fear we lose sight of the hellishness of Hell just as surely as we lose sight of the sinfulness of sin.

Christ in us, the hope of glory. We may feel weak and unable to serve Him. We may be more fruitful on our sickbed than ever we were in good health! I know from experience that I am more fervent in my prayers for Pastors and preachers now than ever I was.

As ones engrafted into the True Vine, let us drink freely of the sap and bathe in the light, joyfully bearing precious fruit for the Great Husbandman.

Abiding in Him is our strength. Through Christ we can do all things. We need not fear. If God be for us who can be against us? No weapon formed against us shall prosper. I am thy shield and exceeding great reward. I am your refuge and your strength in straits a present aid.

The promises of God are plentiful. Each one has a value and purpose that meets any need that we may encounter. He does not want us to do anything in our own strength. He tells us that without Him we can do nothing.

(How many more times am I going to have to learn this lesson?)

Listen to the gracious and loving words of our beloved Saviour. 'Whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.' Ask and you shall receive. God is not a liar. He will never let you down. He will never forsake you or cause you harm.

He does not look upon us in anger. He cannot. His wrath was turned upon Christ at Calvary. He looks upon us today through the eyes of love. That itself should be incentive enough for us to bear as much fruit as we can for Him, while it is day.

'These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.' Be a mirror for Christ today, reflect His image. God has chosen you. God has chosen you for a purpose. God has chosen you to live and to bear much fruit.

God has chosen you because He loves you.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

 Pat:  Wonderful words for thought to-day
I will return later to finish reading the posts.

It is a sunny crisp cool morning Praise to the Lord.

Blessings

Ruth

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[size=12]HAPPY BIRTHDAY
RUTH ANN
& PINKIE[/size]
[size=8]"God Danced The Day You Were Born"[/size]

Good Morning to all. I am late getting in here to NEM as I have spent the last 2 hours working on some photos for you to enjoy. Seems I din't do such a hot job on them but the originals are much better but unfortunately too big to post here..
Great devotional this morning. Pat and Iain. I will be back later I have things to do here.

Thank you for the great birthday messages - and the wonderful graphics! Thus far, it's been a good day.

Ruth Ann

Jo, I am so glad to read of God's blessings in your life.  As I was driving to work, David Jeremiah was speaking on the radio about sin in the Christian family, and how we as Christians should handle it.  (Oddly the second message today I had heard about that, the first was Chip Ingram on almost the same topic).  He said something (I don't even remember what, now  ), but you came to my mind.  I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you today, and praying that whatever comes your way, God will give you the strength and grace to deal with it in a Godly fashion.  I can sorta understand trying to deal with surfacing emotions.  I am no counselor, but in my experience, it is better to deal with them as they come, instead of smooshing them back down, because they are like bubbles -- up they come again.  I usually don't go in for professional counseling, but if you could find a solid CHRISTIAN counselor (none of these new agie types), it might be good for you.  Or a good friend to confide in.  Someone to help you through the memories.  Anyway, I've talked enough.  Hang in there, girlfriend, you and God can do this!!

Happy Birthday, birthday people!

I will try to post more later.

PS -- I just saw the post about praying for a difficult person.  I think that is an awesome idea.  My only question is, "How do I choose only 1?"  Haahhaha.  Maybe I am that difficult person.  Think?

Karmat, Jennie & Iain,
Thanks for your encouragement.
I am looking up and so are my circumstances..imagine that!

Karmat- thanks for your suggestion re: counseling- while in my marriage we went for 2 1/2 years and still couldn't keep the marriage together.
I think I  have a very good understanding of what is happening and Who can mend me.
God told me once long ago that He must empty me before He can fill me...
I think that's what tears are really about.


Blessings to all
Jo

Dear Jo, congratulations on being under God's  blessing and favour, long may you continue to receive from Him all that He has stored up for those who love Him-Ist Cor ch 2 v 9.
As hard as it may seem right now,  try to pray God's blessing and forgiveness on Jay,
"VENGEANCE IS MINE I SHALL REPAY SAYS THE LORD."  Yes, a verse to ponder on!
But if the Lord wreaks vengeance then where did we stand before we were saved?
We too deserved great punishment, but instead received great mercy and grace,  I ask you to release Jay to God, let your Saviour deal with him, and you will find great release and freedom in your own life, especially in prayer times.
It isn't always easy to forgive someone so intimately hurtful,  but in forgiving Jay, you will be letting go and freeing yourself from a bondage which sometimes can make one ill.
"Pray for your enemies, bless those who despitefully use you."
What a wonderful freedom comes from this act, and He will help you do it too, just ask!
Love,Chris and Margit.
http://www.pine-net.com/babcocksstore/armslgth.htm

Happy birthday girls. I hope you faces are as red as mine was on my birthday! What did they call it? A cyber blush!

LOL

Just came in from taking the dogs for walks. Happydog stops so many time to sniff at everything, from trees to the blacktop Each one made a stop next door to see  the kinds, but the dogs were more afraid of them than they are of the dogs. All except for Gitsie. I don't let them pet her unless I am holding her head, she might bite. Forest calls her grochy, because thats how I explained why they couldn't pet her.
Now to do some more reading here.

Good Afternoon~

Wow, is it hot here today. Were looking at 100 + today.
As we drove back into town last night our Valley was filled with smoke! We wondered what forrest was it this time. Ya know last year we had a fire that burned about a half a million acres. The current smoke seems to be coming from a fire that is over 100 miles North of us up near Eugene. It's such a shame when smoke settles down in the valley like this, it is so thick I can't see the surrounding moutains. The forcast does say there is a chance of thunderstorms. A bit of rain would be good to clear up this smoke.
Our family had such a good time at the beach! I was able to have a nice walk by myself yesterday and reflect on the goodness of the Lord. The beach was pretty much to ourselves except for a few scattered folks here and there. I was able to sing praises to Him and enjoy the awesome creation of His hands.

I enjoyed the thoughts on redeeming the time. It's so true, were all given the same time in a day.It's always good to ask what have we done to glorify Him today.

Back to the wash and cleaning~
Have a good day,
Denise

Hey, Hey, Hey ... I'm not all the way back, but closer!  My sister and I returned from Knoxville, TN this afternoon.  Actually, we stayed in Mt.Vernon, IN. last night and that's about 1/2 way between one sister and the other  (Knoxville and Kansas City) ... I will be leaving here tomorrow afternoon and arrive at my own wonderful, peaceful home by the sea tomorrow night (around 10:30 p.m.)...  It has been a great week of meeting and greeting and going and doing, but I'm (more than) ready to get home!

I know I have missed a lot of wonderful messages from a lot of wonderful people, but ... well, I will make up for lost time starting Friday!

Everyone take care and have a great rest of the week and I'll be back soon.  I might just have a picture or two to show y'all where I've been and what I've been doing!

Just stopping by to say hello----very busy day with granddaughter from afar whom I don't see often.  I will be back later to read all your posts.  God bless!

Hi everyone.  I stopped by this morning to read the devotionals to get my day started but didn't post as had some other things I needed to do.  It has been a rainy and rather mild day here and we may get more rain this evening.

Happy Birthday, Pinkie and Ruth Ann.

Nothing new here so will make this short tonight.  See you all tomorrow.

I hope the birthday wishes aren't too late.  

A busy day at work today, so at least it went fast.  And tonight I've finally got people for greeting and reading and making coffee for next Sunday's service.  This time of year so many people are away, it's hard to fill the slots.  Anyway, this is the last Sunday I have to take care of it until December.

Not too warm today, only around 78 or so, but very humid and switching between warm sunshine and showers or downright downpours.  Typical July day for this area, although a little cool.

I'm watching TV with Gene and coming here in between his surfing bouts, so I'll be back.  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH ANN!!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PINKIE!!!
Just stopping for a quick moment.  Jane, that is Mt. Vernon, Illinois!!  Not Indiana!!!  But glad you are on your way home and continue having a safe trip.  

Cravings?  A friend of mine...her youngest is in his 50's...has 3 sons.  For all three kids, her husband bought a ton of coal.  He would break it up in small pieces and she chewed this coal and ingested it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can't stay but want you to know that I am enjoying the posts but I haven't been to photos for a few days....gotta go!!!!

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"What we need is more milk of human kindness in the cream of society."

Coal!!!!    That has to be the strangest I've heard yet, though I have heard that some women crave dirt.


Had a rough day this afternoon.  Had to leave work early, and I won't go into detail (you wouldn't appreciate it, I'm sure), but suffice to say that something somehow messed me up.  Not as sick as Jerry, but I was miserable for about 9 hours  yuck.

I hope you all have a pleasant night, and take care.  Back tomorrow

  We almost lost out mouse! ! We have a second cat, Jasper, he is a pretty boy.  There will be pictures soon of him.

Happy Birthday Ruth Ann and Pinkie!
It has been a long day.  I am not yet done, but I will be soon.

God Bless all
JudyB

Another day has come and gone and it's time to lock the door here.

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