Christian Photographers Community

Here is the topic for today.  I'm sorry I don't have time to post a nice devotional for Pat, but we must leave here in a few minutes to take the boys to Great Bend to meet their mom.  Can't be late!

Please post a lot for dear Pat to read when she can get back on!

Perhaps I can help you out Janet with a thought or two.


Many years ago I had a real character of a Foreman. He was a fair man, happy if the work was done and an angry camper if it was not finished on time! If anyone under his command was found not pulling his weight, our Foreman would take him aside and holding him by his lapels this is the message he would utter.

'I want you to listen very carefully to this message. I am going to tell you to do something. When it leaves my lips, it will be a request, however when it hits your ears, it will be a command! Do you understand?'

A quick nod of the head then back to work! We got the message, loud and clear.

It was the first few words in our text that made me think of that time with our Foreman. What tone of voice did Jesus use with His statement, 'have faith in God?'

A command from on High or a gentle request?

This is indeed a most challenging text? It is almost as if God is placing before us a blank cheque book, with His signature upon it. A guarantee that whatever is requested will be met in full.

Do we have true Christian boldness and courage to put God's Word to the test? There has not been one person in history that He has failed.

How often do we go forward each day in our own strength rather than in God's? We only urgently call upon our God and His strength when we are in trouble. Is that the way we should be living?

No and a thousand times no!

Our duty is to honour God, and the only way in which we can do that in this life is by relying completely upon Him for EVERYTHING.

All too often we suffer because of little faith. Looking inward and seeing no good thing. Looking at our circumstances and cringing with fear and trepidation.  
We dread the mountains and hills that lie in our path.

'Hills at the presence of our God, like wax shall melt away.' 'Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places smooth.'

Do we worry about the past?

Have we a fear in our heart about tomorrow or even what we have to face today? 'Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.'

Perhaps we may be feeling down and our soul seems like a dry parched land. We wander around like the dove with a tear in her eye, as one whose heart is full of heaviness, yearning for a glimpse of our Beloved. We long for better days. We pray, 'restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation.'

'Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head; they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away.'

Faith is taking God at His word.

Dare we do that today? Dare we take up His challenge? Is He talking to us today or is this written for someone else? My friend you will not receive a clearer message from God to your soul today than this!

If you are still reluctant to take up His challenge, then let me ask you this simple question. What have YOU got to lose?

WHATEVER is lying upon your soul today, whatever is in your heart, whatever you desire the Lord to give you or do for you, then He bids you to ask Him for it.

We all need to be stirred up in our souls to expect great things from our Saviour Redeemer. His promise to us today is, if we ask, we shall receive. It is a simple message, laden with love.

Do not complicate it by allowing self to get in the way of the answer.

Are you burdened with sin lying heavy upon you today? 'Thy sins and iniquities I will remember no more.' Why? Because the eternal sacrifice has been made. There is no more offering for sin.

Jesus Christ has paid the price in FULL on our behalf. Kiss ye the Son this day. Rejoice and be exceeding glad. What a friend we have in Jesus. Oh for a closer walk with Him.

Time my friend to get upon our knees and do business with our God. May we be given arms to embrace Him, may we glorify and enjoy Him with each breath that we take.

Let your light so shine before men that they will know that you have been with Jesus. As we put forth our petition before Him, may we see no man save Jesus only.

'What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

I am glad to see the CP site back up and running and hope that Pat's ISP service will shortly be replaced.  Iain, thanks for sharing your devotional thoughts today.

Janet, sorry to hear you are down with a cold and do hope you will be better soon.  I heard from my granddaughter yesterday that she has pnumonia and bronchitis,  I noticed at church there was so much coughing going on, fortunately not close by to where I was sitting.  

Mieka, it sure is good to see you posting again and glad you made it back to the USA to spend a few days.  

My mind seems to be a blank (and no comments please!   ) so will make this short today.

Hello!  Karma is off shopping today and I'm here at work trying to get some things done that keep protesting that they don't want to be done....  Kinda tricky, huh.  

Don't know if I'll get to check in later - big day tomorrow - but I hope everyone is doing well and has a great New Year!

I Maid this poem.

                     Carpe Diem.

Margit and I took two of the grandchildren to the  "peter pan" panto this afternoon, I think that I enjoyed it more than them, and they did enjoy it.

All the children in the audience were given foam balls to throw at  Captain Hook, and when Peter Pan was captured by Hook and the pirates, and things were looking a bit black, he asked, "are you ready children" and we all shouted back " yes!"
Then he shouted "FIRE!"
And everyone threw the balls at the stage  and Hook and his men were thoroughly beaten!
Then Hook was dragged off by the crocodile and eaten, Hooray!!

I wished, watching that, that we would all be of one mind and aim, fighting against evil and disease and  the enemy's wickedness.
How we would overcome, in the Lord's strength, if we could only all pull together and seize the day!
And I guess that is what does happen in various ways when we pray together for each other, the enemy gets bombarded by our faith in Jesus to deliver us, prayer is so powerful, when two or three are together in His name, for He Himself promises to be in the midst of us!
Matthew ch 18 v20.
What a wonderful feeling it was, to see our enemies laid out on the stage, defeated by  overwhelming numbers of people who loved Peter Pan!
As we indeed love our Lord Jesus, much more than any Peter Pan, let us always agree together, to fight for what is right and just, let us be Christian soldiers indeed, coming together in His all-powerful name praying in the Spirit against our common enemy.

Isn't it great to see a simple gospel lesson in everyday things?
Lets open our eyes and look for the Lord speaking to us in the every day.
Love to you,
Have a great day in Him,
Chris & Margit.

Well said, young Mullet.
Acts chapter 20 v 35.
There is far more joy in giving than there is in receiving, God loves a cheerful giver.
2nd Corinthians ch 9 v 7.

Thank you, Chris and Margit.     :-*all the good smileys

Looks like you and me against the world young Mullet!
Do you know this great hymn?
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/h/o/holdfort.htm

Very nice poem Mullet.  Do you write a lot of poetry?

Chris, it sounds like you enjoyed Peter Pan as much or more than the children.  Isn't it great that we can still be kids at heart.

Chris, I see you were posting a hymn at the same time I was.  We can have lots of music today.

Iain thank you for the devotional this evening


Mullet or Zachery a lovely poem thank you

CHRIS AND MARGIT i think your grandchildren have had a lovely afternoon be proud on your grandchildren

I WISH YOU ALL A GOODNIGHT

LARRY THANK YOU FOR THE VERY NICE HYMN


I HOPE TILL TOMORROW
BYE LOVE RIA

    More than conquerors!

It means spritually, that, when you feel overwhelmed, almost defeated, struggling to overcome temptation and sin, that just when you think you are going to be beaten,  Jesus turns up and gives you more strength!
Because with Jesus by your side, you can defeat anything and anyone,    as long as we are faithful to Him, He shall never fail us nor forsake us! Hooray!!

Hebrews ch 13 v 5!!

A very fitting hymn, Larry, continuing the theme, well done Brother.

Thanks to all of you who have sent prayers heavenward for the pain in my arm.  I waited all day yesterday for a call from the doctor about the x-rays taken last Friday.  They didn't call this morning either so I called them.  Seems I have some arthritis and some degeneration of some vertabrae in my neck.  I go January 6th for an MRI.  In the meantime, I am to continue taking the anti-inflammatory medication and the Pain pills.  The best way I can describe this pain is it feels like a Charley horse.  When it grabs, I am afraid to move for fear it will get worse.  

I have done almost nothing today.  And I still hurt.

"If in the last year you haven't discarded a major opinion or acquired a new one, check your pulse--you may be dead."

Thanks, Janet, for opening the new thread for today, and Iain thanks for the devotional.  

Gene's cataract surgery was apparently successful.  We'll know more definitely tomorrow when he goes back to the doctor, but so far so good.  Tomorrow his appointment is at 8:00 a.m. - we have to leave the house by about 7:00!

 Thank you larry, actually I do not do much at all.

While I was walking around I made it up.

Hi Everybody. Thank you Iain for the devotional today very fitting. I have so much confidence in God answering prayers.  And me following that command. To ask anything in His name and it will be done for me by my Father in heaven.

I went for my blood test this morning which needs to be done ever 3 months to keep up with the effects of my medication and whether or not it is effecting my liver. While I was there we took care of the paperwork for admitting in 2 weeks.

While at the hospital my car went dead and Gilbert had to come give me a jump, my barttery posts were all corroded with battery acid so  cleaned them off real good with baking soda and then pepsi got the rest of it off, car runs fine now.

I  hope the problems with my computer are solved now, it seems to be working fine today.

TTYL

Mullet, what a wonderful poem.  Some of the best poems ever have just come to people while they were walking around.  They were just smart enought to write the words down.....like you did.  I'm glad you let us read it.

Well, the "bug" has hit my family. I don't have anything, just tired, but my son in law, and now my son, both have pneumonia.  My son is here staying with me tonight.  He really feels bad.  He started antibiotics today.  My son-in-law is on his last 2, and he actually went to work tonight.  I don't think he'll make it, but he wanted to try.  I guess he can't get his paid time unless he works the day before and the day after.  I wondered.....even if he's sick???  Doesn't seem fair.

 I hope Pat gets back to CP soon.  Boy, it's like not being able to get to your child to see it he/she is ok. haha

  I'll hush and lay down again.  It just feels really good laying on the couch with a blanket and dozing off when the mood hits me.

 

Nita:  I am so sorry to hear that your son and son-in-law have the flu.  Our neighbours in the house behind us had it just before Christmas., and boy were they ever sick!

I took over some chicken soup to them.  The husband lost 10 pounds, (and he couldn't afford to)., but they are find now it seems.

It lasted the full week., and they were so afraid they would not be well for Christmas, as they planned a trip to Scotland.  I just heard from them., and they are doing fine.

I hope Pat gets back online real soon.  Don't we miss the computer when there is a problem!..!

I have all my cleaning and laundry done....now I am preparing a dish to take to our friend's for a New Year'sEve celebration.  This is a yearly tradition, and one we look forward to.

I guess we are all just "kids at heart"., as Larry said...I remember taking my grandchildren to a Peter Pan play a few years ago., and loved it too!

- Judy

Something I was thinking about today, and couldn't post it till now.

How many people can I win for Jesus using infalliable logic?  You know the ones -- those people who have to be able to explain how and why things work.  No loopholes.  Everything sealed up neatly.  If my logic is perfect, how many of them will come to the saving knowledge of grace?

What about the people who don't believe the Bible?  If I know just the right scripture and can say it perfectly.  Or, if I can quote enough scripture, and share enough with them, how many will come to know Jesus?

What about the person who hates religion?  If I can show them the error of their way, and how wrong they are, by using a combination of the two aforementioned methods, how many people could I lead to Jesus?

The answer, for all three situations (and many, many others) is absolutely zero.

That's right.  None.  Nada.  Zilch.  Not one.

IT'S NOT ABOUT ME.  It is about JESUS.  It is about listening to his Holy Spirit, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in people's lives.  Then, and only then, God may be able to use me as an instrument in His holy work.  

Is this an excuse to not witness??
NO.
Is this an excuse to not be able to logically defend my belief??
NO.
Is this an excuse to not learn scripture??
NO.

All of these things are important, even mandatory.  What I have to do is show them Jesus's love.  Unconditional love.  Without love, all the above "tactics" are useless.  Whta ends up happening is alienation and pushing further away the very ones you are trying to draw close to Him.

It's time to love people.

Here is a copy of the email I received from Pat earlier today.  I am just getting to my computer now, but I am sure that others might like to see this.


----- Original Message -----
From: Pat Scott
Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2003 11:03 AM
Subject: [christianphotography] December 30--Site is down


Hello Everyone!

I've had messages that the site is down and I can't even check!  ;o(    My browser is not working.   It might not be just me though as I've spoken to several of my neighbours who can only use email and MSN and Yahoo chat today so it might be a glitch with our ISP and I have no time to check right now.

As for our site though, if you can't get http://pairowoodies.com or http://guelphhiking.com then it's our server that is having trouble as Ian is the host for those sites as well.


It's only another day till New Year's Eve!

Have you made any resolutions?  I'm looking forward to starting the Purpose Driven Life once again.  I'm now on Chapter 15 and thoroughly enjoying it but for those who got the book for Christmas many of us are starting over again so that we can discuss it on the CP site.  I hope that many will join in.  There's no homework from us!  Just nice to read other's thoughts.

I'll be out and about most of the day today but I'll check in later.  While our site is down, please feel free to use this list.

Pat

Now, maybe we could read a little devotional this morning.


David spake unto the Lord the words of this song. 2 Samuel 22:1

Music is God-given and it has power. The very tune of many a hymn can soothe the soul or make the spirit soar. Ephesians 5:19 charges us to sing and make melody in our hearts unto the Lord. But we should not be so taken up with the valid emotion of a tune that we miss the verbal message of a hymn. David spoke the words of the song to the Lord, indicating that he meant every word of praise he was singing. Paul writes (1 Cor. 14:15), "I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." Both are important.
--David J. Logan

http://www.sermonaudio.com/hymnal/wonderfulwordsoflife.mp3

Wonderful Words of Life

John 6:63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.






Author:  Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876
Musician:  Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876

Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see, wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty teach me faith and duty.

Refrain

Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life,
Beautiful words, wonderful words, wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessèd One, gives to all wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call, wonderful words of life;
All so freely given, wooing us to heaven.

Refrain

Sweetly echo the Gospel call, wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all, wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior, sanctify us forever.

Refrain
 

Hello again!  We are back from the five hour drive to return the boys to their Mom.  I am SOOO glad to be home, to a quiet house. (I only wish I could add orderly, but that will take a day or so.  But at least now I can rest and recover from this cold, and not be worrying about entertaining and cooking for the kids.  Love having them come, but this time, love having them go home!

Iain, thank you so much for posting the devotion, and it is VERY good.  I agree 100%, and those are some of the verses I stand on continually in my life.  God bless you, brother.

Larry, I hope you will not catch a cold!  I mean I hope one won't catch you!  I know you are not chasing after one!

Marilyn--hello there, good to see you today and glad it was only corroded battery terminals ailing your car.

Karma, good thoughts, and I do agree with you!

MIEKA!!  where are you, girl?  We want to see you all we can while you are here in the states.  We all love you so much!

Judy Mc, it's good to hear you sounding so chipper and looking forward to the New Year!

Nita, that nap on the couch sounds just heavenly to me at this moment.  I think I will be going to bed EARLY tonight!  Get well soon, please!

Chris, always good to read your words, and the Peter Pan show sounds great!  I love to be a kid at heart, too!

Zachery!!!  I love your poem!!  Thank you so much for sharing that with us here.  You have a wonderful and giving heart, and I'm sure God has such a special future planned for you.  Love you!

Sue, thanks for sharing Pat's words.  I did get them too, but some may not have and it was good to read them again anyway.

Hello, dear Ria!  Talk to you in the morning (afternoon over there, though.)

Enough, already!  Bye for now!

The Other Side
--Author Unknown

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave
the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side."

Very quietly the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a spiritual man, do not know what is on
the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other
side of which came a sound of scratching and whining. As he
opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him
with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my
dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what
was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

"I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I
do know one thing... I know my Master is there, and that is
enough."

May there be peace within you today. May you trust God that
you are exactly where you are meant to be at this time.

"I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our
feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly."

Please forward this to all your friends who may need a word
of encouragement; who could use a reminder that if they
entrust their lives to God, they need never fear what lies
on the "other side" of death!
=====================

Sue: Thanks for posting Pat's e-mail.

Iain: Thanks for your words of wisdom as I truly felt that they were meant for me at this particular time.

Earlier this afternoon I purchased a new cell phone, what a difference and a pleasure to own and use, I am not sure if I can say this but the old phone was Rodgers AT & T and now the new one is Bell, I can now make phone calls from inside the house.


Ruth

My Goodness without our pat here there is hardly no one here. I have been next door visiting with the kids. I got a photo in the mail today of my  g-g-daughter and g-daughter. The baby is 14 months old now, and walking. Tara sent a little note with the photos and now I have her address I can write to her.

Signing off now ttyt

Well, at last, my browser works.  My friend up the street came down and fiddled and fiddled and finally I got onto the internet.

Talk about withdrawal!

But where are all of our CP friends?

Only 28 posts?

Come on you guys!  You can do better then that!  Where's Mieka!?   Where's Ruthie? (I heard that her computer is fixed!)

Thanks so much, Janet for starting over the new topic and thanks so much, Iain for the fantastic devotional.  I'm still Meditating on it!  


Thanks for the posts, Chris (in emails!)  And what a great poem, Mullet!  Where's your mother?

Thanks Sue for putting in my letter here.  It would be good if every member of CP was on that Yahoo list.  If you don't know how to get on there, ask me and I'll make sure you're on it.  Nice to see you posting Ruth!  Sounds like a nice new phone!

Hello to Nita and Marilyn.  

Great to see you posting Ria!  Hope those eyes are much better now.  Great hymn, Larry.

Karma...

QuoteIT'S NOT ABOUT ME.  It is about JESUS.  It is about listening to his Holy Spirit, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in people's lives.  Then, and only then, God may be able to use me as an instrument in His holy work.  

Good words sister.  It's not about me but it's about Jesus.


Thanks for checking in Nards.  Guess you have a big concert coming up.

Well, I guess I have to think about opening a new topic for y'all!  

While I'm working away at the new topic, let's all sing!

love you to janet  

Thank you all for the comments on My poem.

Go to the practice bourd and post your pictures you drew on the computer!!

QuoteQuoted by Karma~IT'S NOT ABOUT ME.  It is about JESUS.  It is about listening to his Holy Spirit, and allowing the Holy Spirit to work in people's lives.  Then, and only then, God may be able to use me as an instrument in His holy work.

I agree with what you said, Karma.  

A person maybe able to quote the whole bible and preach like no other, but if they don't do it in love then it is useless, unheard, just air coming out of the mouth.  

We need to show the love of Jesus by our actions.

I am sorry I haven't been here all day.  I have been so busy with pictures and other things.

Mullet, you are awesome, son.  That is the most beautiful poem I have ever heard.  You should think about writing more of them. Love you big guy!

I am heading to bed.

See you all in the morn.
Soni