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Morning Devotional...

The Prayer of Faith

...The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. --James 5:16

A second important requirement if the believing church is to be used in God's ministry is prayer and the response God makes to our prayers uttered in true faith.... No matter what our stature or status, we
have the authority in the family of God to pray the prayer of faith. The prayer of faith engages the heart of God, meeting God's conditions of spiritual life and victory.

Our consideration of the power and efficacy of prayer enters into the question of why we are part of a Christian congregation and what that congregation is striving to be and do. We have to consider
whether we are just going around and around--like a religious merry-go-round. Are we simply holding on to the painted mane of the painted horse, repeating a trip of very insignificant circles to a pleasing musical accompaniment?...

All of the advertising we can do will never equal the interest and participation in the things of God resulting from the gracious answers to the prayers of faith generated by the Holy Spirit.


"Lord, don't ever let me be satisfied 'holding on to the painted mane of the painted horse.' I want to be part of a dynamic Body of believers, greatly used of You because we're seeing answers to genuine 'prayers of faith generated by the Holy Spirit.' Amen."

Dr. Tozer in Tragedy in the Church: The Missing Gifts, 7-8.

Thank you Pat.

Oh so true Pat. I believe we can put a gun to someones head and make them pray the sinners prayer but until God uses the Holy Spirit to convict their heart we are wasting our time. A sinner needs to hear God's word and then we need to pray that the Holy Spirit will work on the sinners heart. If anything is going to happen God has to do it. If we do it ourselves nothing accomplished.

Have You ever been whipped by the Holy Spirit? I have and I can tell you friend that it was the worst whipping I have ever had. You can't get away from it!

A old Saint giving me the word and praying, God and the Holy spirit convicting me to the point that I was willing to admit I was a sinner, repent of my sins and asking Jesus to come into my heart is why I am saved. It was not of me,and God still has to keep me.

Praises be to God! Thank You Lord!

Thanks Pat!

Have a great day everyone and remember God Loves YOU!

Hi everyone.  It is now just dawn and it appears it will be a bright and another warm day.  Yesterday after church we did close up the house and turn on the AC and were much more comfortable the rest of the day.

The housekeepers are to be here this morning.  We had to cancel two weeks ago since Pat had the flu so the house is in need of attention.  I expect the yard people will also be here although our grass doesn't start growing until later in the spring.  I will attend the men's Monday luncheon and that will be it for today. 

Pat, thanks for the devotional for this week.  Glad to read you are safely in Virginia.  Are you aware you would be welcome inside the McDonald's to use your computer as long as you want.  When they announced the pretty much system-wide free wi-fi they made that plain.  I am seeing more and more people using computers in McDonald's.  We use their wi-fi everyday we go there for coffee.

Liz, always exciting to have a new computer and hope you soon adjust to the Windows 7 operating system.  I found there was really very little difference.  One of the big changes was the versatility of the search function after you hit the Start button.  Also it takes a little getting used to the idea of libraries but I found I soon adapted.  You asked about AVG and Norton's.  I know that many people like Norton's but I am not one of them.  There software created such a mess in my computer several years ago that I vowed I wouldn't ever use that product again, whether it was free or not.  I have used the AVG Free version as well as the Avast Free version and now use the Microsoft Security Essentials, which is also free and have had very good results and saved a lot of money.  However, it is a matter of preference.  I read a lot of different computer writer's newsletters and they all seem to agree the free products are fine for home use.  One thing I like about the Microsoft Security Essentials is that it keeps itself updated with new virus definitions and is seamless not requiring any periodic action on my part or nagging me to do something.  Sorry that you are going to have to delay your cataract surgery.

Sarah, the fires sound very scary and do hope you all get some soaking rain soon.

Janet, thinking of you today.

Well, time to head out for coffee and get my day started.

Great devotional, Pat.  It is easy to get caught up with the merry-go-round of automatic and non-thinking prayer. 

As to anti-virus products, I've been using AVG free for a long time and have always been pleased with it.  It updates every morning automatically at 7:00 (or as soon after that as I boot up the computer) and automatically does a full scan in the background every morning at 10:00.

A nap was in store yesterday afternoon...so late that when I woke I thought I was late for Small Groups...but I still had an hour to go!  Small Groups was great and a great discussion of Ananias and Saphirra and how they tried to deceive God.  Great discussion. 

The hostess of Small Groups had told me she had a small table that I could have for my laptop.  When I got there, it was just like what I got at Office Depot but she told me to take it anyway...she didn't want it.  So I did.  It is about 3 inches wider so I changed and really like it better.  Seems the offset legs are farther back so my office chair sits under the table better and I can put everything on the top that I want.  Before I had a 3-legged foot stool to hold some stuff.

Today was rehab for Ivalou.  Today the therapist gave Ivalou a massage on her neck and spine.  Ivalou says she feels so much better already even though it hurt while Jen was massaging.  Ivalou must be full of tight knots!  But each session she seems to be better! 

Then we ate breakfast at Bob Evans and then to WalMart.  Ivalou got a Black and Decker Battery Operated Weed Eater and a Dirt Devil sweeper and a few other things.  I only got oil for my lawn mowers and plastic eggs for the Youth Minister and the Easter Egg Hunt the 23rd. 

Now I am ready to go to Photo Guild tonight.  It will just be Kitty and I so I imagine we will have Mexican since her husband won't eat Mexican food and Ivalou isn't that fond of it either! 

Tomorrow Kitty and I plan to swim.  So that will make something to do every day this week!

Today my husband would be 81 if still living.  Since he was 61 when he passed away, he will forever be young to me. 

HAHAHA!  Etta Sue, I fell asleep after lunch, too.  And I woke up in a panic, sure that my roof was leaking really bad and I couldn't get hold of anyone to come look at it.  Of course, I had to check it out as soon as I woke up, even though I could see that the sun was shining and knew I'd only been dreaming.  

Janet:  How wonderful that you were with your mom.  Just remember the best times in life with her. 

We have had quite a weekend and did expect to go to church/ fix a big breakfast for daughter/ and then go to grandson's Eagle Scout ceremony.  Well, we did go to church.  Our daughter came & they had already eaten (communication problem) and right as she stepped into the door with her family, Don became violently sick.  After he was settled in bed and said he was feeling a bit better - I went on to the ceremony.  It was so special and grandson, along with his scout friends, had really worked hard - he was pushing his friends to get their badge too.  Today, Don is better and able to get fresh air. 

Jeanne:  LOL

Hello everyone:

Just back from spending some time with a friend and since Mel is not going to be home early I will be meeting Sue for a bite to eat.

It is also frustrating trying to balance the check book and for reason of numbers it is not doing to well. I will try again tomorrow to get things figured out.

While out I thought the wind just might blow me away but the day has also been warm and sunny and that I do enjoy.

Jesus is good all the time.     Ruth

It's time now to cast your votes for your 10 favorite photos in the Mini Challenge - The Eyes Have It.  HERE.

It has been a long afternoon. Took Kassie to the Doctor about her foot and he sent her for X-rays.  We were so long getting them done that the doctor called the clinic and told us to come back tomorrow instead of after the X-rays were done.  That means another trip in to town.  Kassie has decided to return to Cadets.  We are so very pleased about this.  She will finish out the year there will be no promotions, but next year will be better.  She has 2 years left.

I am waiting for John to call so I must close off.  Have a restful night folks and God bless.

Please forgive my ignorance of the messages this week.

Today alone, GOD HAS REVEALED ANSWERS TO PRAYERS FROM 30 YEARS AGO, FOR 2 SITUATIONS,! And a more recent one as well.

Then He blessed even more abundantly in a seemingly hopeless situation in a family I have grown to love as my own. Another praise, storms, hail, high winds seemed to have moved on and I was held safely in His hands as I waited to be able to safely return home. And, it seems no life was lost.

Humbly, Ruth Ann

Morning Everyone

The weather people say we might get a strong T Storm today with a high of 76°. Typical spring weather for sure.

Had to take the grand kids to school, done, have to pick them up after school and then take them back to ball practice, pending.

Bought gas last night after visiting the rest home, $3.77 a gal here. I'm tired of working for the gas people , if I didn't have to buy gas I wouldn't need money, between my 5 vehicles and my greenhouses, that by the way is bringing in less than is going out, I wouldn't need money. I think it's time to call it quits, go home and work in my yard, surf the net, and of course go fishing with my grand kids. Enough ranting.

Praise God for answered prayer. Ruth Ann I am glad those prayers were answered for you.

Have a great day everyone

and remember God Loves YOU!

Ruth Ann, what an AWESOME God we serve!  Thank you for that wonderful message of praise for answered prayer. 

I told Kitty that I would need gas before driving last night to Photo Guild.  But when I checked the GasBuddy on Droid, the local gas station said $3.99.9 a gal.  Anderson was $3.84.9.  So since we were going to Anderson decided to wait.  Well, it was $3.99.9 there also!!  So I didn't get gas.  I know it was a lot less in Noblesville yesterday.  I still say these prices are gouging John Q Public.  

I am always amazed at the photography at Killbuck Photo Guild.  Click on the different albums and see for yourself how amazing these people are with their cameras.  All except the Etta Gann one.

Partly cloudy today after all day rain yesterday.  What a difference a day makes in the Spring.  My maple trees have little leaves on them.  My tulip poplar has big buds on them.  Spring flowers are in bloom.  Robins and turtle doves galore in my yard.  And I will probably have lilacs by the weekend!  Have you ever thought of how God made so many shades of green?  I have.

Today we are going swimming.  Not sure what else is on the agenda.  Someone last night said I could go to Frye's and purchase PSPX3 for $59.95 and with 2 rebates, you get all your money back.  FREE is good!!  Maybe I can talk Kitty into stopping there.  

When I previewed this, it said '   
The following error or errors occurred while posting this message:  No subject was filled in.'  Never happened before and I have never put anything in the subject line other than when I am starting a new 'Thoughts for the Week.'  I had to put in 'Thoughts for the Week~April 10' to post.  Any ideas why?

See my post doesn't have 'Re:' in the subject line.   This one does! 

Hi everyone.  Our area once again escaped any severe weather last evening with just a little bit of rain.  It appears the power must have gone off as one of the alarm clocks was blinking but the computers were back up and running this morning.  Just got back from coffee and then walking about 16 laps at the gym.  That takes care of most of my energy for the day.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning and later this afternoon the lady from the Golden Games is stopping by to pick up one last change in the paperwork.  Tomorrow the games begin with the Opening Ceremony, which will be a nice lunch and business meeting.  Pat is going with me to the opening but not the closing.

Pat has gone to the Senior Center this morning and was gone when I got back from coffee.  Always glad to see her feeling up to doing this

Don, I know how you feel on the gas situation and yesterday I was shocked to see the very large increases in food prices with apples now selling at $2 per pound as an example.  I have always liked Brach's candy but haven't seen it in any store in this area until yesterday I went to a different supermarket and they had the display.  It was $4.98 a pound.  I won't be having any of that, which is probably just as well.    

Ruth Ann, glad you had your prayers answered yesterday.  God answers when it is time according to his plan for our lives not when we think he should because it wouldn't have been best for us earlier.  

Judy, the long waits for medical service can be very frustrating.  I fear that is what we will soon be facing here in the USA.  So far our Kaiser doctors usually stay pretty much on schedule but our daughter often faces very long delays even with appointment times.  

Ruth, I have found the solution to balancing the checkbook.  My wife now does it.  Of course, when she can't get it to balance I usually get called to help find the problems.  

Carol, glad Don was feeling better yesterday but sure he hated to have to miss that special occasion for your grandson.  Becoming an Eagle Scout is a big thing representing a lot of work.

Etta Sue and Jeanne, I just build in an afternoon rest period (sometimes nap and sometimes just rest if not sleepy) and it really helps.  I get very tired when I have to miss it.  I have done this for many years.  

Ruth Ann Thankyou for your praise report.  I for one get impatient when there is no visible answer.  Sometimes I need a wack with a 2 X 4 to get my attention that it is God's timing not mine.

The rain has finally quit.  The sun is shining.  Wonderful day.

God bless you all
Judy

Amen to that!!!

So pleased to have read Ruth Ann's answered prayers.

Yes, HE is so awesome,

In HIS timing; and loving that HE does it that way, 'cause we humans would "louse up" what we want , when we want it and not wait for HIS timing and miss out on the best; what is best for us from the one who created and died for us.

Praise HIS name,

Joyce

Please pray for me, because Still waiting for HIS word to sell our home--know there's a reason for this long , two years delay in selling, I keep thinking:
Lord, you must have something wonderful right around the corner waiting for me; so I wait..

Hi, friends, it's "here again, gone again" Ruth Ann. Today I'll be at the Post Office, then most likely a nap followed by clerical work for a former boss.

Much love, Ruth Ann

I went for my six-month checkup at the doctor's this afternoon and, Praise the Lord, everything seems to be good - heart, breathing, blood pressure, improvement shown in last dexa scan.  I feel almost guilty having such a good report when so many are suffering.  Almost, but not really.  The Lord is keeping His hand on me for a reason and some day I'll find out what that reason is.  Meanwhile, I thank Him from the bottom of my heart that things are so good.   

Yesterday it was summer, complete with a late day thunderstorm.  Today we're back to what is more or less normal for spring with on-again off-again sunshine, upper 40's to near 50 this afternoon, and it looks like that's what we'll have for the next week.  Sure a big difference from a couple of weeks ago!   

It's me again.  I just read this in an e-mail from a friend and found it so powerful I wanted to share it with you all:

Larry, That is a powerful story..... I have already shared it...... so many people stop coming out to services and don't realize the effect!!  Thank you!!

Oh, how wonderful

Larry, I am printing this out and putting up in my office for all to see and read.

Thank you,

Joyce

I agree with the others I liked it also and would like to share it if its ok.

Very touching story and one to share with my minister. 

Here's another really sad video.  Sad but true.  If you are faint of heart, do not watch.  Really lets you know what Japan has gone through. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1376119/Japanese-tsunami-video-The-life-death-race-outrun-giant-wave.html

It's over 5 minutes long but you will watch it all if you start watching it.

Larry, thank you for that "silent sermon"!  What a wise preacher.   

I had a post done and lost it....could not get it back.  

Sad video, Etta Sue.  We are so fortunate to live in our area...tho' the threat of a bad earthquake is always in the air.  My heart hurts for all the suffering in our world.  

I am spending time resting and should be able to have my surgery tomorrow if things stay ok.  Bad virus that is going around the island right now.  Even the eye dr. sec. has had it and knew what I was talking about.

The kids just brought me the rest of their surprise gift....Bose Speakers for my new computer.  Never did I ever think this person would have Bose Speakers.  They are as great as you reported, Etta Sue.   I am truly blessed.....and have no idea why.  

Larry, do I need Net Framework 4 and Silverlight on my computer?  Windows update rec. them, so put both on when doing updates. All this newer tech. is confusing for me....my brain is not working that well at 78.  Once was like a mini steel trap....now wouldn't qualify as a bad mouse trap.  I am thinking of having a small farwell  for my old 9 yr. Sony computer.  We have decided to destroy rather than giving to the Sally Ann.  It works okay but is pretty slow and SIL doesn't think it is a good idea to recyle.  It was such a big part of my life for such a long time.....it is kind of hard to do.  You know a lot about windows 7, so will wait for you to respond before removing......They do take up a lot of space.

Stay safe all and God Bless,

Liz

Etta Sue:  That was a shocking video.  So sad & horrifying. 

Larry:  Nice example you showed and so true about the life being void when going alone. 

Ruth Ann:  Just wanted to let you know that your message about 30 years of prayers finally showing some success really helps me.  Wishing you more blessings. 

JudyB:  Nice that she is going to be the the cadets group again after she did put so much effort and time into it previously. 

Liz:  Prayers for your surgery tomorrow.  How nice that you have the Bose speakers. 

Tonight is quilting group & it is only a few houses up the street - bible study tomorrow morning and then a little community group in the afternoon of needle work  - I am knitting in there.  Friday is a lunch for women and I am trying to get two other friends to go with me (my first time). 

We have an election coming up and just now there is a debate on TV, got tired of the slinging so came here which is a much better idea.

Larry:  About balancing the check book my hubby is hopeless.  Just this afternoon he deposited a check in the bank now the rest is my job.

Larry:  I like the Silent Sermon.

Judy:  Good luck for Kassies going back to cadets.

Marilyn:  Are you hidding?
       
We must be blessed because when Mel sees the spec. he goes for the X-ray then the results are sent instantly to the Dr.
I have about 10 minutes to check on another site, bye bye for this evening