Christian Photographers Community

Though my reading this morning was in Romans my mind was carried back to Genesis. Looking out of my window this morning the beauty was beyond compare.

The early morning light casts shadow where it can and there is a low-lying mist hugging the dips and the valleys between my house and the airport in the distance.

Last night Mars was clearly visible and by far the brightest star in the sky. There is a gentle breeze and the air is fresh and clean. I wonder how many others can say that about the place where they live?

There is a spider's web hanging between Ann's greenhouse and our shed that is a masterpiece in fragile art. The dew has enhanced it this morning.

I have described the way things are on the outside and I cannot but marvel at my Lord's creation especially on a morning like this. We even have colour in the garden, which is surprising, as usually by September all of Ann's hard work has been savaged by gale force winds.

His glorious work of creation makes me consider His 'new creation' within my own soul.

I find each day is a battle. Sin within and without, temptations, snares and doubts flying through my mind like deadly missiles trying to destroy any faith that is lurking in the shadows. I am not one for giving up and today is no different.

Even before 'in the beginning,' God had chosen me in Christ. Often when I am burdened with sin and with guilt I think on this. Before I had committed any sin, before I had let my Saviour down yea even before I had taken my first breath, my salvation was sure in Christ. The doctrine of election can be baffling for many, a false pillow for some yet I find it to be a great comfort and encouragement.

There are two phrases that are repeated many times throughout this opening chapter of God's word. 'And it was so' and 'God saw that it was good.'

God speaks and it is done. Has He spoken to me recently? When was the last time that I heard my Saviours' voice? Would I recognise Him if He spoke to me just now? These questions I ask myself often.
Whatever God has said will be done.

There is nothing in heaven or in earth that can thwart His purposes. If God has given me a promise then I can be fully persuaded that it will come to pass. Days, weeks and months may pass by with little sign of it happening, but it shall be all the sweeter when the time is right for it to be fulfilled. He does all things well and that includes the delays.

Listen to what the Apostle wrote about Abraham's faith. 'Who against hope believed in hope...' 'He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.'

I have found that whenever I have received a promise through God's Word everything in my life seems to contradict the fulfilling of it. There seems to be no possible way of it ever coming to pass!

Yet He remains faithful! The darkest hour is just before the dawn and often it will seem that the knife must be put to the throat of the promise before He brings His word to pass.

Husbands, wives, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters will all let us down from time to time but God will never fail us. He keeps His promises. His word is sure. Friend, even our unbelief cannot stop God's word coming to pass!

Is the promise that you are waiting to be fulfilled in your life more difficult for God to perform than His work of creation?

God was well pleased with His creation. The heavens and the earth were finished in six days and all was very good.

God has not changed since then. All that He does today is good. There are times when we are so taken up with our own immediate problems and cares that we can be quick to point the finger at God and blame Him for the catastrophes that come our way.

Even our disappointments have been ordered by Him. They are as much a part of His plan as the greatest blessings that we receive. He does not make mistakes!

I do not know what God has planned for me today, but I am confident that it will be good.

The Genesis of the rest of my pilgrimage begins today. My trembling faith and somewhat giddy confidence lie committed with the One who cannot lie and who does all things well. Whom have I in the heavens high but thee O Lord alone? And in the earth whom I desire besides Thee there is none.

I have often let my Best Friend down but I am confident that my Best Friend will never let me down. He knoweth the way that I take. Lead on dear Lord, lead on!

I pray that you will all enjoy the Lord's blessing in your souls this weekend.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Good morning 11.15 AM

Thank you Iain for your devotional this morning
you are very good
But where was everyone Yesterday?
I was missing a lot of people
I have had a very bad night and today i am down.
First i have listen to the radio to Christian songs
I also have heard Save in the arms of Jesus i am thinking on you Jane and Bev she is save in the arms
of Jesus.
And i have heard The Lord is my Shepherd that is also
own of my lovely songs.
I wish you all a very good day
May God bless you and He is with you all

I thank all the people who are praying for me i love you
all
Bye for now  RIA

"Love one another."

Dear Ria,
we feel so for you this morning, pain which brings sleeplessness I know well, and it can so spoil all the day, but things will gradually get better, you'll see.
In the meantime, our prayers are with you that the physicians will be shown the problem as our Lord sees it and will be given a clue as to the correct treatment for your complaint. So, chin up lass, He knows and cares, and will deliver you, hang on, and here is a page to cheer you.

Our love to you,

Chris and Margit.

http://www.angelfire.com/ms/spiritual/page9.html

Good morning everyone.  Hope you all had a wonderful day yesterday, and great night.

Ria-how are you doing lately?  I've been praying for you, I hope the pain has subsided somewhat.  I hope you don't get too discouraged either, I know how it can get people down to be ill or in pain for long periods of time.  Just keep looking up .

Iain-thank you for doing the devotionals while Pat is away.  I appreciate your thoughts and insight.  How have you been lately?

Chris and Margit-great to see you posting again!  You're very encouraging!  It's nice to see such compassion.

I am sure we can all take an opportunity to pray for Pat's safety.  God bless you all.  Jen.

Good morning from Nashville, Tennessee, the home of country music.

We have a cool September morning but it will warm up later on today.  Right now it is 61 degrees F.  The sun is shining and it is a pleasant day for those out walking.

Iain, thanks for the thoughts this morning about creation.  Unfortunately so many today do not believe in God or in his creation.  I have always been impressed with the absolute necessity of faith.  Without it people cannot understand that it is GOD who made us and the beautiful world in which we live.

Heb 11:1-3  Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (NIV)

I am kind of resting up today from our trip home yesterday.  Good to see you this morning, Iain, Ria, Chris and Margaret, and Jen.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

CHRIS AND MARGIT THANK YOU FOR YOU WORDS TO ME
THIS MORNING. I ALOSO HAVE READ THE WEBPAGE YOU
HAVE NAMED THIS MORNING AND IT IS HELPING ME
THERE IS LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS.
THANK YOU CHRIS AND MARGIT.

ALSO THANK YOU MERCYCHILD THAT YOU ARE PRAYING
FOR ME.

PAPA JOHN YOU SAY I LIVE IN THE COUNTRY WHERE IS
COUNTRY MUSIC. I LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC. I HAVE A LOT CD'S WITH COUNTRY MUSIC I LOVE THAT MUSIC.

HUGS AND BLESSINGS AND LOVE  RIA

Forgive me my mistakes they i have maked today
Bye Ria

Ria Don't worry about any mistakes you may make, you are doing just fine.

I had an email from Jenny, she says that she will be back on here on Monday as she is going to spend more time in her bible and praying this weekend.

I have to work today for a few short hours. But I want to thank you Iain for your devotional this morning and the added words of Papa John.  

So I will be back later on today.

Iain ~ Thank you for the morning's devotional.  Our God is an awesome God.  I feel if you truly believe

QuoteEven before 'in the beginning,' God had chosen me in Christ.

then you are a child of God and through his Son, you will have eternal life.  Our true and eternal purpose is life in God's presence.

Great to see Papa John back from his week away.  Thank you, Papa John, for the call this morning.  Jerry was so sorry he was asleep.  We WILL get down to see the two of you.

Sorry, Ria, to hear that you are in so much pain.  I do pray that the doctor finds out what to do and give you some relief with medication.

It is a bright sunshining day.  I have two loads of clothes on the line to dry.  The air is crisp...a little on the nippy side.  I like it.  But I know the cold is soon following.  This will be a restful day.  Resting for tomorrow....the Lord's Day.
<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"A penny saved is not nearly enough."

Ria,  Nashville is often called the Home of Country Music.  Many of the singers of Country Music live here.  This is the home of the Grand Old Opera.  Many of the recording companies have their studios here in Nashville and the Country Music Hall of Fame is here.

Marilyn it is good to see you this morning.  I understand Pat Scott is away on a trip.  I know she was in Michigan yesterday.  Etta Sue, sorry I didn't get to talk with Jerry.  I'll call again another time.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

Blessings to you IAIN, RIA, CHRIS & MARGIT, JEN, PAPA JOHN, MARILYN and ETTA SUE.    
Today is a bit more like Autumn here on the coast of Oregon...cool, grey, and damp.  I like it that way, though!  Makes me think that I will be wanting a fire before long, and I await the supply of wood my Father knows that I need!  

Thank you, RIA, for thinking of me and of Bev.  Tomorrow is the service for her, and we are all still feeling rather lost.  I know there will be many, many people at the church tomorrow, to express their thoughts and tell of the impact  Bev has had upon their lives.  My heart is full and I felt I would not say anything, but then a friend, and the instructor in the Teachers' Training School that Bev and I attended last year, and that she brought to Coos Bay last November, wrote that she would be unable to be here for Bev's funeral and sent something she wishes to have read.  I notified Pastor Ron and he said "You read it."    I know I can be stoic as long as I keep my mouth shut but now this.    I guess there will be a lot of emotion showing from every one, though.  We miss Bev, but know she is rejoicing with the Lord she loved so much and always longed to be with.  The tears are for our loss, not her gain!

Thank you Iaian for this morning's devotional.

Has anyone else been following the U.S. Open tennis match?  Agassi just lost in the semi-finals to Ferrero.    

I received this link from a friend and think it's beautiful. Hope you can get it and will enjoy it - make sure your speakers are turn on, too.  

http://www.wisehearts.com/miracle.swf

Dear Ria,
here is a webpage that you might enjoy.
It is George Hamilton IV, a fine Christian gospel and country singer, Margit and I went to hear him at Fleetwood last year and it was a wonderful night indeed!
Afterward we chatted with  George and he is indeed a fine gentleman who loves the Lord.
We bought a couple of his gospel CD's and they are really good.
Oh yes he's a canadian, lol.

http://www.georgeiv.fsworld.co.uk/links.html

Jeanne Lee what a very nice webpage thank you i love you

And Chris and Margit also a very nice webpage
thank you i love country music thanks

On this moment i am feeling me good no much pain
i have one painkiller and i think about one hour a go to
bed. And i think i will have now a good night.

I wish everyown a very good night
Hugs and Blessings Ria

Hi to all of you; I have been off line for a couple of days. Jane, please accept my sympathy; I just now read of Bevs' going to be with our Lord. I am so sorry, and I will be praying for you. Ria, I'm also praying for your pain; I hope your doctor can help. My brother Iain, thank you for a wonderful devotional; it is thought provoking. Jen, glad to see you, too. And, my friend, Marilyn, hope you are doing well also. I hope God blesses you all today,
Love in Him,
Cami

It has been a beautiful day, sunny and warm with a nice breeze, this in fact is the season I love best.

Iain thanks for your words of wisdom.

My daughter Sue & I spent the day together at the Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival, Kleinburg  is a small village 10 - 15 minutes south of here. The festival is held on the main street so the 4 main roads in are closed off for 24 hrs.  Lots of craft vendors a small parade, a small stage for entertainment, I must not forget the  food, bacon burgers and apple pie anyone hungry.

Bev: My sympathy in the loss of a dear friend.

Ruth

I'm home!
It's so good to be home once again.  I think I'll just stay here for awhile!  I can't believe that I drove clear across the state of Michigan, USA and then half way across Ontario all in one day!  I took Geordie too and what a wonderful travelling companion he is!

I haven't read all the posts here yet except Iain's!  Oh, Iain!  What a wonderful message!  It's awesome to realize that even before the world was created, I was chosen to be one of His own children.!  What a great thought!

Not many posts in here yesterday!    Where is everyone?  I know some are away.  I hope they have a wonderful time as I did.

I watched the sun setting on Lake Michigan last night and what a wonderful site it was too.

Talk to you soon

Good evening: Welcome back home Pat and Geordie woof woof.

Well I worked today for 4 1/2 hours. then I came home and did 1 load of laundry  washed the stuff I bought at the thrift store. Now I'm clean too. Looking forward to the Lord's day tomorrow.

I am also picking up my last roll of film and hope I will be  able to post some more photos in this month's challenge.

See y-all tomorrow.

Marilyn

That will be so good, Marilyn, to see your new photos.  I've been very lax in posting in "Our Pets" but now that I'm home again, I'll get busy on that!

How about the rest of you?  Do you have a pet?  Or do you have a friend or member of your family who has a pet?

Please show us a photo of it!

Not only is it truly wonderful to know that I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, but that fact should bring us to a conclusion or two.  One conclusion is that, since I was chosen before I came into this world, then it must be that He knew all my sins when He chose me - yet He chose me still!  Another conclusion is that, since I was chosen before I came into this world, then I know that "He Who has begun a good work in me will perform it until the day of Christ." (Phil. 1:6)  I was chosen before I came - I will be here after He comes!

(For Kathy...)






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My goodness!

Have you all clicked on the Calendar above for the month of September?  

hello
hello
hello

Sorry for not getting back in here yesterday.  We ended up spending the night at Bernard's parents last night, and were gone aaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll  day today.  

The North Carolina Mountain State Fair is going on right now.  We spent the better part of the afternoon there, and I didn't take a single picture.  Sometimes it is fun to just "watch."

We did look at some pictures though.    They are listed in another thread around here!!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Lord's Day.  It is our homecoming tomorrow at church, and the youth choir we recently started working with is singing tomorrow.  We've only met with them 4 or 5 times, and it seems like different kids were there each time.  Oh well.  I guess anything we do in the future will sound like improvement.  Hahahahah.

Love
karmat

Good Evening everyone

Jeanne...what an awesome presentation.   Thank you for the link.

As my mother said earlier, we had a lovely day at the festival.  I actually got my Christmas shopping started.  Only one gift...but it is a start!

Pat, I'm glad to see that you're back safe.  I am also overjoyed to be able to play the music link.  The problems I was having turned out to be a simple change to one of my settings.

Good night everyone

Thanks Sue!  I'm glad you can now hear the music!  Terrific news.

Now, it's time to open a new topic for the Lord's Day.

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