Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...

‘Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.’[/b]
Matthew 11:4 & 5

If ever there was a man on this earth who lived for Christ it was John the Baptist. His whole life was dedicated to his calling as a forerunner of the Messiah. It is clear that he cared little for the pleasures and comforts of this world, as his mind was totally focussed on the One who was to come after him. 

For this reason He took delight in proclaiming the Christ of God to all who would listen. His meat and drink was to draw sinners attention away from both himself and themselves and to point them to Jesus. There is no doubt that he was a man with a mission. Called and separated by God for a specific task. His ministry should remind us of that of Noah’s - he was to spend his entire lifetime upon it.

He had faith to believe what others could not. He had power to proclaim the Truth fearlessly. Christ Himself said of him, ‘there had not risen one born of a woman who was greater than John the Baptist.’

So why now does he need to be told ‘again’ about the works of Jesus?

In answer we need to see that for all his good work, John was in prison. His ministry had come to an end - and perhaps there was just a doubt or two creeping into his mind. He had heard what was happening outside the prison. There was a man claiming to be the Messiah.  But was He truly that One? 

Let’s look at and think about two aspects of what John did.

First of all, John never forgot his calling despite his situation. Though he had his own disciples he told them to go to Jesus and ask Him whether He was the Messiah that John had been preaching about. 

Remember what John said about hinmself: “I must decrease but He (Christ) must increase.” There are vital lessons here for us.

First of all, no matter how good we think we may be at our witnessing, yet the truth of the matter is that we cannot save anyone. John the Baptist could not save anyone, and he knew it, but He knew a Man who could. Christ Jesus alone saves through faith. In fact, faith in and of itself does not save!

There are many gifted, sincere, eloquent and powerful preachers of the Gospel, yet no matter how diligent they may be in their efforts to proclaim the Truth, they will be the first to admit that not one single soul will be saved unless the Spirit of the Living God applies the Word preached by His power. They must remain deaf, blind and strangers to grace and to God apart from the Spirit’s operation.

The longer I go on in the faith, the more keenly aware I am of wanting more of Jesus Christ in my life. I have learned and I continue to learn that I only gets in His way when He is dealing with me. Sometimes, in fact, whatever zeal that I have makes me utter things that afterwards I bitterly regret.

I tend to blunder on, living my life at a helter skelter pace and believing that I am doing good - when all the while the Lord is begging me to ‘Stand still and see His salvation!’

I must learn to decrease more and more in order that Christ may become more prominent (“increase”) in my daily life. I must allow Him to reign completely in my life. I must submit all my thoughts, words and actions to Him. The few times when I am able to do this are without doubt the happiest times. 

Pride - and how I love my pride â€" is my biggest stumbling block to enjoying God. In fact if it were not for MYSELF everything would no doubt be great!

A signpost â€" that is what I want to be! Just like John the Baptist I must point and direct all who come to me to Jesus the Messiah.

So I would like say a word or two here about witnessing for the Lord.

I know of many fine Christians of both genders who live exemplary lives, yet they have great difficulty in telling other folk about their faith. They castigate themselves because they cannot seem to utter the right words at the right time. They may actually feel prompted by the Spirit to speak to someone, and the words are on the tips of their tongues - but that is where they remain.

They may meet with a friend or a work colleague and find themselves almost bursting as promptings from within to speak surge through them. The conversation then leads to a moment in which they realise only too well that it is now or never, but often the moment is lost and only a sore conviction remains in their souls. 

They have let their Master down, and they know it! They feel as though they are the poorest witnesses on the planet and that they are the only ones in the world who suffer from spiritual lockjaw!

They are not!

I do not need to describe that awful feeling within that we experience when we let our Saviour down. Guilt may last for a time, and we may even conclude â€" wrongly â€" that Jesus has turned His back on us as a result of our failure. This is wrong! Nobody knows our strengths and our weaknesses so well as our Lord does!

We try our best to make amends through various good works. We pray more fervently, we read a little bit more of our Bibles, and we do it in the hope of getting back in good graces with Jesus again. But, dear ones, repentance is needed, not works! 

Until we do repent we will ‘feel’ that He is a million miles away from us and we often conclude that He has every right to be angry with us. We can worry ourselves sick and become distressed at our lack of communion with the One whom we love. 

We exhaust ourselves trying to win His favour when all that is needed is a turning from ourselves unto God once again, along with making confession of our sins and believing that there is yet forgiveness with Him who shed His blood for us.

It is only when we have once again done our “first works” and returned to Him that we realise that He had not turned His back upon us.  Neither had He distanced Himself a million miles from us! He had not moved - we had! We simply refused to swallow pride and do the necessary thing (repentance).

So we see that our lives must include repenting again and again and again. Why? Because we sin again and again - and again! Thankfully He forgives and cleanses again and again - and again.

We absolutely must remember, too, that not all Christians are able to witness as powerfully as others or even as fervently as they themselves would like. Additionally we need to remember that we are to witness for Jesus not only in our speaking but also and more importantly in our living.

There is a little slogan that I like. It reads, ‘Preach Christ, use words if you have to!’ 

Those who are by nature quiet and shy will have strengths in other areas. They may be very great when visiting the sick or elderly. They may be extremely generous with their wealth. Their homes may be ‘open to all.’ They may give more time and effort than most in charity work.

I know that one of my great weaknesses is visiting the sick. I find it very difficult and even embarrassing as often I am lost for words and I just do not know what to say.

Ministers of the Gospel are not exempt from these same weaknesses. Some are powerful preachers yet are hopeless in fellowship with other Christians. Some Professors may be brilliant Theologians yet they may lack common sense! There are ministers who are wonderful at visitation and charitable works but when it comes to preaching they seem to spit feathers!

We are all different, and we must try and work to our strengths and not dwell upon our weaknesses.

Returning to John’s situation again. He was in need of refreshing, and the only place that he knew where that refreshing could be had in this world was in and through Jesus. Here we learn the need for our own souls to daily visit the Fountain of Living Water in order to help quench our thirst and also in order to feed on the Bread of life.

There are many who condemn John for his actions and regard him as being weak. Well I wonder how many of of his detractors have been in prison facing the death sentence? John, like all others on this planet, was a sinner and not greatly different from you and I. 

Perhaps the darkness of the prison entered his soul for a while. Perhaps he was physically weaker than normal due to the prison fare. Perhaps he wondered why the One he loved and proclaimed so vehemently had not come to visit him. There is no doubt in my mind that because of a multitude of factors John was in a weaker condition than he had been prior to his confinement. 

On the return of his disciples, John’s faith would have been strengthened. His soul would have rejoiced in what he was hearing about the Messiah! He heard ‘again’ that which he had so often proclaimed to others!

Like John we need to be reminded again and again of what Jesus has done for our souls. I never weary of taking my soul to the cross and I never tire of the experience of having all my sins forgiven. 

I am sorry that I have rattled on a bit longer than I had planned, but you see I never get tired of speaking about Him either!

Iain Mackenzie

 :)I just loved that.  That almost described me, I'm a terrible speaking witness, I just never know how to start a conversation in that direction.  Everyone tells me that my actions speak louder than words, (although that in itself is a scary thought!),and at times that is reassuring.  I just want to live my life in a way that is pleasing to Jesus and draws others closer to Him.  Sometimes I think I swerve off into the wrong lane (so to speak) and need a little help getting going in the right direction! God is ever so gentle in picking me up and dusting me off and sending me on my way again. Praise His wonderful name!

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you today who need a touch from above.

Have a blessed day!

Samantha

One thing I am not and that is afraid to share what Jesus has done for me and how he has changed my life.   I want everyone I meet to know what Jesus did for me. Sometimes I think that  people don't really care what He has done for me and they look at me as if to say "oh not She's not going to tell that story again". But when there are new people who don't know where I have been or how much my life has changed and the opportunity arises I will tell them bits and peices of my testimony.

Wednesday night at Bible Study the subject came up of our first experience with the Power of the Holy Ghost in our lives, and would'n't you know
Marilyn had to tell her experience. There was silence  as I breifly spoke and ended with "that was an awesome experience and feeling of the Power". The new pastor commented yes it was  and that was that.

The story I told was about one time in the church I came from in Southern California, a man who was  a heroin addict asked for prayer to be delivered from that  addiction. Several of us who were former addicts gathered around him as I held his face in both of my hands and we began to pray. He was slain in the Spirit and after a time when he arose from the floor he gathered me in his arms and tearfully said to me.  "Marilyn, I actually felt the heroin  coming out of my veins and running down my arm, Praise the Lord." I just told him to raise his arms and start praising the Lord for his goodness.

Telling people what God has done for me is a good way to open a conversation on salvation for me.

TTYL

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  bgh

Hi all!  Travis is feeling much better.  He just coughs some, but nothing too major.  I, on the other hand, am absolutely worn slap out.  I feel like i could lay down and sleep for hours.   Thanks for all your prayers and everything.  We should have a baby in the next week or so. :-)

I have found that I can verbally share Jesus when I have been living a life that does not surprise anyone that I am a Christian.  Then, when the opportunity arises, and I mention Christ, they aren't shocked.  I believe it is important to be able to tell what Jesus has done for you as well as why you believe (also scriptural), and it is equally important to live the life you are witnessing about.  Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, "What you do speaks so loudly I cannot hear what you say."  The two have to be equal share partners, or neither will be effective, I think.

Well, I'm gonna go and try to get this body to do a couple of household tasks.  Later!!

karmat

The animation above has 18 billboard signs...very nice, I think.

Iain ~ Thank you much for the devotion today.  A lot to think about.

Karma ~ Glad they didn't rush you up to the 4th floor!!!  Hope they do soon but not until the time has come....  Poor Trav.  I sure am praying that he is better today.  Hope all of you get that much needed rest!

What great news to hear from Janet about Beth.  I will continue to pray for supernatural healing for her.  She is a precious daughter of God.

And Pam....I guess I didn't realize her surgery was back surgery also.  Back surgery is a very complicated surgery and I am praying that God guided the hands of the surgeon to do exactly what was needed for Pam to become pain-free. 

And Nita!!!  I sure didn't realize you had a hysterectomy and 'stuff' surgery.  Do take care.  Your body will tell you when to be cautious and take things easy.  Glad your pc is working better.  Those germs in there are aggrivating to no end!

Hi Babycakes ~ Come back more often!!!  We don't bite....really!

Marilyn ~ I really like your new profile photo.  Looks good.  And I like telling about my testimony when I approach people.  I surprise myself when I talk about God to people I don't know.

TBear ~ Hope that Rolan comes back from the dentist with a toothy smile.  I don't mind dentists but I do mind that they tell me what all needs to be done in my mouth.  I have had two different dentists tell me the same two teeth for 15 years needs crowns.  They still don't hurt and they still don't cause me any problems. 

Well, today it is cold...20°F right now.  But Jerry just informed me that snow is on the way tomorrow.....I am tired of snow!!!  Oh, well.  Spring is on the way!!!

Karma, glad travis is better.  Hope you get some rest, girl..you are going to need it when this baby comes. 

Off I go getting stuff done.  Have a good day, everyone.
Soni

Oh, what great postings...

Remember how our quiet prayers can be so very helpful reminds me of what happened this weekend.

Hurrying to get groceries before the big storm hit; I ran into Walmart and try to get in and out fast.... well, when a storm is predicted , no one just runs in and out so I was stuck in line..

Something/someone made me move to another line --right behind a dear man who immediately started to talk to me --first, showed me the ice chopper he bought then the shovel but more important he wanted to tell me about the insulation he bought.

He bought it for his doggie/his best friend/buddy whom he just left off at the animal hospital.

The 18 year old was in dire need to be helped or just let go to rest--this dear sweet man just told me so many stories of his life with this little doggie.  I stayed way too long listening but felt his need to talk.

My daughter called on Tuesday and told me that man had to have his doggie put down (she works at the animal hospital --he was not aware of that fact)my daughter
sat and stayed with him during the whole process...all I could do when I heard this was to say a prayer and wish for his peace of mind...
NOW   I know why I was led by him a few days before.

Awhile back , I did not go away on the weekend as I usually do and I was feeling disappointed about that.

I was driving past the airport where we work and a small plane crashed and was on
fire as we approached it.

I felt so helpless--all I could do was to say a quiet prayer for the peace to overcome the family at their time of distress...

I mentioned it on another forum; about my helplessness, and a lady wrote--

Joyce, you were there for a reason; doing the Lord's will --praying for a stranger's family in need.

Never again do I wonder why...when the feeling hits; I just pray.

Take care and as always,

Love in Christ,

Joyce

Well, woke up this morning to a huge bang and a bright light.  The cat pulled down my curtains (half of them) The rod is now bent in half.  This is a sturdy metal rod and I cannot bend it back.

Quote from: Etta Sue on January 28, 2005, 11:12:32 AM

  bgh

Etta Sue--

Thank you so much!  A treat to have a welcome. 

God bless,
Sam

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My name is TBEAR & I hope to get to know you better and to read more of your posts in the near future !!  [/font]

Tbear, Marilyn--

Thank you both so much!  I too am looking forward to taking part in the conversation here.  Such a nice, warm, and welcoming bunch!

God bless,
Sam

Welcome BGH!

I'll add my welcomes to bgh and others I may have missed in the past few days.

Teresa Dawn -- gotta love them cats!!

Hey all just stopping in to say hi.   

Hi everyone.  Welcome to Sam (bgh),  mfaley and anyone else new here who I have not personally welcomed.  I am happy to see each of you here on the CP site and look forward to getting to know you better.  I live in the Atlanta, GA.  area and it cold down here today and we are awaiting the arrival of an ice storm tonight and tomorrow. 

Sure not looking forward to it.  While we seldom get much snow we do every few years get a major ice storm.  If we lose power I do have a kerosine heater out in our storage building that will keep us warm and have a couple gallons of kerosine. 

Pat and I just got back for a couple hour visit at the doctor's office for her and then we ate at "Smokey Bones" for a late lunch.  That is one of our favorite places.  While Pat was at the doctor's I went back to Fry's and picked up some new portable phones.  Now have to get them set up and the batteries charged so we can use them.  These are the first phones we have ever had that will have caller ID on them and I am looking forward to that feature.

I certainly hope today will be a good day for Beth, Pam and also for Nita as they recover from surgeries. 

Joyce, it sounds like God put you in that line at Walmart for a specific purpose. 

I have a lot to do this afternoon and the day is getting away so am not going to try to address indivual posts.  Just hope everyone is staying warm and, if ailing are feeling better today.

January 28   

Personal Life: Choices

I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me.
I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! 
--Psalm 119:30-31

The important thing about a man is not where he goes when he is
compelled to go, but where he goes when he is free to go where he
will....

A man is absent from church Sunday morning. Where is he? If he is in
a hospital having his appendix removed his absence tells us nothing
about him except that he is ill; but if he is out on the golf
course, that tells us a lot. To go to the hospital is compulsory; to
go to the golf course, voluntary. The man is free to choose and he
chooses to play instead of to pray. His choice reveals what kind of
man he is. Choices always do....

I think it might be well for us to check our spiritual condition
occasionally by the simple test of compatibility. When we are free to
go, where do we go? In what company do we feel most at home? Where do
our thoughts turn when they are free to turn where they will? When
the pressure of work or business or school has temporarily lifted and
we are able to think of what we will instead of what we must, what do
we think of then?

The answer to these questions may tell us more about ourselves than
we can comfortably accept. But we had better face up to things. We
haven't too much time at the most.  Man: The Dwelling Place of God,
158-161.

"Lord, as a pastor or teacher I can't choose to play golf on Sunday
morning, but I can choose a lot of other things that are just as
revealing of my inner character. Help me to make choices today that
are pleasing to You. Amen."

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Hi Pat--

Thanks so much for the kind welcome!  A treat indeed. 

I looked briefly through your gallery--very nice indeed!  I particularly enjoyed the long view of the Mackinac Bridge--just the right angle on it.

God bless,
Sam

Let's sing together this wonderful hymn...

http://christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=4112.msg72902#msg72902

Well, as Larry told y'all, there is a big winter storm predicted for the southeast, including both Atlanta and Nashville.

So, although I had planned to stay until Sunday, we agreed I should get over Monteagle Mountain before it got iced over. I've spoken with the children several times along the route, and they're REALLY glad I left when I did. They're being pelted by sleet which, and I quote: "Is bouncing off the roof, Mom!"

I got within 3 miles of my home and rain splatters began to hit the windshield. They were the kind of splatters that portend icy stuff coming shortly. I heard a forecast of 1/4 inch of ice accumulation, then 1-2 inches of snow on top of that - thankful to be safe.

I told Pam about all the prayers on her behalf. She is really thankful for the support.

Y'all have a good evening. I slept fitfully llast night - praying for guidance on a personal matter as well as how to handle leaving Pam when she really needs me for a few more days. So, I finally got up, showered and dressed at 5 am (4 Nashville time) and was at work (for my job) down in their very cold office by 5:15. Therefore, I'm about ready to rest the remainder of this evening.

Ruth Ann

Marilyn, I tried to fix your Welcome to bgh (Sam) but I couldn't get your image to come up.  At least, the codes aren't showing now.  Sorry! 

I have been busy today not doing much but busy!  Time to recline and watch some TV!

Quote from: Ruth Ann Bice on January 28, 2005, 06:18:28 PM
Well, as Larry told y'all, there is a big winter storm predicted for the southeast, including both Atlanta and Nashville.

So, although I had planned to stay until Sunday, we agreed I should get over Monteagle Mountain before it got iced over. I've spoken with the children several times along the route, and they're REALLY glad I left when I did. They're being pelted by sleet which, and I quote: "Is bouncing off the roof, Mom!"

I got within 3 miles of my home and rain splatters began to hit the windshield. They were the kind of splatters that portend icy stuff coming shortly. I heard a forecast of 1/4 inch of ice accumulation, then 1-2 inches of snow on top of that - thankful to be safe.

I told Pam about all the prayers on her behalf. She is really thankful for the support.

Y'all have a good evening. I slept fitfully llast night - praying for guidance on a personal matter as well as how to handle leaving Pam when she really needs me for a few more days. So, I finally got up, showered and dressed at 5 am (4 Nashville time) and was at work (for my job) down in their very cold office by 5:15. Therefore, I'm about ready to rest the remainder of this evening.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann, I'm so glad that you're home safe and sound.  That's no kind of weather to be out in. 

I'm continuing to pray for dear Pam. 

Yea, Ruth's weather should be getting to us soon.  3-6 inches of snow turning to ice.  Bernard (who is sick, now) is afraid I'll go into labor.  I've promised him to try not to. :-)

Hope all our recovererereres are recovery nicely -- still praying for all ya'll.

So, here's to surgery and bad weather -- 

Have a good evening

Another welcome to SAM! - Its so nice to see that you are posting.

Marilyn:  Everyone is mentioning your new photo...and I'm not able to see it...boo hoo!!

I'm continuing to pray for Pam, Nita, and Beth.  Joyce - what a nice thing you did - to reassure that gentleman in Wal Mart.  Isn't it wonderful ow the Lord opens opportunities for us to minister in ways like that.

Karmat:  I'm praying for you as well, that you will have an uneventful and safe delivery.

I truly hope we have seen the end of the bitter cold here.  Its supposed to be a little milder this weekend...Oh - I sure hope the weather man dosen't change his mind.

I just received this email from Janet's daughter, Diane..

Pat

I just got home Friday evening.  Mom talked to you after Beth's surgery. 

Here's the latest.  She was still in ICU this afternoon, but got a regular lunch.  She has a lot of pain and hasn't moved around much.  She looks really good, has a good appetite and kidneys are working well.

Mom and Darrel are still in Amarillo with her.Thanks for your prayers.  God is so good.

Love
Diane[/b]

Thanks for the update on Beth, Pat.

If y-all notice a little hand upon my shoulder in the new picIt if the han d of my grandson Forest. You can also see a piece of his blue the left side of my head.

Tomorrow is another "Grandma Day" it is Forest's turn to spend the afternoon with me. I am taking him to the movies to see Racing Stripes.

TTYL