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What To Do About Sin.

1 John 1:8, 9.  "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Any of us who have walked for a while as Christians know that we still have within us a lot of the old habits and tendencies to sin.  And we grieve over it, because we know our Lord grieves over it.  We want to please Him, and it really distresses us when we fail so often.

The verses before us today are certainly for people like us.  Oh how we should thank God for His Son "Who suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Pet. 3:18)  But there's something about His forgiveness and our confession that we often fail to notice, and the result is that we think we have to really beg Him for forgiveness.  We don't.

All He says here that we have to do is to confess.  He's already done the work.  He's already died on the Cross.  He just wants us to be aware enough of what our sins cost Him so that we'll admit them.

Just admit them to Him, one by one.  He ALWAYS forgives.  You don't have to beg, because He loved you on the Cross.
Al Moak

It is nearing 11:00 here.  I know this is Monday's NEM, and I don't like to start a new day with bad news, but that's the way it is tonight.

While I was in church tonight, a lady came and tapped me on the sholder and motioned me to come..........pastor's wife told me that Darrel had just called (maybe it's a good thing he wanted to watch the game instead of going to church tonight) to say that Beth had spilled boiling water on herself, and was being taken by ambulance to the hospital.     I called and he said the ambulance was there at that time, so to just meet them at the hospital.  It was a while before they got there, but finally they did arrive, and wouldn't let me go back with her until they got her pain alleviated some, which took a few more minutes (seemed hours to me.)

She was trying to cook spaghetti, and when she took it off the stove, she spilled it on both knees and both feet.  Of all places she didn't need more problems.........  She has first and second degree burns, the worst being on her right kneecap.  It wasn't hurting and the Dr. said that was because the nerves are damaged, but when they start to recover, she will have intense pain, and that it will be a real problem because every time the knee bends and the skin stretches......well, you get the picture.  The other bad places are on that poor right foot which is swollen so that it's almost as wide as it is long.  Her big toe has most of the skin off, and she has some other really bad places, including on the bottom of the foot.

They were going to send her home, and I was praying they wouldn't, because her right foot is burned on the bottom, and with the left knee not bending, how can I take care of her?  After considering her condition more, they decided to admit her, at least overnight. 

Once they got her into a room and the morphine did its thing, Pat went to get her something to eat from Sonic, and I spent an hour with the nurse, filling out al those endless questions.  Finally, Beth got to eat, and she was feeling enough better that I came on home, and I just got here a few minutes ago.  Needless to say, I'm beat! 

JoLynn insisted on driving me to the hospital, and pastor came right after service, as did Pat.  It is so comforting to have supportive Christian friends.  Thank you, God.

I'm going to go to bed now and try to get some sleep.  Who knows (God does!) what tomorrow will bring.

Of course, this is a prayer request!  I'm sorry I have to ask so often, but grateful that you always come through for me.  Love you all.

Don't ever apologize for asking for prayer, Janet.  I'm so sorry to read this news and I've just prayed now and will continue.

Please page me tomorrow.

Love you lots.

I just sat down to read the posts before turning off the computer. 
Janet, I have prayed about Beth and will continue to do so.  I am so sorry that all these things are happening to your family.  Please know that you are much in thoughts and prayers.

Marilyn, I have also prayed for your friend and her troubles.  Will also continue to do this.

God Bless,
Liz

Janet, I don't even know what to say.  Your family has been hit with everything it seems.  My heart just aches for Beth and for you.

I will, of course, pray for all of you.  I'm so sorry you are having to go through all of this.   

It just seems as if everything is turned up full blast against God's family ... I don't even know how to respond Janet.     Please don't ever hesitate to ask for prayer ... That's what we are here for.  Get some much needed rest and TRY to leave it all in God's hands.     Oh so much easier said than done, I know.

Marilyn~I have prayed for your friends as well ... There has to be some good that will come from all this ... God knows 'cause  I sure don't.   

Thank you Al for this devotional today.  It's meant a lot to me.

QuoteOh how we should thank God for His Son "Who suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God" (1 Pet. 3:18) 

Good Morning to all.

I woke up this morning thinking about my life and all the "problems" I've been forced to face.  After reading Marilyn and Janet's prayer request I feel so stupid for thinking that my problems are bigger than those of others.  I thank God for opening my eyes to this situation.  I pray that He would remove me, myself and I from my speech and dictionary.lol

Janet - I pray that all is well with Beth and that you and your family will get through this trying time as stronger people.  We don't know why God lets these things happen to us especially as we believe in Him and trust Him to not allow these horrible things to happen to us.  But just as we cannot understand this He knows why these things come our way and I believe that you will be stronger in the end, don't lose faith and keep your hand firmly placed in His strong hand.  I'll keep praying for you and Beth.  Janet, never hesitate to ask for prayers...you can't go it alone...and that's what your friends are here for.

Marilyn - I'll be praying for Jeanette and her family. May the will of God be done.  I don't understand why this is happening to them, but He does.  May God bless that family with a miracle, for it's only Him who can do that.


I would also like to take this oppertunity to welcome Ecca to CP.  Make yourself at home, you won't find a better site anywhere else...!

Janet,

Praying.

kevin

Any of us who have walked for a while as Christians know that we still have within us a lot of the old habits and tendencies to sin.  And we grieve over it, because we know our Lord grieves over it.  We want to please Him, and it really distresses us when we fail so often.


This is so true for me. Thank you Al for the devotional today.

Janet & Marilyn, I'm praying for your requests.  We've got to be there for each other.


Samantha

I can do no better than to echo Adri's thoughts.

QuoteWe don't know why God lets these things happen to us especially as we believe in Him and trust Him to not allow these horrible things to happen to us.  But just as we cannot understand this He knows why these things come our way and I believe that you will be stronger in the end, don't lose faith and keep your hand firmly placed in His strong hand.

I pray, Janet, that both you and Beth will be able to trust His loving care even through this.

Oh Lord God I  deposit Beth into your charge and ask you, dear Father to alleviate her pain and suffering. I come against the wiles of the evil one who came to steal, kill, and destroy your people, in that name above every name, that of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Father I pray that you will strengthen Janet and Darrel as they come to you in prayer seeking  your face. Give them that peace that passes all understanding in knowing that Beth is in your hands and that ALL, not just a little, but ALL things are possible to those who believe.

Lord I pray that will will give supernatural wisdom and knowledge to the doctors and nurses who are caring for her I ask dear Father, that they be Christian Doctors and nurses that they will pray for her and with her.

Beth is in your hands now father, let you will be done for Sweet Beth. In Jesus name  Amen

Quote

1 John 1:8, 9.  "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

This is a great devotional today.
I also like -LIKE A GLORIOUS RIVER
I am praying for your request Janet. Trust in the Lord. The word of God says -MANY are the affictions of the righteous but the LORD delivered them out of them all.
     It was a very windy day here yesterday-I have posted a picture in the gallery if any one would like to see the effects of this storm.
Have a grat day ALL!

Hi everyone.

I am so saddened to read of the new and painful problems that Beth is now experiencing and the turmoil that you and Darrel are facing Janet.  Perhaps this will be a wakeup call to Beth that she has no business living alone.  I understand that burns are so painful and it sounds like she had way too many of them last night. 

Marilyn, I am also sorry to hear of all the troubles that your friend's family is experiencing.  It does seem that at times the burdens are very severe.

Al, our minister talked about the same thing yesterday as you have in your fine devotional today. 

It is rainy and chilly here this morning but is suppose to stop around noon and the sun is to come out and then we are suppose to have nice weather the rest of the week.

My son and his wife has a treadmill that they no longer use.  He is going to bring it over later this week so I will have a place where I can walk in a very controlled environment.  We really don't have room for one but are going to make room in our bedroom.  I just hope I am able to use it as know I need to be walking. 

JudyB, how many people were going to Haiti.  The fare of $60,000 seems to be extremely high.  It is probably fortunate that they had not already arrived under the circumstances.  Our missionaries around the world are facing ever increasing challenges and danger.

Thanks everyone for the comments about the Scripture Tree.  I thought that was quite a unique presenatation.

   Janet,, praying.

  /  TODAY'S VERSE from HEARTLIGHT   --   http://www.heartlight.org/

        January 23, 2006
VERSE:
   If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to
all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
    -- James 1:5
       http://www.searchgodsword.org/desk/?query=James+1:5&translation=kjv
THOUGHT:
   Wisdom is that elusive quality we respect in others and find so
difficult to develop in ourselves. Yet God promises it to those who
really ask. But remember the secret of ASKing -- asking, seeking,
and knocking. Or better yet, check out Proverbs 2. Wisdom is ours
only if we seek it above all other possessions and value it above
all other diversions. God longs to impart it, but there is
something about spiritual wisdom that demands we value it before we
can receive it.
PRAYER:
   Gracious giver of all good gifts, please bless me with wisdom
today. Let me reflect your will and live for your glory in all my
decisions. Let your Kingdom guide my heart as I make my choices and
have your Spirit lead me in your ways. I confess, Father, that I
cannot guide my own steps without your help. So grant me wisdom
this day. I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

http://www.hhbrandy.addr.com/gospel/gospel073.rm

AMEN for each of the above prayers for Janet BEth and   the entire family.  It is so hard having a child who is hurting.

LArry I thought that figure was high but that was the figure mentioned.  I will double check with the pastor and find out how many were effected and the accurate total.  In my humble opinion that is theft on the part of Air Canada

I went out to the bay early this morning.  The trees were covered with frost, especially one near Mothers.  It was beautiful.  I commented to mom on the beauty and her reply was, "Why look at pictures when God has done this?"  

Adri I am praying for you as well.  No problem is small or too big in God's eyes.  He can handle them all.

I got word today that a dear friend's Mother has passed away.  Keep her in your prayers as well.

Al Thank you for that on God's forgiveness.  

Thank you Chris I needed that devotional today.  WISDOM.  Yes I need that today.

Well I am going off to get some work done, and as I do I will be praying for these requests.

Janet!  Janet! Janet!  What else is going to happen.  I am praying for you, Beth and all concerned. 

Ivalou is in sort of a dilemma, too.  A neighbor lady is 95, a widow, her daughter is in Las Cruces paralyzed from the waist down, her daughter-in-law is in assisted living but she has grandchildren around but none call or come to see her.  Bernice is in very good health for age 95 but her eye-sight is failing.  Now she is having some health problems and Ivalou and Marge...another lady...is helping Bernice attend to her health problems.  They took her to the ER.  Bernice tells Ivalou one thing, Marge another and the doctors something totally different.  I think Bernice is afraid she has cancer and doesn't want to go through all those tests and chemo...just as soon lie in her bed and die.  So say a prayer for Ivalou, Marge and Bernice. 

When it rains, it pours! 

Small Groups tonight.  Dark and dreary in Indiana and cold....31°F.

http://www.promiseofgod.com/letter/

                    DULCIMER MUSIC
nice too, 

http://dulcimerdan.com/audio/inthegarden.ram

http://www.countrymusicplanet.com/Merle%20Haggard%20-%20Why%20Me%20Lord.wma

Etta Sue  The elderly are sometimes so confused, that they don't remember some of what is going on.  It is difficult for them as well as for the care givers.  Perhaps someone should suggest that she write down what he body is telling her so she can remember all the details.

I am off to small group and the girls to cadets.  Kassie has a bit of one on one tonight.  She loves and needs this.

Later gaters.

Janet, I'm praying for you and Beth and Darrel

I hope you all find comfort -- and know that your family here on CP are always here for you.

Please keep us posted on Beth's condition - I sure hope she feels a bit better quickly!!

Dear, dear Janet, I'm sure you know I'm praying, too.  Not just for Beth at this point, but for you and Darrel as well.  I do know, too, what you mean about the support of good christian friends who are there when we need them.  How often I've thanked God when someone from my church turned up at just the right moment when I most needed support.  It's hard to realize, but we do know in our hearts that the Lord has His reasons for allowing bad things to happen to good people.

Good evening, dear friends.  I have had a rough day, but things are looking up now.  I waited in Beth's hospital room most of the afternoon for her doctor, as Iwanted to talk to him.  He finally came in close to 6:00.  I was greatly relieved when he said they will put Beth in "Swing Bed" (skilled nursing care) there in the hospital for whatever time it takes for her wounds to heal, and that she will be getting physical therapy there, too.  He thinks this will be for at least two weeks.

I wonder, with her poor circulation, if two weeks isn't really an optimistic guess, but at least it gives me a breather.  And during this time, they will discuss with us what options Beth has, what help is available to her, etc.  She seemed okay with that assessment, and I was so relieved to know what the immediate future holds.

I cannot express strongly enough my deep gratitude for all of you, for your friendship, your caring and your prayers.  I've shed quite a few tears today, but I know God is upholding us by His mighty power and love, and that His will will be done in this situation, as in all things, when we give them over to Him

A touch of GOOD news!    Diane told me that both Curtis and Mark had tickets to hear President Bush's lecture at Kansas State today, and I came home to watch it on Fox.  Did any of you see it?  It was so nice......really it felt almost like sitting across the table from him for a good visit!  He was relaxed, confident, strong......what a wonderful man he is.  I'm proud to call him MY president!  The only downside was I didn't get to see either of my grandsons in the crowd.   (Okay, off my soapbox now.....) 

I just realized I didn't tell you how Beth is doing!  She is still being given morphine for the pain, plus antibiotics to help prevent infection, plus the plethora of other drugs she takes for her neurofibromatosis and related issues.  Her main complaint is that the bed is very uncomfortable and her back hurts a lot.  She has never been one to complain unless the pain is really severe, and tolerates more pain than anyone I've ever known.  Poor Beth, she's had way more than her share of pain. 

Janet, thank you so much for checking in here.  I'm really glad they kept Beth.  You know that she is getting the best of care, and that's what a mom's heart needs to know.  I was worried about you, if they sent her home.   I know your heart is overloaded with pain for Beth.

In all of this, we know that God is her Father, and cares even more than her mom could.  What we don't understand, and I don't at all, God does.  I pray you find some peace in knowing you can trust Him.  Your faith is strong and the devil hates that.  You have my continued prayers.

Janet I am so glad to hear that Beth will be staying in the hospital. You really needed a break and with the help of the Social Workers and Doctors you will be able to get the extra help that Beth will need when she gets to come home.

I saw part of the broadcast on Fox with the President today. But Fay detests him and would not stop talking long enough for me to hear very much. There were some very good questions asked and he gave excellent answers. I like the way one of the questions was answer, Faith, then family then friends. He talked a lot about Laura too.

TTYL

Just running through for a minute.

Janet, I've thought of Beth often today.  I will continue to pray for her (and you). 

I'm gonna try to get to bed earlier tonight, so I gotta run!  Laters