Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...



Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Romans 8:35


The simple answer to this question is, "Nothing and no one!"

To clarify—neither death as the night, life in its fright, angels in their flight, principalities in their right, powers in their might, things present in their sight, things to come if they might.

In case you think of something else, Paul adds, "nor any other created thing." Nothing can sever us from the love of Christ!

What joy to be forever linked to His love!
—Rex Trogdon

This is a neat story:
"Friends are God's way of taking care of us"                             
                                                                       
This was written by a Hospice of Metro Denver physician                   
                                                                           
I just had one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and wanted to share it with my family and dearest friends:                               
                                                                           
I was driving home from a meeting this evening about 5, stuck in traffic   on Colorado Blvd., and the car started to choke and splutter and die -     
                                                                           
I barely managed to coast, cursing, into a gas station, glad only that I   would not be blocking traffic and would have a somewhat warm spot to wait for the tow truck. It wouldn't even turn over. Before I could make  the call, I saw a woman walking out of the "quickie mart" building, and  it looked like she slipped on some ice and fell into a gas pump, so I got out to see if she was okay. When I got there, it looked more like she had been overcome by sobs than that she had fallen; she was a young woman who looked really haggard with dark circles under her eyes. She dropped something as I helped her up, and I picked it up to  give it to her.  It was a nickel.                                                     
                                                                           
At that moment, everything came into focus for me: the crying woman, the ancient Suburban crammed full of stuff with 3 kids in the back (1 in a car seat), and the gas pump reading $4.95. I asked her if she was  okay and if she needed help, and she just kept saying "I don't want my  kids to see me crying," so we stood on the other side of the pump from  her car. She said she was driving to California and that things were very     
hard for her right now.                                                   
                                                                           
So I asked, "And you were praying?" That made her back away from me a  little but I assured her I was not a crazy person and said, "He heard you, and He sent me                                             
                                                                           
I took out my card and swiped it through the card reader on the pump so  she could fill up her car completely, and while it was fueling walked to the next door McDonald's and bought 2 big bags of food, some gift certificates for more, and a big cup of coffee. She gave the food to the kids in the car  who attacked it like wolves, and we stood by the     
pump eating fries and talking a little.  She told me her name, and that she lived in Kansas City.                                                 
Her boyfriend left 2 months ago and she had not been able to make ends meet.                                                                     
She knew she wouldn't have money to pay rent Jan 1, and finally in desperation had finally called her parents, with whom she had not spoken in about 5 years. They lived in California and said she could come live with them and try to get on her feet there. So she packed  up everything she owned in the car. She told the kids they were going  to California for Christmas, but not that they were going to live there.                 
                                                                           
I gave her my gloves, a little hug and said a quick prayer with he  for safety on the road. As I was walking over to my car, she said, "So, are you like an angel or something?"  This definitely made me cry. I said, "Sweetie, at this time of year angels are really busy, so sometimes God uses regular people." It was so incredible to be a part of someone         
else's miracle.         
           
And of  course, you guessed it, when I got in my car it started right away and     
got me home with no problem. I'll put it in the shop tomorrow to check, but I suspect the mechanic won't find anything wrong.                     

Sometimes the angels fly close enough to you that you can hear the         
flutter of their wings...                                                 
                                                                           
Psalms 55:22 "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee     
He shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."                 

Shalom, pinkie       
                                         
                                                                     
                                                                           
                                                                           

Pinkie ~ I was moved to tears. Your e-mail was right on. I love it.

That was a wonderuful story Pinkie and so good to see you posting again, we have missed you and your wonderful phtography.

There is a praise report HERE that you might want to check out. Actually it is a miracle.

Today is  a slowing down type of day for me. with only Tai Chi and Fay, I may even get a chance to go to the gym to get on the treadmill and bicycle today. Praise the Lord.

Hello Jerry nice to see you having nothing to say.

TTYL

Marilyn, I just read about your miracle over in Prayer and Praise.  I'm so happy for you.   

I came in to do some "ad-clkicking" so am about ready to get off here and get my day going.

Ty and Rocko are headed to the vet for their final puppy shots.  I'm sure if they knew what was in store, they'd be thrilled.

Pinkie, your story reminds me of another time God used someone to stop to help someone who needed help. 

Acts 8:29-39
29   The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."
30   Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.
31   "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
32   The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth.
33   In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."
34   The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?"
35   Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36   As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?"
38   And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
39   When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.
(NIV)

--- Papa John          <)))><<   
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Hi Everyone...

Pinkie, what a wonderful story you've shared here today.  As Jerry mentioned, it brought tears here in Guelph as well.  Thanks and great to see you.

Also, Pinkie, great Photo fo the Day on Photography Cafe today too!






Papa John, how are you?  I'm so happy you shared that wonderful story from Acts with all of us.  Talk to you later, my friend.



Nita, bless you!  So happy you were here to do some "ad clicking".  This sure helps with the costs of running this site.  Love you.


Great to see your photos uploaded, Marilyn on Photography Cafe.  Love the sunset one especially.  Looks so warm and cosy with the weather we're having right now in Guelph!    I'll go and read at your link as soon as I post this.


Of course, it's just a thrill to see you posting Jerry!  I always love to see your posts and that nice photo of you as well.

I failed to keep notes today.  I didn't realize that there were so many posts since I posted yesterday and thought I could remember what to say to each of you.  Ha!  That didn't happen!!  Just so happy to see Papa John and his green post.  I missed you! 

I had never heard the word 'stigmata' until today.  Sounds like a cult to me.  Sounds totally against what MY Bible says to believe in.  The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit...the Trinity...that's it for me.  In this I have faith.  Thank you, Ryan, for telling us this about 'stigmata'.

Pinkie, wonderful reading.  I, too, had tears in my eyes.  And Papa John's scripture is a preview of the story.  Both fantastic readings.

And what a miracle for Marilyn....at least, she can wait until warm weather to find a new home and move. 

Hi, Jerry!  I will talk to you later on IM.

Good morning, Pat!  A warning told me you posted while I composed.  And what a beautiful photo that Pinkie posted on the other photography site. 

And puppy shots....do the puppies like riding in the car?  Nita, I remember those photos of the puppies.  I can only imagine...there is a song there, isn't there?...what joy the puppies bring to you.

I don't know what I will be involved in doing today...just thinking of things that need to be done before leaving for Florida and what needs to be taken to Florida.  I get the car greased and oiled Monday morning.  I have to do laundry sometime before Tuesday.  Pack.  And I go to Beef and Boards Tuesday night so it will be a short night and long day of traveling Wednesday.  Pray for good weather for me to drive south in. 

Howdy, folks!  I am all exercised up, haha.  It does give my day a much better start when I go and exercise, then swim.  Now I'm having a grapefruit for breakfast.

Pinkie, that was really an inspiring story, all the better for being true.  And, Papa John, I have always loved that passage of scripture, too.

Marilyn, happy you got an extension on the time where you are.  Now keep looking for the place He has for you.

Etta Sue, I do not think Stigmata is a cult, but do think it is misunderstood and probably even misused at times.  I don't know enough about it to comment further.  Your trip to Florida sounds heavenly.

I really messed up AGAIN when I changed the dates for our trip to Northern Mexico and the Copper Canyon.  The new dates put it during the time Diane and Jeff are going on a cruise to Alaska to celebrate their 25th anniversary!!  And I had promised to keep Abby!  So back to the phone, and changed dates again---now we don't get to go until the 28th of December. 

We are going to a play tonight in Dodge City, don't know what time we will be leaving.  I hope it's a good one.

Our town is in an uproar, because the hospital board summarily fired one of our doctors, a very good surgeon, with no warning and no explanation.  One of the "reasons" they are citing is that he is "too Godly."    What?  Thay want a doctor who is like Satan??  Oh, my............  There are petitions circulating in support of the doctor, and needless to say, a LOT of talk.

Pat, I tried the clickable to Mike's photo, it didn't work. 

Morning everyone!  I am awaiting the plumber...AGAIN!  Yesterday, once again, the pipe "blew a joint" under the house and I had to have someone come shut off the water (because I can't -- the handle is broken off) and call the plumber who has been here several times already.  He came and turned the cold water back on for me so I could at least have water for flushing, etc.    Then he proceeded to work and work and work at trying to repair the broken pipe.  One complication is the pipes are between the floor and the sub floor.  The break is under the closet floor in the back bedroom and very hard to get to.  Finally, at 5:30 the man left and said he'd be back this morning with a replacement piece for the pipe.  He's already purchased a new joint ... as I sat here listening to him work (he talks to himself all the time) I could just see the $$$ rolling up.  I have no clue how much this is going to cost me, nor how I will pay it.  February may be a short month, but it is filled with major expenses and bills that have to be paid!  Now this!!  Oh, well .....

The plumber told me, one more time, that my home needs to be "repiped" ... that would be nice but would cost a couple thousand dollars and Jane can't even afford to pay the normally recurring bills around here.  I know my Father has a plan ... and this is part of it ... I just need to possess my soul in patience. 

Marilyn I have rejoiced with you!  God does answer prayer, doesn't He?

Pinkie your account is very moving and so like our God to be mindful of each one of us.  Thanks for sharing it this morning ... I needed that.

Jerry ... good to see you here!

Etta Sue ... as usual, you brighten my day with your post  and graphics.  Have a great day.

Papa John ... Thanks for your inspiring post...and reminder!

Hi Nita ... I'll be singing at Life Care today ... wish you'd come by and join in.

Hi Pat ... Hopefully you are having a pain-free day today ...

Janet~It sure seems strange that doctor was fired just for being too godly!  How can they do that?
Also, I was thinking, with all the changes and delays you've had you should  really be ready and eagerly anticipating your trip to Mexico ... and, in the meantime, you will be enjoying all the Grandma things!  Your life is full.

Jane, so sorry your pipe blew!  Ugh, how I hate plumbing problems.   Thanks for the kind words........yes, my life is full, and fulfilling.  The only thing I would change is to have a closer relationship to some of my kids/grandkids.  But God knows, and I'm sure He is working on that, too.  And I want Him to work on ME, too.

Time to get off the computer and get some things accomplished around the house.

Morning! 

Hi, friends,

It's so good to see all of you today. Thank goodness the sun is shining. I'm leaving in just a moment for Atlanta, so I'm always so grateful that God lets the sun shine on Monteagle Mountain.

Leslie's dog is not well at all - the vet thinks it's bone cancer in right front leg. So, we're going to need to split up the driving - him going to Atlanta by himself and me by myself. I haven't seen that doctor since about this time in January and my shoulders and back are really painful.

He'll take care of Husky and the other pets while I'm gone and then he'll go on Monday and Tuesday.

Y'all have a good weekend.

Much love to everyone.

Ruth Ann

Thanks Chris and Margit,

Printing out the words now.

Heading to Penna ...till Tuesday but before I go I am
Praising the Lord for all the good news here today.

Prayers to all who are in need are being sent right now as
I am typing.

Hard to type; with tears in my eyes after Pinkie's posting.

The Lord does know HIS creation, doesn't HE???  Sending
just the right people at just the right time...

Take care and as always,

Love in Christ,

Joyce

Hi Everyone:

I went back to the surgeon and he said my eye was coming along nicely.  There was some swelling around the cornea so he got me to buy another bottle of drops.  That makes 5 bottles.  2 are to be put in twice a day.  They keep the pressure down.  3 are to be put in 4 times a day.  They are like Advil for the eye and other medicine.  Not sure what.  I have to see him in 4 days so I won't go back to work for at least another 5 days.   I wanted to wash my hair so I think I will go to the haridresser.  I'm not suppose to bend over forward.   Yes Janet, I realize now about the cataract.  If it isn't too bad, they just do lazer on it, but if it is beyond hope, they have to cut it out and put in an artificial lens.  I still cannot see clear in my right eye, but have been told that I will in a few days.  Looking forward to that.

Will check in later.   God bless

Love Ruthie

Hi Pinkie:

What a lovely tear-jerking story!  It is true when you are a blessing to someone else, you get the blessing yourself.  Thank you for that. 

Love Ruthie

Thank you Pat for the devotional and that verse "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?"  You were right "Absolutely No One or Nothing"

Hope you are feeling well today.   

Love Ruthie

February 18   

The Holy Spirit: The Power God Recognizes

"Woe to the rebellious children," says the Lord, "who take counsel,
but not of Me, and who devise plans, but not of My Spirit, that
they may add sin to sin."
--Isaiah 30:1

The continued neglect of the Holy Spirit by evangelical Christians
is too evident to deny and impossible to justify....

It is not, however, the frequency of the Spirit's mention in the
Bible or in other writings that matters most, but the importance
attached to Him when He is mentioned. And there can be no doubt
that there is a huge disparity between the place given to the
Spirit in the Holy Scriptures and the place He occupies in popular
evangelical Christianity. In the Scriptures the Holy Spirit is
necessary. There He works powerfully, creatively; here He is
little more than a poetic yearning or at most a benign influence.
There He moves in majesty, with all the attributes of the Godhead;
here He is a mood, a tender feeling of good will....

The only power God recognizes in His church is the power of His
Spirit whereas the only power actually recognized today by the
majority of evangelicals is the power of man. God does His work by
the operation of the Spirit, while Christian leaders attempt to
do theirs by the power of trained and devoted intellect. Bright
personality has taken the place of the divine afflatus.  God
Tells the Man Who Cares, 108,110-111.

"O Lord, work powerfully, creatively; move in majesty. Send the
divine afflatus to overshadow our intellect and personalities.
Come in power, for Jesus' sake. Amen."

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Sonja, you make me laugh, haha
The code alongside yesterday's song words was the cords lol.

By the way folks, "stigmata" is of satan, he always will counterfeit God's work,
" to fool if it were possible the very elect."
Stigmata lures people away from Jesus one true sacrifice for all time.
It brings importance to the stigmatist. a false piety,  just like the "Marian" appearances, all counterfeits of the "deceiver of the brethren."

Janet, imagine firing a doctor because he is too godly!!  What is the world coming to.  I guess they want a sinful, wicked doctor in stead!  Wow, it sounds like the end times are near.  I have never been to Mexico, but my kids have been.  Had a wonderful time.  

Ruth Ann, how sad that the doggie has bone cancer.  Probably in a lot of pain.  Hope you can get your pain under control.

Will check in later.

Love Ruthie

Chris, I haven't heard of "stigmata"  but if it is of the devil I want nothing to do with it.  I know there are a lot of counterfeits out there.  We just have to be decerning and careful.   Thanks for the information.

Ruthie

STIGMATA AND SUPERSTITION.


http://www.gentleshepherd.com/articles/false/superstition.htm

Well ... Mr. Plumberman just left and he gave me a discounted price ... $80.  When he works "outside of RotoRooter" he only charges $40 per hour for his labor ... there was an $11 expense for fittings.  He charged for only 2 hours' work and he was here much longer than that, then he discounted even that!  Praise God.  

He asked me what church I go to ... He was here when I was praying with Marilyn on the phone yesterday, and he said he noticed my "church stuff" lying around.  (I told him I teach a class on Wednesdays).  I think all this had an influence on the bill he presented ... and, of course, the fact that my Father knows my financial situation.  

I just typed in "stigmata" and did a Google search.  Some interesting information there.

Hi, Soni! 

Jane, you have the GOODEST DADDY in the Universe!  And He's MY Daddy, too!

hey everyone the poll is up!!!!  We finally had 5 entries.

click here   
   
   
http://christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=4212.0

Matt, you're such a sweetie!  LOL  I'm off to see your poll.

Thanks for that wonderful article, Chris.

Glad you enjoyed your swimming, Janet.  Wish I could get to my swimming early in the morning but the pool is just too cold for me.

Ruthie, we'll have to chat on the telephone.

Jane, what a wonderful price!  That's great.


Sad news...

Paulette telephoned me to say that our mutual friends the Sheachs were on their way to Bolivia.  The Sheachs were missionaries in Africa several years ago.  Anyway, their son, Allister took them to the Toronto Airpost and saw them on their way yesterday and then he (22 years old) set off home north to the Sudbury region (about 4 1/2 hr. drive north).  He went through a white-out situation and an head on crash occured and he was killed instantly.  His parents arrived in Bolivia and are now on their way home arriving in a few hours time in Toronto.

Pray for this dear family.  All the children are friends of Paulett's children and Jen (mercychild on here).

 
Pat that's terrible about the Sheach's son.   Would Lorraine & Kamyl possibly know them?  Praying for God's presence with the Mom & Dad.

My doctor left a message about my last blood work.  She said everything was normal except the chest xray showed calcifications in the aeorta arch and maybe I should be taking cholestral reducing medicine just as a preventative!  My goodness, what next!  I have to make an appointment to see my doctor.

Just went down to the hairdresser and relaxed while she did my hair.

Love Ruthie

Hello,

Interesting stuff about the superstition Chris. I'll have to take some time later tonight and actually read the article indepth.

Also interesting to hear all of your opinions on the subject. Thanks for your interest.

Hi all. I forgot to tell you of another miracle that took place. I got a healing in my left thumb. Two weeks ago at sunday ight prayer service, The pastor Wife and a friend laid hands  on my thumb and  could feel the heat going right into the joint. I have had no pain since then. Only when I have to close my thumb and forefinger real tight to put the back on my post earrings.

TTYL

My youngest is turning eight tomorrow, much to her sister's chagrin, who is already eight and won't turn nine until next month. She still clings to the title of the baby in the family, although the number of words she uses a day most likely outnumbers those used by everyone within the nation in a year.
Tonight I was listening to her as she did her chores, singing to herself. She had made up a repetitive little tune and was singing "I'll walk with you, I'll talk with you, I'll go with you to the store!"
It's true. She will. My oldest one is pulling away and starting to assert her independence. The middle child was born and slapped a diaper on herself and went into the kitchen to warm up a bottle.  (ok, a slight exagerration but she's made it quite clear that she can do fine on her own).
The baby is different. She relishes being among company, being the star of any gathering, making people laugh, and she'll take your hand and let you take her anywhere with perfect trust. She doesn't ask if she can talk to you, and you don't have to ask if you can talk to her. She's always ready for a conversation, a walk, or an outing, and can find excitement in running to the corner store in the rain for a gallon of milk, as long as she's with me.
I can't help but force myself to cherish these times.
Happy Birthday Baby!