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Morning Devotional

John 17:24-26  "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.  O righteous Father!  The world has not known You, but I have known You and these have known that You sent me.  And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them."

Jesus was thinking about you and I when He talked to the Father, and His desire for us was fully revealed in His words.  He says that we already know that God sent Him.  He says He's "declared God's name to us."  He says there was to be a result: we're to have some of that Father-Son love that He has in us, and in fact that we're actually to have Him living in and through us!  Declaring God's name just means revealing some of the wondrous personality and power of God in His words and actions.

And if that's actually happened for us, then we have to be loving those around us - His love has to be flowing through our words and actions.  We need, in other words, to be so taken up with Who and What He is that our personalities are actually becoming more and like His.  It's to be the focus of our lives as Christians.  Is it?

Al Moak

I'm first!!!   

Thanks for the devotional, AL ... and the song.  I know Bob Kilpatrick <the songwriter> He was a good friend to my daughter(s) and son-in-law, when he wrote that song.  In the ensuing years, he has become internationally famous and his songs appear in many hymnals, and are sung world wide.  I will always be grateful for the influence he had upon not only my life, but that of my family. 

Yes!  That is my daily prayer: Be glorified in MY life!  Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

Living and expecting to see the glory of God in your day is a life transforming  attitude.  This past year I have prayed that the situation I was in be resolved in such a way that God would be glorified.  What I find both amazing and discouraging is how man will work to change the outcome from one of glory to our Maker to one of glory for themselves.  Still He makes all things new and turns the ashes into beauty.  Praise God!

Have a God day

I pledge allegiance to the flag
of the United States of America,
and to the republic for which it stands -
one nation under God, indivisable,
with liberty and justice for all

May our God save the Constitution, and may He make me the citizen He wants me to be, both of my nation and of His Kingdom.  God, please bless America!

The Nations in Bondage (#20050704)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
"And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations" (Revelation 13:7).

This fearsome verse speaks of a coming time when all nations will come under the rule of an evil world dictator called simply "the beast" (Revelation 13:4). Since his power will be over "all nations," and "all tongues," it seems that even all English-speaking nations will be included.

This is not the future we would envision for our nation! In fact, our president, in his inaugural address this past January enunciated his determination that we would seek the freedom of all nations from such totalitarian despotism. We call today's date "Independence Day" in celebration of our own nation's freedom. So which will it be?

The prophetic Scriptures are often controversial. But whether or not the world will ever enjoy a future time of true freedom, the Bible does, indeed, frequently warn of a coming anti-God world government when the kings of the earth will "have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast" (Revelation 17:13).

Ah, but then! "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for He is Lord of lords, and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14). "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed . . . and it shall stand for ever" (Daniel 2:44). "And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and His name one" (Zechariah 14:9).

In the meantime, that same Lamb of God who shall someday be given "the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession" (Psalm 2: 8 ), has already paid the price to free us from sin and judgment. And if He has made us free, we "shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). HMM

Hi everyone and Happy 4th of July to those in the USA.  I am just back from coffee at the cafe.  One of the men's wives that made zucchini chocolate bread and a fresh blueberry outmeal bar and he brought a plate of them with him to McDonalds.  Since we had all purchased somethng to eat at McDonalds and coffee they didn't say anything, and in fact may not have even noticed. 

I don't have much planned for today and think I will just enjoy the holiday, do some reading, and then watch the patriotic shows this evening as they are always good. 

Same thing going on with me today,(Nothing new) I  have to  go to work but will more than likely get off early. I am having some computer problem this morning, it keeps freezing up for a few minutes. I am trying to download Adobe Photoshop cs2 tryout. If I have other stuff  up I have to close it IF it will close. So I am getting this posted real quick and I will be back after I get back home.

TTYL

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY, AMERICA!!!
Ruth ~ Noooowwwww I understand.  I thought first you took your cup of coffee and went to Pat's.  Then I thought you went to Tim Horton's near Pat.  Now I understand...CP is like sitting, drinking coffee and chatting with your friends...just like you do at Tim Horton's!!! 

Al ~ Now if Ida known sooner, I woulda been there for the barbeque.  But now I would have to shower, dress and drive to the airport, fly west, land, get a car rental and then find your grassy area with a barbeque.  Just don't think I have time to make it....but keep me in mind for the next time, will ya?  Thanks for the devotion.  I am learning to love everyone.  I don't have to like what they say and do but I love them just the same.

Ruth Ann ~ I agree.  Meeting with our cyberfriends for lunch or coffee is a precious memory.  I was leary the first time but there is no one I have met that I wouldn't invite to my home for a visit. 

Boots ~ Oh, I am praying that you and Mary can meet up with Nards and Karma and the kids.  They are great people and so much fun.

Marilyn ~ Sounds like you will be busy today.  Hope you have time to take time out for yourself.

Jane ~ I see Jesus in your writings.  Isn't that a glorious feeling?  I love that song too.  May all our lives be glorified.

JudyB ~ All of our problems turn in to glories.  We make not see that at the time but in the end, we do.  When you have Christ in your heart you can see the glory.

Larry ~ I don't think any of the restaurants mind what you bring in to eat as long as you purchase something from them.  Allowing some to do so will give those people the incentitive to return.  It is great you get out with your friends for coffee.  And great that their spouses can bake!!

Well, I have nothing planned.  My son may come and install a new ceiling fan in my bedroom...maybe not.  He may come and check the battery in my Honda...maybe not.  I may read a book today...maybe not.  I may crochet on the afghan I am making...maybe not.  I may watch some TV...maybe not.  Just undecided as to what to but none of it is very exciting!

Just wanted to stop by & say HELLO !!  Well, we have been off line for a few days due to the INTER - NET and so I am finally here but not for long ... we have a HOG ROAST tonight at church ( ETTA ... how about take a drive up and join us ) we have the guest room all ready for you !!  Well, not much is new at this end except that we have the sign up in the yard at the OLD HOUSE so be sure to pray for the house to sell.  Well, better get off and get to work ... see you all in a couple of days !!

PS: Etta if you see this give me a call if you want to come up ... the dinner is not till 4:30 & we have a concert at 6:30 so if you hurry and pack up you can make it !!

Till later ...

I'm having a very laid back 4th.  No plans.  Just doing what I want.  I got caught up on all my Bible study and have been on-line catching up on e-mails.  Finally!!! I am through.  Now, if I can only stay this way on a daily basis instead of letting things just pile up on me.

I so enjoyed the devotion, Al, and the song.  It's still humming in my mind as I type.  Just taking time to praise the LORD each day and all the blessings He has given us is my goal.  I feel we are here not only to show Jesus to others...but to praise and glorify our God. 

Like Larry, I will just enjoy the holiday with relaxation, reading, and the Boston Pop's presentation.

I thank God for the freedom I have in this country.  Also, for the many service men and women who have sacrificed lives, family and homes to keep this country free.  Today is a day of reflections on what has been in the past and what is going on today in Afghanastan.

God's blessings to all.......kathy

HAPPY INDEPENDANCE DAY!!!
Hello everyone!  I hope you're all having a wonderful day.  To all our American friends, I hope you have a wonderful holiday!  What a wonderful devotion this morning!  I'm sorry I tend to take for granted that we live in countries where we have the freedom to practice our faith and to do so openly, sharing and fellowshipping with others. 

Etta Sue - Thank you for your prayers about my knee.  I actually injured it initially playing soccer, and kept reinjuring it after that, so the problem was compounded until now. 

Pat - I'm free pretty much every day, and I'm home most of the time.  I'll give you a call sometime, and we'll arrange maybe to do lunch or something.  I hope you haven't had any more scares.  Good thing Geordie was with you!

God bless you all.

Jen.

Here's a photo of one of our members that you must really see.

Click on the photo to see it large or you won't see the details in the hair.

It's called "Snowy Girl"

Please leave a comment...

http://www.christianphotographers.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-777

Al Moak, I've so enjoyed your devotional today.  Thanks so much for it.  I also have the song playing in the background as I type. 

Hi Everyone else.  I've got a silly 24 hr bug of some sort so I'm not staying long at the computer. 

QuoteMay our God save the Constitution, and may He make me the citizen He wants me to be, both of my nation and of His Kingdom.  God, please bless America!

Hi Al, Enjoyed your devotion this morning.  Thanks.

I would like to reword your phrase above.  "America, please Bless God."

Etta Sue, I will be looking forward to your next post.  I am curious as to what you may have done or maybe not have done. (smile)  

Larry, it is very hot in my area today so I think your plan of staying in and watching some patriotic programs on the TV is a good idea.

TBear, The "hog roast" sounds interesting.  I am not quite sure what you are having.  Is this the entire hog being roasted with apple in the mouth, or something else?

Have a good day every one.
Boots

It is 1:30 pm and I aam home for the day. still haven't heard from Gilbert, don't know where they are. So My celebration will be here  at home with Jesus

Last night there were a couple of fireworks here in the neighborhood and Happy tried to get under my bed, all he could put under there wasd his head. I finally got him coaxed onto the bed and snuggled with him for awhil then he got off and stayed off the rest of the night.

They are having a fireworks display, food and fellowship at the church tonight. If I go I will put both dogs in the car and take them with me.

My landlord came by and invited me to a party at his house, they are having a band and a barbeque. Maybe I will go. and abgain maybe I won't.

TTYL

Really a decisive bunch here today!  Hmmmmmmmm.....me, too......maybe I'll post, maybe not! 

I want to wish all of you a Happy Independence Day and urge all of you to remember to pray for all our service personnel who are fighting to keep us free, and for our leaders.  Being a leader today is a very hard and responsible job!

We are going to Diane's for supper, so see all of you later!

Happy 4th of July to all in the USA.  Nice devotional, Pastor Al.

This might turn out to be a sunny day...cloudy at the moment.  It seems that when I put on shorts and go outside, the sun goes away and the wind comes up!  Beginning to take it as a personal insult

Have read most of the posts for the past couple of days and enjoyed all....Must spend some time making  comments about the lovely photo's.  Time simply seems to run away these days.  Not spending much time on the computer at the moment.  

Nice to see you TBear and lucky Etta Sue!  Etta Sue, I am a golfer and sure hope to NOT hit 18 times per hole. Love chasing and hitting that rebellious little  ball.  This little smile is for you:


The schoolteacher was taking her first golfing lesson.

"Is the word spelt p-u-t or p-u-t-t?'' she asked the instructor.

"P-u-t-t is correct,'' he replied.

"Put means to place a thing where you want it. Putt means merely a vain attempt to do the same thing."

Sounds just like my game!


Hope Nards keeps training Travis.  A friend of Amanda's and son of my daughter's best friend, is the local young champion and will be continuing to develop his career in golf.  Has won many impressive tournaments (is age 18) and going to play in other countries.  Will attend university in US on scholarships and is simply amazing.  So go Travis, go!!!!  

Amanda's graduation was really lovely and it is sort of both sad and exciting.  So many young faces about to start a new journey.  She won a few bursaries and that will help when attending some classes this fall.  Has to wait a year for what she wants to take, but will look for a part time job until then.  One of her friends won a $100,000.00 scholarship to a military  college .... nice!  

Marilyn, that place sounds nice and I hope you hear something soon.  

I started this post, saved and came back to finish.  Had to go to the Mall for some groceries.  Also cat food.  Seem to have become Grandma to the little cat from across the street.  He is always here playing with Misty and now expects his bowl to be filled outside the door.  Oh well, at least he is always grateful and Squeek does get lots of exercise trying to attack him thro' the glass door

Time to go.  Pleasant Day all and God Bless.

Liz

Virtual Fireworks!

Click on the link below. Be sure to left click in the black box in order to see the fireworks on the site.

Mega Fireworks

Nice fireworks Pat!  I wanted to let you all know that once my hubby and I resize some of our photos, I'll start an album here so you can all see our little girl!  She'll be 4 months old in a couple of weeks.  Unfortunately, it also looks like we won't be taking our trip as planned, so I won't get to see the ocean, let alone get pictures of it.  I've never seen it before, but maybe we'll get to go next year.  God bless you all.

Jen.

I went down the street to my Landlord's house and ate grilled salmon and baked vegetables, some cheese cake, brownies, salad and cheese, some other things too. Then came home because I heard some fireworks in the neighborhood and was worried about Happy getting frightened.

I've been doing a lot of PSP stuff today making cards and gifts for other people. Hey Janet look in your email.

TTYL

Pat, I looked at Steve's photo.....really nice......but I'm back where I can't post again.  Even using the "view this page in IE" didn't work.  Everytime I log in, I find the next page where I'm not logged in.  hmmmmm      As usual, I can access the forums, but tonight can't post in gallary comments.  I think my time offset has changed too.  I know......just gripe, gripe, gripe. lol

BUT......besides that, I've had a lazy day again.  Nothing decisive here, either. haha   I should fix something for dinner, but then again......maybe not.  No one invited me for lunch or dinner today, Marilyn.   I woke up with a backache this morning (not unusual for me)so just sort of babied it all day.  It'll be better tomorrow.


Last night we had fireworks around here and Rocko was so frightened, he cried.  I held him and he had to climb all the way to my neck to feel better. Tyson is braver, but one time I had them both in my lap.  That's a lot of fun.  Tonight they'll have them(fireworks) again....so will have to have the tv loud again, and lots of couch snuggling and reassurances.

Happy Birthday America!! 

Hey there, NITA!!   I thought your sisters would be with you this weekend, or I would've called you.     I have spent all weekend at home ... watching my next door neighbor (try to) get rid of stuff so she can move.  She's already sold her home but was thinking she would have some time to move.  Must be quite a chore since she's lived here for twenty years or so.   

I have not been undecisive at all today ... I did exactly what I had planned -- NOTHING!!   

I read, watched tv, read some more, did some stuff on the computer, stuff ... oh, yeah, I ate a few times as well.

I'm off to see about other stuff ... Ooops, I forgot to call my granddaughter today.  Well, I really didn't have that planned.  And anyway I can still call her.  Maybe that's what I'll do right now ....... see ya!!

I had a wonderful leisurely lunch with Bonesy and Melaura. It was absolutely delightful to see them again. And, of course, Grandma Ruth Ann certainly loved the hugs from Melaura. She's a sweet girl and what a blessing it was to meet her and to see John again.

Y'all come back - now that's a THREAT!!!

I'm headed back to watch the Nashville fireworks display on television.

G'nite, all.

Ruth Ann

Happy 4th of July to all of our American friends.

Pat:  Do not let the flu stay around too long.  

I did some laundry this morning and put it out on the line to dry or so I thought, instead we got rain and I had to bring it in to be finished in the dryer.  We have had about 4 showers along with thunder, each shower I think only last for 5 minutes.  

Our ceiling fan in the bedroom had expired so a good part of the day was also spent taking down the old one and replacing it with the new one. The new fan was a Cdn. Tire Special $30.00 cdn. the sale was perfect timing I would think.


Ruth

How fitting would it be to view one of Soni's fantastic photos on July 4th





Please feel free to leave Soni a comment under the photo at this link:

http://www.christianphotographers.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-795

It is 8:30 pm here and Gilbet just called and ask me to go to the fireworks with them but I was supposed to drive my own car and meet them on some corner somewhere so I passed on that. I think I will load up the dogs in the car and go over tothe church for awhile.

TTYL

Thanks, PAT, for the links to such awesome photos.  Yes, I did leave comments.   <and I thank you for the comments you've left at my gallary>

ETTA SUE~ I didn't mean to appear to ignore your comments earlier.  I just don't know how to respond.     I am just very grateful that Jesus is being made manifest in, and through, me.  Thanks.

I did put in a call to my granddaughter but had to leave a message 'cuz she's a busy teen and has much to do y'know. 

I will be around and checking on y'all from time to time ... I love all y'all and pray for good health and happiness for each one.

Back home already decided not to stick around the church Happy was too panicky even with me so I brought them back home and will stay here.

We are home from a very enjoyable evening with the kids.  We watched their video from their Alaska cruise, then watched them set off their fireworks.  On the way home, we ran into a terrible storm with hail.  I immediated prayed aloud, asking for God's protection from the hail, rebuked the hail in the name of Jesus, and almost immediately, it lifted!  God is SOOO good, ALL the time! 

[Click here for the NEM for Tuesday. [/color]