Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...




Have you noticed that dishonourable conduct and downright dishonesty appear to be sweeping our nation from Parliament to the market place?  It seems that the depravity of man is in evidence everywhere.  Adulterous relationships are condoned.  Incest is on the increase and crimes of violence are reported on a daily basis in our newspapers.

On the international scene things are no better.  Terrorism, war, aggression and hate abound on every hand.  The humanists' dream of a world united in universal brotherhood and peace is but a hollow joke.  Man has proved that he can not govern his own lust for power and pleasure.  How then does he hope to rule creation in goodness and justice?

The sociologist and the humanist tell us that the problem lies not with man, but rather with man's environment.  Such an argument is surely foolish, for man has made his own environment what it is.  Our cities, our slums, our dens of iniquity, our battlefields and our bombs are all the products of man's depraved ingenuity.

Almost 2,000 years ago the Lord Jesus Christ declared man's heart to be the problem.  He said, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; these are the things which defile a man" (Matthew 15:19-20).  The Bible also asks a pertinent question and supplies the only reasonable answer:  "From whence come wars and fightings among you?  Come they not hence even of your lusts that war in your members?" (James 4:1).  This state of affairs is common to all human beings.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory (standard) of God" (Romans 3:23).

All of us are born in bondage to iniquity (see Psalm 51:5) and we need to be set free.  The only one who can set us free from the slavery of sin is the Lord Jesus Christ.  He Himself said, "If the SON shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36)

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus the spotless, sinless, Son of God became Man and paid the price necessary to redeem us from sin.  That was indeed a costly transaction, for He paid the price in His Own Blood.

The Bible says, "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot" (I Peter 1:18, 19).

L. E. Jones, the hymn writer, knew the power of the redeeming Blood of Jesus when he wrote: "Would you be free from your burden of sin?  There's power in the Blood, Power in the Blood, Would you o'er evil the victory win?  There's wonderful power in the blood!"

Do you long to be cleansed and set free?  Then turn away from self and sin (repent) and place your trust in the Son of God who shed His Blood for sinners.  He was raised again from the dead to prove that He paid the redemption price in full.  Why not trust Him with your eternal destiny now?

The Bible declares that anyone who thus repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is saved for eternity and should:

• Be baptized (immersed in water).   Matthew 28:19 & Acts 2:41
  
• Join with others of like faith.                             Hebrews 10:25
  
• Separate themselves from ungodly systems.  2 Corinthians 6:16
  
• Tell others of God's grace.                               Matthew 28:19
  
                                                                                       
  
  

  ---

  
  
  Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
  He is missed greatly by his family.
  
  
  
  

Pat, I enjoyed Jack's devotional today.  He is right on track.    If everyone would follow what Jesus expects us to do what a different world it would be.

Thank you and have a wonderful day.

Love Ruthie

YIPPEEEE

The storm watch has officially been called off.  Perhaps the driving tomorrow will be nicer!

Will read the devotional later today when I'm not so tired.

Time to get some sleep.
Night everyone.

I've just skimmed it, but I almost think the devotional could also be titled, "The Problem of the Heart," for if our heart is not right, neither will our life be.

Good night all. Tomorrow is my long day!

God is good . . . .

hello everyone,
We lost our game tonight but it was against a bigger tougher school. it was a tough game all the way to the end. tomorrow i have church and thursday i have class and game friday so i'll be jumping round all week. ( i won't spend an evening at home until SATURDAY!) but that's the way i've chosen for it to be for a while. besides being busy keeps me out of trouble!!! well i'll ttyl cuz i need my sleep
Sarah

Pat - Jack's message is as fresh today as it was the day he wrote it.

Ruthie - Many thanks for the recipe. I'm really keen on my scotch broth, especially when it is so thick that the spoon stays upright!! It sticks to the ribs on the way down. Chris- hope you're feeling better then me today.

LOL

Yes, indeed, Jack's message is "right on" for today.
And KARMA, you're remark that it should be titled "The Problem of the Heart" is true, as well.  Some of us have been dealing with such issues as Elders in our church.  Please pray as we go to our Annual Business meeting tomorrow night (well, that would be Wednesday, so I should probably say "tonight").  We need God's wisdom and strength to stand for what is right and that which would bring glory to Him.  This has been a very trying few weeks for us and we are really feeling it.    As I keep saying: God is still in control!  

Pat this is such an apt devotional today, especially for our Government. Thank-you.  I do like to read some of Jack's profundities.

Jane "Big ships are truned around by a very little rudder"...praying for you all sis.

Some snow during the night and today it is freezing hard.  My fingers are too stiff and painful to type much.  Forgive me. Will see you all later.

Love and Prayers

Jenny

Pat.  I do remember.

"There is nothing new under the sun" Ref Eccl

GOOD MORNING  9.35AM in Holland

PAT thank you very much for the very good devotional writen by your husband husband Jack
and also for the 2 nice hymns yesterday.

CHRIS i hope you are today a little bit better also for Margit

They have say we shall have snow but on this moment nothing the sun is shining.

In Holland must go back in 3 month's

to their own
countries 26.000 asylum seekers they get not a definitive residence permit. When they are away then there must others away. There are to much in Holland.
It is very difficult for asylum seekers to get a definitive
resident permit. Also in the future people get not soon
a residence permit. It is a great problem.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,
"Behold, I freely give the living water,
        Thirsty one, stoop down
         And drink and live."
                                         Bonar.

Love and Prayers for you all
RIA

Good morning, friends,

I'm just peeking in the door for a few moments. Life is quite busy and the work is hard right now. I'm working overtime at work and also am under increasing strain to try to get my son's home cleared out before the closing tomorrow.

Maybe once we get through the closing tomorrow and also try to help my Atlanta son to adjust to his electronic back stimulator (to be installed tomorrow, as well) then I can return on a regular basis.

I love all of y'all and pray for you as I'm working.

Ruth Ann

A big good morning to all.  The good news is that the sun is shining this morning.  First time in several days...or since Saturday.  

Like Karmat says, the problem comes from the heart of man.  Jack's devotions are really on target!  I read just last night the same Bible verses in Matthew.  What a coincidence!  I was just thinking about the same things.  

Hope all of you have a blessed day today and my prayer is for each of us to show God's love to others who need Him and don't know Him.  

in His love,   kathy

Just poppin in to say hi!

Miserably cold looking outside today, but I reckon in order to get to work, I'll have to get out in it.  Better go get ready, and get little man bundled up.

Talk at youns later.

I'm back cuz it's morning, i slept pretty good last night matter of fact once i hit the pillow i was out! today will be an interesting day in school i guess some people leaving for Competive events for FCCLA (family and community leaders of america) so it should get kinda quiet around school WELL i need to get ready so I'll talk to ya'll later
Sarah

Hi y'all.  Thank you, Pat, for Jack's devotional.  Yes, the problem is the heart, the control center for each of us humans.  As Jack pointed out, "All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
Actually, looking at the Greek for that verse, it literally reads, "For all sinned and are always coming behind in glorifying God."  He made us originally  to reflect His own goodness in our decisions and actions, so that our patience should be like His patience, our love should be like His love, our joy like His, etc.  But "in Adam's fall we sinned all," and that fall resulted in corrupted hearts, hearts that aren't able to reflect God's goodness any longer.
But, praise our God, He has sent salvation in His Son!  As Jack pointed out, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed!"  
Now, by grace, we are able to glorify our God by reflecting His goodness!  We aren't perfected yet, but, by His daily grace, we're growing.  Oh Lord, speed Thy work!

Pat ..... It is always good to read what Jack has written.

John is heading north today from Ohio.  There have been some bad accidents on I 75 all caused by the wind, and slick roads.  He has only 13 000 lbs in the trailer or box as we put it ant that is not enough to plant him firmly on the ground.  In wind the more weight the better.  Please pray for him as he heads north, that our Father puts a hand on the trailer to steady it and that he puts his other hand on the controls.  John should be home tomorrow evening.

We have had snow.  The temperature has broken somewhat, it .is only -9*C right now.  Provided the wind stays away we will be able to enjoy this.

Well we have french and art today, so I have to get moving.  Not likely I will be back today.

Love JudyB

Good Morning Everyone...

It's a nice bright day outside today and it's not snowing!  


It's so nice to see all of you hear and I do pray that those of you who have had the nasty bugs are on the road to recovery now.

I'm not naming everyone today but please know that you are all very special.  I'm so pleased that Jack's little message has blessed your hearts.  

Now, I must go and pack my Avon order.  I'll come back on my coffee break.

Judy, I'll be remembering John as he drives north.  Tell him to wave as he passes Aberfoyle.

But before I get to my Avon....


I really get annoyed by all of the many urban legends emails that get sent daily to everyone.  Don't you?  They are almost as bad as the viruses themselves the way they clog up your INBOX in your email.   I guess the first one that I became aware of was the Neiman Markus Cookie recipe back in 1996 and it's still going around and I guess it always will!

Anyway, this isn't a hoax.  This is true.  The latest worm is terrible and I'm going to share with you the email that my ISP just sent.  I had 13 of these virus emails yesterday and so far today I've had three!

Dear Rogers Hi-Speed Internet Customer

You may receive an Email message with an infected attachment. This virus called

W32/Mydoom@MM, disguises itself as a text file Email attachment and if opened, can make copies of itself and send infected Email (without your knowledge) to everyone in your address book. The virus also appears to have 'backdoor' capabilities that may cause your computer to attack other computers or Websites on the Internet.

The infected e-mail is difficult to detect as the 'FROM' and 'SUBJECT vary.  The infected attachment attempts to disguise itself as a Text File.  As a result, we strongly recommend that you use an updated virus protection software package and be EXTEREMELY cautious when opening text file Email attachments.


IF YOU RECEIVE THIS EMAIL MESSAGE, DO NOT OPEN THE ATTACHMENT.  DELETE THE EMAIL IMMEDIATELY.
FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS ON THE EMAIL MESSAGE CONTAINING THE VIRUS:

------------------------
TO: This message has been sent to numerous Email users all over the Internet
DATE SENT: (Varies)
FROM: (Varies)
SUBJECT: (Varies)
BODY OF THE EMAIL MESSAGE: Varies - but may contain one of the following body messages:

• Mail transaction failed. Partial message is available.
  
• The message contains Unicode characters and has been sent as a binary attachment.
  
• The message cannot be represented in 7-bit ASCII encoding and has been sent as a binary attachment
  ------------------------
  DETAILS:
  
• The message will appear to come from someone you know (Or from someone who has
   you listed in their address book)
  
• The virus should not infect your computer unless you have opened the attachment.
  
• The virus may attempt to open NOTEPAD and display random characters
  
  HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE BEEN INFECTED?
  
• Contacts from your Email Address Book claim that you have sent them a strange   Email message.
  
• The Windows Notepad program opens and displays random characters
  
  -------------------------------------------
  STEPS ON CLEANING THE W32/Mydoom@MM VIRUS
  -------------------------------------------
  IF YOU HAVE OPENED THE INFECTED ATTACHMENT:
  *  McAfee has released a stand-alone virus removal tool which can remove this virus. Their free 'Stinger' virus removal tool can be downloaded from their Website: http://vil.nai.com/vil/stinger/
  
  1. If you do not already own a virus protection software package, Rogers, in conjunction with McAfee will be launching an Internet Security Solution which includes virus protection at the beginning of February 2004.     Rogers will provide details in the upcoming days.
  
  NOTE: Even if you own a virus scanning software package, it is very important that you download the latest virus definition file so that your software can clean this new virus.
  
  2. Run your virus scanning software which will detect the virus and offer to clean it from your system. Select the option that cleans it from your system.
  
  3. Read through the steps in the Surf Safe section on our Customer Support Website to keep your computer safe. The Surf Safe section can be found at: http://rogers.home.com/help/content/how/surf_safe/
  
  IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THE EMAIL, BUT HAVE NOT OPENED THE INFECTED ATTACHMENT:
  
  1. Delete the Email Message.
  
  2. Empty your deleted Email folder.
  
  3. Update your existing Anti-Virus Software.
  
  4. Read through the steps in the Surf Safe section on our Customer Support Website to keep your computer safe. The Surf Safe section can be found at: http://rogers.home.com/help/content/how/surf_safe/
  
  Please note that although our Network Security team monitors viruses on the Rogers network, we strongly recommend that you consistently scan your Email attachments and downloaded files to protect your personal computer, no matter how trusted the source. This advice applies to all Email messages, not just the one discussed in this message.
  
  Please rest assured that the Rogers Network Security Team will continue to monitor the situation.
  
  Thank you,
  Rogers Network Security
  

Lost my post.........

I was saying how much I enjoy Jack's writings, too.  And that I believe his words we have read today apply to every country on the face of the globe today.  Our USA really needs all of our prayers as we face yet another Presidential election.  It seems most of the ones running for office have only two goals in mind:  Power and Greed.  Where is the concern for the welfare of the people?  (Not that kind of welfare that rewards laziness and lack of motivation--welfare as in the good of the people.)  They cannot bear the thought of a born-again Christian winning again, in fact they are wearing a button now that has "ABB" on it, meaning "Anybody but Bush."  

All these things remind me of this little poem:

There is a choice that you must make
In everything you do
But you must always keep in mind
The choice you make, makes you.

I am still playing catch up from being away for a week, so will go get with it.  I wanted to post some photos, but can't find my FTP program.  Sure wish I were more computer literate----but I'm learning!!

Thanks Pat for the virus info. I have McAfee Firewall...paid for it and it is brilliant!  I also have the free Spybot which I ran through again this morning and Ad Aware.  So far so good.  I don't want to get caught out again.

AOL has a tap in for the freebie also.

Just popped in to say  a big "Thank-You Canada.".......................
Its Torrenting with Snow and wow,do I mean "Torrenting".

Judy please send my regards to John and tell him I am praying for him.  

Today is trash day.  I got up at 7: a.m.  It was still dark.  I gathered my trash and walked it to the front of my brother's house.  Cold.  Between 0° F & 10° F.  I have a long driveway.  From my deck to the road, my drive is pretty good, meaning not a lot of snow on it.  When I walked back, I looked beyond my deck and thought, I can get my car through this.  Jerry watched the weather report yesterday and it is predicted more snow tonight.  So he said he ought to go home today.  He cat-sits for the people that built his shed and my deck, the whole month of February!  I am sure you will see a picture of Bubba in the next few days.     Ivalou called me and said that our nephew is out of a job right now and can clear our drives if we need them cleared.  I told her I thought I could drive plow through mine with the car.  Anyway, the sun rose.  I looked out my computility windows and thought....'My, that snow looks deep!'  I took some letters to the mailbox and tested the drift between the house and the garage on the drive.  Not far into the drift, it was above my boot tops and crusty on top of the snow.  I came in and called Nick.  He did a superb job!  Well, worth the money!  Now I can take Jerry home!!!

The sun is deceiving.  Looks warm but NOT!!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable."

QuoteBy Liz~Tho' of course, Ralph Waldo Emerson did say that 'Most of the Shadows in this life are caused by standing in one's own sunshine.'  Hmm!!!

Liz~I love this quote! Thanks for sharing it.  I hope Wendy starts to feel better today.  She is in my prayers. I am the same way when it comes to snailmail.  I did get a package ready and sent out within an hour Monday.  I think I deserve a
(((hug)))

Janet~My favorite Queen! I am so sorry you lost your post...I just lost mine. Boy, that can be pretty frustrating when you been working an hour on it.

<soni hands Janet a bat to help her with her problems>   hehehehe....  
(((hug)))

Pat~ What are your plans for the day?  Glad you got your drive all cleaned up!  Give Geordie a good scratch behind the ear for me.  

QuoteBy Nita~Soni, Soni, Soni...........I saw you looking right at me when you made that last comment about only three pages.   I'm here.  I was wondering if I had anything to say, but since you said I do, then I guess I do.

Nita~ You are so funny!  I did enjoy your post.  I wish I could have   like you and Etta Sue, but I guess I will just have to enjoy the stories and pictures on CP.  

Chris, Iain, Wendy and whoever else is sick... and get plenty of sleep!
(((hug)))

It is cold here today!  -7 degrees but feels like -20.  brrrsss... <------me

Troy didn't have today.  I got to in today! wooohoooo...

I have so much stuff to do today.  Wednesday is my busiest day.  I will be back later.  I did lose a post and tried to make this one just like the other, but I am sure I forgot plenty.    [/size]

Soni, thanks for the hugs, I needed those today.  Don't know why, but I am feeling a bit down today.  But that is the time to look UP, right?  Can't stay down if we think about what God has done for us!

Pat, I have gotten a few of those emails, but my ISP spam filter caught them.  I also have the new Norton Security package on here now, the 2004 version.

Have you heard that the governor of Mass. is working hard to get a state constitutional amendment passed there defining marriage as between a man and a woman?  This is to prevent the judicial ruling of same sex marriage in his state from becoming law.  It is time to rein in our runaway judicial system!!!  Cheers for the courageous Mass. governor!!

Good Morning. Thank you Pat for Jack's message this morning, it couldn't be more on time than the present.

Also Pat: thank you for posting the email from your ISP, I received an email from McAfee yesterday, but didn't do anything about it until this morning when I clicked on the link you posted. Must be more careful. and read more thoroughly the email for McAfee.

Going to work at Fay's today for a few hours theb to Bible Study tonight. In between I willb e sewing on my duvet again and eating supper. I will stop back in here too.

My arm is still hurting and the back has slipped out again, going back to the Dr. on friday. I halfway expected  it to slip out again as it had been out for a year.

Have a great Blessed day y-all.

TTYL

Good morning.  I just have time to say a quick hello, then have to get ready for an eye exam and will look at frames for new glasses.  It's about time.  The ones I have now are so scratched, people have asked me if I could see.  Sure can see better with them than without them, so guess that means I'd better get more.  There's a 2 for one going on now, so I will get two.  One to scratch, and one to keep in the case. Cool.

 Pat, Jack's writings are always a blessing to me.  As someone said.....as fresh today as when first written.

 Janet.....when our children are hurting we hurt.  But as you said, we also look up, knowing that somehow, in His timing, prayers will be answered, and we will look back and see that God was faithful.  

  ok.......time is reminding me that I am still bound to it, and I need to hurry and get myself going.

    Will be back later.  JANE......I didn't call you, but I'm praying without ceasing!  love, nita

 

Coffee Break!

They've found the plane on Lake Erie with the bodies of the passengers still in it.

http://cbc.ca/stories/2004/01/27/pelee040127

Sorry you lost your post, Janet.   Irritating when this happens and I have no idea why it happens.

Great little poem, Janet!

Quote

There is a choice that you must make
In everything you do
But you must always keep in mind
The choice you make, makes you.

You're getting snow, Jenny?  Wow!

Hi Etta Sue, say "Hi" to Jerry for me and tell him how wonderful it would be to see him posting on here.  

Jerry, we love you fella!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!  I'm sitting here laughing out loud at your post, Soni!  Wow!  I love seeing your colourful posts!  Just love your little graphics.

Yes, Janet, my Norton's is catching all of these emails for me too.  {{{{{MORE HUGS FOR YOU}}}}}

Hi Marilyn...  Are you making a quilt or a duvet?

Thanks Nita...  I knew you'd appreciate Jack's writings.  He appreciated you too back in 1997 and 98 and...  well, you know!

Hi all!  

Anytime you get one of those "warnings," and you want to see if it is legit or not, you can go to www.snopes.com and check it.  It is NOT a Christian site, so there is some "stuff" on there that is not "edifying," but it is a good source to check out what is true and what is not.  


Back to work for me.

I'm getting my hair cut tomorrow -- time for something new.  I've had this same basic style since 1984 or so.  We'll see what happens.

Thanks for posting that SNOPES site, Karma.  I use it all the time.  I wish everyone would.  I also use the About.com Urban Legends site if I can't find it for some reason on SNOPES.


Here's the About.com URL...

http://urbanlegends.about.com/

I thought I would stop in while I had the chance.  

I have to leave in 20 minutes to do papers and take Chandraya to dance then come back and take Troy swimming, then pick Chandraya up and then pick Troy up and then cook dinner and then go to dance myself.  Ugh!  

Hope you all have a great day.  I won't be in till late tonight.

Sonja

PS...Remember to post your thoughts!