Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


(This was the very last writing that Jack every did)

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 15.  The Weeping Woman

They kept me in hospital overnight. This is surely never a pleasant experience, so when the doctor told me I could go, I quickly arrayed myself in yesterday's clothing and walked to the front lobby. Then I looked at the clock. It would be at least two hours before Pat could pick me up. I walked around for awhile, read an out of date magazine, and then spent time watching people come and go. In time I noticed that one of the doors leading off the lobby was different from all the other points of egress for on it was inscribed one word: "Chapel". "Perhaps I can sit quietly inside to pray and read my New Testament", I thought.

I quietly made my entrance into the comfortable looking little auditorium. In the rather dim light I thought I was alone until my eyes became accustomed to this surrounding. I am not sure if I saw or heard her first. Perhaps auditory and optical sense came into operation at the same instant.

The elderly woman sat huddled on a chapel seat at the end of a row, next to the wall. She was poorly clad in a thin, worn coat which would be no match for the cold November wind outside. I had just stepped outside a few minutes earlier in my down-filled jacket and felt the damp chilly weather sweeping in from Lake Ontario and the cold penetrated to my bones. My heart went out to the poor soul weeping alone in the corner. My first instinct was to offer her help but somehow I could not bring myself to enter her world of sobbing solitude. Perhaps I should have offered words of Biblical comfort or at least asked the cause of her lament? These are questions I shall ask of my own heart for a long time to come.

During most of the long drive home I mused on the plight of the poor pathetic old woman who had shared space and time with me. In the days that followed she often came to mind and most of all I thought on the possible causes of her anguish. Had she been diagnosed with some terrible terminal disease? Had a loved one died? Maybe the husband with whom she had shared the vicissitudes of life's journey had passed from time into eternity. The joys and sorrows of the partnership now merely a heartbreaking memory. Or could it be the loss of a son or daughter that caused such heartache? Possibly it was the memory of some dark unforgiven sin or even a totally wasted life? Probably I shall never know what moved my momentary companion to such a display of tears.

This tired old world of ours has many weeping women and many moaning men. Heartbroken and lonely they pass their days in morbid bitterness often unnoticed and forsaken by family and friends. You will find them in our cities and towns, villages and hamlets. Uncounted numbers are parked by insensitive relatives in homes for the aged, senior citizens complexes and the like. But all the weeping, heartbroken people in our communities are not old; they come in every age, and in every shape, height and colour.

Those who are believers in the saving work of the blessed Lord Jesus Christ can, in the face of all this heartache, rejoice in the words of Isaiah 61:1-2, "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent me to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord."

Yes, we can rejoice because the Saviour of sinners applied this Old Testament prophecy to Himself. With reference to the verses quoted above He said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21). Paul says in II Corinthians 1:3, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort."

Truly the Son of God is all that God is, made flesh, and all comfort is found in Him. Whatever the cause of the broken heart He can bind up the wounds. If it is a guilty conscience then truly "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5) and all He requires is repentance and faith in Him.

There is no heartbreak that He cannot heal, no sin that He cannot forgive. There is indeed "balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul." Is your soul in need of healing?  Then to you He would say, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)

Yes, this tired old world of ours has many weeping women and many moaning men. The poor, materially and spiritually, will always be with us, and despite the fact that the Saviour has come to bind up the brokenhearted, many remain who know not of His love and grace.

James the half brother of our Lord defines "true religion" for us thus: "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27) Did James give us these words as a test for the reality of our faith? Can we sit in comfort and unconcern while the elderly sit alone in sorrow and while the young flounder in fear and doubts?  Christians have a message which meets the needs of all who "labor and are heavy laden". A visit to a senior's home, the sharing of a park bench, a quiet friendly conversation over a cup of coffee may give you the right and the opportunity to declare the message of God's love to some one who feels unloved and helpless. Could you be a friend to a young person in your neighbourhood? There are many who have not found the "Way" and are headed in the wrong direction. Such need to be introduced to the Lord Jesus who said of Himself "I am the way, the truth and the Life" (John 14:6). You must first earn the right by your pure and kindly conduct. Many conversations may be required so that the one in need understands your love and sees reality and sincerity in your actions and words. You must show that you're a friend of the Saviour before you can introduce Him with confidence.

Take an hour a week and spend it in this quiet and perhaps unnoticed service. The Master will notice and on "That Day" will say: "Well done thou good and faithful servant." (Matthew 25:21). Look to the Holy Spirit to guide you, be wise in your approach and He will bring blessing upon your gentle work.

---

This was written after a hospital stay of November 21, 2000 and it was found by me (Pat) the day after his funeral service on January 14, 2001.  It is a very timely message indeed for the whole family.

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


you can post comments if you wish either here or in the topic where this originates in our Manna for the Soul area...HERE.

That is indeed powerful.
I feel like I got a glimpse into the heart of this wonderful man God blessed your life with Pat, and I thank you sharing it.
Gina

Thank you Pat, Ive been waiting for Jack's last devotional. It is everything I expected of him. What a wonderful and powerful testamony in the Lord, your late Husband had. Thank you for sharing it with us Pat.

Resting in the Lord's arms.
Bob

Oh Pat
What a wonderful and honoring tribute to Jack, your love for each other is evident, may the Lord’s peace be with you.
When Jaymie was in the hospital, sometimes battling for her life, She found comfort when I would bring her a tape to listen to of one of her favorite gospel singers, Mahalia Jackson.  Here is an excerpt from one of her songs that she would sing in the rich gospel tradition, about when she would some day get to heaven:

...Gonna meet my loving mother
Gonna move on up a little higher
Gonna meet the Lily of the Valley
I'm gonna feast with the Rose of Sharon
It will be always howdy, howdy
And never goodbye....

God Bless
Tom

P.S. Some day Pat, we will look forward to the howdy howdy’s â€" and no more goodbye’s.

tom and Jaymie

Thanks so much!

I so appreciate your kind words everyone.  I know where Jack is and it's a much better place than this old sinful world but I still miss him greatly.

I know that if he were still here, he's love this site!  He's be so happy to be able to write and write and then write some more.

The flowers are lovely. 

Let's sing!

A weeping woman, probably under 30, I'm not sure, walked up the street in front of my parents' house around 9:30 yesterday evening.  It was dark, the neighborhood is not a really good one, but I said "Hi how are you doing?" just because she looked at me and seemed a little nervous about who was making noises off in the dark.  What she said to me I will never actually know, but my confused mind heard words that gave me the impression she was not doing very well at all as she walked.  I couldn't understand her, because she was talking as she cried, but she kept walking and I kept walking back into my parents' home.

What could I have offered her?  I'm not sure what she needed, and it's never a good idea to get too friendly with the strangers on that street, because they often "mark" the house where they find "help", and Mom and Dad really don't need strangers knocking on their door at 2 AM. 

I was so pained that I didn't really feel free to try to help her.  Was she abused?  It's a ghetto neighborhood, of sorts, and one of the most drug ridden areas of Asheville.  Was she a drug user?  Had she been "kicked to the curb" by her "supervisor" (not the actual word, but bear with me)?  Was it simply the ghetto version of teenage angst gone amock? 

Jack's description of the weeping woman in the chapel really catches my eye today.  There are so many weeping people, even though they may shed no tears.  So many people with hurt, and sometimes we are so trapped by circumstances and surroundings to where we can seemingly offer no hope; make no difference.  "I'll pray for her" seems like such a copout... "If we are the body, why aren't His arms reaching?  Why aren't His hands healing?  Why aren't His words teaching?  And if we are the body, why aren't His feet going?  Why is His love not showing them there is a way?"

This was a pretty shocking, slap-in-the-face reminder to me that I live my Christian life inside the cocoon that is "church".  So often, the only time we reach out to people is in the name of "getting them in church" because that makes us feel good.  We'll work and serve within the security blanket that we call church. 

How many times have I "given a cup of water" in the name of CHRIST when no one, truly NO ONE, was watching?  Is it true that I do what I do more for my glory or to make my family, friends, and fellow church members believe that I am a "good" Christian?  Or do I do it because I love the person I am helping?  Can I really GIVE when it does NOTHING for me?  Do I "tithe" because of the blessing God has promised to the tither, or do I tithe because I love the person the tithe will help?  Do I "give" to the mission because it is a tax deduction, or because I love the guy in the flannel shirt with dirty fingernails and a rumpled beard? 

Oh, wretched man that is me.  How much I have been given; how much love I have been shown, yet I am such a failure at giving and loving those around me. 

May God fan the flames of love in the hearts of Christians everywhere...

I hope all of you have a GREAT day!!!

Wow!!  Some very powerful stuff today. 
Nards - I think yoou gave all of us something to really reflect on, thank you for that!
I am now going to read chapter 4 of my Purpose Driven Life book,  be back later!!
Carrie

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Thank you Pat for sharing Jack's last deovtional and Thank you Nards for sharing your experience also. They both bring to mind that I was the Weeping woman when I boarded a plane to go to my mother's funeral. I sobbed all the way north on those planes, in the airports waiting to board the planes.

Everyone just looked at me and didn't even offer a comment or question, just looked and turned their heads the other way. I don't think any word of comfort would have helped  to ease the pain and terrible sense of loss I felt.

I was also leaving my home  and had planned never to return to the man who was so abusive. I was gone for three weeks coming here to stay with my son. after three weeks I returned to Southern California and that abusive man. Three weeks after that he  was arrested and sent to prison for 2 years and I got saved just a few months later and my life changed when Jesus came into my heart.

These things  I have written this morning are not in my Testimony that is one the testimonies page.  I have let you know a little more about  my life andmy conversion over the time I have been a member of CP, when  something has brought specific memories to my mind. I hope you don't mind my sharing my thought here too.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I am a new creation. The joy of the lord is my strength.

Some mighty powerful reading today...I believe we are all guilty of turning the other way at times.  We should all own Galatians 6:2.  Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Janet ~ I found that when Mom was having to go to doctor offices that they seemed to think Mom was able to do everything.  I remember after her surgery that the surgeon told us to put her on the examination table.  Mom was a big woman and hadn't walked for weeks.  So I got behind her, Kaye Don in front and we tried to literally lift her to the exam table.  We couldn't do it.  She slipped right through our arms.  The staples were removed with Mom on the floor.  Then we knew we couldn't get her back in the car.  The ambulance service near the surgeon's office wouldn't cross county lines so we waited for 2 hours for another ambulance to take her.  What a day.  You feel so helpless when you can't do what is needed to do. So I know how you feel. 

Liz ~ I visited the SN site once, too.  I couldn't take the heat and that is what they want but sorry, I couldn't return there.

Sue ~ My computer is working fine since I got rid of the virus' and using Avast.  When it starts to slow down, I run Adaware and then it speeds up again.  I am on dial-up also.

Stray Cat is still outside.  I walked my trash to the road and didn't see him.  But when I got back to my door, I kind of yelled 'Kitty, kitty!' and he came across the yard from Ivalou's house.  He must have walked with her to take her trash out.  I later went to the mailbox to mail some letters.  Hard to walk with a car rubbing against your ankles.  His eyes to look better.  I do not need another car.  I DO NOT NEED ANOTHER CAT!

Raining and had to run the sump pump last night.  Come on, Spring time!!!

"Minds were designed to implement the heart's desire."

Thank you, Pat, for that hymn.  It's one of my many favorites.  We used to sing it at Intervarsity Christian Fellowship meetings.

Wonderful reading here in NEM today!  Thanks, Pat, for sharing those words from dear Jack's heart, and Nards, you're a jewel!  (((hugs)))

Thanks, Etta Sue.  I felt later that I should not have written what I did, and it is so good to know that someone identifies with me and knows how I felt.  My Mom outweighs me, too, and just doesn't seem to TRY to stand or keep her balance.  She is too used to having EVERYTHING done for her at the home.  Not good.

Darrel and I went to the wellness center this morning for our orientation on the machines, and worked out for about 25-30 minutes.  Should be a good change in our lives, and we will add that to our swimming.

My ladies are coming to paint today after a long hiatus---since before we left for Thailand.  It will be good to get back in the groove.  They have been having health problems since I got home.

The disasters in California are heartbreaking.  Seems that the weather all over the world has gone amock!  :(  God is still in control.............

Hi everyone.  I echo the comments that have already been made concerning this last writing by Jack and the other thought provoking and challenging posts by others here today. 

I am sitting here with a certain sadness and yet joy in my heart.  When I got the mail from the box this morning there was a letter from our Associate Pastor for Nurture as she has accepted a call to be the sole pastor at a small church in a small town.  She has been here 6 years and is a wonderful, spirit filled person, who is very much loved by our church.  Of course, I am very happy for her if she feels this is what God wants her to do, as she obviously does.  I don't think that one time in the six years she has been here have I been in the hospital or having something done to my heart that she hasn't been there.  She will be long remembered in our congregation. 

Janet, I certainly don't think any comments you have made here were inapproprate.  You were simply stating how you were feeling in dealing with a very difficult situation regarding your mother.  I can certainly understand what you faced as there was no way I could lift my mother when she wasn't able to help lift herself.  Your story about the fishing people was certainly interesting and showed the native wisdom of these folks. 

Etta Sue, you sure gave me a good chuckle with your typo as it presents such a interesting mental picture:   

Marilyn, thanks for sharing your additional testimony.  Glad you got away from the abusive situation and most certainly that you found your salvation in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Tbear, we also had a heavy fog this morning.  It isn't cold here but is overcast today.  We are suppose to have some cooler weather but nothing really drastic over the weekend.

Carrie, I see you are reading "The Purpose Driven Life".  Isn't that a wonderful book and so full of scripture. 

Tonight is choir practice.  Pat is at the church right now fixing the children's packets for next Sunday's service.  We are not going to the supper tonight at the church as the three hour period is just too much for her when she isn't feeling up to par.  She went to see the chiropractor right before stopping at the church and is taking a series of adjustments. 

Liz, stay in where it is warm.  Hope everyone has a nice day.  I should try to go walking this afternoon but not sure I am up to doing it today.  Think I will rest for awhile and then decide for sure.  I haven't been walking all week and know I need to be doing it but it is leaving me so tired that it is hard to force myself to do it.

I've posted a new link about the Tsunami Tragedy HERE


Please read!

All I can say is WOW.

This was some pretty powerful readings this afternoon. It struck right into my heart. Thank you all.

Thank you Pat for sharing Jacks words with us.

Have a wonderful afternoon.

Jen

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howdy all!

Larry, thanks for pointing out that typo.  I was wondering how Etta was going to the mailbox with a car rubbing her ankles, and she doesn't need another one! (love ya girl!!)

Good reading today.  My shift has ended, and I'm going home!!  If I can get in.  I don't carry housekeys, so I have to depend on my garage door opener.  Earlier today, the power was off, so the opener didn't work.  I got to work on time, though. :-)

have a great evening!

First of all, I apologize for detouring here in New Every Morning..

I just received an email from my brother and I thought that I'd share it with you.  I don't think that Murray would mind.  I had sent him a link to the little Tribute that I did for Jack the other night when I couldn't sleep.  I so appreciate my brother and sister and their help to me during these times of remembering.  I try to remember the happy times and I manage to do that and even share a laugh or two with close friends of some of the funny things that happened in our life but sometimes, I just find that the loneliness is more than I can bear sometimes and it's at these times that i come in here and read and read and read.  I appreciate you all so very much.

At this time four years ago, we were waiting for the plane to land from Ireland with our niece and nephew on board so that they could attend the funeral on Saturday the 13th of January.

My brother speaks in his email of all the favourite things that we had on view of Jack's.  We had all of his Walking in the Old Paths in a book on display and it was such a blessing to see so many reading Jack's devotionals--both saved and unsaved folks. 

We had his latest Bible on a table and so many just wanted to read the little notes that Jack had written throughout. 

Also on display were his hiking boots with the socks still stuffed inside them just as he had left them the last time he wore them out on a hike and his ruck sack he always carried and his map case.  In his rucksack no matter where he hiked, he always carried a small Bible, the Great Guidebook,  so that when he sat for a rest, he could read God's Word.  There were photos of funny events throughout our almost 40 years together in both Canada and the UK.

Now, here's Murray's email to me and it was so good to receive.

Thanks Murray and Judy for being close by on the more difficult days during this past 4 years.  As mother used to say, "There will always be sad days like this but I didn't know there were be so many!"  I just pray that through sharing Jack's life with you all that someone reading will receive a blessing from this.



Listen to this while reading my dear brother's email


Dear Pat,

I read what you sent [the tribute] and it was really well said.  It must be a difficult time for you.  I'm sure you have felt the strength of the Lord as you remember this anniversary.  God gave us memories not forgetories, (although it's difficult to recall having taken pill a few minutes ago) and as you remember Jack and all the good times, that strength of the Lord will help the thoughts and memories to be uplifting and pleasant and not devastating as you felt back then, 4 years ago. 

As I think back the Memorial Service my mind is struck by the appropriateness of the items of his that you and your kids brought to display.  They are so appropriate and so significant -- all related to his earthly hobby, walking and hiking.  It speaks to me today (although I'm not sure I thought it then), and I'm sure Jack would have hoped folks to think about this, that we are on a Spiritual walk or hike or journey.  He managed to finish his earthly hike before us because God has the time table with the way-points on it.  Although you may know some, you will never know all the lives he touched in his walk.  The words (and the music) by Ray Boltz are so touching and appropriate when thinking about Jack's influence on others on his hike down here:

What a lovely email Murray sent you Pat.  I have clicked on that song by Ray Boltz....the words and music brought me to tears.....What a message.

Thank you Pat for putting it in here.

Love,

Judy

What a kind, thoughtful brother you have, Pat.  That is one of my favorite songs, and it was sung at our beloved pastor's funeral.  We all have those in heaven who mean so much to us; won't our reunion be glorious?

It is misting and freezin immediately here on every surface.  I'm concerned what the roads will be like tomorrow for the trip to Amarillo.  I pray it stops misting soon!

Its freezing rain here, too Janet.  We even had a lightening storm around the supper hour.  Our little dog dosen't mind the thunder at all., our previous dog, Cindy, used to literally cry when it thundered.

Pat - is the "Christian Photography" heading a new color?  It is so pretty.  Don't tell me its looked like that forever, and I'm just noticing it now...

Just added that logo a few minutes ago, Judy.

Glad you like the colour.

I have just added more pictures to the Thailand Photos Vol. 8 thread, if you want to take another look......or look for the first time!

Hi, friends,

My son is taking me to the Wal-Mart that has a handicap department, so can't be on very long.

Just a little request. Some of you use very small fonts in your postings. When that happens, I cannot get them to increase large enough to read. Sometimes this is in the quotations secton and sometimes in the postings themseves.

Sorry to whine, but the messages are so important to me that I'd love to be able to read them all.

These posts today have been really thought provoking. I prayed all day yesterday for a lady I don't know who was to have had a radical mastectomy. They did an exploratory cut and realized that the tumor is contained and so they could do a lumpectomy and then also take some nodes from under her arm. I'm thankful she's doing well thus far.

Y'all have a really good evening.

Much love to all.

Ruth Ann

Hi Ruth Ann...  The quote font size is automatic with the software.  I'll see about getting that size increased.

I encourage everyone to look at Janet's Thailand photos.  I've had several friends come to see them who are not members of CP so they can't comment but they've thoroughly enjoyed them.

I've learned so much.

Pat, one friend of mine registered and tried to comment, but she said it kept saying either her username wasn't valid, or else her password.  She said she tried five times, then gave up.

I am also having trouble reading the posts when very small fonts.  It would be helpful if they were increased in size, as I know several on here do have some eye problems.

I didn't go to church tonight, it is bitterly cold out, and with the freezing rain, too, I just stayed in.  Darrel cooked a wonderful supper:  chicken breasts, peas, baked potato and salad.  Isn't he a gem? 

They have decided to seek the death penalty on the woman who strangled the young woman and cut her baby from her womb and stole the baby.  I saw the father and the baby on TV today....the father says the baby is a gift from God, and is helping him with his grief over the loss of his dear wife.  I spoke to my sister the other day and she said the woman who did this awful thing lived only 30 miles from her! Shudder~~~~~

Oh My Pat. 

I have been praying that you would sence God's Presence close to you at this anniversary and you would feel His Peace. 

I passed on the memorial pictures to a few family friends, including Bev (McDougall) Thompson. 

Be aware that many are praying for you at this time.

Love you