Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.     
Romans 8:15

Abba is Aramaic for Father but in Hebrew it's simply "Ab", the first word in the Hebrew dictionary.

For those of us blessed with a sincere and faithful earthly father, is he not the first one we call on for help? Shouldn't we do what the Spirit tells us and call on our heavenly Abba first?

He's waiting to hear you call His name.
--Rex Trogdon

What a lovely prayer to sing, or say Pat - just perfect as I head to bed!

Have a good night!

((((HUGS))))

Goodnight, Judy!

I found the hymn that I only have a couple of lines for in the devotional so I'll post it now.

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Pat that was a beautiful devotional to read this morning. It has tied in with somethings that I have been thinking about lately.

Tbear- I will keep that young woman in my prayers.

Have a super morning everyone,

God Bless,
Jen

January 14 - The Business of the Father


"And He said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49).

These are the first recorded words of the Lord Jesus Christ in His human incarnation. His mother had just gently rebuked Him, speaking of how she and "thy father" (meaning Joseph) had been searching for Him. He, in turn, gently rebuked her, reminding her of what she should have remembered from the angel's message before His conception, that He had come into the world on the business of His Father in heaven, to "save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21), and He needed to be about that business.

Finally, all the preparations for the accomplishment of the Father's great business assignment had been completed, and Jesus willingly proceeded to the cross, on which the transaction price was to be paid. Nailed to the tree, bearing our sins, shedding His blood, He died in our place, paying the wages of sin, and thereby saving us from eternal death and judgment at the hands of a holy God. When He had drained God's cup of wrath, and every prophecy had been fulfilled, the business was done and He could shout the great victory cry: "It is finished!" (John 19:30).

Then, in His last recorded words as in His first recorded words, He called on His Father in heaven. "Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit" (Luke 23:46). The Father's business on earth had been fully accomplished, all that He had been sent to do had been done, and now He could return home.

Well, not quite! After His resurrection and a quick visit when he ascended to "my Father, and your Father" (John 20:17), He returned for forty days to prepare His disciples for their assignment from the Father. "As my Father hath sent me, even so send I you," He said (John 20:21). And now we, also, must be about our Father's business. HMM

Good Morning everyone!

Great devotion.  I really loved the songs.  I am reading a book called Fresh Wind Fresh Fire byt Pastor Cymbala of the Brooklyn Tabernacle.  It is a wonderful book!  It is all about calling out to God.  How most churches have become more about the music or the preaching like a producation and less about prayer and turely crying out to God.  Jesus said his Father's house shall be a house of prayer.  It is a great book on the power of prayer and how God wants us to call on him.

TBear, I am sorry to hear what a rough time this young mother is having.  I will pray for her.
also I just love your teddy bears!!!!!

I have noticed that weather is often mentioned here, so I will give you ours as well...
Today it is suppoed to be mostly sunny and our high is supposed to be around 50 and the low tonight around 25.
That is pretty cold for Texas, although I used to live in Pittsburgh, PA and Lakewood, Ohio, so its not that bad.  At least we don't get snow most of the year.  Although we did get some for Christmas which was a real treat for the kids.  I am looking forward to taking them up north sometime so they can see real snow.

God Bless You All This Beautiful Morning.

Good Morning. Thank you Pat for the devotional this morning I have added one from Days Of Praise daily devotional that I subscribe to.

Tbear I have snagged both of you graphics from you above post. Don't know yet what I will use them for but I have stored them with the rest of my graphics for future use.

A busy day ahead for me today, On my afternoon break I am going  over to take Jan to pick up her glasses. She is the client I have on Thursday mornings. It is also grocery shopping day for Fay.

Bad news from the governor today he is cutting stuff fromthe budget that will effect many poor people. He is cutting  a lot of the funding for the Medicaid  (Medi/Cal) program., among other things he is cutting.  This is my secondary insurance program  with medicare. It picks up what medicare doesn't py and is the State  program. I did not vote for Arnold Swartzenennger, I think he i just trying to get to the presidency. Any way I will not get on the soap box this morning but I am unhappy with him.

Now that I am upset I will go on about my day.

TTYL

"Nothing is little in God"

or about God
or with God
or by God

There is nothing little about God at all!!!  And he's on our side.  That should give us the confidence to sing, shout, praise, worship, pray, witness, or at least just be thankful.

Good morning everyone!!  Rainy here.  28 days to go.  woohoo.  I feel it though.  I am retaining fluid in my feet and hands and face (though the hands and face go down quickly), but my blood pressure and all other stuff is  fine, so the doctor's aren't concerned that it is toxemia or preclampsia.  As long as it is just swelling, I'm ok.

I'm gonna go chase a toddler now.  Have a good 'un.

karmat

First off, I want to thank everyone for the encouraging compliments on the devotion I posted yesterday.  Wonderful.

Judy ~ About your questions...I was a Christian at the time of my Mother's death but not in 1987 when Dad died.  It was easier to take Mom's death than Dad's.  But really, the whole family didn't have the chance to mourn for Dad...we were concerned about Mom and her problems.  But for the rest of my siblings and their children and grandchildren, I believe they are all Christians except for a very few of them. 

Bright and sunny here today.  Cold but no rain...no snow.  I haven't seen Stray Cat for a couple of days now.  Hopefully he has moved onto someone who will take him in and take care of him.  He would make a great family Cat! 

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Good Morning Everyone!

Well, yesterday Toronto and the whole of Southern Ontario experienced the highest temperatures on record.  Folks were sitting at outdoor Cafes in Toronto for their coffee!  It was 20C there and in Guelph it was 18C

Today it's below zero!


I have some things I must do today so I won't be around until a little later but I pray that you all have a wonderful day.


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    Hi everyone,here is an update  yesterday I was taken to Amarillo to see the neurosurgeon to  see whether or not I need to have surgery,heres what he saaid ,it is no longer a question of do you needd it ,it is  needed and you are to the point as to yes  you should have it,not what I or my mom wanted to hear.I went to have another MRI but just could not lie still ,my legs kept cramping up  and causing a lot of pain so I have to go back on tuesday I will take a seditive and hope it will relax me  so this thing can get done.I know mom was not too happy with me but I did try I even tried holding my breath  it just did not work.I have to have the surgery done on my neck and there is a risk so I alone have to deciede what to do since it is my body and me having all the problems,I just don't know how to deal with it ,it is a lot to handle so please pray I make the right desicion and  I am sure my mom can explain  it more thoughaly.I was told it has to be done and soon like 2 weeks thats not exactly what we wanted to hear.Anyone have any advice on this desion I have to make?I won't let fear get in the way as I am not scared anyway not yet the risks there is,is that I could wind up paralizied but that may happen with or without so thats why I got to deciede what to do ,I will be talking to John tonight and see what he advises me as I know he wants what is best for me and right now I do not know what that could possibly be,I will let my mom explain what the Dr. said more thourally to you all as she  can remember better,I had a headache then and those seem to make me forget details.Well I am going to go let my friends in my chat rm know what I found out TTYL,Beth

Hello friends:

I have a request... does anyone remember a cleaning tip that was on here in the recent months, on how to clean a microwave oven?  There was a formula of baking soda, or vinegar (I think).  My student left it in a terrible mess., and I'd like very much to clean it up, rather than having to throw it out!

Just scrubbing isn't doing it!

Thanks.,
- Judy

I'll be back latter this evening to read the posts that I've missed.

thanx!

Hello, dear friends.  I see Beth has posted an update on her visit to the neurosurgeon yesterday, so I will try to clear things up as best I can.

Our local doctor made this appointment, and when we got there, Dr. Cone (Amarillo) said he had gotten a "panic letter" from Dr. P. (here)  Dr. Cone said he thought Beth's condition couldn't possibly have gotten that much worse in that short a time, but after he saw her latest MRI films, he said it has.  Dr. P. is right---something must be done, and done soon, or Beth will be paralyzed or die.  It is a very hard thing to contend with, but we know God loves Beth even more than we do, and He has her in His capable hands.

The films from the mobile MRI unit here were not good quality, and for this very delicate and high risk operation, they need the very best pictures possible, so they sent her for another MRI there in Amarillo, at 7:45 last night.  However, Beth's legs began to cramp and she couldn't lie still, so they had to stop as the pictures weren't clear. They were booked solid today and also Monday, so Tuesday, back to Amarillo we go.  Dr. Cone said he is booked solid for the next two weeks, but he will bump someone to do Beth's surgery, as she cannot wait.  So we may go to Amarillo on Tuesday prepared to stay for the surgery.

Beth is handling this very well; told me she will have the surgery.  Mom?  Well, mom will be okay, too.  Today I am fasting and praying. (And crying a lot.)

Prayers appreciated.  Even Dr. P. told me today he is praying for us, and I told him that's the best thing anyone can do.

Sorry for not commenting on everyone's posts; I'm sure you understand.

Beth and Janet,  I'll be praying with all the rest.         You are both very important to us here.

The following was on my start up news page.  So they want to find the origin of life on earth, huh?   

DARMSTADT, Germany (AP) - A European space probe has landed on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan after a seven-year journey, a space official said Friday, buoying hopes that the mission could shed light on the origins of life on Earth.

Gotta go and feed the cats.  Ty and Rocko have already been fed, played with, and are napping.

Blessings to all.      Nita

BETH and JANET~Such difficult issues and decisions for you both.    I am praying for you, too.  Oh Lord, impart strength and that deep settled peace that only You can give. 

My heart is hurting right along with yours.

Thank you for the devotionals this morning.  Also the music.  We are having another cold day and the snow does not appear to be leaving.  At least it is not still arriving!

Janet, I will certainly be praying for both you and Beth.  Can certainly relate and feel empathy for what you are feeling about your precious daughter.  Beth will need all of our prayers and all of her wonderful courage in the days to come.  God will be there to guide.

I also watched 'A Man Called Peter' last night and it surely calmed and helped this person.  It came on early here and hopefully many young people watched.  But it is a blessing to both young and old.  Was there ever such a time when life seemed so innocent?  I was young and still carefree in 1955 when the movie was made.  Did not know of the troubles ahead or that I would meet a loving God to help on my journey.  Have read the writings of Catherine Marshall and she is a sincere Christian.

Here is one of the devotionals that I read each morning:

What god is so great as our God? Psalm 77:13

When nations rage and passions rule, it is tempting to think that our God is no longer a great God. God just stands there and lets it all happen, it seems. Why, we wonder, doesn’t he thunder at those wicked people, why doesn’t he show the nations just how powerful he is! But God remains silent; his power is in his silence! And finally everything turns out the way he wantsâ€"for the good.

It is our duty to believe in this divine power, even when we cannot understand it, and to hold on to it in hope.  In quietness, God is still working toward his goal, even if by our feeble standards he works slowly. We live under the rule of a mighty God; you cannot escape him. God seeks us out time and again, and offers us salvation: “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

from Family Prayers for Each Day.

Time to go.  Have a safe and pleasant day.  TBear, I love your postings and you and Etta Sue really make my day

God Bless.
Liz

January 14   

Personal Life: Personal Feeding on God's Word

Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. 
--Psalm 119:97

I remember James M. Gray, the noted Bible teacher, telling of a
Christian brother, a Michigan farmer, whose spiritual life had
suddenly blossomed until there was an overflowing of God's presence.
Many in the man's community recognized the change in his life and
personality and sought spiritual counsel from him. Dr. Gray had
opportunity to ask the man about the transformation of his spiritual
life and witness.

"Dr. Gray, I began to devote myself to the Scriptures for my own
need," the man humbly explained. "Something happened when God
opened my spiritual understanding as I studied the book of
Ephesians. I cannot really explain what the Lord is doing for me
and through me, but it has come through prayerful meditation in
the Word of God."

None of us can expect to get the rich, transforming blessings from
God apart from the Scriptures....

Too many of us ministers and Sunday school teachers are content to
reach for a commmentary on the Scriptures. What we need most is to
search the Scriptures for ourselves.  Men Who Met God, 47.

"The commentaries are so convenient, Lord, and the time pressures
so acute. Deliver me today from the short-cuts, and help me to
discipline myself to long, concentrated study of the Scriptures
themselves. Amen."

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Hi all. It's a rather chilly day here, but still enjoyable!
The evening sky was gorgeous last night. I can't wait until I get a new camera and can start taking pics again!
In the meantime, the jigsaw puzzles on this site have held my attention. More please!

I enjoyed the devotional, and it reminded me to get hopping on rewriting my notes about the different "Spirits". It appears that there are 7 different unique aspects of what God does, and the Spirit of adoption is one of them. I've also found it interesting to have found all 7 clearly listed only in the King James version of the Bible so far, easy to distinguish by the capital "S" in Spirit, where the other ones are lower case. It may be in other versions also, I haven't checked them all but the ones so far don't make is so easy to figure out!
Gina

Hello all!  just waiting for the nards to get home so we can have supper.  (trav adn I are hungry).

I had two days of energy, and then today. ugh.  maybe tomorrow will be better.

Beth and Janet -- You have our prayers.  I would never offer advice, but given the prognosis, surgery doesn't sound so bad.  May God clearly lead you where you need to go.

We had some snow flurries today (I told nard it would snow this weekend), but it stopped quickly and the sun came out.

At the Shuford house --

T:   Mommy, look what I found

K:  It's a ladybug.  Why don't you throw it away since it is dead.

T:  It's not dead mommy, look.  <ladybug crawls across the floor>

K:  Okay.

T:  Hey ladybug.  Mommy, it's dead now. . .

Gotta love toddlers.

Karma ~ Give Travis a big hug for us. He is a good boy. 

Dear Heavenly Father, we ask that you be with those who are ill or suffering other trials this day. We ask for another measure of your Grace, peace, and comfort that only YOU can give. Lord, Your Will be done with your servants. Lord, in our pleadings, we give thanks for all You have already done for us, especially the Gift of Jesus. We ask these things in the precious name of Jesus.  Amen

Janet and Beth, My heart and prayers are going up for you also.

Some good news!  My daughter had fractured her wrist the end of October and finally has her cast off.

I had today off, and after getting two tires replaced, went to a local mall and wandered around and now must get some baking done for a Pot-Luck Dinner on Sunday.  Then I must get some bills paid, and laundry...the list goes on...........

Hi everyone.  It was another busy day for me as after our men's coffee at the city senior center, I went to the county senior center to attend a PC User's Group meeting and that was followed by our monthly Learning Center volunteer's meeting.  Then I attended a luncheon with my wife at the senior center.  Following that I had to drive over to the cancer center and have a routine CT scan done as a followup to the seed implants that were done a month ago.  It was a beautiful day here although quite a bit cooler but nothing like those of you in the  north of us in the USA and Canada are experiencing.

Beth and Janet, my heart aches for you both.  Beth, it sounds like you have made the correct decision as it offers hope of not experiencing the  drastic consequences that appear to be certain if you didn't have the surgery.  On a couple of occasions I have had to make a decision to have treatment that my doctor felt was life threatening and found that my profound faith provided me the inner resources to make the decision and face going into a procedure where I might not have survived and to do so without undue fear.  You know that you are going to have lots of prayer support from your many friends here on CP in addition to the prayer support that will obviously be forthcoming from your own family and church and community. 

Oh God, none of us deserves Your mercy!  But the greatness of Your merfciful love became so clear at Calvary!  You love Beth and Janet (and John, and . . .).  Oh I just pray You'll give Beth not only comfort and peace, but also even joy in what You have done.  I pray, Father, that You'll give the doctors far greater insight and skill than they would have naturally.  Oh guide them and move them to do those things You know are best.  And give Janet and Beth all necessary faith to believe and trust Your blessed care - through our Lord Jesus Christ.

AMEN to all the prayers for Beth and Janet.

I gave Beth My opinion of what choice I believe she should make, which is to have the operation. Iam praying that it can help relieve some of her problems in addition to keeping her alive. I have never had an MRI, as I have not yet had any problems from NF like Beth has had, I don't think that I could hold still for a ny length of time either, I see  it as kind of telling someome not to think about Apples for a period of time, hard not to think about apples after that.anyway I believe that God will take care of Beth and everything wil be ok for her.

Hi there, John.  ((((hugs))))

Janet - I am so sorry that Beth is facing such a difficult decision. As a mother, I can empathize with what you are going through. My prayers will be with you and Beth in the days ahead.  I never knew what a cruel disease NF was until I started following the posts about Beth.  You have faced so much already and God will be with you in this latest challenge.

Beverly