Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. [/b]      I Peter 5:10-11


Peter's epistle speaks often of believers being "called" by God. In obedience to that call, we find ourselves brought into circumstances where we suffer for righteousness' sake (3:14) or suffer as a Christian (4:16).

These are not pleasant experiences but our text says that we have been called to eternal glory after we have suffered a while.

The suffering is temporary; the glory is eternal.

The One who brings us through it all is the God of all grace. Keep on.
                 ~Reg Jordan~

Hello: We had a very good Bible study tonight on our words. I won't tell you all about it as right now my little dog, Gitsie, is wanting to go outside and doesn't do anything when she gets out there. The wind is blowing very hard and it has turned cold.  I am afraid she will get too cold with all her hair cut off.I am calling it a night and taking her out one more time at that is it. god Bless you all and to all a good night.

Aaaawwww Marilyn Gitsie probably is just too cold out there to "do" anything    Do you have a sweater for her to wear?  

I just got home from Bible Study, too.  It was really good ... as usual.  Tomorrow is our Women's Ministry meeting in the morning so I will be gone most of the day.  I usually go out to lunch with one or more of the ladies after our meeting.    We call it Women's Ministry because it's women ministering to women ... we never know how the Lord will direct.  Sometimes we just share what is happening in our life and other times we watch a video from a series by my friend, Liberty Savard(http://www.libertysavard.com) in Sacramento, always we have a time of prayer for any needs...just "all depends"...

I'll see y'all sometime tomorrow...

Pat, the devotional was very encouraging this  morning.  We can suffer because of the mistakes that we make, but there is a suffering for righteousness sake.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

No suffering is pleasant, but when we see that the end to suffering is quickly coming it gives us fresh courage to face each day.

What wonderful thoughts to dwell on right at the beginning of the day.  Thank you for that Pat.

Anthony.

Well, I just would like to try to answer everyone who was posting last night.

Meika, it was interesting to read your questions about heaven.  It would be nice  to collect together all of the information that the bible gives us about heaven.  In the devotional, for instance, we read that there is an end to all suffering in heaven.

Janet, that was an interesting piece about answering people without even listening to the question.  It is a thing that we need to guard against, particularly when speaking about the things of God.

Etta Sue, it was great to read about your sister.  God is so good.  He can heal miraculously, or he can use the doctors and nurses.

Joan, it sounds like you did a great job on the walk.  Of all the exercises that I could be involved in, I think that walking is the best.  I agree with your comment about abortion.  How many children have been put to death doesn't bare thinking about.

Ruth Ann hello and its good to see you posting.

Jane, I have heard of Joan Scales too.  It's good to see her posting.

Jerry, it's so good to know that all of your move is sorted out.  It is a big job isn't it?  People pay thousands to get moved in over here, I don't know if that's what happens in your country too.
(I enjoyed the story of the Moonlight Sonata).

I hope I haven't missed anyone anyway.

God bless all.

Anthony.

Good morning everyone.  We have a very foggy morning in Nashville, Tennessee.

Anthony,  your quotation of Romans 8:18 is very appropriate and it is one of my favorite verses.  

Marilyn, I can tell you care for your dogs.  We are dog lovers too.  However after we lost Wrinkles we decided against getting another dog at least for now.  Through the years we have had four dachshunds and they all became part of the family.

I have to get ready early this morning to go to the nursing home for the Thursday morning devotional.

--- Papa John      

Pat:  Such a good devotion this morning on suffering and it may make such a happening easier for someone.  I hope that you are well today.  Carol

Welcome Joan from the south!   Carol Shovein

]ftp://

Good morning everyone!  God grant you to be specially aware of His Presence today!  What a thought is expressed in the devotional today!  We are called to His eternal glory!  We are called, in other words, to actually come into the very Presence of the eternally glorious majesty!  He is holy.  He is eternal.  He is the sum total of all goodness and mercy.  He is GOD.  And we will come directly into His Presence!  
Then he adds the only possible reason for it: Christ Jesus!  It is only and entirely because of Him that we can come into that Presence.  I like the words of the hymn: "Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face.  And the the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

Hi everyone.

Al, I like that hymn also.  So many of the hymns have such wonderful messages.

I saw my cardiologist yesterday and he thinks I may have some blockage in the bypass where I have 5 stents.  So on Monday I will go back into the cath lab for another heart catherization.  This will be my 28th trip into the cath lab for one thing or another so sure know what to expect.  It is scheduled for 1 pm so if they have to do anything then I will likely stay overnight as I did twice last year.  

Papa John, I know you must look forward to your Thursday morning devotional at the nursing home.  Where my parents were in Iowa they had a beautiful chapel and held a devotional service there everyday for the residents.  I attended many days when visiting my Mother.  They always sang 3 or 4 hymns, had announcements, a Bible reading and then a fairly short devotional and then closed with a hymn and a prayer.  I always enjoyed being able to attend with my Mother.

Etta Sue, it sounds like Ivalou is doing very well with her eyes.  I am surprised they allowed her to mow her yard the same day as the procedure.  I guess things have really changed over what they used to do.

Pat, I really liked the last 4 lines of your devotional this morning and feel it is very appropriate to what I will experience on Monday.  If something were to happen I need not fear as Jesus will be there with me.

It is good to read all the posts this morning.  Be back later.

How nice to read all the posts this morning. How wonderful to know that we need not fear in anything. People often ask me if I am afraid living alone. My answer is always that I have nothing to fear as God is watching over me. My friend Inez is so fearful that I worry about her. Every noise bothers her and she of spends nights when the wind is blowing looking out windows and filling her shotgun with rock salt. I can't understand that fear. I used to be that way before Iwas saved, but I took the word of God literally, that He would hide me under His feathers and under His wings I would take refuge. I walk around outside in the dark and fear nothing. I have heard strange sounds in the night and it doesn't bother me. If the dogs don't bark I know that all is well. If they do bark I just try to settle thm down so I can hear. Sometimes it is only a car turning around in my driveway and other times just the wind. God watches over us all the time. If it is time for us to go home that is fine with me, I am ready to go.

Sorry this got so long. I will be back later.
Marilyn

Oh, my, Larry!  28 times to the cath lab??  That's a lot!  We will be praying for you, that this trip will go well, and whatever they find will be quickly remedied.  Bless you, my brother, as you are such a blessing to all of us.

I enjoyed today's devotional, too.

My doctor changed my blood pressure medication AGAIN yesterday, and today while swimming, my head started pounding.  After we got home, I checked, and sure enough, my BP was 180/103.  So I really hope the medicine begins to work quickly.  I am so tired of them just "experimenting" to see which med will work.  At least that is how I feel...........

Anyway, this is class day again, so I will be busy.  I wish you all blessings in great measure throughout the day!

What a wonderful devotional!  So far...I don't believe I know what suffering really is.  Maybe it is my positive outlook....like Marilyn having no fear, opposed to her friend, Inez.  Trust in the Lord, he promises he will never leave you.

Larry ~ I can't believe 28 trips to the cath lab.  But, thank God, they have such things or you wouldn't be with us, I am sure.  God is saving you for something special.  

And no, Ivalou didn't mow on the day the procedure on her eye was done.  That was Tuesday.  Yesterday we went back for a check-up and the removal of the eye patch.  The day of the procedure, she was only to eat, watch TV and sleep.  Yesterday, after the check-up, she could resume all activities EXCEPT rubbing her eye.  What a difference a day makes.  So the grass was high and she mowed.  She has a new mower so she did just fine.

Janet ~ I pray that your BP medication does fine once it 'kicks' in!  

Today I am driving and taking Ivalou and a couple more ladies to a meeting at a restaurant.  The group is from Ivalou's church and I have known them since I was born....I will probably be the youngest there.    It is always a great time for fellowship and worshipping of God.

Then Jerry is coming this afternoon.  Mowing again!  It was foggy earlier and hazy now.  Hopefully rain will hold off until the mowing is done.  

I woke with a slight sore throat again.  Hopefully, I can nip it in the bud before it becomes a full-blown cold.  I fought one of those a month ago.

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"If you grasp tomorrow with faith, you know the handle won't fall off."

Well .... It's Roto Rooter time again.  
Last night <why does it always happen at night...in the rain?> I heard a "sound" from under the house and immediately checked the water pressure ... NONE!
I went outside and could hear the water gushing under the house!  I turned off the water to the house and settled myself down for a long night's wait until I could call the plumber.  I called 1/2 an hour ago, and I suppose he will be out soon.  It's the same exact problem he came to fix just 10 days ago!    Maybe it won't take so long to fix this time, since he knows what to do and where the broken connection is.  

Marilyn~ I live alone, too.  That is as far as anyone can tell.  They don't "see" that My Father lives here with me.    He has always guided me with stuff that needs fixing or where I need to get help and He and I have an on-going conversation about everything!  Isn't it great??

JANET~ Don't you know all these doctors are only practicing medicine?  

Gotta get off line in case the RR man wants to call me that he is on his way!  

So the grass was high and she mowed.  She has a new mower so she did just fine.

HAhahahahahah I have No idea why this make me giggle.

Mr Hanna, I hope you are well soon.

Ms Jane, I am glad to see people who are funny even in a most unfortunate times. You can choose to be mad about it, but it will not fix any faster. perhaps you have a practice pipe man

I wish everyone a good day, I think I will go for a drive today.

It is almost noon here so goodmorning-afternoon all.

I enjoyed the devotional today.  The Lord sure knows how to meet our needs.

Janet:  I to have BP problems and one doctor wanted to add a pill to the one I am already taking and it was doing what you are saying, so you change and try something else that does not work so I to got fed up.  I then went to my original Dr. and it was decided that we will stay with the origianal and add no more for the time being. Stress will do lots to throw everything out of wak and I do believe that is my problem.

I to enjoy reading all the posts.

Have a great day.             Ruth

THE FENCE

There was a little boy with a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of
nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail
in the back fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the
fence. Then it gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to
hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told
his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out
one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper. The days
passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all
the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to
the fence. He said, "You have done well, my son, but look at the holes
in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in
anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a
man and draw it out.

It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still
there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Friends are a very
rare jewel, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed.
They lend an ear, they share a word of praise, and they always want to
open their hearts to us.

But your best friend of all should be Jesus. Show your friends how much
you care. Be like Jesus.

-- Author Unknown

<><    

I am ready for work and The wind is blowing something fierce. My hair will be all wind blown by the time I get to work. Our library is in the same parking lot was the Senior Center, I have to stop there and drop off another bag of clothing and throw my trash bag over the fence into the dumpster. Last time I missed the dumpster, and thankfully the bag stayed intact.So I went in and had one of the men get the key and put it in the dumpster.
I don't think all this is very interesting to you all but oh well.

I do hope the wind dies down, I hate leaving the dogs outside in the wind, it isn't good for their eyes with all the sand blowing. They can go into the carport and get out of the wind tho'.
Well I shall return later.

Marilyn

Al, I like that hymn very much,

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face. And the the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace."

It is one of the songs we sing often where we worship.

Col 3:1-2  Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  (NIV)

2 Cor 4:17-5:1  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  (NIV)

We had a good devotional at the nursing home this morning.  I talked about the peace we have from God and used:

Phil 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  (NIV)

Mieka, I hope you have a nice drive today.  Jane, hopefully the plumber will get things fixed.  Larry, I hope you will get some good reports soon about your problems.  Etta Sue I hope you escape the sore throat from developing into something worse.  Janet, hopefully the blood pressure medicine will helpful.  I have been taking blood pressure medicine for at least 25 years and it has been changed a number of times.  Marilyn, it is good to be free from fear but also it is wise to be careful and avoid dangerous situations when you can. Carol, it is good to see you today.  Also it is good to see Janet and Ruth.

--- Papa John      

  And where is Ms Pat ??

I worry when she does not come in here at all. I hope you are feeling better today Ms Pat. I wish you well.

Hi again and thank you for your prayers.

I went through my mammo and my post op surgery and everything looks good.
Guess we just wait for results of tests.

Hope Pat is up and around and her "fluish" condition clears fast.
Not fun being sick; my cough is still lingering on
but I decided it is spring and I want to be outside; sick or not !!!

Meika, Welcome, you are a delight. Has anyone told you that you have a very face that would be a Photographers dream !!!

You are so sweet, innocent looking and your postings are so geniune.
You have found a great group here and they will respond to your questions about GOD , Heaven and bible verses.

We all wondered about Heaven, and I am holding GOD to HIS promises that when I am there ; there will be no tears, crying or hurts.

I am so looking forward to the time when I can serve HIM face to face.

I keep trying to discern just what HE wants me to do in my "earthly" body  now that will be preparing me for service to HIM  for eternity.

Al, what a great post.

Jerry, I thought my husband was bad with cars, once we had 7 and I said enough is enough.  But I usually "cave" in to whatever he wants because he usually has a good reason for it.

Janie, so glad to see you posting. Yes, I also talk to the Father constantly.  I don't think it is as praying just talking and keeping HIM close to me at all times.

Janet, my son in law is having trouble with BP ; trying to adjust his meds.  He just about given up on the doctors; get so annoyed when they take so long trying to figure out what you need.

Going to check around forums--see so many in need of prayers.

Ruth, I saw on the other forum, your son needs prayers.  Count me in; I will add his name to my talking with my dear friend, Jesus.

Take care,

Love in CHrist,
Joyce

I just finished washing the kitchen & bathroom floors and needed a cup of tea to replenish some energy!

Papa John:  Hello - it is always enriching to read your posts.  

Larry:  A prayer for you as you undergo another test and/or procedure.  

Janet:  I don't know why your doctor doesn't start you out with half of a pill or even 1/4th. just to see what will happen - it sounds too drastic to me.  Take care.

It is good seeing everyone and Meika has the giggles    I think that God has a great sense of humor and we sometimes miss it - so nice to see Meika with her wonderful gift of humor.  

Carol

I got a report from my doctor today about the MRI.   It shows significant pressure on the spinal column from arthritis and bulging disks.  We now have an appointment with a physical medical specialist to see if anything can be done short of surgery.  This appointment is in about two weeks from now.

Tonight we are going to a dinner at church.  We will have a report about a group of our young people who are going on a mission to Honduras.

Looks like we may have more rain later today.

Mieka, did you enjoy your drive?

Carol, thank you.  I enjoy looking up scriptures which relate to things mentioned here.  

2 Tim 3:16-17  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.  (NKJ)

--- Papa John      

I hate to bring this back up.

Quoted by Papa John
Rev 21:21-23  The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass.  I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
(NIV)

Is it wrong for me to want mountains and green grass.  To go hiking and biking.  I love sunsets and the ocean. Is God mad that I want this too?  Do you think that is earthly way of thinking and is it wrong to feel this way?  Am I being selfish?

Janet~I love that story.  I think I will try that with my kids.

Larry~I will keep you in my prayers.  Sounds like it is a pretty simple proceeder.(sp)

Papa John~I will keep you in my prayers also.  You must be in a great deal of pain.  I hope and pray the doctors can find a solution.

PRAISE REPORT PRAISE REPORT PRAISE REPORT PRAISE REPORT
My mom went to the eye doctor today, as a follow up from her physical last week.  It seems that some plaque broke loose and went through her eye.  He told her that if it had gone to the brain, it would have resulted in a stroke.  And that this was definitely a warning signal.    He also wondered how she was seeing to drive as she needed something other than driving glasses.  He has obviously never ridden with her.  I could have made that diagnosis.    Anyway, she goes to the hospital tomorrow for an ultrasound to see exactly to what extent she should be warned.   God is good.

My son is a wild man.  He is either asleep or running around like a banshee.  I am exhausted, and it is only 4:45 here.    Right now, he is asleep!

Sonja, I'm like you.  There are things on this earth that I hope is in Heaven (hmm, hmm, chocolate).  Who knows.  I know that the Bible tells us he has gone to prepare a place for us, and that was told over 2000 years ago.  He created this Earth in 1 week.  Imagine what it will be like.  Obviously more than we can comprehend right now!!!

Ya'll have a good day.  

Pat, you okay??

I hope you will forgive me for this, it is my first answer here - about what I know NOTHING about.

I am working hard to learn about this Heaven.
This is the answer that has help me undarstand:

When I was in China I enjoy many things. I like the sunrise. I like the kindness of ones who would help me when I was ascared. I like the smell of the rain. I like to watch the birds play on the beach. There are many moments I treasure. I even like to clean the fish for the boats. It was a honor for me to do it then.

– Today I rather die before I ever go back there.

It is hard for me to think how I will be so different in Heaven.

Today I am much different than I was in China. I have all the things I like of China and I also have things I did not even know about. Mr Papa John said that WE will be different in Heaven. As today I no longer like to clean the fish, it was once a honor.  In Heaven perhaps it will be silly to look back at how much I love the ocean.

My mind is still a wonder of it all.

Mieka, I think you have just answered the question beautifully.  Thank you!

Mr John: Mieka, did you enjoy your drive?

It was sad, I went to see where my brother Chris is now. I did not feel that he is there at all. I went to the Mcdonalds to get a ice cream because I had to cry. I sat alone in the back to not be a bother and I had to cry. Many people came over and they sat with me. And they all wanted a hug and some of them had to cry too. It was the most strange day. On my way home I know My brother was with me, I can feel he is there.  

Ms Karmat, I home your Mom is ok.

Mr Papa John, I hope you will feel better soon.

Ms Carol, it is strange to some when I can have a giggle and a cry in the same moment. I have no idea why I do it.

Ms Robson, I thank you, you are very kind.

And I am a worry for Ms Pat. I need to know she is ok, can someone tell me?

Mieka, what a good illustration.  It shows a good understanding and a clever way of expressing yourself.  You don't need to apologize for speaking up.    

Sonja, I don't think it is wrong or selfish to think about what we might like to have in heaven.  The important thing is to realize that we will not be disappointed when we get there.  We are mere humans and the way God thinks and the way we think are quite different.

Isa 55:8-9  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
(NIV)

--- Papa John      

Well I am at work and have been in and out of here reading the posts. It has been a very quiet day here at the library. I keep thinking of all the things I could be doing at home, but then when I am at home I am doing none of thoses things. i would still be visiting here and letting the dogs in and the out and then in again. I enjoy reading all the posts. Mieka you are such a sweet girl. I love you. I am glad you came here to join us. As for Ms Pat. She wasn't feeling well and I too hope that she is ok.