New Every Morning~February 8

Pat · February 06, 2006, 10:14:32 PM

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"Christ never lost any cause He pleaded."
~Thomas Watson~

Morning Devotional...

The Holy Spirit:
Just Turning the Crank

So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts."
--Zechariah 4:6

I say this because it is possible to run a church and all of its activity without the Holy Spirit. You can organize it, get a board together, call a pastor, form a choir, launch a Sunday school and a ladies' aid society. You get it all organized--and the organization part is not bad. I'm for it. But I'm warning about getting organized, getting a pastor and turning the crank--some
people think that's all there is to it, you know.

The Holy Spirit can be absent and the pastor goes on turning the crank, and nobody finds it out for years and years. What a tragedy, my brethren, what a tragedy that this can happen in a Christian church! But it doesn't have to be that way! "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:22)....

If you could increase the attendance of your church until there is no more room, if you could provide everything they have in churches that men want and love and value, and yet you didn't have the Holy Spirit, you might as well have nothing at all. For it is "'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty" (Zechariah 4:6). Not by the eloquence of a man, not by good music, not by good preaching, but it is by the Spirit that God works His mighty works.
Dr. Tozer in The Counselor, 38-39.

"Oh, Lord, I have no desire to 'run a church' or have any part of just 'turning the crank.' In whatever ministry I am ever involved, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would be present with His controlling power. Amen."

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He Leadeth Me, O Blessed Thought!
(Click to hear music)

Author: Joseph H. Gilmore, 1834-1918
Musician: William B. Bradbury, 1816-1868

He leadeth me, O blessed thought!
O words with heavenly comfort fraught!
Whate'er I do, where?er I be
Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.

Refrain
He leadeth me, He leadeth me,
By His own hand He leadeth me;
His faithful follower I would be,
For by His hand He leadeth me.

Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom,
Sometimes where Eden?s bowers bloom,
By waters still, over troubled sea,
Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.

Refrain

Lord, I would place my hand in Thine,
Nor ever murmur nor repine;
Content, whatever lot I see,
Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.

Refrain

And when my task on earth is done,
When by Thy grace the victory's won,
E'en death's cold wave I will not flee,
Since God through Jordan leadeth me.

Refrain

Nita · February 08, 2006, 02:38:32 AM

I'm ready for bed, but wanted to pop in and say goodnight. (Goodnight John Boy. lol)

Quotef you could increase the attendance of your church until there is no more room, if you could provide everything they have in churches that men want and love and value, and yet you didn't have the Holy Spirit, you might as well have nothing at all.

Pat, your devotional is so true. We can do so many things in our own strength, even to cranking out a church, and miss God altogether. It's only by His Spirit that real life enters in. The saddest of all is that we can go awhile before we realize that the Holy Spirit has been pushed out of our services and His Presence not expected or missed.

Marilyn, I'm sorry for your pain over not being invited to your grandson's wedding. I can't imagine that, but I know it happens. We know that nothing happens but that your Father has filtered it through Himself, and He knows He can trust you with this. I think you are right that God is protecting you from something that may hurt you more. It still hurts, though, and that's a fact.

Papa John, I was glad to read that Cornelia is feeling somewhat better.

Karma, I was thinking of you when I was looking at my sis's Photo A Day blog and saw her link to your PAD blog, and Nard's too.

Marilyn · February 08, 2006, 05:41:38 AM

Can't sleep again so here I am reading the devotional. Good Devotional PAt.

Thank you Nita for your kind words. I thank everyone who has commented onthe situation. I will be alright. It is all part of God's plan.

Back to bed now.
Talk more later.

Al Moak · February 08, 2006, 09:46:03 AM

Isn't it wonderful how God uses a seemingly totally negative situation for good?! We had a fellow in our church who has been in a leadership position who took a "sabbatical," then ended it by announcing that he and his family are going to go elsewhere. Last night we had a leadership staff meeting, with wives, and it ended up with the most love and unity amongst us that we've ever had. Thank You, Father.

That's the way it's going to be for Janet. That's the way it's going to be for Marilyn. That's the way it's always going to be for all of us. God brings good out of even the ugliest things.

Etta Sue · February 08, 2006, 10:00:47 AM

Busy day. Can't stay. I will be heading for Bloomington, Indiana University, in a few hours. I think this might be a good opportunity to take my camera and in the instruction book and read and learn what all my camera can do. I haven't done that. I have been pleased with most of the pictures I have taken with it but maybe could do more if I read the instructions!

I'll be back later!

>^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^< >^..^<

Marilyn · February 08, 2006, 10:57:14 AM

Good Morning. Here I am again. It is a beautiful but cold day today. I am all ready to leave for Tai Chi class and work. I also have my recycleing stuff in the trunk of my car and will go there after work today. Cans, Paper and plastic water bottles. Nothing new here today. It's Wednesday and Bible study is tonight.

TTYL

karmat · February 08, 2006, 11:06:00 AM

Quote from: Nita on February 08, 2006, 02:38:32 AM
I'm ready for bed, but wanted to pop in and say goodnight. (Goodnight John Boy. lol)

Quotef you could increase the attendance of your church until there is no more room, if you could provide everything they have in churches that men want and love and value, and yet you didn't have the Holy Spirit, you might as well have nothing at all.

Pat, your devotional is so true. We can do so many things in our own strength, even to cranking out a church, and miss God altogether. It's only by His Spirit that real life enters in. The saddest of all is that we can go awhile before we realize that the Holy Spirit has been pushed out of our services and His Presence not expected or missed.

Marilyn, I'm sorry for your pain over not being invited to your grandson's wedding. I can't imagine that, but I know it happens. We know that nothing happens but that your Father has filtered it through Himself, and He knows He can trust you with this. I think you are right that God is protecting you from something that may hurt you more. It still hurts, though, and that's a fact.

Papa John, I was glad to read that Cornelia is feeling somewhat better.

Karma, I was thinking of you when I was looking at my sis's Photo A Day blog and saw her link to your PAD blog, and Nard's too.

Who is your sister???

Chris & Margit Saunders · February 08, 2006, 01:43:52 PM

**********************
*TRUTH FOR LIFE DAILY*
**********************
daily meditation
-----------------
He will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21
Many people, if they are asked what they understand by salvation, will
reply, "Being saved from hell and taken to heaven." This
is one result of salvation, but it is not one tenth of what is
contained in that blessing. It is true our Lord Jesus Christ does
redeem all His people from the wrath to come; He saves them from the
fearful condemnation that their sins had brought upon them; but His
triumph is far more complete than this. He saves His people
"from their sins" -- a complete deliverance from our
worst foes.

Read more:
http://cctfl.convio.net/site/R?i=eUgJaNBY8G-Z4YxGSWDtcA..

Jane Walker · February 08, 2006, 02:13:57 PM

Pat~The devotional today is "right on." There is another "T" who is saying much the same thing as Tozer in today's devotional from Tommy Tenney. I posted it in Manna and I don't know how to make one of those tiny urls but you can read it here: http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=5177.0

I had my tax return filed yesterday, and today I am donating blood -- being a good citizen -- then, on Friday, the All Natural people are coming to redo the treatment for moss on my roof.    It started raining right after the man did it in November so all was washed away before it could do its thing. Since we are now enjoying a few days of sunshine, I thought it would be good to try again.

Karma, I never knew my grandparents on my Dad's side, and my mother's parents lived in Seattle (we lived various places in the area but 40 or 50 miles from them). and my grandmother was "very delicate" and fainted at anything that startled her, so my folks tried to keep us rowdy kids away from her as much as possible.

My Dad died when I was 19 (my daughter was 6 months old) and my mother remarried a couple years later and moved away. My kids didn't see her often but she always wrote and remembered their birthdays and Christmas. She and I wrote a lot, and I kept her deluged with photos and tales of what was going on in our lives. We didn't have email then y'know.

I understand that young people have their own busy lives raising children and the younger ones don't write so ... that's life in the fast lane these days.

When I was in Sacramento, in December, I got in touch with my second oldest grandson and he was really happy to have me come see/visit his family. He wanted me to know his new wife and their new son. Alisha said when he got off the phone he said "Grandma's coming!" and ran to download tons of photos onto a cd for me. His sister, Tricia, was staying with them with her brand new baby and I got to hold Makayla and enjoy pizza with the family (Dave and Allisha have three other kids). That was the first time I've had such a pleasure. Dave seemed really happy, too. He vowed to keep in touch but .... well .... Stuff happens, y'know.

The older grandson, Tim, has two boys and I have not even seen the youngest one and he is in Kindergarten already! Tim and his wife are very involved in church, their work, and the kids' activities so they stay on the go all the time. Occasionally I can get Tim on the phone and, once in a while he will answer an email from his job. He works evening/night shift at the Eldorado Sheriff's office -- in the jail, actually. I have asked a million times (more or less)for pictures of the boys, and always I'm told "we'll send you some" ... I've yet to receive one.

Now, Bryan is another story ... I see him whenever Joy is in the states because we are usually together at least part of the time. Bryan loves his grandma almost as much as he loves his Mom.

Dot's girls are also very busy with their lives but I do get to talk to them whenever I manage to call them. Dot calls me fairly often and keeps in touch. Her oldest daughter, Candice, lives in southern California with her husband and two young'uns and the last photo I have of them was over a year ago.    Like I said ... everyone is busy with their own lives and there is not much time nor thought for anyone not immediately (physically) present.

As you said, though, prayers transend space and Grandma's prayers can reach to the 3rd and 4th generation.

Thanks for your comments.

Marilyn · February 08, 2006, 02:49:41 PM

Home from work already It sure is nice tocome home so early and be able to get some stuff done around here. I have uploaded 5 more photos. These are some of the things that are in the Samoa Cookhouse Museum. I have lots more ,

Papa John · February 08, 2006, 03:14:55 PM

Good afternoon. I think Cornelia is improving. She made out a list of things for me today. She did have a relatively good night last night. She sat up for her breakfast, in the recliner in our bed room. Sometimes she seems to get a little short of breath and we turn up the amount of oxygen.

The principal of Martha's school called yesterday and told Martha to take off as long as she needs to. She can use these days as sick days she has built up. Hopefully Cornelia will be well enough for me to take care of everything.

Thank you again for your prayers. Remember the song with the line: "There is power in prayer, in believing prayer." I know so many have been praying for Cornelia.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (NKJ)

Papa John

Chris & Margit Saunders · February 08, 2006, 05:20:59 PM

The Power of Prayer

Somewhere I read a story about church members who told the owner of a bar that they were praying that his building would be struck by lightning. A few weeks later, a thunderstorm engulfed the community and the bar was struck with lightning and burned to the ground. The bar owner filed a lawsuit against the church, arguing that the church members were to be blamed for the loss. The Christians in turn hired a lawyer, who argued that they were not responsible for what happened. The judge reported that the case was somewhat confusing, but he was convinced of one thing: The bar owner believed in prayer, and the Church members did not....

Some men were discussing the proper method of praying. One said with eyes closed and head bowed was the best method. Another said the Biblical way was to look to heaven with uplifted arms. One fellow said the best praying he ever done was upside down in the bottom of a well.

Papa John · February 08, 2006, 05:43:47 PM

Ha Ha. That's a good one. Thank you Chris.

melody · February 08, 2006, 07:03:34 PM

Hello to all .
I really enjoyed this devotional today Pat.
That is one of my favorite scriptures.

Quote

So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts."
--Zechariah 4:6
I have had a busy day-but thank the Lord tis his hand that leadeth me.
Colder here today-but still Sunny.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD" (Psalm 31:24).

Sue · February 08, 2006, 07:10:54 PM

Judy, I haven't been able to get right into FlyLady's program, but having her emails come in so regularly seem to keep me motivated to do things.

Larry, yes, I put the chili on top of the bed of rice. I forget who introduced me to this but I do enjoy it this way.

Marilyn I am glad that you had such an enjoyable day. I'm sorry that it was spoilt by the bad news of being excluded from the celebration. I'm sure that something good will come from it.

I was blessed to have been raised knowing not just both sets of grandparents but also two great-grandmothers. One passed away when I was 13 (I think, it was a long time ago) and the other passed away when my daughter was just over a year old. (Yes a living 5 generations for a short period of time). I can thank my dad's mother for introducing my daughter to cantelope. I can still see the expressions on both faces as my grandmother fed it to my daughter. I couldn't imagine life without my elders. My daughter exchanges emails with my father's aunt and is thrilled when she gets reples/emails from her. It is a shame that so many younger people exclude such wisdom and love from their lives.

After a long day spent training other staff for a new store, I a tired and will be turning off the computer and watching a bit of television and then calling it an eary night I think.

Janet · February 08, 2006, 07:54:35 PM

Today was a bit of a downer for me. After having two wonderful days in painting, I struggled a lot today. But I think I'm ready to fly again tomorrow!

My friend Carol Ann is coming out to spend the night tonight, so she doesn't have to drive to Dodge City where she lives.

The black skin is peeling off Beth's feet and leaving red and tender new skin exposed. She will be released from the hospital soon.

I am really tired and aching all over, so won't spend much time here at the computer, but wanted to say hello.

Papa John · February 08, 2006, 09:57:52 PM

QuoteI am really tired and aching all over, so won't spend much time here at the computer, but wanted to say hello.

Janet, I am sorry you aren't feeling well. Today has been a long day here. Cornelia feels well for awhile and then she feels bad. She was able to come to the table for supper. Members of the church are regularly bring food for us. Tonight we had delicious roast beef, potatoes, carrots, bread, blue berries and strawberries.

Hope you all have a good night's rest.

Papa John

Al Moak · February 08, 2006, 10:19:44 PM

Sue - your post brought memories. I remember visiting with my great, great grandfather. When he was much younger (96 when I saw him) he was a lawyer and judge - one of the first in San Jose California. My family goes back to 1850 there, and some of them came by wagon train and founded Sunnyvale, Calif. For me it was wonderful to know these and other elder members of the family. But God is our Father, and He can and will be all things to us (father, mother, grandfather, brother, etc.). We can be complete in Him.

Ruthie · February 08, 2006, 10:40:39 PM

Hi Papa John, its good to hear about answers to prayer tonight. God is healing Cornelia. Praise God. Also I sense that Beth is being healed. That's good Janet.

I have started a new job with Evangelism Explosion Canada. I am in the office and trying to get used to the new system. It is an exciting office. I get to talk to Pastors and Christian lay people. Great!

God Bless Ruthie

Etta Sue · February 09, 2006, 12:03:02 AM

Time to lock up.

You will find a new NEM here.

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New Every Morning~February 8

Pat

Nita

Marilyn

Al Moak

Etta Sue

Marilyn

karmat

Chris & Margit Saunders

Jane Walker

Marilyn

Papa John

Chris & Margit Saunders

Papa John

melody

Sue

Janet

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Etta Sue