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Morning Devotional...

SAMSON'S DEATH
Judges 16:22-31 NIV

But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.

Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, "Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands."

When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, "Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain."

While they were in high spirits, they shouted, "Bring out Samson to entertain us." So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. When they stood him among the pillars, Samson said to the servant who held his hand, "Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them."

Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform.

Then Samson prayed to the LORD, "O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes."  Then Samson reached towards the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, Samson said, "Let me die with the Philistines!"  Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

Then his brothers and his father's whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel for twenty years.
How well do you understand God's patience?[/size][/color]

In spite of Samson's past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the heathen temple and worshipers.  God still loved him.  He was willing to hear Samson's prayer of confession and repentance and use him this final time. 

Sin in our life keeps us from feeling like praying.  But perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer.  Don't let guilt feelings over sin keep you apart from God.  No matter how long you have been away from God, he is ready to hear from you and restore you to a right relationship.  Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to him. 

If God could still work in Samson's situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages[/i]

  :)A beautiful day int SC this morning. 

Thanks, Etta Sue, for the devotional. You always do a good job and it seems to speak to me right now.  The words of wisdom about prayer were good.  We are doing 1st Place at church and this week we are studying about prayer, so everything just fit right in.

Still praying for Jerry.  Must go to the prayer section now and find out about him.

I am sick over the Shiavo situation. I know God knows and pray that she is not in pain.  Sometimes I do questions why.why...why

God's blessings to all today.

March 24 - The Ransom Price

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"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28).

The thought that the death of Jesus and His shed blood were somehow the ransom price paid to redeem lost sinners from an eternal prison in hell has been a stumbling block to many of those very sinners. Yet that is the teaching of Scripture, whether it appeals to their reasonings or not. ". . . ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold. . . . But with the precious blood of Christ" (I Peter 1:18-19). In the Old Testament economy, ransoms were paid for various reasons, to free slaves, for example. The last use of "ransom" in the Old Testament, however, seems to foreshadow the New Testament concept. "I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death. . ." (Hosea 13:14).

But to whom was the ransom of Christ to be paid? Not to the devil, of course, or to any human king. It can only have been paid to God Himself, for He had set "the wages of sin" to be "death" (Romans 6:23). For a time, these wages had been paid in part "by the blood of goats and calves" offered on the altar as a temporary covering for sins. But that was only until the true ransom could be paid. "How much more shall the blood of Christ, who . . . offered Himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" (Hebrews 9:14).

Such a sacrifice was not foolishness as the scoffer claims, but "the power of God, and the wisdom of God" (I Corinthians 1:24). "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time" (I Timothy 2:5-6). Praise God-the ransom has been paid and we have been redeemed! HMM

I've been holding my light & kept it burning bright for my oldest so that he could find his way home. Well, we got a telephone call LATE last night only to tell us that he will not be coming this weekend for a visit. What the reason is ... he told me that it has something to do with his COLLEGE LOANS so ... if that is the truth ... only time will tell so I would like to thank each of you for all the prayers that have been shared for him over this last week.

Well, folks ... I must take my leave from here & check out a few more things and then head upstairs to get things done before the weekend so take care & I want send over some special wishes for everyone to have a wonderful & blessed Easter this weekend so I will be off from Friday - Sunday and return on Monday so we have a wonderful REVIVAL this weekend & so that will be a good thing to get away from the house & to listen to a wonderful speaker & next week I will share some of the sermons with all of you so that you can hear them first hand so stay tune !!

Until next time ... See you next week on Monday !!

TBear, I'm so sorry about your son's visit.  I truly am.  I have been praying for him in my quiet times.  Hang in there.  Tough times for a mother.  Love your graphics today.

Kathy, I truly as heartsick over this Terry case.  It is just so very sad that it's bothered me so much.

Etta Sue, thank you so much for the opening today.  I so appreciate the moderators on CP who are helping with the New Every Morning each day.   

Good Morning sorry I am so late in posting. I was here earlier an posted the Days of Praise Devotional for today.

My cold is settling into my chest an it sure burns when I cough.  My doctor  (Yes the Doctor herself ) just called me and told me tha tif they can't squeeze me in today tha tI should go to urgent care at the hospital at 5 pm. There is one lady at my church that has had this hanging on for 7 weeks now, her husband for 3 weeks.

TBear I am sorry for your disappointment re your son. I know the feeling. There are some of my children that I have not seen for quite a few years, on is 12 years now. My grand-daughters a all grown up now and starting families of their own, and I haven't seen or heard from them since the girls were 5 and 9 years old.

I have another grandaughter that I saq only once when she was 7 days old and she is now  18 years old. And we lived in the same town for  the first 5 years of her life. So Tbear I know how you are hurting.

TTYL

Ok - I'll try once more.

we will soon be home...3/28th - weish you all a blessed Easter!.  I've mailed out a few postcards.  I hope you were able to receive them.
 
Our love to each of you...from sunny Daytona beach...

- judy and norm

Hi everyone.  After coffee this morning I came home and got our income tax filed for both the State and Federal.  I filed electronically for the first time this year for the Federal.  Still just mailed in the State return to save an additional $7.95 they wanted to file it electronically.  I broke down and purchased the tax software and that included filing the Federal return electronically.  It was quite easy to do and next year should be even easier as the software will pick up a lot of hte information from this years return.

This afternoon is Calvin Cove day.  I plan to go from there to the "Y" and get in some walking and then need to stop at Krogers for a few grocery items.  That should pretty well exhaust the afternoon, at least exhaust me. 

Tbear, so sorry to read that your son has decided not to come home for a visit.  Keep praying for him and never give up on him.  The day will come when he will realize what a mistake he has made to separate himself from his family.   My heart feels for you, your husband and his siblings as sure all are disappointed.

Marilyn, I thought you were getting over that cold.  It sounds like it has taken a new phase.  My wife is still battling her cold and it has settled in her chest as well.  She has quite a cough.

Karmat, sure that was a long workday for you being away from your little ones for the first time since the new baby arrived. 

My wife just told me that the Supreme Court has refused to hear the TS case.  It is hard to understand why the husband, if he doesn't want to be responsible for her, won't allow the parents to have guardenship as they apparently want to have it and would be responsible.  I believe there is more to the full truth than we know.  There are some very disturbing things being said.  Of course, it is hard to know what is true and what is false.

Kathy, it is a beautiful day here in Georiga also.  It is nice to see the sun and it is suppose to get up to about 70 today.

Etta Sue, that was a very good devotional. 

Pat, do hope you are feeling better by now.

Judy and Norm, sure hope you are enjoying each of the days there in Florida and that the weather has cooperated.  I have a friend who was there for several days last week and he said it rained about all the time and he was only able to play golf one day.

Goodness!  It's already past noon and I'm just getting here.  I did some cleaning out in my kitchen cabinets this morning, tossed a lot of accumulated junk that was taking up space.  I am going to be making several dishes to take for our Church dinner on Sunday, because Jeff, Diane and family are coming!!    We are roasting a turkey, and I'm making some other dishes, too.

Karen, I'm so sorry about your son's changing his mind.  I wonder sometimes if our kids realize how deeply they hurt us when they do those things.  I'm sure most parents can understand your pain, I know I can.

Judy, good to see you checking in from Florida!  Happy Easter!

Pat and Larry, I have been following Terri's plight closely, too.  I cannot understand how an innocent human being can be treated so cruelly in the USA.  They treat animals, and condemned criminals much better than that!  God help us.

My ladies will be coming for painting class soon, so I should see if I can find a bite of lunch before they get here.

Etta Sue, we are all pulling for Jerry.  The devotional was especially meaningful today, thanks for that.

Today was step aerobics, and I am feeling sore muscles in various parts of my body!  Ouchie! 

I hope Amalia is feeling much better today.  Marilyn, that cold is really doing you in!  Prayers for a quick recovery for you, Amalia and Larry's dear Pat.  Colds are not nice at all!

I am reading Dr. Rubin's book The Maker's Diet and he has really good, common sense suggestions to help keep our bodies from becoming sick.  I highly recommend this book.  He has been through the fire of very serious health problems himself, at a young age (19) so he has dedicated his life to helping other people reclaim their health, or stay healthy in the first place.  He really has a heart for the Lord.

Gotta run----later!

I forgot to post my post when I posted the NEM for today.  Shame on me... 

I am late getting here.  I was pleasantly awaken by a phone call from TBear.  I could hear her disappointment in her voice when she said her son wasn't coming this weekend after all.  I am like Larry.  Someday I pray he will realize what all he has missed being separated from his family.  But all we can do is pray for him to come around. 

Marilyn, I am with you.  I have had this cold for three weeks now....longest that I have ever had a cold.  Getting tired of it.  But I slept really good last night.  I needed it, too.

Pat, thank you for the thank you for posting the NEM.  I truly love doing it.  I love sharing some of my devotionals that I read every day.

Kathy, it is wonderful how devotions are 'just what we need that day'.  Seems to be more so than not.  Thanks for the comments.

TBear ~ Like I said, we will meet someday...that is a given.  Even if it is for an afternoon, we will meet.  You will then find out that I am not an axe-murderer!  I have met a lot of people that I knew before online and I have nothing but praise for all those wonderful people.  Quite a few of them are right here on Christain Photographers.

JudyMc ~ I think the motel you are in would be wonderful...right by the ocean.  I know you are anxious to get back home though.  I don't remember...did you fly down or drive down?  If you drove, will you be anywhere near Indianapolis on the way back?  I doubt it but you might have a sideline visit and be very near to me.  Let me know.

Larry ~ I used to do my own taxes but I got lazy in my old age.  Now I pay someone $40 to do them for me.  Would it be cheaper to get the sotware?  What about upgrades to the software for the coming years?  $7.95 doesn't sound bad to do them electronically, though.  My problems is I always owe too much to Indiana and have to pay quarterly so that is what I don't know about doing. 

Janet ~ Again you tire me out with all that you do.  Exercise?  I am getting my walking exercise at the hospital.  Car garage to the entrance, then to the elevator, then to see Jerry.  Then return to the car later.  Lots of walking.  Hospital visitations are sure not for the handicapped! 

Well, one reason I am late getting online today is that I decided to run the sweeper and dust BEFORE getting online.  Either that or throw out some grass seed and later mow!!!!  But I got it all done and then had chili in the crockpot for lunch.  I am done tuckered out now!!!

Hi All, Been awhile since I've been here.  I've gotten a new computer and have had to transfer everything, not to mention my studies and everything.  So anyways, Just stopping by to say hi.

Yesterday, on the Photography Cafe, this was the PHOTO OF THE DAY!  (Thought you'd all like to see it!)

Hi TeresaDawn!!  Great to see you and yes, you've been missed!

March 24   

Pastoral Ministry: Be Widely Read

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not
need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 
--2 Timothy 2:15

All else being equal it is desirable that Christians, especially
ministers of the gospel, should be widely read. It is a disagreeable
experience to present oneself before a teacher for religious
instruction and discover in less than three minutes that the said
teacher should have changed places with his listeners and learned from
them rather than they from him. If he is a humble man and sticks close
to the small plot of ground with which he is familiar, he may, if he
loves God and men, succeed in ministering to the spiritual needs of
his flock. If, however, his ignorance is exceeded by his arrogance,
then God help his hearers. If he boasts of his ignorance and scorns
learning, show me the nearest exit! I can learn more from a child
laughing on the lawn or a cloud passing overhead.  The Size of the
Soul, 28-29.

"Lord, I'll never be able to keep up in knowledge of every field from
which my hearers come. But as someone once wrote, 'I'm trying to be
a specialist in relationships with God.'* Help me at least to be
well read and humbly authoritative in my speciality! Amen."

*Fred Smith, "Dissecting Sense From Nonsense," Leadership, Winter
1980, p. 107.

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Karmat, congrats on the really good shot!
And take it easy back at work ok?

Congratulations on your photo being chosen, Karma!  It's a really cute shot!

Etta Sue, it is amazing how long those hospital corridors can be, isn't it?  Whew!  A person could get lost in those mazes.  Hope your cold disappears really soon.

My gals are all doing really nice paintings right now, so this afternoon's class was pleasant.

I can't wait to see my kids/grandkids this weekend.  It is really different for them to come to our church; usually we go to theirs when we want to spend time with them.  Curtis has to leave to go back to K-State right after lunch.  I'm really missing my Abby........

Dear Friend,

Joni Eareckson Tada is appearing tonight on Larry King Live and ABC World News Tonight, and tomorrow on Fox News Day Side discussing the key issues surrounding Terri Schiavo.

I invite you to watch the discussions and give us your feedback at www.joni.us

Larry King Live

ABC World News Tonight

Fox News Dayside

Check you local listings for specific broadcast times.

We at Joni and Friends a praying for Terri Schiavo's life. For more intormation visit our web site at www.joni.us.



Blessings,
   

Joni Eareckson Tada

Communications@JoniAndFriends.Org
www.JoniandFriends.Org
www.Joni.US

PS. Feel free to invite your friends to watch the program and please forward this email to your friends

Last night, it was refreshing to hear Pat Boone speaking on Larry King with regard to his grandson's condition. 

I have been over to the hospital and the urgent care place had so many people waiting that I left without even signing in. I am going to work tomorrow anyway. I must get back to work I need the income.

This cough is really tearing up my bronchial area, I am doing my best to keep from coughing. My doctor was concerned about whether or not I was short of breath. I think a lot of people have had this stuff turn into pneumonia. I had  a pneumonia shot a couple of years ago. I am not worrried about getting that. I just want to stay warm and not be breathing the cold air. It has turned cold again here.

TTYL

Etta Sue, I paid $16 for the software and that included a free filing of the Federal return.  I got the State software in that package but if I had wanted to file my State electronically I would have had to pay another $7.95.  The software prepared a printed State form that I then mailed in.  It was very easy to use as you just answered the questions and entered the info requested.  Late this afternoon I had the confirmation e-mail from the IRS that my return had been accepted and I should expect a refund around April 8th.  I was very impressed. 

Janet, nice that your family will be able to attend church with you Sunday.  Know that will be a special day.  Sounds like you will be cooking up a storm.

TeresaDawn, it is always a joy to get a new computer.  I know it is a lot of work to get things transferred. 

Karmat, that is certainly a cute photo.  You can almost read Travis' mind.

Chris, that was a good Tozar piece today.  Our denomination stresses an educated clergy and encourages each person to study as well.  Of course, I sometimes what they are studying as some of our denomination leaders have some off-the-wall ideas (at least in my way of thinking.)

Pat, what is wrong with Pat Boone's grandchild?

Marilyn, please take care.

Larry, Pat Boone's 24 year-old grandson fell through a skylight, 40 feet to a concrete floor, hitting the railings on two floors on the way down.  The paramedics didn't think he would survive, but Shirley Boone remembered the Scripture "He will live and not die, and declare the glory of the Lord."  The family clung to that promise, and the young man went through extensive rehabilitation, speech therapy, etc. for several years, and now is able to speak and move his arms, but is in a wheelchair.  If he had not had the support of his loving family, he likely would have died, or been permanently in a vegetative state.  I have seen two or three programs about him during the time of his recovery.

The poor family of Terri.........my heart is breaking for them, as they try desperately to find a way to save her life.
I admire Gov. Jeb Bush for his efforts to help the family.

Marilyn, if you go back to work, please be careful.  You need to take care of yourself until you are back to robust health!  (And even after that, so you don't get sick again!)

I want to go to bed and read, but can't seem to tear myself away from the news coverage of the Terri story.    When I see her so-called husband saying "What about ME?  Everyone says the Schindlers are losing their daughter, but I'm losing my wife!"  Yeah, right, like he cares at all about poor Terri!  He makes me sick.

I'm shutting down this computer for the night now.  See you tomorrow!

I am not going back to work until Monday, Fay called and told me to stay home until then tomake sure I am ok. Thank you Jesus I need the extra time to try to get rid of this cough and not be breathing int he cold air. The rain is supposed to get real bad by Sunday.  '
Well I am putting together a few granny squares that I found in my yarn box, I didn't make them someoen else did  they are in stuff that I inherited.


C~~U~mannana~

Hi, friends,

Well, the week is nearly over at work. I see two doctors tomorrow morning, then return to work for the afternoon and then -- hooray! -- no work for 2 days, but I'll certainly have to "hit the ground running" on Monday. Have to fly to Dallas with reports that aren't yet prepared. Hope my boss doesn't leave anything for me to do tomorrow afternoon. That's already planned for my own reports!

I'm anxious to see the doc tomorrow - I really want to see how much weight I've lost. There are several of you praying for Al and me, and I most certainly appreciate the support you and our Lord have given to allow me to begin this program.

Tonight, I was able to take the dogs up 5 full house-fronts up the street, approximately 600 feet and back. This is the most I've been able to walk since taken off the arthritis meds Dec 1. And, I'm even more thankful, for my hip isn't hurting after that long (for me) walk.

Y'all have a good evening.

I must close 'cuz I just remembered I forgot to eat supper! Yikes - and it's 9:45 pm.
Marilyn, I just read your post. Take care, my friend.

And, I did take the time to read each comment today, but won't respond to each one, since it's long past the time I should have eaten.

Ruth Ann

Well, time to lock the door.

I pray that all of our members get well soon and have a restful night.

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