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Morning Devotional...


When Thou saidst, Seek ye My face; my heart said unto Thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.
Psalm 27:8

Some day we will not have to seek His face--"they shall see His face" (Rev. 22:4). But at present we must diligently seek Him amid earth's distractions.

Straining to catch sight of Him, like a loved one in a crowded train station, our hearts cry, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek."   As I do, my heart, once nothing like His, is being conformed to His image (2 Cor. 3:18).

It is like a woman's heart locket; when you look within, you see the face of the one she loves.
                                                                                 --J. B. N.

Today's devotion reminds me of the email that circulated sometime back about the silversmith.  The silversmith places the silver in the hottest part of the fire, and can't take his eyes off of it, lest it be ruined.  When asked how he knows it is refined, he replies, "Simple, I can see my image in it."

When people look at us, what do they see?  Even more importantly, when Christ looks at us, what does HE see?

Good thoughts, Karma!  Thanks for those!

Thanks for the devotional, Pat... and Karma, I have read and meditated on that thought (of the silversmith) many times.  Truly we need to be aware that HE is the silversmith and only when He sees himself reflected in us will he be pleased with the refining fire that conforms us to His image.

I called Pastor Ron this evening to ask how Bev's day had been.  He said she had a pretty good day today...went out and did some yard work and weeded a bit in the garden ... of course, he said, that about did her in.  But the important thing is that our prayers for her strength have been answered and she had a good day.    God is still on the throne and He does all things well !

I'll be checking in with y'all in a few hours.  I'm a wee bit tired at the moment and I think I'll just call it a day.  Y'all take care, and I'll see y'all later, okay?

Morning folks- Well Jenny fine weather has finally drifted north and this morning is beautiful. No need to ask what I am going to do for the rest of today.

Ria- Welcome dear sis. This link may have been written just for you.- http://www.applesofgold.co.uk/welkom.htm

My thoughts this morning hold much of what Pat has written. Many thanks sis. Have you packed yet?

'O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.'

Psalm 90 14-17

We all have our dreams and our desires, things that we would love to see come to pass in our lives. We long to see our family and loved ones saved. We yearn for revival in our land and we pray that our Lord would raise fearless preachers of the Gospel.

As individuals we desire to shine for Christ. We long to be different and to have a holy boldness that surpasses the fear of man.

Often we get frustrated when we see little or no sign of our earnest petitions coming to pass. It is then that we tend to seek other things that would satisfy us.

Worldly gain, futile things, things that are not really important and yet we believe that if only we could have such, life would be so much better.

The world holds all these things before us and promises them to us if only we will take our minds and our hearts from the Lord and His service. Our flesh may lust after many things yet have we not learned that even if these things were granted to us, they would soon be viewed as vanity.

The longing soul of the child of God can only be satisfied with Himself. It is a love affair whereby the bride yearns to be alone with her Husband. Eyeing her own garments only depresses her. She will only be satisfied when viewing her Bridegrooms face.

It is wonderful to see couples happy and in love. Their eyes filled with adoration for one another. They live for each others company. No other will do.

Can you imagine the yearning in the soul of our Lord as He awaits His bride? There is adoration and love in His eyes as He watches history unfold and His work on earth nearing completion. It would be good for us to be found faithful to our Beloved. Waiting patiently His return.

Our needy souls long to be satisfied. All too often we are found looking in the wrong direction. We forget that we are spiritual beings and that spiritual food alone can satisfy our hunger.

Each new day there is a banquet set before us. The Lord does not spare anything when it comes to meeting our souls need. Every good and every perfect gift comes from His hands.

A couple in love, when apart will gaze longingly at a photograph of their desire. The Bible is a mirror image of our Beloved. It tells His story. It holds His Words. He is able to embrace us through His Word.

Why is it that we are so reluctant to spend time studying our Bibles and giving time in earnest prayer? Do we go to His word with the attitude that we are not going to hear Him speak today?

Do we read as part of our good works or a daily task? When we pray are we truly believing that we are going to receive that for which we have asked?

Do we believe that God is listening and hearing our petitions? Is faith active in our lives today?

Like the muscles in our body, faith needs to be exercised in order to grow and be strong. Resistance is a major factor in building up muscles. There is no easy way to increase faith, just as there is no easy way to gain strong, healthy muscles.

The trials and difficulties that come our way are designed to wean us from the distractions of this world and to seek earnestly the face of our Lord. They are also sent to work faith in us.

The Psalmist longed to be satisfied early. There is no doubt that we become weary through endless trials.
He experienced much trial and tribulation yet he knew that the Lord could quickly remove his burdens and bless him according to the years wherein he had known affliction.

He knew that God was Just and that if he suffered it was for a reason. It all would work together for his good.

Reading the Gospels, there is hardly a page where the Lord is not giving. The lame walk, the deaf hear, the blind see, the sick are healed and the dead raised to life. He is more willing to give than we are to receive.

There are times when our faith is weak and we find our spiritual exercises to be difficult. We pray not really believing that we are going to receive. It is half hearted. Talking but to whom? Words but who is listening?

We do not feel that we are worthy to receive any good thing from God. My friend we did not deserve to be saved, yet in mercy and in love He did save us.

He chose us remember!

Often we wish that we had gifts that other people have. If only we could do this or that for the Lord. Life then would be great! We are what we are. Each one with his or her own talents and characteristics. We each have our part to play. Let us do all that we can as heartily unto the Lord.

May the God of all comfort and grace satisfy us and feed us with the finest of the wheat. May handfuls of purpose line our path. May our weak hands and feeble knees be strengthened and our souls revived in such a way that we will magnify the Lord.

Give us this day eyes to see Thee, feet to run after Thee and arms to embrace Thee. May the beauty of our God be upon us and may others see His image in us. That my friend will indeed make us glad.

Christ in us, the hope of glory.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

England 7.30 a.m.

Thank-you Pat.
Thank-you Karmat.

By the Grace  of God I pray :-

Let the Beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
All His love and compassion and purity,
May His spirit Divine,
All of nature refine,
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.

Philippians 1:6 gives me hope....Because the Lord has a difficult job to do on me.....                

"I am sure of this very thing , that He who began a good work in you will continue until the Day of Jesus Christ, right up to the time of His return, developing that good work and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you".

Jane, thank-you for the news re Bev.  Praise God for His wonder working power.  Give Bev my love and assurance of my prayers.

My son has a few days off.  We are going for a meal later on, my birthday treat.

Extreme heat here in England....Weather reports warn of temperatures in the 100s
My poor postman has just called with the letters and is dripping sweat.  He usually enjoys the nice Summer mornings. Not today!  He really feels it is unusual. It is unpleasant.
Trains are not running, drivers are refusing. The lines are too hot they say!  In Winter they tell us the lines are too cold, too wet, or leaves on the line.....sheer havoc reigns.

Seems Canada is on alert, also Spain as Portugal is suffering badly with fires out of control.

Mankind look what we have done.  What  can we expect?  There is virtually no ozone layer we have destroyed it in our greed. Kyoto Agreement has come too late and the one who should have signed didn't.  This is not an act of God!.....Lord forgive us!

Dear Brothers and sisters I send love to all of you, In Jesus' Precious Name.

                             --------------
Iain I popped back and edited as I've just read your devotional.  Lovely., I especially liked the comment "handfuls of purpose". I am going to think about this today...Mirror images, lockets....reflections.  Food for thought!
Yes enjoy your day..Take things steady in  this heat dear brother...I know what I would be doing and that is walking on the shore and looking at the light effects on those rocks.  P'raps a little paddle.  Is it safe enough to paddle?  Any crabs or star fish to bite my feet?

good morning everyone
Great messages again from Pat and Iain..as well as Karmat......real thinkers indeed......what do people see when they look at me....am I representing Christ or am I representing me......Lord let me be made in your image today and let others see You in me....and in the things I say and do especially in front of my children who are so much looking to who I belong to and who I represent.....

God bless you all and have a great day....
Paulette.

Hi everyone.  We went through the whole day yesterday without rain, although we did hear some thunder last evening so expect it rained in our area somwhere.  More rain predicted for today and tomorrow but it is keeping temperatures down.  Jenny, sorry to hear of the extreme heat you all are experiencing over in England.  

Pat and Iain, again wonderful devotionals this morning.  

Marilyn, it sounds like you will be busy sitting in doctor's offices for the quite awhile.  It is good to keep a check on things.

Jane, always good to read your postings and see the good news concerning God's working in Bev's life.  

Karmat, it sounds like the little one is really growing quickly and that is such a fun age as they discover the world around them and build their vocabulary.

Janet, that was a thought provoking piece you posted.  It sounds like you have a heavy schedule for this week.  I guess we are going to have to start calling you "Judge Janet."  

Ria, I want to extend my welcome to you and echo what others have said in not worrying about us not understanding what you might write.  It is just good having you join us.

This afternoon I will go back to Calvin Cove, the adult day-care center at our church, and play and lead the singing for the folks there.  I have missed the last two months of doing this and that has been my lose as I really enjoy it and the folks seem to enjoy the singing.  It usually brings some smiles to the faces.  I understand there are quite a few new folks now participating.  We sing for about 30 minutes.

Hope everyone has a great day.

In my prayer time this morning I have asked the Lord  to let everyone I meet today see Jesus in me, that was before I read the devotionals. Is it a coincidence or is it Jesus. It is Jesus!!!

It is good to see that Karma, Pat, Iain, Jenny and Tenderheart along with me are all in the same frequency today. Oh how I pray that I will reflect the Jesus in me, and let His light shine through me each day.

Last evening when Gilbert went out the door of his house to come over here to mow my lawn, I stayed with my g-kids, Gilbert's words to me were "No talking about Jesus, ok Mom?"

Savannah asked, "Why doesn't daddy want  you to talk about Jesus? Me and Forest like Jesus". That was a blessing to hear, but I just replied, "Because Daddy doesn't want me to talk about Jesus." "But we want to talk about Jesus". I told them "I am sorry but I have to do what daddy said." That broke my heart.

Hi Larry I am still posting and  you have just posted, good to see you are able to go back to Calvin Cove and your music ministry.

I had to shut down my computer early last night, Thunder and Lightening and buckets of rain. My poor Happydog was so frightened, I gave him a calming pill and it didn't help a bit. He was in my lap and after bedtime he stayed in my arms until after midnight.

It also rained a lot inside my bedroom. Yes the roof leaks and my landlord is on vacation. Gitsie was under the bed and was all wet this morning.

I will be back later. God Bless all who come to visit us today.

Oh, I'm rushing around like a hen with it's head cut off!  (Do any of you use that expression?)

I'm just leaving the house for awhile but I was sitting here humming this hymn and thought I'd share with you all so you can all humm it and sing it.

Thank you, PAT!  I'm hummmming ... Singing, too!  

And ... I have been known to run around like a chicken with its head cut off!  

Welcome Ria!  I love your post.  I understood and could read every word.  I don't think I know one word of Dutch.  Maybe you could teach us a few words.

Karma ~ Sounds like Travis is finding words now!  His age is such a wonderful age.  I wish I could see him everyday.

Yes, Pat!!!!  I know how you feel but around here it is male OR female....running around like a chicken with its head cut off.  That is me.

Yesterday I decided to load my GPS with maps for my trip.  It wouldn't do it for anything.  I went to Staples and got a SD Writer/Reader.  You can load data from your pc to the memory card.  Since I am taking Jerry's laptop, I decided to install it on his laptop.  Boy, am I dumb.  I didn't even know how to run a CD on his laptop.  But, thank God, Jerry is doing fantastic today and was in his room when I called and he talked me through it.   I then had to install MapSends and make new regions and then install the ImageMate.  It is installing the info now on the memory card.  Instead of taking hours, it is taking minutes.

Ivalou is getting a perm and then she is going to cut my hair.  She is my beautician.  I feed her food, too!  Then I will clean up and go see Jerry.  I think if it isn't too late...I will take the laptop and see if he can work it with his right hand.  That would be good therapy for him.  

Bright and sunny here today and only to get to 80°.  My kind of weather!!!!

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"Maturity begins when we're content to feel we're right about something without feeling the necessity to prove someone else wrong."

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.

I do pray today this burdon is not so heavy in the arms of those who know him so well.
           God is Love.

I do see him in the friends I hold dear to my heart. I pray with all my love today that my friends will know his love in all things. I pray he will bring peace to a troubled friend today.  
It will be a day of prayer for me. I do love you all.

Hi ETTA SUE and MIEKA . .. Take care and have a blessed day  ...

MIEKA, I will be praying with you, for your friends and mine.

I am going over to the church now to see that the worship/praise music is on.  I will spend some time there in prayer, too.

I'll be back later.

Good morning everybody!  I don't always stop by here, so forgive me if I have to catch up on everybody.  Who is Ria?  She must've posted in yesterdays thread.  

Yes, I bet you are winding down with your packing, Pat!  Who will help us if we need help?  Have you deputized anyone? heheh!

Paulette-tenderheart...what a wonderful handle!  Good to have you here as well!

Marilyn...is it the roof in your new home that leaks?  That's terrible!  I hope you can get that quickly remedied!

Wish we had some of that rain in Texas !

I have been asked to give a slide presentation on Norway to a travel club tonight.  My son and his family and my best friend will also be present.  My son doesn't like to hear about Jesus either.  

Pray that I will be able to let my light shine freely (that God will flavor my speech and guard my tongue) and that there will be no OFFENSES taken.
Thanks!

Quote from: Jenny on August 05, 2003, 03:21:55 AM
Jane, thank-you for the news re Bev.  Praise God for His wonder working power.  Give Bev my love and assurance of my prayers.                    

Quote from: Larry Hanna on August 05, 2003, 10:34:22 AM
Jane, always good to read your postings and see the good news concerning God's working in Bev's life.  

Sorry, JENNY and LARRY!  I didn't mean to ignore your comments re: Bev.  
She is doing well and we continue to pray for God to give her "the strength to endure" these treatments.  Her faith is high ... I guess we could say her spirit is willing, but her body is weak.  

Jane, the news about Bev sounds good.  But that's what we expect from our loving Lord, isn't it?

Marilyn, that must have been some rainstorm and quite a leak if Gitsie got wet under the bed!  What on earth was your bed like?

Our car has been sounding like the brakes had started to wear - but only intermittently.  Then today when Gene went to Saratoga it was every time he slowed down or stopped.  So he took it to our mechanic and they'll be fixed (we hope) on Thursday.  He said we can use it - carefully until then, but we're trying not to.  Of course that means I won't be able to get Book 7 for a few more days.    The book store is in Glens Falls, on the other side of a mountain with a long hill to go down, sooooo....

Aaawww, sorry JEANNE  .  But the waiting for your book will only build anticipation, right?   I hope you get your car fixed soon ... I know how it is to be without wheels!  

Of course!  I only expect "good stuff" from my Father ... cuz He loves us and always works everything together for good to those who love Him.

Oh Marilyn - I know just how you feel.  My daughter dosen't want to hear anything on the spiritual side either.  If she only knew how much we pray for her, and her family!!

Etta Sue:  Is Jerry in re-hab yet?  Does he have a good roomate?  I sure hope so., as it really makes a difference in how recovery goes.

Hi Pinkie:  Nice seeing you here., as always!

I am pretty well organized for our trip.  Everything is packed, I'm hoping to get the car washed on Friday. (can't have Pat driving a dirty car...lol)

We're getting excited., and trust you will all pray for us while we are away.

I'm just dropping in for a minute to say hello.  I've been doing fine today.  I have stayed in most of the day where it is nice and cool.  Cornelia and I continue every evening our reading the Bible out loud.  We are now in Jeremiah.

It is good to see everyone today.

--- Papa John              

 

Just thought I had better stop in and post now before I go off to class. We are having a test tonight on the first 2 sections of the class. I won't be home until after 9 p.m. so won't be posting later.

I have already been to work then to the AARP office in arcata to speak with the job rep and she has told me there is a caregiving opening for 2 days a week at $14.00 per hour. She will
be contacting the lady for me.

I have just spent the last hour printing out some information from www.benefitscheckup.com to see what I am eligible for as far as benefits from government programs and for free prescriptions.
There is all kinds of interesting things available for those on Social Security.

Hope y-all have a blessed trip to Calgary.

TTYL

Hello my dear friends.

Yes, my GOD is an incredible God.  When things are good, I can praise HIM.  When things are not good, I can still trust HIM.  Isn't that awesome?

Of course, I like it better when things are good, but I have had enough bad to know that I will survive that too.

I hope your evening is going well; I will probably be in and out for a while!!

love
karmat

Hi Everyone!

Well, I've hardly been in my house today!  I've been running around (still like that chicken, Jane!   ) and ended up way south of Guelph for supper.  After supper we ended up having a terrific Bible Study!  Then a lovely time of prayer!  What a wonderful time I had.  I'm so thankful for times such as these.

Great to see you in here Pinkie!  You're missed when you don't show up.  

Glad Jane that you sang along!  Aren't the words so meaningful in that hymn?  

Well, I'm now just reading Iain's wonderful devotional.   Iain, what meat in that!  Thanks so much.  I'm printing these out and putting them in a binder that is beside my bed where I can think a little more later on about what you've written.  How I appreciate you!

I must go and do a few things and then I'll be back to bother Karma!

 

It's time to close the door once more.

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