Christian Photographers Community

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Morning Devotional...




One night a man boarded my bus and handed me a leaflet.

For about two years before this, I had been running spare for Gray Coach Lines.  Then I was able to sign on a steady run, but it was nights and Sundays, and I was feeling sorry for myself.

During a stop-over the man who handed me the leaflet spoke to me of Jesus Christ.  He said he was trusting him as his Saviour.

I told him I was glad to hear it, as that meant we shared the same Lord and Saviour.  "But," I said, "bus driving is a poor job for a Christian, because I can't get out to church very often."

Expressing disagreement with my attitude the man asked, "What do you think I work at?  I'm a detective on the Toronto Police Morality Squad.  I rub shoulders with all types, but God has used me to witness for Him.  If he can use me on my job, He can use you on yours.  God needs Christian bus drivers."

I have always been thankful for that Christian detective, because he helped me to see things in a new light.  My eyes were opened to the privilege of telling others God's wonderful love wherever He placed me.

At that time I had known the Lord almost twenty years.  From my early childhood I understood the way of salvation because my parents read and believed the Bible.  But later as a teenager I became uninterested.  This was because I was dead spiritually!  Romans 3:10 and 11 says, "There is no one righteous.  There is no one who seeks after God."

My parents and others were praying for me and this made all the difference.  After resisting Jesus Christ for some time, the power of God broke my stubborn will and at last I realized that I was lost and on my way to an eternal hell.

The Spirit of God directed me to Romans 10:9, "if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved.  For with the heart man believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

I acted in faith on this verse and the words of Charles Gabriel's hymn tell what happened.


With David in Psalm 40:2-4, I can say, "He (the Lord God) brought me up out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay; and established my goings.  Blessed is the man that makes the Lord his trust."

I give thanks to God for parents who set my feet on the right path.  My father was a toolsmith with a granite firm, manufacturing monuments and building-stones.  He got me on as an apprentice granite cutter and I worked there for over twelve years.

This was before I went to work for Gray Coach Lines.  It was depression time with many slack periods but I treasure memories of being in the same shop with my father.  No toolsmith could temper tools the way he could and as I observed his Christian witness I learned much of the Christian way.

Ian Stephen

Thanks for the devotional, Pat.  There is much truth.  Everyone of us is in full time Christian service, and machinists, toolmakers, homemakers, and seamstresses are every bit as responsible to God for what they do as pastors and missionaries. 

Everyone have a great day!

Nards - what are you doing up at such an early (late?) time of day!

We think the corporations are owned by the stockholders, the companies by individual owners or partnerships, etc.  Actually, they're all owned by one Owner.  That car the mechanic works on belongs to God.  That software - it's owned by God too.  The auto mfgs. in Detroit, the electronics mfgs. in Japan - they're all owned by the great Owner. "Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee and have read the fine devotional for today.  Pat and I are going out to lunch at the mall as she has an appointment this afternoon with the doctor who did her surgery about 10 days ago.  She is doing fine from it and I am sure will be released by the doctor.  She also wants to stop at the library.

Al, that is something we don't often focus upon but so true.

Nards and Suzanne, good to see you posting today.

Marilyn, sorry that place didn't work out for you but you would be better off with laundry hookup since you have the washer and dryer. 

Samantha, good to see that your husband returned safely.  That sounds like a very good report on your eyes.

Carol, I forgot to tell you yesterday that Pat has been making blocks from scrapes and finished trimming them a couple of nights ago.  She has 192 blocks made and she said that was enough for about 9 quilt tops.  She really made good use of the new little cutting board I gave her for her birthday that swivels around.  She really likes it and she said it made the job much easier.  Pat made me a twin size quilt several years ago and had it machine stipled. 

Janet, glad to hear that both you and Darrel are feeling better.  Hope today finds you feeling even better.  Years ago I used to walk over to a park that wasn't too far from where I lived and watch baseball games.  I didn't know anyone but just enjoyed the games.

Ruth Ann, I hope you will be able to work at home a lot.  With computers and high speed connections and telephones  a person can do a lot.  I was allowed to work at home for about 18 months before had to retire.  I didn't supervise anyone at that point and really didn't need to go to the office.  I would try to go to the office about once a week for a morning.  I think it worked out very well.  It also avoids the constant interruptions that we sometimes have in an office environment.

JudyB, I know you and your family will be happy to have John back for awhile.  Hope you didn't have any damage from the storm.

Tonight is choir practice.  Hope everyone has a great day.

A World of Books (#200050810)
by John Morris, Ph.d.

"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen" (John 21:25).

It is difficult to understand how it could be literally true that a complete biography of Christ's works would be an earth-filling library. However, we must realize that His works did not end with His return to heaven. The events of His 33 years on earth were only what "Jesus began both to do and teach" (Acts 1:1). When He prayed, it was not only for His twelve disciples, "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word" (John 17:20). When He sent the Holy Spirit, it was so that each believer could know that "Christ liveth in me" (Galatians 2:20) and that by His Spirit, He could fulfill His promise: "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Matthew 28:20). He also promised to "build my church" (Matthew 16:18) in which each believer becomes a member of "His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all" (Ephesians 1:23).

Thus, the life and work of every believing Christian is, in a very real sense, an extension of the life and work of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and an endless series of thrilling biographies could be written about them. In fact, the apostle Paul referred to his Christian converts as living books: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart" (II Corinthians 3:2-3).

Each of our own lives, therefore, becomes one of "the books that should be written" about the "things which Jesus did." How important it is that the deeds and words we record in our books are worthy of our divine Biographer! JDM

Good Morning Thank you Pat for the devotional this morning, I have known all along that doing my job faithfully that I am being a minister of God. God gave me my job when I asked him for a job  that would bless other people. Thank you for the reminder.

Al and Nards think you also for the reminder that I am nothing and have nothing that it all belongs to God.

Larry  I have decided that making another quilt just now is not the thing to do so last night I started another crocheted Afghan.

Hey Suzanne Hello good to see you here this morning.

Well I need to get dressed and get ready for Tai Chi class and work.

TTYL

I am so thankful that you've found today's devotional helpful and thoughtful.  That was written by Judy's and my father.  He was a wonderful man.  His Christian walk was so important to him.  In everything he did during the day and in all of his life, he sought to glorify God and his Lord and Saviour.

Pat:  such nice and soothing music - "He Lifted Me" - I am listening to it twice.  Thank you for today's devotions.  Where is it that says from dust we come to dust we shall return?

Larry:  How wonderful for Pat to have made all those scrappy blocks.  I am going to get some material ready today as it is Wednesday and twice per month we meet at the church to tie quilts.  Some sew the tops at home and I have done that a few times but really have my hands full just trying to make the quilted gifts for our own family - something for each Christmas.  It is good to hear that Pat is doing well after surgery.

Janet:  I wrote and sent you a personal message.  You probably know how to find it - on more than one occasion I have received PM's but haven't even noticed because I just wasn't that observant I guess.  Good that you are feeling better.  

Marilyn:  Crocheting is something much easier to pick up and work on during long waits and so forth.  Enjoy your Tai Chi class - wish there was one closer to our house.

Carol

P.S. Pat:  How wonderful for you and Judy!

Good morning Pat, Suzanne, Nards, Al, Larry, Marilyn, Carol, and all the others who will drop in today.

We have another hot dry day in Nashville.  We need rain but there are other areas which need it worse than we do. 

Matt 5:44-47
44   But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
45   that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.[/b]
46   If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
47   And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
(NIV)

Papa John          <)))><<   

Pat, that makes the devotional even more special, knowing it was written by your dear father!  And yes, Nards, we are all in full time Christian service, no matter what our secular occupations may be.  It is good to be reminded of that fact.

Hey there, Papa John!  Good to read your words of wisdom today.  We are badly in need of rain here as well.

One week from today Beth will be flying out to see John.  I am just putting her into God's hands, and trying not to worry about her.  I truly do hope they will enjoy the time together and have a wonderful time.  She had a very hard time (or WE did) getting her back into her trailer after therapy today.

Carol, yes, I got your message, will answer it shortly, so you might check at the top of the page for messages! 

I am feeling enough better today that I think I will attempt to get some housework done.  It doesn't stop just because we do not feel like doing it, does it? 

See you later!

Hello everyone.

I do not post often (so what else is new?...grin), but the devotional today was one that I could really appreciate.  It was written in such a down home type of (I love you so please listen) that I had to read it several times.

Then I scroll down to learn it was written by the Father of Pat and Judy.  That makes it even more special.

I think you all know I play a lot of golf.  Due to the sickness of two of my foursome we have been joined by two other players.  One is very much the big eye person, you know the type I mean a huge ego.  The other is an older gentleman that has a few problems due to health.  These two are not getting along well, and I have decided that God placed these two with me for a purpose.

When I read the devotion today, I realized that it is Gods plan for me some how witness with these two men.  I have known this since they joined our group, but I keep saying "why me Lord".

Right now I want to get them to become friends, I told them both today I think each of them has to change their attitudes so we can enjoy the golf game.
I am also trying to determine how to impress upon them the great commandment of our Lord.

Have a nice day everyone.
boots

Carol - Pat is undoubtedly scurrying around doing this, that, and the other thing, so I'll answer your question for you.  Genesis 3:19 is the portion that deals with our being dust and returning to it.

WE're back online -- oh yea.  At least until the next thunderstorm.  I will try to be diligent in unplugging the modem when I disconnect, though.  Maybe someday we can get something other than dial-up - - - maybe.

I have enjoyed reading today, hopefully before too long, I'll be back in the habit of posting again.  I just feel really out of hte cyber loop, if that makes any sense.

Gonna go get my kids now. 

Back later!!

I wish I could take credit for creating the rose and diamonds but I can't.  I got it in an email and I figure if it is in an email, it isn't a copyright so I copied it, right!

I was online this morning and then Kitty called and asked if I would take her to Hobby Lobby.  Kitty is wearing a boot due to a torn tendon in her right leg...her driving leg.  She isn't driving much of a distance yet until she gets a smaller boot.  We had a great time looking at all the crafty things.  Kitty is very crafty...she paints, she designs, she knits, she gives lessons...I don't know what all she does do.  Her husband works half the day on Wednesday so he was taking her out for lunch.  Me?  I went to the little convenient store in Lapel and got me a personal pizza.  It was good.

Anyway, I thought I had already posted today and then I was wondering why the NEM was still for August 9th.  Duh...I didn't post earlier.  So now I am.....

Also, I am missing the Modify above the people's post.  Is anyone else?  It is only above my post, I think.

I am off to Bible study very soon now but I am checking in.
Now I am checking out.

bye

Janet:  That was so much fun!  I actually read your personal message.  Did you change your email in here so everyone knows the new address? 

Pastor Al:  Thank you for the information on our going to dust once again.  I quilt with rather elderly ladies and at least one has had almost end-of- life experiences and yes, she told us that she heard herself saying something like "I am ready for you, Jesus" and then felt herself being put back into the hospital bed.  So, it wasn't her time but she said how calm the entire experience was and is ready. How wonderful to feel so trusting.  Thank you for being our pastor on the net.   

Pat:  I hope you have a good night of sleep.  The devotion today was very special.  Again, thanks.

Etta Sue:  You were writing about Kitty having a boot and I thought at first you were talking about another cat & couldn't understand your post but then got all straightened out.....   it was a funny moment for me. 

Carol

Pat I read the first couple of llines of todays devotional and thought "I have read this before!"  I scrolled to the bottom and realized that I often heard these stories.  Dad was faithful in his witness. 

When we first had Pastor Dennis over We apologetically told him that John worked many Sundays.  His response was one that told us he (our pastor) was "real"  He asked why we were apologising that he worked sundays too.   He then told us that John's ministry was on the road being a witness in how he drives whereas a pastors sunday work was standing in a pulpit.  In his eyes there is no difference.  Through the years we have been condemned for the "Sunday work".  It is good to have understanding even in this, and John has been able to verbally witness to many drivers as a result of Dennis's encouragement.

This has been a long day with a low pressure system causing major headaches for many.  John arrived in North Bay at about 9:30 and we had to then head up to pick him up. 

We had Victor with us.  My he has grown.  We are looking forward to him coming to the farm for a day while he is up.

Janet Beth will be safe in His hand.  Try not to worry and accept this as a respite for you and your hubby.

Ruth Ann I trust you will be feeling better soon.

Please continue to pray for our cousin.  He is having a difficult time with Shirley's death.

Well the girls are off to bed and I am not going to be too far behind them.  John and I are both tired, and perhaps the headache will let up over night.

Night all
Judy

Janet, you said:

Hi, Nita, will you be working from home tomorrow?  I still want to call you, or would that interrupt your work?  I don't want to be a problem!  And thanks for understanding.  I know you have far more to deal with than I do, and I admire you SO much. (((hugs)))

I think you meant this for someone else.  But I'll gladly take the hug.

The cat is out and this door is locked. 

Click here for the NEM for Thursday.  Thank you.