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• Iain's testimony has been added to our Testimonials page.  It's really worth reading.  We'll add a couple of his photos soon to this page.[/size]

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Morning Devotional...




THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM

Have you noticed that dishonourable conduct and downright dishonesty appear to be sweeping our nation from Parliament to the market place?  It seems that the depravity of man is in evidence everywhere.  Adulterous relationships are condoned.  Incest is on the increase and crimes of violence are reported on a daily basis in our newspapers.

On the international scene things are no better.  Terrorism, war, aggression and hate abound on every hand.  The humanists' dream of a world united in universal brotherhood and peace is but a hollow joke.  Man has proved that he can not govern his own lust for power and pleasure.  How then does he hope to rule creation in goodness and justice?

The sociologist and the humanist tell us that the problem lies not with man, but rather with man's environment.  Such an argument is surely foolish, for man has made his own environment what it is.  Our cities, our slums, our dens of iniquity, our battlefields and our bombs are all the products of man's depraved ingenuity.

Almost 2,000 years ago the Lord Jesus Christ declared man's heart to be the problem.  He said, "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies; these are the things which defile a man" (Matthew 15:19-20).  The Bible also asks a pertinent question and supplies the only reasonable answer:  "From whence come wars and fightings among you?  Come they not hence even of your lusts that war in your members?" (James 4:1).  This state of affairs is common to all human beings.  "For all have sinned and come short of the glory (standard) of God" (Romans 3:23).

All of us are born in bondage to iniquity (see Psalm 51:5) and we need to be set free.  The only one who can set us free from the slavery of sin is the Lord Jesus Christ.  He Himself said, "If the SON shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36)

The good news of the gospel is that Jesus the spotless, sinless, Son of God became Man and paid the price necessary to redeem us from sin.  That was indeed a costly transaction, for He paid the price in His Own Blood.

The Bible says, "Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things such as silver and gold, from your vain conversation, received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious Blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot" (I Peter 1:18, 19).

L. E. Jones, the hymn writer, knew the power of the redeeming Blood of Jesus when he wrote: "Would you be free from your burden of sin?  There's power in the Blood, Power in the Blood, Would you o'er evil the victory win?  There's wonderful power in the blood!"

Do you long to be cleansed and set free?  Then turn away from self and sin (repent) and place your trust in the Son of God who shed His Blood for sinners.  He was raised again from the dead to prove that He paid the redemption price in full.  Why not trust Him with your eternal destiny now?

The Bible declares that anyone who thus repents and believes on the Lord Jesus Christ is saved for eternity and should:

• Be baptized (immersed in water).   Matthew 28:19 & Acts 2:41
  
• Join with others of like faith.                             Hebrews 10:25
  
• Separate themselves from ungodly systems.  2 Corinthians 6:16
  
• Tell others of God's grace.                               Matthew 28:19
  
                                                                                        ~John A. Scott~
  
  
  
  
  

Pat,
It seems that your post is as relevant this side of the Atlantic as it seems to be over your way. God is not mocked, whatsover we sow, we shall also reap. Righteousness alone exalts a nation.

Here are a few thoughts that came to mind this morning:-

'Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.' Matthew 14:27

We all have our favourite texts and portions of Scripture and I have to confess that this is one of mine. I have grown to love this text because of the assurance of comfort it provides. When things are going well with us and we are 'on a roll' then we do not take much notice of texts like these. It is a different story for those brothers and sisters who may be going through the mill at this time.

No matter what we may be going through in our lives, if we can accept wholeheartedly that 'it is the Lord,' then we can go through anything. 'One man and God is a mighty army!' With God on our side what do we need to fear?

It is worth noting that these experienced fishermen were really scared! Darkness surrounded them and the wind and waves were against them. What chance did they have of getting safely to shore? What makes this even more remarkable is the fact that they are caught in such a storm at the Master's request! The Lord commanded them to over to the others side. They were doing God's Will!

It may be hard for some to grasp that God would lead His children into darkness and storms, but that is often the case. We are pupils in the School of Faith and there are many precious lessons that our Good Master would have us learn. He is a wonderful and patient Teacher and never leads us where His grace cannot keep us. He watches over us each moment with tender care, ready to stretch forth His hand in love should it prove necessary.

The trials He sends us are indeed blessings sent in disguise. Each one is measured for the recipient. We shall not be tested above that which we can bear. Sometimes though we think we know better than the Good Master as to just how much we can bear!!!

I have been aware of a consistency with each trial the Lord has put me through. There is always a measure of darkness. I pray but it seems as though the heavens are brass or God has turned His ear away from my cries. There is loneliness and this can be the case even when surrounded by family and friends. Why? They may not have a clue as to what we are experiencing in our soul and we find it impossible to explain to them.

There is the feeling of hopelessness and shame. Hopelessness because we soon realise that we are in a position that requires Divine deliverance. Shame comes from the ever present sin of unbelief which seems to magnify daily! The faith we seemed to have when things were going smoothly for us seems to have vanished completely! Questions arise in our hearts and anxious thoughts over our standing before God. Am I His or am I not?

As parents we want the best education possible for our children and Our Father in heaven is no different. We have lessons to learn and the sooner we start to acknowledge His hand in all our ways, the sooner we will move on to the next test.

The disciples had no sooner accepted the Lord in the ship when the wind ceased! This is the reward for each of us when we take this Word to heart.


My friend if we would but grasp this text as a gift from the loving Hand of God. A personal gift to help us conquer all our enemies and whatever each day may hold for us, then we would be stronger and richer as a result. Them that honour Me, I will honour. No matter what your position may be today listen to what your Beloved Redeemer is saying to you, 'Be of good cheer; It is I, be not afraid.'

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Oh, thank you, Iain!  What a tremenous few thoughts this morning.  I will be thinking on them as I travel with my friend to the Regional Cancer Centre.

Talk to you later.

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I sure do enjoy the hymns you put here Pat.  Its sure been a long time since we've sung hymns like you post.

I noticed the DUST on our hymn books on Sunday.!.. yes, I'm serious!

All our singing is "off the wall"

One of my all times favourites to sing Sunday Mornings, is "Great is Thy Faithfulness".

Anybody else care to tell us a favourite hymn? ...betcha Pat can find the music!!

Just realized I failed to welcome Ursula to the NEM site here.

Very interestin profile you posted Ursula!  Nice to have another Canadian resident too!

Good morning everyone:
Pat and Iaian thanks very much for the wonderful devotions that you both posted this morning....very thought provoking....

Hello Judy...good to see you this morning...how are you feeling? My favorite all time hymn is "A Mighty Fortress is our God" I usually get goosebumps when I listen to this one.

a GREAT BIG WELCOME TO URSULA; come right in and sit down and relax and enjoy the fellowship.
well am off to Elora to drop off my sons truck for him...so have a great day.
Paulette

Good cool and dark morning from Colorado!

Pat:  Thanks ever so much for the message!  Everywhere it seems that people are giving a pass to what they believe are smaller indiscretions.  Some people want Martha Stewart to not go to jail but if she is guilty on even a smaller scale of greed than others - it still is a wrong.  It is not for us to judge the size of the wrong.  As my dad used to say "Right is right, and wrong is wrong".  We all knew that anything wrong was just as bad as a bigger wrong.

Janice:  I seem to remember that you had the esophagus surgery previously - I had laproscopic procedure several years ago and now am beginning to have some of the same problems    Good luck to you & keep us posted.

Pat:  Maytag - I mostly bought it for the water reduction and it is supposed to be worth it in two years.  

Joan:  Well, I hope that they had an ambulance standing by for all of the upsets at your senior games.  I like Karmat's advice on packing - have a great time and come back and tell us all about it.

Iain:  Thank you for your posting this morning.  It is always interesting.

Judy:  My very favorite hymn is "Beautiful Saviour"    and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes so that I barely get through it without choking.  

Hi everyone.  Ursula, thanks for sharing a little of your background.  You have lived in a lot of different places.  

Jerry, handling the taped ministry sounds very worthwhile.  Years ago, when we lived in Missouri, I served as a Deacon in our church and one of our responsibilities was to tape the service and then deliver the tapes to shut-ins.  I remember this one lady who had been crippled so badly with polio and was bedfast but truly a delight.  I always looked forward to seeing her on the Sundays I made the deliveries.

Papa John, I am thinking you will really enjoy your role in the Bible School.  Those little ones can be so much fun.  

Etta Sue, I like your work in PSP just as I did Pats.  Since I see similar pictures from you both I am guessing those pictures were a part of the lesson material and not something you had to come up with on your own.

Marilyn, it sounds like that place you purchased your camera is not a very reliable business.  Your plan sounds good and you will probably be glad you waited and got something that will be better quality.

Carol, I agree with you that our modern applicances are greatly appreciated.  I also enjoy having the ability to renew or request books online and did that just a few minutes ago.  Kaiser also now lets us order our medications online and they come in the US mail.  This is a great service and is saving us many trips to the pharmacy, which is an hours trip.

Karmat, that list is quite inclusive.

Janice, glad Earl is feeling better each day and that you have been able to schedule your medical work.  I am only about 8 days away from being able to begin my EECP treatments.  I will see the cardiologist a week from today.  Janice, so sorry about the loss of your BIL but what wonderful news that he came to know the Lord before his death.  Your family certainly has reason to rejoice even in this time of sorrow.

Joan, glad you are home safely.  How terrible about the cycling accident and the poor lady having the stroke.  I guess all things bear a degree of risk.  Your trip to Rome sounds neat and we will be looking forward to further details when you return.  

Pat, such a timely devotional as we witness the terrible problems in society throughout the world.  

Judy, we still use our hymn books in our Worship service, although the ministers often select a hymn from another source and just put a copy in the bulletin.  

Iain, thanks for your devotional words this morning.  

Paulette, good to see you posting and I will go ahead and say hi to those joining us later in case I don't get back to post later in the day.

Karmat, you're absolutely right about the packing.  We've made many trips and since we were in different towns almost every day, it didn't matter that we wore the same clothes for several days.  We also washed our underclothing each evening to dry overnight.

Carol, the emergency vichles had to be called by the police who were nearby.  Haven't heard how those folks are doing.  Iris Sandham, the stroke victim, is doing better - the last I heard.  Larry Hanna has met her - the wife of Al Sandham who is chairman of the Gwinnett Olympics.

The sun is shining here!  Wonderful - but I have to work in the hospital today.  

Pat, I loved what John had to say and sent it to family members.

Jude 1:24,25...."Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,  to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever."

Good morning all!  Just a quick post before I get ready to go to work!

My favorite hymn??  I like "It is Well With My Soul," "Victory in Jesus," "Because He Lives," but I guess my favorite would be "Holy, Holy, Holy."

No ones posted their embarrassing moments yet!!!!  (I will when I get to work if its not too busy.  It's kinda long.)

And Sonja -- I think you need to quit DPC for a while.    I, for one, am getting tired of seeing your name on the front page.  

(Just kidding.  Congrats on another ribbon.  When I grow up, i wanna be like you!)

More laters!
karmat

That's 'vehicles', not vichles.

Good morning from a cool and cloudy Tennessee.  It is 57 degrees right now and due to get up to just 70.  And this is the 4th of June.  Our neighborhood pool may never get warm enough for me this summer.

Ruth, thank you for noting my "partner for life."  On July 1 we will celebrate 54 years together.   Proverbs 18:22  He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.  (NIV)  Fortunately I found a good one.

Janice, your experience with the injection in your neck is encouraging to me.  One of my problems is bulging disks.  I am feeling pretty good this morning.

Joan, we are glad you are back from your Virginia trip.  Sorry about the accidents there and that you didn't win.  I think you and Truett are brave to be involved in those senior games.  We hope you have a great trip to Rome.  Sounds exciting to me.  Don't take too much luggage.

Marilyn, thanks for the story about the 911 call from the back seat of the car.

Larry, I know I will enjoy the four nights next week of Vacation Bible School.  All the players in our skits are teen agers.  I am the narrator and will be standing over at the side of the stage an old man of 76 years with a white beard, quite a contrast but a lot of fun for me.

I hope you all have a nice day today.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

Karma ~ The list is great! I have it printed to put on my fridge, thank you for posting it!

Pat ~ I have already gone through the W32.Sobig@mm virus. Thank God that there are good anti-virus programs and I think I have the best after trying quite a few in past years, but I did send all my friends an e-mail that I wasn't excepting e-mail that was an attachment or had an attachment. I set my OE so it wouldn't let attachments to be downloaded. Everyone should keep their A-V program updated as often as possible, I have mine set to update daily! I have only lost one person that normally e-mails me. It is a shame AOL only lets people to forward messages by attachments. Then there are so many that don't really know how to send e-mail any other way or don't wish to take the time/or learn to do it right!

Great devotionals this morning!Pat and  Ian ~Thought provoking for sure!

Larry ~ I think that maybe many of the tapes that we do are taken to shut-ins also, but the congregation takes them as they leave after service and if it is an  especially motivationally charged service, they ask for more to be made and we have even had some to ask for tapes of previous services, so it will be interesting I am sure!

WOW
I didn't mean to slight anyone, but y'all kept posting while I was typing mine and well Hi To everyone I missed.

Good Morning: Since there are some problems withthat virus, I am letting you all know now that I have forwarded my daily devotional to a few here.  Not as an attachment.

Today I have to go meet with The Supervison of the Senior Employment Program from San Bernardino, to sign my separation papers again, It seems that he had never filled them out before and told me to sign in the wrong place.Anyway that is a noon, right in the middle of my planned day of  packing and sorting. Well it isn't like I don't have plenty of time. I have 37 more days.

Pat thanks for the devotional this morning and also to Iain for his thoughts as well. These are things that effect all of us no matter what countrywe live in.

Jane ~ Thank you for visiting my webpage.  I sure surprised Charlene (DIL) with their vacation pictures on there.  Also the little sailor suit on Donovan was his Daddy's when he was that age!!

Marilyn ~ I would really like to see a picture of your 'collections'.  I will be glad when you get moved and get a camera.

Karma ~ I really liked your list.  I don't have any embarrassing moments.  

Carol ~ Yes, what kind of washer did you get?  Edit:  I see it is a Maytag.  

Janice ~ So happy that Earl is better so that you can tend to your own health.  What a lovely story about Earl's BIL.

Joan ~ Oh, I wish I were going with you to Rome.  Jerry's son and DIL are in Italy at Latina.  Their baby is due mid July!  I am afraid we won't know what the baby looks like until they return to USA in two more years.  They bought a digital camera but we haven't seen any pictures yet!!

Pat ~ Last week Norton stopped 3-4 emails with a virus for me.  All of them were from Microsoft.  I know they didn't send them but that is what the address said.  I don't know how people operate without an Anti-virus detector.  It seems that there are so many emails today that are attachments.  I wish they weren't that way.  Time consuming as well as scary!!

Iain ~ What a great scripture....'Be of good cheer; it is I, be not afraid.' Matthew 14:27.  Stop worrying.  He is with you always.  Stop being a scaredy cat.  I will take this scripture to Calgary as my sister and I travel in the car there and back.  Another of God's promises that will help me and other's that are concerned about our safety.  

Judy Mc ~ Our hymns are 'off the drop down screen'!  I can't say as I really have a favorite hymn.  I love them all!

Paulette ~ Good morning.

Larry Hanna ~ Yes, Larry, coincidently, Pat and I are taking the same lessons and are in the same group.  I like to follow the instructions and when I really like the lesson, I will try again with a picture or design of my own.  Very interesting lessons but time-consuming for me.

Congratulations, Sonja, on another Blue Ribbon photo!!!!
I am going to pack me a small bag to take with me to Dayton.  I love to watch people dance so this will be an enjoyable two nights.  I like going to the rehearsal AND the recital.  I can take pictures one night and watch the other night.  Kind of hard to view the whole program thru a view finder.

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"As you get older it's best to do things when you think of them.....or you'll forget."

Looks like I have a lot to read.  I will be back in an hour to read it all.  I have a few chores to do.  

Hi y'all ..    There isn't any way I'll be able to remember everyone who's posted this morning...and besides, as Jerry noted, usually while I'm typing a bunch more of y'all come in and say "howdy"...  

Favorite hymn?   As Etta Sue commented, I have many, and my preferences change often.    I guess it depends on my spiritual temperature.  Right now, I have three of my favorite midis playing on my computer.  I'd love to find the words some place so I can really "listen with my eyes"    One is I Hear Music by David Baroni.  Another is Lord You Have My Heart by Martin Smith.  There's another one by him as well: Lead Me, O Lead Me  Then there's Overwhelmed by Hillsongs.  That's my selection for today ... add in More Precious Than Silver and some peaceful ocean surf (Sounds of Nature) and that's what I've been listening to all morning ...

I've got some more browsing to do and I'll be back later.

By the way, Marilyn Thanks for the devotional.  

I'll talk atcha later ...  

Jane, You are very welcome, I thought you would enjoy it.  Did you check out the web site? very interesting.

Marilyn, I haven't checked the website yet, but I'm heading that way now ...  

Well, I'm home from Hamilton and I'm now very tired.  It was an emotional visit too as I went to the dialysis unit and it was as if I'd never left there seeing all the familiar faces.  Many just came up to me and gave me a hug and no words were necessary.  It drains you emotionally though.

Anyway, I'm home and it's nice to see some messages in here to read.  Thanks!

I just got this in my email...




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A little girl was once standing on the edge of a crowd while her daddy was giving a testimony about what Jesus Christ had done in his life. He was testifying how the Lord had saved and delivered him from his old lifestyle as a drunkard.

There was a cynic standing on the edge of the crowd that day who could not bear to hear anymore of this religious nonsense. So he yelled, "Why don't you just shut up and sit down, old man. You're just dreaming".

Soon, this skeptic felt a tug on his coat sleeve. He looked down and it was this little girl. She looked him square in the eyes and said, "Sir, that's my daddy you're talking about. You say that my daddy is a dreamer? Let me tell you about my daddy. My daddy used to be a drunkard and would come home at night and beat my mother. She would cry all night long. And mister, we didn't have good clothes to wear because my daddy would spend all his money on whiskey.
Sometimes I didn't even have shoes to wear to school. But look at these shoes and look at my new dress! My daddy has a good job now".

Then pointing across the way, she said, "Do you see that woman smiling over there? That's my mother! She doesn't cry through the night anymore.
Now she sings".

Then the knockout punch. She said, "Jesus has changed my daddy. Jesus has changed our home. Mister, if my daddy is dreaming, then please don't wake him up".

Click Here

I got on today again!  I don't understand what happens but am very happy that I was able to come and read all the posts today.

Iain I "connected" to your post....  that is probably the wrong word.  But it made me feel good!

Hi and love to all, Francy

Joan, I had not heard about Iris Sandham.  I haven't met her, although saw her at the final luncheon.  I am certainly sorry to learn of her stroke.

Pat, sure understand why you would feel drained but sure those folks were glad to see you again.

 No matter what we may be going through in our lives, if we can accept wholeheartedly that 'it is the Lord,' then we can go through anything. 'One man and God is a mighty army!' With God on our side what do we need to fear?
This statement made by Iain is so true.  It is just whether we choose to trust him completely.  I am working on this in my life right now.  It is very difficult for me.  I have always been one to take care of myself and others around me and to let God take over is a challenge.  I can see the rewards when I do let him take over.
Thanks Iain for your post. They are always insightful.
It also reminds of a poem by Ruth Bell Graham

Lord, when my soul is weary
and my heart is tired and sore,
and I have that failing feeling
that I can't take it any more:
then let me know the freshening
found in simple, childlike prayer,
when the kneeling soul knows surely
that a listening Lord is there.

Pat~a lot of these songs I have never heard. Thanks for the newbys.  Great devotion.  I like the "that's my daddy story"  God does work in peoples lives.  I know!

Karmat~I also like "it is well with my soul" and " holy holy holy".
Thanks for the congrats.

Etta Sue~Sounds like you will have a fun time.  I also have a recital this week.  I will be busy every evening with the show.  Thanks for the congrats!

I have a busy evening so I will catch you all tomorrow.

Hi,

I haven't been home much today, just in and out.  I just finished reading yesterday's posts, and there was a question by Carol, from Colorado, as to whether all our children moved with us.  Sorry I didn't see that before.  No, not all moved with us.  At first only the three youngest did, but about a year after coming to Canada our oldest daughter joined us.  She still is living with us (right now she's tree-planting in Eastern Ontario and loving it!).  She is studying Philosophy at University of Ottawa.  Our oldest son, Martin, is still in Wyoming, in Laramie.  He loves it there!

SONIFO:  Congrats again on your picture - I love "people" pictures!  

Good night!

Ursula

Ursula:  Well, one son is still in Wyoming!  That is nice but a long ways from you and a very different culture    

We are back after shopping for an early birthday gift for a grandson.  We will be gone for several days in the mountains as oldest son's furnace has gone out at his cabin and someone has to open the place for a handyman.  We hear that the rivers are extreme high water right now so do hope to get a picture or more on the drive uphill.  

Pat:  I am sure that everyone at the dialysis center was pleased to see you - sorry that it was so taxing.  

We are thankful for the soft rain today.  Carol