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Morning Devotional

He is Holy

Exodus 15:11. Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods?  Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

What is "holiness," anyway?  Is it just another word for "good" or "goodness?"  The answer is no - holiness has a much more profound meaning, a meaning with which we need to become much more closely acquainted.

I think it almost goes without saying that holiness is best defined by saying that it is one of the chief characteristics of God Himself.  Remembering that God is unaffected by all the din and murkiness here in our world, that He is above it all, that He resides in perfect serenity and peace, and that, at the last day, all His will shall be perfectly accomplished - remembering that He is "God over all, blessed forever," we can begin to define the word holy: it means separate, unique, unaffected by all else in heaven and earth.  It means awesomely absolute, and it just means GOD.

For us, on the other hand, to be holy means to be like our Lord - separate, unique, dedicated to serving only Him.  It means unlike the world in all its sin and rebellion.  It means being His and His alone.

Al Moak






 

Direct Access (#20050808)
by Henry Morris, Ph.D.
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (I Timothy 2:5).
This is one of the key verses of Scripture for several reasons. In the first place, in the midst of a pantheistic and polytheistic society governed by the kings and rulers for whom Paul had just exhorted believers to pray, it was important to reemphasize that there was only one Creator God--the One to whom even kings must give account and the only One to whom we can rightfully pray.

Secondly, Christ Jesus, who was Himself "God . . . manifest in the flesh" and then "received up into glory" (I Timothy 3:16), was nevertheless still "the man Christ Jesus." He is still a man, even though His human body has been resurrected and glorified. Therefore He can, indeed, "be touched with the feeling of our infirmities;" and we can "come boldly" to His "throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Then, because He is both omnipotent God and perfect Man, "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (v.15). He is uniquely able to serve as the one and only "mediator between God and man." Furthermore, as the only God-Man, fully and eternally both God and man, He is the only one through whom we can reach God's throne in prayer. "I am the way, the truth, and the life," He said, "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).

No one else--man or woman, saint or priest, angel or demon--has direct access to God, for the Son is the one mediator between God and man. We can come to God however for "We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (I John 2:1). "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). HMM

Hi everyone.  I won't wait until evening to post today.  I tarried at coffee a few extra minutes today as this is the day the housekeeper is here and she usually cleans my office among the first things she does and then I can get out of her way.  I don't know whether the yard people will be here as things are very wet.  We had over an inch of rain last night.

Today was the first day of school and the traffic has returned big time.  I had to go to the oncoming lane to get around the cars waiting to turn into the school.  Each year the traffic gets worse. 

Nothing else on my schedule today so will just take it easy.  We are suppose to have more rain.

Al, thanks for the devotional on Holiness and Marilyn, thanks for sharing the Morris piece.

I hope everyone has a good day.

Good Morning: Thank you Al  for the devotional today. Last night at prayer meeting we discussed the elements of prayer, We were asked,

"How do you approach God when you begin to pray? 

It is really something to think about, Do you begin by praising him for what he has done? Or do you go right into asking for what you want.

Do you pray with expectation? Or do you doubt that your prayers will be answered? Or do you go away from prayer and then doubt later?

Do you acknowledge who God is? Or do you just treat your prayer life as casual?

No need to answer these questions here but answer them in your own hearts. Ask God what he wants from you.

TTYL

Good Morning folks.

I received a phone call, several actually, from our cousin in CA.  His wife has died. the night before last.  He was broken.  Please pray for the family (her children and David) as they walk through these waters.

I watched Doc today as I sewed.  It was one of the really good ones.  In it they were discussing how we make judgement calls on subjects without all the information.  How may times do we do just that.  We criticize people when we don't know the full story.  To top it off we don't care enough to find out the full story.  We cut people off and don't associate with them because of what a family member says.  I have seen families destroyed because of this.  It is so sad.  We should not "take sides" in family disputes until all sides have been revealed.  To take sides when we are not directly involved is to take up offences.  Long after God has given the grace (to the individuals involved) to forgive, we are still holding a grudge.  That grudge just causes a lot of hard feelings and bitterness.  Lets stop making judgement calls on situations where we are not directly involved, and when we do, make sure we have all the information.  This applies to churches too.  Here in North Bay one of the churches has closed the doors.   This was a Bible believing church.  There was split after split.  Church mambers were hurt, feelings were hurt, and the work was destroyed. 

John 10:10 NKJV says  The thief does not come except to  steel and  kill and destroy.... but I have come that they may have life and have it more abundantly. 

How many families have had their peace stolen, relationships killed and the work God wants done destroyed.  This goes for biological families and spiritual families.  It is time we are "known for our love".

I will get off my soap box. 

Bye for now
Judy

JudyB, that was a really good "sermon" and one we all need to hear.  I agree completely.

I am feeling bad, think the junk Darrel has been battling is trying to attack me now.  All I feel like doing is going to lie down for a while.  I hope to be back later.

I wish I got the email notifications; it is very hard to keep up on here without those.

I go to sleep with an issue on my mind and awaken with the same - it is comforting to come in here.

P. Al:  The song is just perfect; it is one of my favorite hymns.  Thank you.

Judy:  How sad for your cousin and family.  And, I absolutely know what you are writing about with those quick opinions that people tend to make without total information.  

Carol

Janet:  Still online?  I wrote an email to you yesterday - did you receive?  Carol

Marilyn ~ We all have things we need to get rid of.  Yesterday our sermons were on David and Goliath.  We all have 'giants' that get in our system/lives that need to be gone from our lives forever. 

Jane ~ Yes, I know how valuable these tapes/CD can be to those who are unable to attend church on Sunday and even those who are on vacation and those who have children in college.  AND September 11th we are starting three different services...adult, post teen and teen... so I imagine we will be taping/CDing all.  Just an added challenge.

Janet ~ I just noticed that I wasn't getting ALL my email notifications.  Probably my fault for not making sure I had them ticked right.  I know you enjoy your grandchildren when they come around.  It will be lonesome when Abby goes back home.  Thanks for the compliment on my doing the tapes/CDs.  I can't be at church much other than Sundays and I sure want to do my part for God's church family.  Most times I don't think it is enough but when you guys comment...then I think...maybe I am doing a lot for my church family.  Thanks.

Larry ~ I paid $2.29.9 a gallon for gas yesterday.  It has been as high as $2.39.9 last March right after Jerry had his stroke. 

JudyB ~ I try to not make judgments on people.  I may not like what the person said or did but I still love the person.  No one is totally evil that I know.  My Mother taught me this all my life even before I became a Christian and now the Bible enforces her beliefs more and more each day.  We all need to make your statements priority each and every day.

Carol ~ Another thing my Mother taught me.  Go to bed thinking about your issues and problems and generally when you wake up, they are solved.  I remember when I had to memorize a poem in school.  She told me to put the poem under my pillow and in the morning, I would have it memorized...this was after I tried and tried all evening to memorize it.  Sure enough, when I got up, I recited it through and through.  Probably power of suggestion but it worked!

I went over to Ivalou's with my coffee this morning and she wants to go to Noblesville today so I am going with her in 20 minutes.  Then this evening is my second meeting with Kilbuck Photography Guild.  Kitty has torn a tendon and is in a boot and crutches and can't drive.  So I am driving tonight.  Just wish my new camera was here.

good morning all.  Another "perfect" day her on the Oregon coast.  It'll be windy later, but for now, it's calm.

I have to go to Eugene later to pick up grandson, Kyle.  If he is able to get a seat from Phoenix, that is.  Rene(his mom/my daughter) will call and let me know as soon as she is sure he is flying out.  It takes me about 2 1/2 hours maybe less if construction isn't slowing me down.

I, too, try not to make judgements on people.   I don't know where they were to get where they are today...ie never walked in their shoes, so try to be really careful putting my own values on them.  Besides, we are all in different places in our journey.  Some God has given to us to spend the journey with, and others we pass on our way.  I don't think there's one person we can't learn from.  That's why they are in our lives.   I'm sort of an "on the sidelines" sort of person, but maybe the reason is that I see so many people become enmeshed in the lives of others in a way that is none of their business, and can only end in hurt feelings all around.    I have enough just judging myself.  And I can't do that correctly, because I don't know what God knows.   I try.

Gas here is up to $2.47.  Maybe more.  I didn't go to town yesterday.  I have to get gas today, so will see.

Have a blessed day everyone.   Nita

Well, I see that the fog has just (last ten minutes) lifted enough to let the sun through.  You guys make me sick complaining about $2.29 and $2.47 and the like for gasoline!  It's been $2.71 (cheapest - it's $2.73 lots of places - for lowest grade) here for over a month now.  Grrrrrr.

Yesterday when I went through town, gas was 2.19.  I don't know how long it will stay that way, but I sure am glad it is.  I traded off my SUV back in May because of gas prices.  (But I sure like my car now )

Happy day everyone.

sam

Hello everyone,

We are back from New Brunswick and we had a LOVELY trip!  It was extremely busy, as Luke had so many people to fit in with visits and so on, but it's gorgeous scenery out there!  JudyB, I watch Doc when I am at my in-laws, I love that program!  It's so very seldom you can find a good, clean program these days.  I saw that particular episode today as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and the lessons it contained.  I'll try to post some photos soon of N.B.  God bless you.

Jen.

Ok Al I won't complain about what you pay for gas,  You are right it is a lot cheeper than here.  We are paying between 99.9 and 97.9 a liter.   Now to figure that our into US gallons...

Multiply the rate by 3.7854  So .999 times 3.7854 equals 3.7816146.  Or $3.78 a US gallon.  Soooooo That is way too much.  Thing is, the majority of that is federal and provincial tax. 

I have been asked to do a job for a lady with double masectomy.  She was given a wedding dress that is too small.  I need to put in a panel into the back and make it look like it was supposed to look that wasy.   The wedding is Aug. 19th.  She has also asked me to see if I can make the 4 bridesmaids dresses as well.  None are done.  Her original seamstress ditched her last night. 

got to go will be back later.

JudyB,

I think it's great that you're willing to help out this lady.  It sounds like she's a wee bit stressed.  I wish I knew how to sew.  I was going to start teaching myself.  I think I will still start a small project or two, but with another baby on the way, I'm sure I won't have time to get into anything major for a while.  I bought a pattern for a maternity shirt though.  I already had material, because I was going to make myself a summer dress, but I won't be able to wear it for a while either, so I decided against that in favour of the maternity shirt.  Sorry, I'm rambling now.  God bless you all.

Jen.

Hello Everyone...

I've had computer problems since yesterday sometime.  Today I couldn't get my email or get onto any website until a couple of hours ago.  How irritating.  I still haven't got my email figured out yet.

I have my grandson here and I can't get used to how he "Doesn't" eat.  I'm sure he's hungry but I ask him and he says, "No thanks!"  So different from his father who had a bottomless pit in his stomach.

Yes, Judy, Shirley was too young.  She was a member on this site--never posted much but read all the time.  She felt that our New Every Morning devotional was the way she wanted to start off the day.  We were very close friends and I'm going to miss our chats together.  Shirley and I were close buddies for many, many years and I'm going to miss her.

Just a quick hello...  Good to "see" all of you. 

Hey nards.  Good to see you again.

OK ladies I have a problem.  I need a recipe for corn.  A recipe like the buffets at the Flying J has where the cobs are cut into bite size chunks and then pickled.  I have cut doen all the corn and a lot is still quite small and tender.  I love the way it is done on buffets.  So if anyone knows what I am talking about and has a recipe, I would appreciate it.

I have all my veggies I picked done down  Beans, peas and the big corn.  The girls are being a big help, and they enjoy the job.  Pat do you remember Mom saying that putting fruit and veggies down was our food for the winter? 

Now on to the dress.

We had a good day yesterday.  Our regular preacher was away and our youth director preached at the morning service.  He really did an excellent job, a very talented young man.

Last night one of our former ministers spoke and gave us another fine sermon.

After morning worship we went to a great Chinese restaurant buffet.  I really like Chinese food.

This morning we drove over to a different Mall in Brentwood.  We took the scooter and went all over the Mall.  We looked a lot but didn't buy anything except lunch at the food court.

Well, I have read all of today's posts.  It is good to hear from each one.  About gasoline, we don't have it as high as Al in California.  Right now it is about $2.20 but at Kroger's we get 10 cents off a gallon so it is more around $2.10.

But somehow we can manage and be thankful for all of God's blessings both spiritual and material.  We do not go hungry and we have food, clothing, and shelter.  It is a wonderful blessing just to live in this great country. 

1 Tim 6:6-11
6   But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7   For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.
8   But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
9   People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.
10   For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
11   But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.  (NIV)

Papa John          <)))><<   

Hi, just stopping in for a moment - I'm not feeling well and left work early. Y'all have a nice evening.


Ruth Ann

Ruth, feel better soon. ok?

I'm back from Eugene.  I like the drive, so don't mind.  The plane was late, and so was I due to some construction hold ups, so it worked out good.

I had to get gas before I left.  At our discount Bimore station it's now $1.61.  I asked him if he thought it would go up more, and he said yes, he was pretty sure it would.  Good thing I don't have any trips to take.

Sorry I don't have any recipes to help you with your corn, Judy.   I just like to blanche and freeze.

Chicken strips are done so will go and hunt up some vegetables to go with.  Nita

Nita, is the $1.61 or $2.61 per gallon on the gas?  Glad you had a safe trip.

Ruth Ann, sure hope you feel better in the morning.

Papa John, it sounds like you are really getting the driving down well.  Glad you enjoyed your time at the mall.  I don't go to the malls if I can possibly avoid it as it is just too tiring. 

Hi Nards. 

Pat, I also had computer problems today.  I tried to install the software that came with the UPS system and it caused problems with my USB card.  I couldn't get my mouse to work.  I finally plugged the mouse into the USB 1 port and got it working.  My friend Rod suggested I reseat the USB 2 card on the motherboard and that made it work again along with the hub.  I had to reinstall the card reader for the digital camera as apparently one of the drivers was damaged or overwritten by the other software.  Everything seems to be working now except think the UPS has a bad battery.  I believe I will return it to the store.  I have gotten along without one of those all these years and this one seems to be defective.  I certainly hope you are able to get your email figured out.

Janet, hope by the time you read this you are feeling better and that Darrel is also feeling better.  You must be getting very worn down from all you have been doing the last few days.

Hi to all that I have not mentioned.  It is getting late so need to sign off for tonight.
I

I'm signing off too, tired tonight. Got to take the car back to Blue Lake tomorrow to the mechnic for the brake job.

Right now I have to go put myself into traction for a little bit. Don't like hurting since I've gotten used to being pain free, got used to that real quick. <Big Smile>

C U Manana

ps. Janet, and Ruth Ann Hope you two get to felling better by tomorrow.

  Well I spoke too soon about gas prices around my neck of the woods.  When I took my daughter to cheerleading practice, gas had went up .10 cents.

Oh well, Praise the Lord for all of it anyway, He is so good to me!

I've got a 3 month eye check up today (Tuesday) for follow up on my LASIK surgery.  My eyes are still doing great, to me anyways.  Please keep me in prayer for that

Well, I was just up to get my husband off on his weekly trip to Montgomery,Alabama (3 hrs away)  He has to be there at 7 am.  Time to go back to bed!!

Later,
Samantha

Well nobody closed up last night and opened a new one for today so I will start with this devtional fromthe Daily Word.



 

Today's Daily Word - Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Faith

I have faith in God to help me live my life to my greatest potential.

What does "walking by faith" truly mean in the course of our everyday lives? Walking by faith, we trust God to help us live our lives to our greatest potential. Walking by faith, we place our ultimate confidence in God, knowing that divine order is active in our lives at all times and under all circumstances.

Above all, walking by faith means that when we look around us at a world that sometimes seems senseless and chaotic, we can go into the silence and experience the presence of a kind and loving God. Our Creator will care for us and for those we love during our time of need.
As we walk by faith, we can truly cast worries aside and--in all that we say and do--embrace God's goodness in our lives.

"So we are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord--for we walk by faith, not by sight."--2 Corinthians 5:6-7 

Today's NEM