Christian Photographers Community

• Link of the Day:  
  Psalm 23  Hear six-year old read Psalm 23
  (Thanks Sonja!)

---

Morning Devotional...


[td]The Shepherd's Psalm--
Part (vii) [/td]
[td] [/td] [/table]


[/i][/b]


The man stood erect and perfectly still on top of a wee knoll.  At his feet impatiently sat two little border collies, their ears upright and their keen noses smelling the air.  Across the valley and high up on the slopes of the mountain beyond, small white objects dotted the landscape.  Half hidden in the green grass and purple heather the scattered flock grazed contentedly, unaware of the ominous stillness and the darkening sky.

Signs of the coming storm were not lost on the lone shepherd standing on the knoll.  He raised his whistle to his lips and the two dogs stiffened their posture.  At the first blast, they were off like a shot from a gun.  Further blasts caused the two noble creatures to make a wide circle around the still unconcerned sheep.  On they went until they passed even the most distant sheep.  Continuing to obey their master's whistled commands, they slowly, gently, began to move the reluctant sheep towards their master.

Not one sheep missed the attention of the two dogs.  The dogs, although decisive in their work never once nipped at the heels of their charges.  The sheep began to move faster, showing signs of fear, they moved now as one body towards the shepherd as if to seek his protection from the dogs.

It is true that the shepherd could never accomplish his task of caring for the sheep without the help of his beautiful obedient dogs.  It is just as true that the relationship between dogs and sheep would be very different without the presence of the shepherd.  You see, untrained, uncontrolled, border collies can be very vicious, and very frightening.  These loving gently creatures have a natural instinct to kill sheep by tearing their throats open with razor sharp teeth.  Can we wonder that their presence drives the flock to the shepherd?

An old Scottish shepherd-preacher once said "God has twa dogs.  The yin He calls "Goodness" and the ither He names "Mercy"."

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." (Psalm 23:6)  Indeed so it is, that God's goodness and mercy are often needed, yet seldom truly desired.  Surely it is our fears, trials and yes, our conscience that drives us to the Good Shepherd and the protection of His presence.

It was the goodness of His grace that first showed us our sin and waywardness.  It was His mercy that drove us to see Christ as the only Saviour of Sinners, and it is His goodness and mercy that keeps us close to His side.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."  (Psalm 23:6)

Christians all accept the fact that through the eternal ages they will dwell in God's house.  Few realize that by faith we can enter that place of blessing while still living down here.  In the epistle to the Ephesians we learn that God has already made us to sit in heavenly places.

"And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."  (Ephesians 2:6)

We can appreciate our position as urged on by "Goodness" and "Mercy" as they are seen in the circumstances of life and we flee away to the peaceful, protective presence of our Shepherd.

"Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree:  that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.  For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." (I Peter 2:24-25)

To "dwell in the house of the Lord" is to live continuously in His presence.  Brother Lawrence (author of Practicing the Presence of God) learned while doing the most onerous and menial of tasks, to practice the presence of God and so can we.  If during our trials and temptations, our illnesses and "the dark nights of our souls" He came to visit us and bless us would we feel differently?  Of course we would; temptations would fly away, sorrows would abate and psalms of blessing would move our lips.

"Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.  For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you".  So we may boldly say,  "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear, what can man do unto me?" (Hebrews 13:5,6)

Yes, indeed we who are His, we who have been redeemed by His precious blood look forward with joy to our eternal home.  But we do not need to wait until we arrive above to enjoy the courts of Heaven; for we can dwell there now even in the midst of our wilderness journey.

Truly we can begin to enjoy, even down here the wonder that "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Assured of His presence, and the comfort of His home, both now and for all eternity, the believer can well heed St. Paul's injunction to "Rejoice in the Lord always.  And again I say rejoice."  (Phil. 4:4)

These words to the Philippians were written by Paul while he sat in chains in a cruel Roman prison.  Even there the Lord Jesus Christ was real to Paul; even there He knew the nearness of the risen, triumphant Saviour King.  May we also dwell daily in the light of His presence.







Discuss this devotional further Here if you wish.

---

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

good morning all. hope everyone well. im doing well 3 days on a row :-)

GOOD MORNING  11.04 in HOLLAND

PAT thank you again for part 7 from Jack's great devotional now i have print part 7 out so now i can read it later back. It is so good writen and easy to read also for me.
Thank you also for the hymn JUST OVER IN THE GLORY LAND yesterday.

SONJA what has Lila Mae done this night has she sleep or want she again playing it is a
lovely girl.
But i think i have a little bit the same problems as you
sometimes i have a Bibleverse in my head and then i don't no where i can find it.

LARRY sorry to read that you have computerproblems.
But i also have something what my husband may do when he is home everyday.
He may cooking for me that can he do very good
i don't like cooking it is sometimes such a lot work but
he love it to do. I think there is coming a day then he has more work then now.

MY son Marcel has hold the certificate for
drive on a fork-lift truck when you that not have then
you may not on a fork-lift truck.

It is dark in Holland but not cold 12*C

PSALM 27:1
The Lord is my light and my salvation.

          A NEW HORIZON

     Lord of eternal sunrise,
  help me look past the night,
     to view a new horizon
bahted in hope and peace and light.

I WISH YOU ALL A BLESSED DAY
BYE LOVE RIA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMI

       HAVE A NICE DAY


       MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALSO THIS YEAR


        RIA

Good morning...10.10 a.m. U.K.

Hallo Mij zus. Ria

              Happy Birthday Cami

Pat, ...thank you.  "Goodness and Mercy" are met together In Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  

Tragi.... The Lord has His Almighty Hand on your life little brother. Proverbs 3:1-6 is for you. Without any doubt.

It is raining here this morning but wonder of wonders, it is so warm  Oh thank-you Lord. He only gives us as much as we can take and then no more.
My Daily Reading (Our Daily Bread) talks about having the eyes to see Jesus, to see Him in our surroundings and I called to mind something I wanted to share with you all:-

On Sunday I was feeling quite poorly and in very low spirits.  I called on our Heavenly Father and said Lord give me a touch, I know you will...You've done it before, You can do it again,. I walked into the back garden and just as I called Him I spotted something fall from the sky...wow, it was a "shooting star"......God's timing is so perfect folks.  This is the second time  He has used a "shooting star" for me, last time was years ago.  Truly the need was great.  Praise God. The Creator and Sustainer of all created things.

Dear Ones I wish for you all a day of blessings.
In Jesus' Name

good morning everyone, hope ya'll had a restful nights sleep. i did i was TIRED!! well i need to get ready for school wish ya'll a blessed day!
Sarah

Subj: Insight for Leaders  
Date: 2/4/04 5:03:22 AM GMT Standard Time
From: lmi@flash.net
To: tozer@litmin.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)



February 4    

The Holy Spirit: The Need for Illumination

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God,
for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they
are spiritually discerned.  
--1 Corinthians 2:14

The doctrine of the inability of the human mind and the need for
divine illumination is so fully developed in the New Testament that
it is nothing short of astonishing that we should have gone so far
astray about the whole thing. Fundamentalism has stood aloof from
the Liberal in self-conscious superiority and has on its own part
fallen into error, the error of textualism, which is simply
orthodoxy without the Holy Ghost. Everywhere among Conservatives we
find persons who are Bible-taught but not Spirit-taught. They
conceive truth to be something which they can grasp with the mind.
If a man hold to the fundamentals of the Christian faith he is
thought to possess divine truth. But it does not follow. There is no
truth apart from the Spirit. The most brilliant intellect may be
imbecilic when confronted with the mysteries of God. For a man to
understand revealed truth requires an act of God equal to the
original act which inspired the text....

Conservative Christians in this day are stumbling over this truth.
We need to re-examine the whole thing. We need to learn that truth
consists not in correct doctrine, but in correct doctrine plus the
inward enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. We must declare again the
mystery of wisdom from above. A re-preachment of this vital truth
could result in a fresh breath from God upon a stale and suffocating
orthodoxy.  The Pursuit of Man, 76-77,84.

"Lord, I do believe in the authority of the Scriptures, and thank
You for that foundation of truth. But I need this reminder that even
that inspired text is not alive until the Holy Spirit takes it and
enlightens the recipients. May the Holy Spirit indeed take what I
teach and imbed it in the hearts and minds of my hearers. Amen."
---------------------------------------------------------------------

ALL OF THE DAYS OF THE AFFLICTED ARE EVIL, BUT HE
  WHO IS OF A MERRY HEART HAS A CONTINUAL FEAST.
                        ( PROVERBS 15:15 *NKJV )

A joyful heart is good medicine, good medicine, a joyful heart.
A joyful heart is good medicine, good medicine, a joyful heart.
But, a broken spirit drys up the bones,a broken spirit  drys up the bones.
But .....
A joyful heart is good medicine, good medicine, a joyful heart.
A joyful heart is good medicine, good medicine, a joyful heart.

Lets have a joyful heart today.......

Greetings and blessings to each of you today.

Karma and Soni, I just love it when you share about your little ones.  It always brings back sweet memories of when my kids were small.  Believe me, those days are so fleeting---soon you will have an empty nest again and then be welcoming grandchildren.  How the years fly by!

I was away most of the day yesterday, had framing to deliver to Hugoton and then Diane and I went on to Liberal.

They have been predicting a big snowstorm for us again, but so far, only a few flakes and a gloomy sky.  I hope we do get snow!  We need moisture!  I do dislike driving in it, though.  I hope it comes today and they get the roads cleared, because next week I have a 5-day painting seminar and will be out every day driving.

Neil and Sarah, thanks for popping in to greet us at the start of your busy school days!  We love having young folks in here.

Liz, I do hope you get to feeling much better.  Feeling not so good gets tiresome in a hurry!

Pat, the little quizzes are fun.  Like others have said, the answer is usually posted quickly, but you keep us thinking!

Abby was working on her Valentines yesterday.  Remember the days when we each decorated a box for our Valentines?  And hoped to get one from that special someone?  Ah........the beginning of heartache for many kids.  Don't you wish we could shield them from those things?  But each generation has to learn those lessons.  I do think more parents insist that their child give a Valentine to EVERY child in their class now.

I simply MUST get myself organized today and ready for that seminar.  Paying that kind of price, I do not want to waste any time!  I do wish I had photos of Abby as a ballerina to use..........  Well, maybe later.

Hello, JudyB.  Ah, the life of a trucker's wife, huh?

Hi, Ria!  That's the ticket!  Let your husband cook for you!  Mine does most of the cooking!  He loves it, and I do for sure!!  He says he is a better cook than I, and I am smart enough not to argue the point!  

Jenny, glad to hear it isn't so cold there today!

I want to be sure to watch TBN at 10:00 to 10:30, as Hilton Sutton is on this week at that time teaching on Revelations.

Well, I guess I have run out of steam for now!  

Good Morning Pat and Chris thank you for the devotions this morning.

I had a disturbing telephone call from my friend Kitty in Lucerne valley where I used to live. I will be posting a prayer request in prayers  re: this call.

Yesterday was entirely pain free for me and  this morning it is not so I won't stay long.

TTYL

I went to my therapy yesterday.  She gave me some neck exercises and a diagram on how to set up the computer.  I made an appointment to return on the 12th but if I am still with no pain, I can call an cancel the appointment.  

I then went to Jerry's.  This time Bubba came out to see me.  He loves to be combed...just don't touch his tummy or you will get nailed!  He is a big one!  Pictures will be in Photographs Here later.

Then Jerry and I went out to eat and then to our Small Groups meeting.  Half were gone...half attended.  But we got a surprise.  One couple is in Mexico.  The phone rang and it was Diane checking up on us and asking why we weren't in Mexico.  The location of the Small Group was changed.  Didn't we get the notice???  Yeah, right!  I only wish!!!  

It was late by the time I took Jerry home and then home here...11pm.  So it was beddy-bye for me.  Inky woke me up twice during the night with her purring and being right in my face.  I can't seem to convince her that I don't like that.  

Then I was up at 7am to put out the trash.  I did next Small Groups lesson and my Bible reading and now, here I am.  

It is bright and sunny but cold.  Come on, Spring!!!

Glad you like my little thoughts of the day!!!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"The three grand essentials of happiness are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for."

I enjoyed this little story; hope you do, too!  


A Story for Valentine's Day
By Jo Ann Larsen
Larry and Jo Ann were an ordinary couple. They lived in an ordinary house on an ordinary street. Like any other ordinary couple, they struggled to make ends meet and to do the right things for their children.

They were ordinary in yet another way — they had their squabbles. Much of their conversation concerned what was wrong in their marriage and who was to blame.

Until one day when a most extraordinary event took place.

"You know, Jo Ann, I've got a magic chest of drawers. Every time I open them, they're full of socks and underwear," Larry said. "I want to thank you for filling them all these years."

Jo Ann stared at her husband over the top of her glasses. "What do you want, Larry?"

"Nothing. I just want you to know I appreciate those magic drawers."

This wasn't the first time Larry had done something odd, so Jo Ann pushed the incident out of her mind until a few days later.

"Jo Ann, thank you for recording so many correct check numbers in the ledger this month. You put down the right numbers 15 out of 16 times. That's a record."

Disbelieving what she had heard, Jo Ann looked up from her mending. "Larry, you're always complaining about my recording the wrong check numbers. Why stop now?"

"No reason. I just wanted you to know I appreciate the effort you're making."

Jo Ann shook her head and went back to her mending. "What's got into him?" she mumbled to herself.

Nevertheless, the next day when Jo Ann wrote a check at the grocery store, she glanced at her checkbook to confirm that she had put down the right check number. "Why do I suddenly care about those dumb check numbers?" she asked herself.

She tried to disregard the incident, but Larry's strange behavior intensified.

"Jo Ann, that was a great dinner," he said one evening. "I appreciate all your effort. Why, in the past 15 years I'll bet you've fixed over 14,000 meals for me and the kids."

Then "Gee, Jo Ann, the house looks spiffy. You've really worked hard to get it looking so good." And even "Thanks, Jo Ann, for just being you. I really enjoy your company."

Jo Ann was growing worried. "Where's the sarcasm, the criticism?" she wondered.

Her fears that something peculiar was happening to her husband were confirmed by 16-year-old Shelly, who complained, "Dad's gone bonkers, Mom. He just told me I looked nice. With all this makeup and these sloppy clothes, he still said it. That's not Dad, Mom. What's wrong with him?"

Whatever was wrong, Larry didn't get over it. Day in and day out he continued focusing on the positive.

Over the weeks, Jo Ann grew more accustomed to her mate's unusual behavior and occasionally even gave him a grudging "Thank you." She prided herself on taking it all in stride, until one day something so peculiar happened, she became completely discombobulated:

"I want you to take a break," Larry said. "I am going to do the dishes. So please take your hands off that frying pan and leave the kitchen."

(Long, long pause.) "Thank you, Larry. Thank you very much!"

Jo Ann's step was now a little lighter, her self-confidence higher and once in a while she hummed. She didn't seem to have as many blue moods anymore. "I rather like Larry's new behavior," she thought.

That would be the end of the story except one day another most extraordinary event took place. This time it was Jo Ann who spoke.

"Larry," she said, "I want to thank you for going to work and providing for us all these years. I don't think I've ever told you how much I appreciate it."

Larry has never revealed the reason for his dramatic change of behavior no matter how hard Jo Ann has pushed for an answer, and so it will likely remain one of life's mysteries. But it's one I'm thankful to live with.

You see, I am Jo Ann.

Hi Everyone!

I thought I'd better post while I can still say "Good Morning!"  I have a little job I do on SeniorNet each day at 8 am Eastern time and today I was just going through my emails and doing odd jobs around the house and completely forgot.  That little job just got done!

How are you all?

Oops!  Not the phone is ringing!....

Etta Sue, my next appointment with the chiropractor/therapist is also on the 12th, I will be going every two weeks for quite awhile. Don't cancel you appointments, it took a long time for you to get in that shape and it doesn't go away over night or with only one visit to the therapist.

I too had to set up my computer differently. I put the instructions on here in case there were others who had to change their set up. Larry that is why I was so detailed in how I set it up.

Good morning all y'all!

<soni plays a little song for everyone>  

Lila Mae slept better last night.  She did get up to play a few times, but she was asleep by 10:00pm.  This time my hubby went in there.  Why is it that she listens to daddy more.    

Pat~I love that penguin site.  the highest I got was 522. something.  That is addicting.

I'm sure as you all know by now, Wednesday is my most bussiest day.    I will be in and out of here.

I am working on some Valentine Cards so I better get going if I am to have them done by the 14th.

I hope you all have a wonderful day.

Soni

Ps~Karma my finger is doing much better. Sorry I kept forgetting to tell you.  

[/b][/color]

Soni..Of course she listens to Daddy.  If she does he will be the one to come in next time and don't little girls love getting Daddy's attention?

Gosh, didn't I say earlier that the Lord is being so good to me.  I asked Him for Holy Communion again  today....It should be brought once a month...I have received it at home for two weeks running...and Yes.  Guess?  The phone rang.  It was Jane to say she would bring me the Sacraments again  today.
The Lord My God heard my prayers. He has visited me and fed me..... He is wonderful!

The Lord Thy God in the midst of thee is a Mighty One.  He will save.  He will joy over thee with singing.  He will rest in thy love." Zeph 3:17

As a homeschool mom I have subscribed to several newsletters.  This one is good for kids to go to for craft ideas, and for parents/g-parents as suggestions to keep little ones busy.  It is one of the sites that I allow free access to the girls.

http://www.childfun.com/modules.php?name=Newsletters

This is a beautiful sunny day and we are really in a heat wave.  The temp is +2*C, after the deep freeze this is nice.

The girls are into school work, Melaura has 5 subjects done, but the other 2 are distracted by Victor.  He is so funny making all the animal sounds to gert them to talk, the animals that is.

I have a trip to North Bay today and have to get going, so Bye for now,
Love Judy

Thanks Judy!  I will check it out later.  

I am going to go do school with the youngens now.  

We had a blast yesterday trying to do algerbra.  The boys are great to work with.  We laughed because we all did one question and we all got 3 different answers and none of them were right.    We will be reviewing what we learned yesterday and hopefully get it right.

Have a good one, peeps.
soni

P.S.~ ((((hug)))) Jenny, the Lord is awesome and so are you!    Have a good afternoon.

Oh Soni

He's still doing it...The vicar has just e mailed me...He and his wife are coming soon.. I missed them the other day.  I have felt so poorly for a couple of weeks dear one. You have been so encouraging.  I love you Soni.You have the "fruits" of the Spirit. That means more than all the speaking in tongues my dear little sister.

Jenny  

Good afternoon, "all"

Thanks for the response to my last question.
I will check out the website.

Please know that I did not intent to "make waves" with my question; I just really enjoyed the show and wanted feed back.

Janet, I don't remember Dr. D.Jerimah on tv in New Jersey ; only when I saw him Sunday in Penna.
I liked the way he presented his discussion.

I must run over to put my printer on and finish printing the rest of Jack's messages.

Pat, you are a dear to share them.

Boots, what a great idea --writing a book for your grandchildren.--wish I had the time and energy --but what would I say?

Going to the printer now, will check back later.

Love in Christ,

Joyce

I have heard from Cami this morning and she tells me there are some problems going on at their church and has asked for prayer for the Bible Baptist church of Champaigne Illinois. She thanks everyone for the birthday greetings. This church problem is taking up most of her time and she is unable to come to CP for ahwile. Please pray for her, Gary and the church.

Forgot to tell you , Pat.

WHen I went to Penna. last weekend; I gave my neighbor some of the postings that I printed from Jack.

He was delighted and it came at the "best" time.
He had just had to let his beloved companion, 12 year old doggie ,put  to sleep.  His condition worsened and the pain was unbearable.  He desparately misses his companion as my neighbor is house bound due to MD and in a wheelchair.

I promise him I will email him messages from Jack as he enjoyed them so much.

see you later

All my mornings will be free now as both of my clients prefer me to come later in the day. At least for now. Bea's son is with her for a little while and he likes to sleep in so 9 am is to early for me to show up. That gives me plenty of time at home to do the things I need to do here. Which makes it nice, I can now go to the Seniors meeting once a month on Thursday mornings and to WMs on  Mondays before and after work. It starts at 10 and lasts until 3-4 sometimes.

The sun is out today. Beautiful day. Mor rain expected by tomorrow. Flowers are blooming and my Babies breath is already going to seed. I had emails from friends in the desert yesterday, with photos of the snow the had overnight. A lot of it  too. What a surprise, it doesn't snow there very often, only 2 times in the 10 years I was there.

TTYL

Hello all!!!!

A cool, cloudy Wednesday.  I'm at work.  Should be working, hehehehe.

Soni, at least Lila Mae listens to someone.  My little guy has very selective hearing, and is stubborn.  Can't imagine where he gets it from    

Jenny, God is good, isn't He?  <karmat waits for response from Janet>

happy birthday, cami.

Etta, I thought of you yesterday.  I went to see my sil at Asheville MRI.  Glad I wasn't the one being screened, although they do have the "open" machines, but they take a lot longer.

JudyB -- Today, I was driving to work on Interstate 40.  I was behind a trucker.  What made this driver stand out was that he was driving so courteously.  He never did speed (well, maybe once, going down a hill, but only by a bit), and he never swerved in and out of lanes like a lot of them do.  I was impressed.  Then, I remembered you posting something about John telling a trainee to watch his speed.  I know this guy wasn't John, because it is the wrong part of the country, and this guy was from the Gulf Coast, but I decided that he might be a husband, father, brother, and is definitely a son of someone.  So, I called the 800 number on the back of his truck, gave his trailor number, and told how well he was driving and how much he appreciated it.  

I know truck drivers get a bad rap.  And I am probably as guilty as the next person.  But through the gorge between TN and NC, they drive like they are crazy.  It is a winding road and the truck speed limit is like 45 and they are to remain in the right hand lane.  A huge percentage of them though, drive like 80 through there and disregard the law.  It is nerve wracking.  We have had two state troopers killed in the line of duty by truckers not paying attention.  So, all that to say that when I see a trucker doing a good job, I am going to call and brag on him.  Maybe one day it will be John!

Hi Karma, That is a wonderful thing to do, most of the calls they get are the ones complaining about the way a driver is driving. I have found most truckers to be polite and driving sensibly here. These are the logging trucks that go throught here every day.

TTYL

Hi Karmet, your post reminded me of an accident I saw yesterday.

Three cars involved --no one seriously hurt - older couple, middle aged lady and a young fellow.

I know that every one assumed the young fellow was at fault and I really do not know what happened--I came by later.

But what I wanted to say is that when I passed the young boy; his face was so upset and he was crying and he was alone.

My heart just broke; I wanted to stop and give him a great big "Grandma hug"--he looked like he needed it.

You see, I immediately thought of my grandson (17-1/2) who just got his driving license and well, my heart just broke and I am still full of tears when I think of him.

You KNOW he was in my prayers all day long and I still am thinking of him.

KNOW the good LORD above must have a reason for this and I will try to discern HIS wants.

Love in Christ,
Joyce

Joyce, isn't it nice to know that God knows, even when we don't?  We can pray, and he takes care of it.  Then, when we get to Heaven, we will know, too.  

A BIG AMEN to that.

You said that you are at work; what do you do.??

I am working but , of course, you see what I am doing.

Get my "refreshments" from you fine folk.

Love in Christ,
Joyce

I work for our Community College in our Basic Skills department.  It is a learning lab center, so the kids work on their own, and I am there if they have questions, or anything.  

It has a nice computer lab.  I have my choice of 20 brand new flat screen dells.