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• Bible Students.com
• DiscipleLand!

Photography...

• Join us in our April Bi-weekly Challenge
• and the Monthly Challenge.

Passage for the Day...

• Genesis 26

Verse of the Day...

• Genesis 26:30

Morning Devotional...





How ironic that our first inclination after being mistreated is to do the same hurtful thing right back!  We proudly hold our flawless character up for public sympathy while privatley plotting vengeance. This kind of behavior hides an unbiblical attitude behind a hypoctritical mask.

The truth is for every wrong that has been served to use, we have likely spread equal portions to others at one time or another.  This detail rarely makes it to the front of our minds when we feel wronged.  Just think of Isaac.  He grew a little to rich for the local landowner, so he was callously banished from the country.  Rarely will any of us experience mistreatment of this magnitude.  Obviously, Isaac had ample motivation to respond to Abimelech in anger.

In Verses 26-29, Abimelech gave Isaac the perfect opportunity for payback.  Abimelech came pleading for a peace treaty because he sensed that a greater power was with Isaac.  Instead of responding with hostility, however, Isaac chose to treat his guest and his request with charity and hospitality.

Just think of the alternative.  If Isaac had snapped, he would have been placing himself as judge over Abimelech.  Yet Isaac himself certainly had been no model of honesty and forthrightness--he had misled Abimelech about his relationsiop with Rebekah (see verses 7-11).  Fortunatley, at the crucial moment when Abimelech came to him, Isaac chose wisely and forgave Abimelech.

Clearly, the trouble with taking revenge when we're mistreated is that none of us can claim complete innocence.  When we feel wronged , we need to remember our own guilt in God's eyes and His continual forgiveness.  This gives us all the reason we need to forgive others.



Is someone in your life against whom you continue to hold bitterness?  Pray that God will help you forgive and release that person.

Since our first response to mistreatment is often to react with vengeance, make a plan right now to counter your inital reaction to future mistreament with love and gentleness.

GOODMORNING ALL 10.47 in a very sunny HOLLAND

SONJA thank you for your great devotional this morning you are doing it good Sonja

But we have a busy week now i must something do in home. This afternoon is coming the chiropodiste for foot care to me.

But i am getting a new nail on my big toe
but i think i must months wait for the hole nail there is.


But i have today not a lot news my prayers are every day for the soldiers in Iraq but the Dutch soldiers they there are been there they are soon coming back. And the new group soldiers are in protest by the government they will not go to Iraq. I have just hear on the radio there are more country's theywill away out Iraq. Also a brother from a friend from Marcel must now go to Iraq. But Holland has only volentiers as soldiers
They may not say no. Marcel and his friends will not been soldiers. And the government has also say they have too much soldiers so a lot must away.

1 John 3 : 18
Dear children, let us not love with words
or tongue but with actions and in truth.

      THE  LOVE  OF  CHRIST

   Teach us, Lord, to love as You love ......
  freely, fully, unselfishly, unconditionally.
          Fill us with the Love of Christ
             and make us one in You.     

Love an prayerfully for you all
Ria                          

Good morning, friends,

Sonja, great devotional. We see so many instances in the Bible where a person chooses the good over the evil. I'm thankful you brought this to our attention.

It seems these days many choose the "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" approach.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Good morning everyone.  Good to see Sonja, Ria, and Ruth Ann.

Sonja, a good devotional.  Thank you.  I thought of Paul's admonition:

Rom 12:18-21
18   If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19   Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20   Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21   Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.  (KJV)



--- Old Papa John          <)))><<   
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Thank you Ria!  Wonderful poems as usual. 

QuoteBy Ruth Ann Bice~It seems these days many choose the "eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth" approach.

I agree.  I am working on this.  It is hard to love the one that hates for me, but I am working on it.

Thanks Papa John for that additional information from the Bible. 

Good Morning not many posts yet.

Thank you soni for the devotional. I have tried very hard to forgive everyone who has hurt me in the past and to move on  in a loving manner.  There is one person whose name comes to mid occasionally and I just Say out loud that i have alredy forgive her. I truly believe it is the enemy trying to get me again after allthese years.

Yesterday I took Bea to see her new apartment,. Boy is it ever small. Then we wnet to lunch and to the furniture store to look at love seats, as that is all that will fit her new place. The prices were way too much so we will be hitting the thrift stores tomorrow.

TTYL

Hi everyone.  Sonja, thanks for the fine devotional this morning and it should cause each of us to think. 

I am in a state of shock this morning as we just learned that a young man, aged 19, that was our neighbor for 5 years right next door and we watched grow up, was found dead two nights ago in someones yard.  We are going to go to the visitation this afternoon.  This was a fine young man and he and his younger brother mowed our lawn for a year.  It appears that drugs were the cause of the death.  My how I hate illegal drugs and what they are doing to especially our young people who seem so vulnerable.  My wife and I both know that we could easily have been in the parents shoes when our children were younger and had become ensnarled in the grip of these horrid drugs.  What do you say to the parents in a situation like this other than we grieve with them and for them.  Such a waste and such pain it causes to the parents, siblings, family and friends to see a young life ended in this manner. 

Ria, it is sad to see our young men and women have to go to war but this one is being waged worldwide.  I firmly believe that the world better standup now against the terrorism or things are going to get much worse.  We also have a voluntary military but read yesterday where some of our politicians are saying that the draft needs to be reinstituted, something we haven't had since the early 70s.  I am so thankful for the men and women who put their lives on the line and sometimes give their lives to protect us.  The least we can do is support them.

Guess I better get off my soapbox.

Quote from: Larry Hanna on April 21, 2004, 10:44:06 AM

I am in a state of shock this morning as we just learned that a young man, aged 19, that was our neighbor for 5 years right next door and we watched grow up, was found dead two nights ago in someones yard.  We are going to go to the visitation this afternoon.  This was a fine young man and he and his younger brother mowed our lawn for a year.  It appears that drugs were the cause of the death.  My how I hate illegal drugs and what they are doing to especially our young people who seem so vulnerable.  My wife and I both know that we could easily have been in the parents shoes when our children were younger and had become ensnarled in the grip of these horrid drugs.  What do you say to the parents in a situation like this other than we grieve with them and for them.  Such a waste and such pain it causes to the parents, siblings, family and friends to see a young life ended in this manner. 

I am sorry to hear about this, Larry!  It is very sad news. 

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Thanks, Soni, for another thought-provoking devotional today.

Ria, our service people are all volunteers, too.  We no longer have a draft to get soldiers, etc., for quite a few years now.  Just this morning there has been another awful suicide car bombing in Iraq, killing many children on their way to kindergarten, among others.  It seems those people do not care who they kill!    We need to stay alert, and pray without ceasing for our military.  I certaily pray all this is over soon, but it doesn't look as if it will be.  God, please protect our dear sons and daughters, husbands and wives who are in harm's way in those areas.

It looks as if several of us are posting at the same time, so I will read those and then come back.

HI Janet! Did you sleep well last night?  I did.  I still have a stuffy nose and a cough.  grrr...I think I will go to the doctor tomorrow if it persists.
Have a good day!

Larry, I am so sorry to hear about this young man.  Drugs are the scourge of the enemy!  How I hate them, too!

I agree with you that if we "knuckle under" to the terrorists, things will continue to get worse and worse.  Militant Islam has as their goal world domination and the total eradication of Israel, then the United States is next on their list.  We need to be continually praying for Israel.  If we turn our back on Israel, God will turn His back on the U.S.  Of course, we have read the end of the BOOK and know how the story will end, but we do not want to go through more agony than necessary before that time.

Marilyn, at least if Bea's apartment is that small, her free-loader son won't have room to crash on her any more.  Hope you can find a suitable love seat at a reasonable price.  Goodwill sometimes has pretty nice furniture to sell.

Hi, Papa John and Ruth Ann!

Soni, I had another bad night last night.   I was sleeping this morning when I should have been swimming, now my day is all out of whack!  I hope your stuffiness and cough goes away quickly!  (((hugs)))

Pat, I hope you get a chance to pop in again today, and that you get your faithful computer back online soon!

Later...............

I have had a few rough nights of not enough sleep. Happydog has been waking me up just about evey hour moaning in my ear. when I get up to let him out he doesn't want out he just gets back up on the bed and goes back to sleep.Last night was so much better he didn't wake me up and I only got up twice. Feeling so much better today.

Janet we don't have a Goodwill store here, but we have 3 Salvation Army stores and 3 St. Vincent de Paul stores plus numerous other "used" stores as I call them.

Soni you are doing a wonderful job filling in for our Pat. You go girl!!

Pat we do miss you and hope you will stop by again today, I see that you also stopped in on Photo-Sense yesterday.

TTYL

Soni:  Thank you so very much for your devotions!  You are a busy young gal!

I have a ham and bean soup in a new crock pot as we have a cousin and husband driving in anytime today on their way back home to Minnesota.  It is cool and overcast with a bit of rain here.  I had to really scramble this morning because my crock pot of some thirty plus years broke and so I had to run over to the store to buy a new one.  This is even larger, 6 quarts and has one more heat setting so it may work out OK. 

Thinking of Etta Sue a lot today as tornadoes hit Indiana.  Carol

Good morning dear people!   Another rainy day here on the Oregon coast.  I've just been enjoying staying indoors and watching it rain out the window. 

Marilyn, I agree with you; I like the rain.  But I have to say I'm more ready for some sunny weather this year than in a long time.  I keep hearing that we need the rain, so I'm just waiting patiently till we get enough.  I also saw on the news last night that they are expecting that we will have a dry summer.  Right now that doesn't sound so bad. haha    You said Happydog was moaning.  Is he alright?  Or is that just his way of making sure you notice him?

A good devotional, Soni, The Dancer.

I've been reading morning devotionals in a free download program called E-Sword.  It's great.  The devotionals are just a bonus.  It has many Bible translations, dictionaries, etc.  I was so surprised that it's free.  The interface is plain and no color, nothing frilly....but a great tool.  I've been wanting to get a Bible program, but they're so expensive.  It was a blessing to find this one in my search for something I can afford.

Janet, I think we are sharing sleep patterns.  I didn't sleep well last night either.  I have bad nights, then great ones. It all works out, I guess.   I go to the sleep lab next month, so that out to be fun.  They have me checking in at 7:30.      I hope they don't expect me to be able to sleep until around 11.   Maybe the Lord will knock me out and we can get it over with.  Ya think? haha

Have a blessed day everyone.  Nita

Nita Not to worry about Happydog's health, He is healthy. His moans are him talking to me. When he does it to my gransdon, Forest thinks he is growling and says "Gramma He's growling at me again".

Good to see you posting Nita. Are you already for next week?

Soni, you are doing a great job with the devotions.

Yes, tornadoes were in Indiana last evening but west and north of me.  We didn't even get rain until this morning.  And thank God, there were no fatalities in the several touch downs.

Our Small Groups Bible study was tremendous last evening.  We started a new study...Bible 101.  Getting the basics about the Bible and what the books mean...Law, Prophets, History etc.

BTW, our Small Group started because of 'The Purpose Driven Life' and we all agreed to continue.  We have 45 small groups in our church and approx. 500 people attending.  Our group is diverse.  A minister, a dental assistant, a fork lift repairman, a female engineer, stay at home Mom, a construction owner, a bartender...yes, I said bartender, a fitness trainer, a gas repairman, another stay at home Mom with their adopted Russian 2-year-old, Jerry and I.  Quite diverse. 

I am already getting antsy.  I have the Small Group here May 18.  I have only had one house party in my life so I don't know how I will do with possibly 12 in my house.  Give it to God...he can handle it!!

I am to call my doctor in a few minutes.  My blood tests showed some abnormality with my liver.  I had two more tests and they were negative.  Now they are scheduling me for a CT scan on my liver.  And I feel great.

Ivalou is having her esophagus checked tomorrow.  It seems her food gets lodged and it won't go down until she completely relaxes and sometimes has to burp to get it to go down.  Very painful.  This has been going on for almost 13 years but lately she is upchucking her food.  That is very embarrassing if she is in a restaurant or, like Easter Sunday, have breakfast at church.  It is time to get something done.

Then if I don't have my CT Scan Friday, I am taking Inky to the vet to see if she is old enough to be spayed and declawed!  Those prices are terrible.  Also a distemper shot and rabies shot...$213.  It was quoted by the same vet right after Inky came to be $165.  I didn't get a raise but it looks like EVERYONE else is giving themselves raises that I need a service from.

I had a short night last night.  I believe it was because I drank caffeinated coffee.  I was wide awake until after 1 a.m. and then the alarm went off at 7 a.m. for me to take out the trash.

It will be interesting who responds after reading this post.

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))
"Somewhere over the rainbow--that's where the airline will find my luggage."

HAHAAAAAAAA


Inner Strength

If you can start the day without caffeine or pep pills,


If you can be cheerful, ignoring aches and pains,


If you can resist complaining and boring people with your troubles,


If you can eat the same food everyday and be grateful for it,


If you can understand when loved ones are too busy to give you time,


If you can overlook when people take things out on you when,


    through no fault of yours, something goes wrong,


If you can take criticism and blame without resentment,


If you can face the world without lies and deceit,


If you can conquer tension without medical help,
If you can relax without liquor,


If you can sleep without the aid of drugs,




If you can do all these things,










Then you are probably the family dog.

      This goes with Sonja's devotion,
Thanks Larry


 

Quote from: Etta Sue on April 21, 2004, 02:15:36 PM.
It will be interesting who responds after reading this post.

<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))><<~~<)))

Hey there, Ettz!! I just thought I'd respond so you can put me on your list of "interesting" whoevers...

A friend just came by this morning to help me change the sheets on my bed -- that's a trick I still can't quite manage yet -- then she took the sheets home with her to launder and said she'll bring them back tomorrow.  I told her I can wash them here but she doesn't think I'd be able to fold them.  Maybe so .... 

Anyway I'm doing better all the time and have hardly any pain now in my shoulder.  I think what pain I do feel, from time to time, is the muscles that were bruised and are now being held in uncomfortable positions while my clavicle heals.  This too shall pass!   

MARILYN~I am ready and waiting for your arrival next week ... you better be here!!! 

See y'all later ... I think I'll look for something to eat, since it's almost noon.   

Only had time to read a couple of postings, so sorry if I missed others.

Hi to the newcomers.

Hi Nita and Janie,  hope you are well and a belated Happy Birthday Janie

Hi Etta, was sad to hear that you are having trouble and will definately put you on my prayer list for your scan to come back just fine.

Also, sad to hear about your friend with problems eating

I was on Actonel for my osteo and I started to have trouble swallowing so I just stopped the pill.  Now who knows what way I will go for my osteo.

I guess good old fashion calcium pills will have to do the trick.

Funny about prescription pills ; they help some ways but harm you in other ways (crazy side effects, )

I was so happy, happy,my son presented me with an early birthday gift.

A Jack LaLanne Power Juicer and with two recipe books so now I have no excuse to not follow a good
diet filled with fruit and veggies..

I will let you know how it is --anyone out there use a juicer.

Going to check out prayer forums.

Talk to you later,

Love in Christ,

Joyce

  Take it slow Jane, I will send my butler over.


   

Oh CHRIS!!  How wonderful.  I'll be expecting Jeeves soon! 

Etta Sue, sorry to hear you have a problem with your liver.  Having gone through a year of treatment for hepetitis C I am very aware of the importance of our liver.  Hope the CT scan will rule out any problems.  Your small group sounds wonderful.

Joyce, I thinkg most medicines have side effects.  When I hear these TV ads for the various medicines and they recite all the possible side effects I wonder why anyone would want to ask their doctor to let them take it.  I know they are trying to cover every base.

Jane, it is nice to read that you are doing well and hopefully soon you will have full use of your shoulder.  It was certainly a thoughtful thing that your friend did for you today. 

Chris, I really like those bright flowers on your card.

I also want to welcome Robert Matthews to CP and I look forward to reading your posts Robert.

Marilyn, don't think I would want my dog to sleep with me at night and wake me up.  Our cat will often nap with me in the afternoons but he sleeps longer than I do. 

Janet, sure hope you will rest better tonight. 

We just got back a few minutes ago from the funeral home as there was visitation this afternoon.  Needless to say the parents are devastated by the loss of their young son.  Don't know when I have seen as many flowers at a funeral.  These folks were wonderful neighbors and they told us today that they wished they had never moved from our neighborhood. 

 

Joyce, I use a juicer sometimes.  The worst part is.......I get one glass of juice, and then the clean up begins!  I have to take it all apart and clean.  I have to REALLY believe I'm doing something healty for myself by juicing veggies, or it'd be too much trouble.  But.....enjoy yours.  It might be a better one than mine.  In fact, I'm pretty sure it is with a name like that. 

Marilyn, I'm ready, I'm ready!  I sure hope you, Al and Marbeth make it.

Etta Sue, you are on my prayer list! 

WE have a low cost spay and neuter clinic here......also all the shots they need.....so that's where I took my two cats.  It sure saves a lot.  Still......having pets seems to be more expensive than it was when the kids were young and had pets.  Flea control alone is 'spensive on my little income.  Oh well.......I love them and they are family now.

Jane, that's a cute butler that Chris is sending.  I've been wanting some things done.  Does he do windows?  Maybe you could send him over here when you're done, as long as Chris is paying.

Larry, that is just so sad.  I HATE drugs and alcohol.  So many lives destroyed.

Etta Sue, I am responding to your post---do I get a gold star?    My daughter Diane sometimes has trouble swallowing food, too.  She had an endoscopy, which showed nothing wrong.  I think hers is stress related.  Your small group sounds great, and I know you will be a great hostess when they come to your house.

Larry, like you, I do NOT share my bed with dogs!  I don't like the smell of them, and really dislike dog hair all over everything.  Our Cookie dog is such a sweetie, but she sheds really bad.    I'm not saying anything against those who love to sleep with their dogs, only that it is not my preference!

Marilyn, the nearest Goodwill store to us is 60 miles, and we don't have those others, either!  Good luck hunting.

Nita, I hope you have a great night's rest tonight.  Sounds like several of you have a great little mini-bash coming up!  Hope you all have a blast!

Hi, Jane!  Glad you have good friends to do nice things to help you out while that clavicle heals.  ((hugs))

Hello there, Joyce, nice to "see" you!

Chris, could you send Jeeves my way after her gets Jane and Nita's all spiffied up?  Thanks! 

Here I am!

This is the third trip to the Library today but the first time I've been able to get a computer!!!  Lots of students here today.

I've had some errands to do between my little visits so no wasted trips.

Thanks Soni for filling in for me.  I haven't heard from Heiko yet so I don't even know if he got back from Sudbury or not.

Etta Sue, I was told a few years ago that some of my test results showed abnormal liver function but nothing further has ever come of it so hopefully this will be true of you too.

I see June online so maybe she'll find her way in here!

Hi to the rest of you.  Love you lots!