New Every Morning~April 27

Etta Sue · April 26, 2006, 10:50:11 PM

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If you get busy serving God,
you're too busy to sin.

Chuck Baker

Morning Devotional...

Jesus Teaches and Creates Purity
Mark 7:1-37 NLT

One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to confront Jesus. They noticed that some of Jesus' disciples failed to follow the usual Jewish ritual of hand washing before eating. (The Jews, especially the Pharisees, do not eat until they have poured water over their cupped hands, as required by their ancient traditions. Similarly, they eat nothing bought from the market unless they have immersed their hands in water. This is but one of many traditions they have clung to--such as their ceremony of washing cups, pitchers, and kettles.) So the Pharisees and teachers of religious law asked him, "Why don't your disciples follow our age-old customs? For they eat without first performing the hand-washing ceremony."

Jesus replied, "You hypocrites! Isaiah was prophesying about you when he said,

`These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far away.
Their worship is a farce,
for they replace God's commands with their own man-made teachings.'

For you ignore God's specific laws and substitute your own traditions."

Then he said, "You reject God's laws in order to hold on to your own traditions. For instance, Moses gave you this law from God: `Honor your father and mother,' and `Anyone who speaks evil of father or mother must be put to death.' But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, `Sorry, I can't help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I could have given to you.' You let them disregard their needy parents. As such, you break the law of God in order to protect your own tradition. And this is only one example. There are many, many others."

Then Jesus called to the crowd to come and hear. "All of you listen," he said, "and try to understand. You are not defiled by what you eat; you are defiled by what you say and do!"

Then Jesus went into a house to get away from the crowds, and his disciples asked him what he meant by the statement he had made. "Don't you understand either?" he asked. "Can't you see that what you eat won't defile you? Food doesn't come in contact with your heart, but only passes through the stomach and then comes out again." (By saying this, he showed that every kind of food is acceptable.)

And then he added, "It is the thought-life that defiles you. For from within, out of a person's heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God."

Then Jesus left Galilee and went north to the region of Tyre. He tried to keep it secret that he was there, but he couldn't. As usual, the news of his arrival spread fast. Right away a woman came to him whose little girl was possessed by an evil spirit. She had heard about Jesus, and now she came and fell at his feet. She begged him to release her child from the demon's control.

Since she was a Gentile, born in Syrian Phoenicia, Jesus told her, "First I should help my own family, the Jews. It isn't right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs."

She replied, "That's true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs from the children's plates."

"Good answer!" he said. "And because you have answered so well, I have healed your daughter." And when she arrived home, her little girl was lying quietly in bed, and the demon was gone.

Jesus left Tyre and went to Sidon, then back to the Sea of Galilee and the region of the Ten Towns. A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him to a private place away from the crowd. He put his fingers into the man's ears. Then, spitting onto his own fingers, he touched the man's tongue with the spittle. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, "Be opened!" Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!

Jesus told the crowd not to tell anyone, but the more he told them not to, the more they spread the news, for they were completely amazed. Again and again they said, "Everything he does is wonderful. He even heals those who are deaf and mute."

What would God have to do to improve the purity of your life?

An evil action begins with a single thought. Our thoughts can pollute us, leading us into sin. Allowing our thoughts to dwell on lust, envy, hate, or revenge will lead to evil actions.

Don't be made unfit for God. Instead, 'fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages

Etta Sue · April 26, 2006, 10:59:07 PM

Sorry about the devotion being so long but I couldn't see where to cut out verses for the thought at the end. I love reading God's Word.

Busy day. Busy evening. Early morning. In the morning I am to see a Dietician to see how and what to eat to control my glucose counts. Then probably will study and make out a shopping list of things to buy that I can and should eat.

SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE SIN NO MORE

JudyB · April 26, 2006, 11:45:58 PM

Etta Sue never is the scripture too long. I love reading what is written. If I have difficulty I will print it out and read with my Bible open and read the cross references. Thank you for the devotional.

I am very tired today. Had a wonderful day with Mom and the Dr.'s appt ent well. He gave her a cough medicine for her cough, now she will sleep beter.

Night all
Love judy

Larry Hanna · April 27, 2006, 07:26:39 AM

Hi everyone. I am sitting here with a sweatshirt on again this morning as it has turned considerably cooler than it has been the past few days. We had a little rain yesterday, but not too much. It is dry this morning.

This afternoon I have Calvin Cove and Pat has her quilting group at the church so we will be there probably three hours. I want to help one of the pastors see if he can record a leadin to use with his sermons that I will be putting up on the web.

I am still having problems with my computer redo. I can't seem to save some files, such as those that I download and I have no sound. I may have to reinstall Windows but want to talk to my friend about it before doing something drastic. My son is also back in town, after being away for the weekend, so he can advise me as well.

Etta Sue, that was a fine devotional this morning. I am like JudyB, I didn't think the scripture passage was too long.

Janet, glad you had such a nice day at the school. I know you enjoy anything dealing with art. I guess this weekend is your "Walk with Emasus".

Marilyn, I am happy to see that you are sleeping better. I felt if you could adjust to the PAP machine you would begin to feel the impact of a good nights sleep. Just watch your teeth in terms of cavities and also your eyes that they don't dry out too bad. These were the problems that Pat had when she used hers. She still needs it but doesn't use it anymore.

I hope lots of folks are able to stop by today. Time to leave for coffee at the cafe.

Ritz · April 27, 2006, 08:10:18 AM

Etta Sue, please don't appologize. We all love God's word too!

I especially liked the little reminder from Phillipians 4:8. Thanks for the great devotional.

Papa John · April 27, 2006, 08:35:07 AM

Good Morning everyone. It is COOL here this morning but we do have sunshine and before the day it will get up to around 70 degrees.

Larry, I see you have the cool weather too. the cold down there in Atlanta.

Yes Etta Sue, a good devotional. Don't worry about it being long.

2 Tim 3:14-17
14   But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,
15   and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16   All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
17   that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(NKJ)

Papa John

JudyB · April 27, 2006, 09:17:56 AM

It is about +2C..... Cold. The furnace is going. Soon that will be gone and we won't need it again till autumn.

I have a lot to do soI am off. I will be back later.

Al Moak · April 27, 2006, 09:56:04 AM

Well I'm going to try to go to the fitness center today - missed it so far this week because of being on the ragged edge of getting a cold or fighting it off. But I'll try today. When I miss it for too long, it just gets worse.

Etta Sue, I'd like to echo everybody else here - that was NOT too long. Keep 'em comin'.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 10:26:44 AM

Good Morning Folks!

Slept like a log last night--first time for a long time.

Great devotional thoughts to start off my day, Etta Sue. Just fantastic.

Have a good time at the gym, Al.

I have a busy day ahead of me and I'll check in when I can.

Please don't miss out leaving comments to Ritz in his Koinonia (pronounced "coin-own-ia") Gallery!

Kevin did a great job choosing.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 10:28:22 AM

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ABBA FATHER
(Click to hear music)

Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone.
May my will for ever be
Evermore Your own.
Never let my heart grow cold,
Never let me go.
Abba Father, let me be
Yours and Yours alone.

Marilyn · April 27, 2006, 10:29:44 AM

Good Morning Good devotional this morning Etta Sue. Looks like today will be another great day, not necessarily weather wise as it is overcast for the time being.

I am taking Fay into Eureka, she wants to try to do some shopping at Target, go to the Tailwaggers Thrift shop to drop off some donations and to the fabric store to get some fabric so I can make her a house dress which is actually like a pullover robe that zips up the front. She calls them dresses. I hope she is up to at least the last two places I don't think she could make it in Target without a Wheelchair. She wants to just use her walker and besides she is all but blind and at 97 doesn't get around well.

After we get done with all that she wants to go to Kentucky Fried Chicken for lunch. I don't care for KFC food, not healthy. So will only have a salad. I am very careful of what I eat, and fast food is NOT part of my menu. $:-\$

Please pray that Gilbert will let me take the kids to church on Mother's day as they will be spending Saturday night with me.

Hey Al you can use all the exercises you can get.

Marilyn · April 27, 2006, 05:26:02 PM

Hello again I am now home been home for ahwile long enough to take both dogs for walks, read some email and make a phone call. At leat 2 hours. I see it is very slow here today. If all y-alls weather is as nice as Mine I can understand why there has been no one here today.

Now I am going back out side after I have my afternoon cuppa tea.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 05:40:08 PM

Hi Marilyn!

I've been doing errands this afternoon and now I have a meeting to go to but I shouldn't be all that late.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 05:41:53 PM

Lily of the Valley
(Click to hear music)

I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

Words: Charles W. Fry, 1881; first appeared in the Salvation Army's The War Cry, December 29, 1881.
Fry wrote the lyrics in Lincoln, England, while working with the Salvation Army there.

Music: William S. Hays; adapted by Charles W. Fry

I have found a friend in Jesus, He's everything to me,
He's the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;
The Lily of the Valley, in Him alone I see
All I need to cleanse and make me fully whole.
In sorrow He's my comfort, in trouble He's my stay;
He tells me every care on Him to roll.

Refrain
He's the Lily of the Valley,
the Bright and Morning Star,
He'sÂ the fairest of ten thousand to my soul.

He all my grief has taken, and all my sorrows borne;
In temptation He's my strong and mighty tower;
I have all for Him forsaken, and all my idols torn
From my heart and now He keeps me by His power.
Though all the world forsake me, and Satan tempt me sore,
Through Jesus I shall safely reach the goal.

Refrain

He will never, never leave me, nor yet forsake me here,
While I live by faith and do His blessed will;
A wall of fire about me, I've nothing now to fear,
From His manna He my hungry soul shall fill.
Then sweeping up to glory to see His blessed face,
Where the rivers of delight shall ever roll.

Refrain

Pat · April 27, 2006, 05:47:31 PM

Isn't this a great verse?

Today's Verse

-------------------------------------

For the Son of man is come
to seek and to save
that which was lost.

Luke 19:10

Carol · April 27, 2006, 06:44:55 PM

Pat: Whoever plays the piano for all of these songs "Lily of the Valley" daily, they are sure busy and talented.

Carol

Ruth · April 27, 2006, 09:33:54 PM

Devotional are never to long.

Janet thanks for the info about the health care.

Judy: Body parts that go ouch is what the elder years is all about.

It has been sunny all day and now the evening is cool but that is ok.

We have a hospital bed that gets loaned out by times and it was returned late this afternoon. Following that we went out for dinner - to a Memphis Bar B Q Restaurant. Ribs & wings with many choices of topings from mild to very very hot was one of the selections also the usual hamburgs etc etc. Much earlier in the day I had made a loaf of bread in the bread machine so that will be our snack this evening. yummy.

Now it is time to just relax and enjoy what is left of the evening.

Ruth

Liz · April 27, 2006, 10:08:35 PM

Thanks for the devotional, Etta Sue. Especially, thanks for all the lovely graphics that you use to make this person smile

Have been busy and tired, so not on the computer the past while. Have read most of the posts and all of today's. Nice pictures and will simply say 'Well Done' to all the winners.

Amanda is going to have a showing of her work at their little Art Show on Sunday. Her teacher has to close the studio and go to work at a Pharmacy, due to financial problems. She has been really good for Amanda and her students are all going to be very unhappy. Jodi is very talented and has a university art degree....so has been helpful in preparing Amanda for what is ahead. I think Amanda will get her teaching degree and teach in schools. At least, that is how it will possibly go.....the world is in such a mess now. Only God has the answers!

Wendy has finally heard from all the Specialists and it is not good news. Will always need treatment and medicine and not much hope for any improvement. The case goes to court on Sept. 11.....hope that is not a negative thing. No way the crooked insurance co. can get out of helping on this case. She will need much help in years to come and I am old and not going to be able to lift, carry and iron, etc. It is such a worry....guess that goes with being a mom. Can only trust that her husband will continue to stay by her side and the necessary funds will be in place to care for her needs. That is where trusting in God comes in....

Whatever life may bring your way
Each hour of every passing day,
Throughout the months and long years too,
The Lord in heaven will care for you. —Anon.

When troubles call on you, call on God.

After reading the papers and watching the news, this place is like a refuge from all the horror in our world. It seems like all the beauty that God has created and given to us, is being destroyed by the greedy and corrupt. Thank goodness, they can't destroy what we keep in our hearts.

Pleasant evening/day and God Bless.

Liz

JudyB · April 27, 2006, 10:30:04 PM

Well today is/was Elizabeth's birthday. We went shopping yesterday for a new outfit. Today was birthday cake and laughter. She is a happy go lucky one. such a joy.

Melaura was upset tonight. A good friend of hers was walking along a set of railway tracks with a headset on, music full blast, and was hit by a train. It hit her tonight that because he was not born again that she will never see him again. So sad.

I am tired, going to bed after a quick tidy up.

Night all

Marilyn · April 27, 2006, 11:12:07 PM

Stopping by to say good night.

Judy B that is so sad for Melaura's friend.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 11:20:09 PM

Liz, I'm so sorry to read of Wendy's plight. Please know that I will continue my prayers on her behalf. This is just so sad.

Judy, how awful for Melaura's friend.

Pat · April 27, 2006, 11:29:23 PM

Time to lock the door.

Hope you've all enjoyed looking at the photos of Ritz.

Bircher (Sam) has some lovely photos of his area of California in the Photographs Here area of our forums. They are so nice to see.

Talk to you all tomorrow... CLICK HERE

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New Every Morning~April 27

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