Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and...He was buried, and...He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.        
1 Corinthians 15:3-4


The work done by the Lord at Calvary was something only He could do.

He was the only One who could take away sin--the sinless died for the sinner.

He was the only One who could raise Himself from the dead!

How wonderful! He is alive and able to cleanse anyone who puts their trust in Him.

"If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved" (Rom. 10:9).
                                                                            ~Jim Paul~


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Well .... I was over in the Photo area, playing around, and heard PAT locking the door so I hurried over here ... well, anyway ... I'm first in here "this morning" (There's still a little of May 1 left here on the west coast).  

Hey there NITA  

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Good morning to everyone.  I was reading with great interest about Meika's questions - How can anyone accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Saviour if they have never even heard of Him.

The man who led me to the Lord - Mr Kelly (who has led many, many people to the Lord btw) told me of a story of a man who had never heard of the Lord Jesus Christ.  His people worshipped another god, but when this man came to die he said these words, "I have sort God all of my life, and I have no fear."  These were his last words on this earth.

What everyone has said about salvation only being available in the Lord Jesus Christ is crucial to understand.  Outside of Christ there is no religion at all.  It is also important to know that there are people in other lands who have Christ revealed to them, even though they may not have heard the actual name of Jesus.  The man who I am referring to was not trusting in his own goodness when he came to die, he was trusting in the mercy of God - he was full of God, but he had never actually heard of the name of Jesus - but nevertheless it is Mr Kelly's belief and mine, that he knew Christ.

I realise that this may sound confusing, but I know of another story of some people who had never heard of Jesus and they were disatisfied with their religion, so they decided to go into a cave and devote themselves entirely to seeking God.  While they were in that cave, somehow God revealed Himself to them and they began to understand about christianity, even though they had never heard about Him.  It just so happens that later on they came into contact with some primitive Methodists who expounded the way of salvation to them in a fuller manner.  

But the important thing is that wherever there is a hungry heart, God will reveal Himself to that person.  No matter where in the world they are living.  God can show them their need of a Saviour and show them that there is a way of Salvation for them, even if there is no missionary available to them to tell about the name of Jesus.

Now some people will correctly point out that it is in the Name of Jesus alone that we find salvation - this is correct - but the Lord Jesus Christ has another name and that other name is LOVE.  The man who Mr Kelly told me about knew Christ by another name - the LOVE of God.

Meika has done well to realise that it would be utterly unfair of God to expect people to respond to the christian message if they have never even heard about it.  We can rest assured that even in these hard situations God still has a way of reaching those people who has had upon His heart from before the foundations of the world.

Anthony.

Good Morning Everyone!

Thanks Anthony for telling us of Mr. Kelly.  This is such a difficult thing to understand and many things about Christianity we won't ever understand until Eternity.  I don't understand how the Lord would love such a sinner such as I enough to die for me and shed His precious blood for me at Calvary.  But He did!  Praise the Lord and now I am saved.


Well, it's an overcast day here in Guelph.  It rained all night but the grass looks so green and lush after the rain.

I have a few errands to do and some figuring out to do with Judy McKenna about the Calgary Bash, etc. and so a busy day ahead for me.

What are your plans for today?

Good Morning to you!

I have been reading with such interest the questions from Meika.  Truely, Meika has brought a new dimension to this community.  There is nothing as exciting as a person with questions and interest in matters of our Lord.

We have good friends coming for a visit around noon and we want them to stay overnight but will see if they can be persuaded.

Pat:  thanks ever so much for the devotion.

Anthony:  It is great to see you!  Carol

I just popped in to read last nights posts and now I sit here with tears in my eyes.

Dear Mieka, you asked such thoughtful questions and all the posts written to you are correct. I spent many years going from church to church searching for something I didn't know what. Until some one told me that I needed to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. To confess Him as my Lord and Savior and repent of my sins. I was then 58 years old., and had been going to church off and on all my life., and yet I was still a sinner and did not know Jesus. If you want to read my story go to the homepage and click on the testimonies link there then click on my picture and you will see my story. Although there is much more than is written there your will see the basics of my salvation.

On to check todays email now. I will be back later.
Marilyn

The only thing I want to answer is the question of God's fairness/unfairness.  God is NEVER unfair.  He would not be unfair if He left the entire world in unrepentance and damnation!  He would not be unfair if no one was ever saved.  God, simply put, is NEVER unfair. He, after all, establishes the standards for fairness - and for every other aspect of righteousness.

Many, many people go each day into eternity without Christ.  It is very, very sad.  They are indeed condemned - because the entire human race is condemned.  But a few, due entirely to the grace and mercy of God, are drawn to Jesus Christ for salvation.  But not one deserves it, least of all me.  It's not a matter of "chance" - of people getting a "chance" to hear the Gospel.  No one deserves that "chance."  God is merciful to a few, worldwide, and they hear the Gospel.  As John put it, "No man can come to Me except the Father Who sent Me draw Him."  Everything depends on that.  He draws some to Himself, and they are saved.  The rest are, sadly, left in their chosen opinion - they are lost.

Thanks so much, Al...

Wow!  Great discussoin.  I have learned a lot here this morning.  It is great to know that God shows himself to everyone but it is us who has to open our eyes to see Him.  Some open there eyes and hearts to Him and some refuse to see Him.  

I am not sure what Buddahism is.  But i do know that I have studied with the Jehovah wittnesses and the Mormans and both times I was reading all that they had and still didn't feel right inside.  Something was always missing.  I decided to go and exsplore other churches and ask God to guide me.  He has and I know longer feel like something is missing.  It is great.  God does guide you if you search for Him.  

I have nothing to do today so I think I will do some laundry.  Anyone want to come over and help?!  

Anthony, a very thoughtful and true post to Meika.  Our God is not bound by our own efforts to tell of the Gospel, but is drawn to hungry hearts.

My own testimony is that I didn't know Christ. I didn't know God.  I had no one praying for me.....that I knew...and no one came to witness to me of God's love.  In fact, the night I met Jesus, I was heading to a bar to get drunk to take away the pain(again)....when a voice in my head, deeper than my thoughts could ever be, said, "You don't really want to go there, do you?"   When something reaches to that deep place within you, you know it.  I started crying right there in the car, and said aloud. "No, I don't."  

The next thought was that there was a "meeting" at a school gym, and I should go there.  There is no way I could have known this, other than the supernatural power and overwhelming love of Jesus Christ.

 I went to that meeting, left a new person.....still not having been witnessed to, except by Jesus Himself.  I didn't find Him.  He found me.  He rescued me.  He poured His love into me until I finally believed it, and I fell in love with this One who told me all about Himself before I ever knew God as Father.  God comes to meet needs.  

 He truly is LOVE.  

I'll hang it out for you, Sonja!  I love hanging the washing outside and then seeing it blowing in the wind!

Sonja, I'll be right over to help you with laundry.  I get to fold.  ok?

Mieka ~ Thank you for asking that question.  I agree with Jane.  I, in my opinion, believe that the people who don't know God or ever heard of God are like innocent children....they don't know right from wrong. God chooses all of his children to come to God and live eternal life in heaven through his Son Christ Jesus.  I, truly, want to believe that only the ones that reject or purposely turn again God will have eternal life in hell.  I agree that it only takes a nanosecond to think 'Jesus, help me!' and that person is saved.

Al ~ I just read your reply to Mieka.  You are right.  We have a loving God but what about the innocent?  I also believe that it is never too late to accept Jesus Christ but may be too late NOT to accept Jesus Christ.  So am I contradicting my thoughts?

To all the rest that replied to Mieka.....The love that is shown to Mieka and her worries and cares brings tears to my eyes.  But my heart smiles because Mieka cares so much for her friends and loved ones.  Jesus will never leave your side.  He is with you always no matter where you are.  You are never alone.  Love Jesus with all your heart and soul.  He is your redeeming Savior.

Anthony ~ Your response goes along with my way of thinking.  I, myself, believes in our loving God in that manner.  All lives are children of God.

On a lighter note....

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"I'd unscramble the eggs if you'd read me the recipe backwards."

God is not willing that any should perish, but that all come to a saving knowledge of Himself.  Even wehre no missionaries have ever gone, God gives visions and dreams to draw people to Himself.  There are many stories of how this has happened, and when missionaries did arrive, those people were already worshipping the one true God.

I have a busy day today, as I postponed my painting class from yesterday so I could go to the Dr. with Beth.

Hello to all of you!

Well, we're all going to Sonja's house to help with the laundry!!!

Alright!  This is great.  Now what should I cook for lunch to feed everyone.

Sonja, I will help with lunch, if you won't ask me to do the ironing!  Or how about I do the washing,,,,,,then you won't have to do anything except cook!

Hey, sounds good Janet.  Just as long as Karmatstays out of the kitchen I should be fine.  

Well. what more can I add, I have a couple of hours before I go towork, what can I do to help you Sonja. Shall I bring some hot mexican salsa fo go with our lunch.?

Kidding aside, there are 2 photos of Gilberts glass blowing work that I posted and couldn't get them resized  withthe correct amout of mgs is you would care to corrct that for me. I still dont have the hang of Picture it.

Marilyn

Today I awake with no more sadness
Mr Anthony, my heart is warm today with your kindness. I know it is a long time to make a answer like this one from your heart.

Today you are all my treasure.

Ms Nita, your words help me to get to asleep last night. I had much troubles.  (:hug)

I ask my father today what I am to do to find these answers. He said to just keep looking for them, and they will come to you. He said that I should not seek the answers I want. But I should only seek truth.

Mr Moak, I know your answers are truth. but they are so hard they ascare me this time.

-----------------------
If Jesus is found in Gods love, then I have the answer "I" want.

Mr Moak
"No man can come to Me except the Father Who sent Me draw Him."  Everything depends on that.  He draws some to Himself, and they are saved.  The rest are, sadly, left in their chosen opinion - they are lost.

This is the same I think, yes? No one can come to Jesus unless God has chosen them? The rest are, sadly, left in their chosen opinion  
God offers to only some? and the others are left to find him on their own? Are we not all equal in the eyes of God? Why does he chose only some?  


This is a simple answer to my prayers last night. Ms Pat I thank you for these words.

Often we face trial upon trial, but our God is aware of it, and just when we need it, He gives that renewing word from Himself--fear not!

God bless you dear, sweet Mieka!  We all love you so much.

And I'm praying especially for you today.

Yes, God bless you Meika - as Janet said the bible says that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a knowledge of the truth.  Keep these thins in mind as you continue to seek  God for yourself and your friends and loved ones.  The christian gospel is a very possitive message for everyone.

Anthony.

I will not be able to help with Ms Sonifo's laundry today.

I need to go and get a book
"Eternity in their Hearts" by Don Richardson.

(I thank you ms Pat).
I fear I have make a lot of noise in here these days. I will read my book and be quiet for a short time. OK

how fun, I learn how to make colors i think

Yes, Mieka, what a colourful post!!!

Isn't it fun to learn new things?  I wish you could come to my house as I have that book somewhere on one of my shelves!

Talk to you later!

Dear Mieka:
This is the same I think, yes? No one can come to Jesus unless God has chosen them? The rest are, sadly, left in their chosen opinion    
God offers to only some? and the others are left to find him on their own? Are we not all equal in the eyes of God? Why does he chose only some?   

The main trouble is that everyone has already chosen - to rebel.  "And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3:19)
God's offer is to all, but He gives grace to understand, to believe, to repent, etc. only to some.  You see, the problem is that no one, by their own ability, is able to accept the offer, to truly understand, believe, repent.  As Paul said, "
By grace are you saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves - it is the gift of God..." (Eph. 2:.  Even faith is a gift.  God is not unfair, though, because not even one deserves that gift.  Praise God that He mercifully gives it to some.  Christ came to save His people, and His people will therefore be saved - not one more nor one less.
Perhaps the question shouldn't be, "Why does He choose only some?"  Perhaps it should be, "Why does He choose any?"  And of course the answer is that He chooses some because He is gracious. Read Romans 9:14-25.  It's made a little clearer there.

By the way - all you wise and knowlegeable people, tell me what you think of this saying I recently heard.  I'm still thinking about it.  It goes like this:
"Sin is so bad because God is so good."

Good afternoon all:

It has been so wonderful reading all  the posting.  Very encouraging and uplifting.

Mieka I love you so very much.

I am not doing laundry but an sewing instead.

Ruth

QuoteEven faith is a gift.  God is not unfair, though, because not even one deserves that gift.

It is good for christians to be able to disagree with each other I think and still maintain a spirit of love.  

If salvation from sin relied entirely upon God's giving the gift of repentance and grace to turn from sin, then everyone would be converted.  As Janet and I have pointed out, the scripture tells us that God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to a knowledge of the truth.  There are similar scriptures throughout the bible.

There are also scriptures that teach us that people can resist the grace of God:

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under  her wings, and ye would not."

Here we see the Almighty offering His gift of grace to the children of Israel and seeing them reject it.  

I believe differently to my brother Al in that I believe that the grace of God is offered to everyone:

"Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."

"For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe."
1 Timothy 2: 6, 4: 10.

And He is the propitiation for out sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
1 John 2: 2.

"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

There are many scriptures I could quote, but there is one that should give anyone hope who is trying to pray for friends and  loved ones in far off places:

Look unto Me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God and there is none else."

We not wonder whether a person who are praying is a member of the chosen few, because anyone who is willing to submit to Christ will be saved.

I know this is a different belief than some christians who use the forum, but it is nice to be able to express alternative views, realising that there must be an awful lot that we do not fully comprehend.

Anthony.

ANTHONY~I'm inclined to agree with you.  My Bible tells me that God loved me and had a plan for me before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1, as well as others in Psalms, Jeremiah, etc.).  His "plan" is that we should be conformed to the image of His Son.  It is unto ALL He has "freely given all things pertaining to life and godliness"  We are the ones who choose to believe and accept.

<Sorry, it's the Bible teacher in me I guess ... Just had to add my two cents worth>