Christian Photographers Community

Isaiah 40:28-29, 31 says...

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.






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Psalm 86:5-7 says...

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.


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Morning Devotional...

I am the God of Bethel.
Genesis 31:13

"Beth" and "El" mean house of the Almighty--a place of blessing and beneficence, worship and wisdom. Bethel was the place where God was revealed to Jacob in a night vision.

It is the name I revere, for my start for heaven was in a building called Bethel.

It was at Bethel that Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven, emphasizing to him the interest that the God of heaven had in his life. What that ladder represented was central in the future life of Jacob.

There is always a ladder in the experiences of a life that sees angels and apprehends the presence, protection and purpose of God (Gen. 28:15).

Has God left you with a ladder experience?

It is still there (Jn. 1:51).
--Les Rainey

  AAaawww  I did not see ms Rachel for a SO long time now. It is my hope it is a very fun day for her today. 

Sometimes life just seems pointless and we are filled with despair.  Our Christian faith seems to wane in the face of what seems to be insurmountable problems, our personal relationship with our Lord has become routine and mundane.  "Where is God?" we cry, no matter what we do our despair grows deeper.  We know that the fruit of the Spirit has joy as an intrinsic part of it and yet we have no joy.  We feel vulnerable and the doubts we have grow from a whisper to a cresendo. drowning out every precious moment we have shared with our Lord.  There is no simple answers and there are no easy formulae to follow.  We do not follow a religion with its pseudo Godliness, We follow Jesus Christ;  Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.   I find this in itself such a comfort, our God has experienced our pain and frustration.  Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  He participates fully in our pain, frustration and despair:


Today's Christian, May/June 2004

When God Seems Silent
Can a "Dark Night of the Soul" last for over a year?
By Frederica Mathewes-Green

Q. I've been going through a deep valley for some time now. God seems so distant, prayer seems to bounce off the ceiling, there is no motivation to study the Word. Can a "Dark Night of the Soul" (if that's what this is) last for over a year?
—Blake Otwell, Leeds, Alabama

A. Blake, you bring in a technical term, "The Dark Night of the Soul," that comes to us from a work by the 16th-century Roman Catholic monk St. John of the Cross. In his usage it means a very high degree of spiritual progress, one most of us will never see. But this evocative term does express something many ordinary Christians experience, a feeling that prayer and Scripture have ceased to resonate and the spiritual life has become a dead end.

Notice, though, that you're not simply bored. You're not tempted to go back to frivolous pastimes. Something in you has changed, and now you know no earthly distraction can fill that need. This is a turning point that has profound and lasting implications. While your mind worries and your heart feels sad, there is another place inside that is fully fixed on where you're trying to go. Jesus says it's like a woman who experiences anguish in childbirth, but who is filled with joy once she sees her child (John 16:21).

So persevere with your dry Scripture reading and broken prayers. They are keeping you nourished while you wait. Remember: "This same Jesus, Who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go" (Acts 1:11). There is light ahead.

Frederica Mathewes-Green is the author of The Illumined Heart (Paraclete Press)

Copyright © 2004 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine.

This article first appeared in May/June issue of Today's Christian. Used by permission of Christianity Today International, Carol Stream, IL 60188.

GOOD NEWS FOR LADY O'CATHAIN

Please pray for Lady O'Cathain who faced a campaign to oust her from the board of British Airways because of her Christian stance on the Civil Partnership Bill.

At yesterday's shareholders meeting Lady O'Cathian was re-elected to the board with 90 per cent support. The expected call for her removal never materialised. I have no doubt that 'gay rights' groups backed down, recognising that their plan lacked any real support.

However, the bitter criticism of Lady O'Cathain from 'gay rights' groups will undoubtedly continue.

Please pray:

* That Lady O'Cathain will be encouraged by the support of ordinary people who agree with her stance.

* That Lady O'Cathain will be given strength and wisdom as she faces hostile criticism from 'gay rights' groups.

* That Peers in the House of Lords would support the position taken by Lady O'Cathain.

* That the media would fairly report the issues on the Civil Partnership Bill.

Good morning to everyone on Christian Photographers. 

I enjoyed reading everyone's posts from last night and this morning.  I was very touched by the story of how Chris and Margit became a couple.  It is wonderful how the Lord can bring two people together.

I enjoyed also Al's exposition from James.  Thank you for  showing the context that the scripture was written.

Gareth it was heartening to read that Lady O'Cathain won a victory by being re-elected to the board of British Airways.  The gay rights movement does seem to have its supporters in the media.  I read that Offtel (or Offcom, I can't remember what they call themselves now) upheld a complaint about a Christian broadcasting channel that explained what the bible teaches about homosexuality.  One person wrote to say that he was offended.  How many times will the regulators uphold a complaint that comes from only one person?

Pat, I was shocked to read about the banning from the YWCA.  I hope that the man is able to make a complaint against the director who made the banning.  Thanks for posting it though.

It was good too to read the devotional.  The Lord was  with Jacob and he didn't realise it.  I wonder how many times the Lord has been with us in situations and we haven't recognised it?

God bless everyone, have a great day.

Anthony.

2 SAMUEL 7 : 22 NIV

How great You are, O Sovereign Lord!
There is no one like you, and there is no God but You,
as we have heard with our own ears.

The promises of God to Abraham and David, the work of God through
Jesus, and the miraculous preservation of both the Abrahamic and
Davidic lines to Jesus are nothing short of miraculous.
They are testimony to God's faithfulness and power.
When we get discouraged by the unfaithfulness and blasphemy so
prevelant in our world, we need to remember the faithfullness of our
God and His awesome power displayed through His chosen people.

PRAYER...
Father of all and Provider and Protector of Your people,
please give me a sense of courageous awe at Your power and a
sense of reverential wonder at Your faithfullness.
There is no other being or power like You, for You alone are God.
I praise You for Your glory and grace.
In Jesus name i praise You. AMEN.

                                                         PHIL WARE.

Ria 

GOODMORNING ALL 11.12AM IN HOLLAND   

PAT thank you for the devotional this morning.

JANET your live is not easy now with Beth but i pray for you booth.

CHRIS AND MARGIT your lovestory is awesome so also the photo's on your site.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RACHELLE
HAVE A VERY NICE DAY

GARETH also your writings are very good.
Thank you for that.

My eyes are not being better from 4x eye drops so i stay not to long on the computer. Now i go make a appointment with my eyespecialist.

PSALM 37 : 7
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.

                                   PATIENT IN HOPE

                        God wants us to be expectant before Him...
                                 to wait patiently, but with hope,
                        to work diligently, but with understanding
                                      of all our efforts.

Love and prayerfully for you all
Ria   


                                               

         




                     SEABEE 1999  TO  CP


                               RIA

QuoteProverbs 8:17 says...
I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
Ms Pat I have a question for this.   I do not undarstand why only those that seek early shall find?
If some did pray for every day with all they have in the heart, but they do not know of Jesus. will Jesus hear the prayers. Are these a prayers of early? Ms Pat if a prayer is said even to that which is only of stone. If it is a prayer of love, Will Jesus hear it.
If God is love, will HE hear a prayer from the heart of some who did not get to know him at all. Does God hear some prayers and not others?

Mieka - Please note that the word "only" is not in Proverbs 8:17.  It does not say that "only" those who seek God early will find Him.  Also, please note that in the New King James Version, the verse reads, "I love those who love Me, and those who seek me diligently will find Me."  It just means that those who seek Him with all their hearts will be rewarded with knowing Him.  Those people whom God draws by His Spirit will indeed seek him with all their hearts.  And Jesus said, "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will dby no means cast out."  He goes on to say, "Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father Who sent Me draws him..." 

All this is saying that whomever God truly draws to Jesus will indeed come to Him.  And absolutely none who come are "cast out" (refused).  But only those whom God "draws" actually come - no others ever do.  So if you know of someone who is truly seeking Jesus, then that person is being drawn by God, and they will come.

My son came again last evening.  I am beginning to like him having a motorcycle...I have seen him often since he got it. 

Pat, we had terrible storms last evening also.  Northwest of me, the electric is still out.  Here my lights were out just a few seconds...not long enough to reset clocks and the A/C.  But I did notice when I walked to the mailbox to mail a letter that one of my gaze balls was blown off the stake and was broken in my river rocks.  Also one of the whirlygigs broke, too.  Oh, well.  Just happy that I didn't spend big money on either item. 

Today is Ivalou's birthday.  Kaye Don, Barb, Ivalou and I are going for a Chinese buffet...(thinking of you, Mieka).  I can't wait until Ivalou opens her gift from me.  Since we first went to Hawaii, both of us love the Hawaiian sandals.  We both purchased several pairs each time we were there plus I ordered some in the mail once.  I lost that address.  Ivalou had told me this spring that she was on here last pair and they were for mowing and working around the house.  I found them online.  So Ivalou will be sporting some new Hawaiian sandals today! 

I love the questions and answers on CP.  Funny, when I read the answers, I realize that was what I was thinking...most of the time   ...but was afraid to say because I wasn't confident that would be the answer.  Really gets one to think and we all need that.

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"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RACHELLE!!

Mieka!  Where are you now?  Thanks for asking your very good questions; I know we all can learn from looking for and reading the answers to your questions.

I'm going out to the fair to look around, I want to see the exhibits and check out the commercial booths.  I will call Beth and ask if she wants to go along.

Good thoughts today from Pat, Ria, and Gareth.  It is good to start our days with Scripture and prayer.

I don't seem to have anything much to say today.  So here is a smile for you.  What do you think, Mieka??? 

*******************************************************************************

How to Learn Chinese in 2 Minutes

Submitted by Joke-Of-The-Day's Email Admin, who was born in China


That's not right...
Sum Ting Wong

Are you harboring a fugitive?...
Hu Yu Hai Ding?

See me ASAP...
Kum Hia Nao

Stupid Man...
Dum Gai

Small Horse...
Tai Ni Po Ni

I bumped into a coffee table...
Ai Bang Mai Ni

I think you need a face lift...
Chin Tu Fat

Did you go to the beach?...
Wai Yu So Tan?

It's very dark in here...
Wai So Dim?

I thought you were on a diet...
Wai Yu Mun Ching?

This is a tow away zone...
No Pah King

Our meeting is scheduled for next week...
Wai Yu Kum Nao?

Staying out of sight...
Lei Ying Lo

He's cleaning his automobile...
Wa Shing Ka

Your body odor is offensive...
Yu Stin Ki Pu

Good morning to all you CP ers',
       Thank you Pat for this mornings devontioals.
       
        Ria, How are you?? I want you to know I got 2 of my 10 rooms painted and my company is staying in one. Thank you for your motovation on getting started. How is your coming?

      Welcome seabee to CP, Nice to meet you..
     
      Happy Birthday, Rachelle, May you have a Special day..

       Marlene is here she says HI!! And said to tell you she is having a great time.

      Well I better go feed the horses before they try to get out. HA.

     I will be checking in and out today so God Bless ALL you Beautiful People in CHRIST...

     ALMA and Marlene...

     

I guess I really "blew it" with my amswer yesterday.   Sorry about that.

This is a downer day for me. 

Will see you all later.

Blessings all

I MIGHT HAVE MY CAR TOMORROW!!!

Good Morning/afternoon/evening Everyone!

Thank You so much for the Birthday wished
Last night my husband and a Friends husband fixed us our birthday dinner..
They were awesome-my friend shares the same birthday as me.
We had Rib Eye Steak-Salad,Baked Potatoe,Pasta Salad and Cheesecake Lol.
Man were we overfed! It was a wonderful time..
Wayne and I will be going out today for lunch together then going to a couple different places looking for a new office chair -mine collapsed on me the other day-I was so frustrated with that..Its only like 3 years old and its in perfect condition but, I can't find my receipt for the warranty so-there
isn't really anything I can do.
Alot has happened in the last 5 days for me..
After taking a day spending time with my heavenly Father and seeking my husbands Spiritaul guidance we decided that the business I was doing was not for us-due to many things that has transpired and lack of time with my family(which is my number 1)Priority..I left the company.
The moment I left the Lord gave me a wonderful peace in my spirit. I know this is the confirmation that I did the right thing.
Anyway-thats whats been going on in my life.
Thank you again for all the wonderful birthday wishes..
Ladybug-I am sorry your having a hard day-know that I am thinking of you and praying for you.
Hugs
Rachelle

July 22   

The Church: The Old Cross and the New Cross

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to
the world. 
--Galatians 6:14

The old cross slew men; the new cross entertains them. The old cross
condemned; the new cross amuses. The old cross destroyed confidence
in the flesh; the new cross encourages it. The old cross brought
tears and blood; the new cross brings laughter. The flesh, smiling
and confident, preaches and sings about the cross; before that cross
it bows and toward that cross it points with carefully staged
histrionics--but upon that cross it will not die, and the reproach
of that cross it stubbornly refuses to bear.

I well know how many smooth arguments can be marshalled in support of
the new cross. Does not the new cross win converts and make many
followers and so carry the advantage of numerical success? Should we
not adjust ourselves to the changing times? Have we not heard the
slogan, "New days, new ways"? And who but someone very old and very
conservative would insist upon death as the appointed way to life?
And who today is interested in a gloomy mysticism that would sentence
its flesh to a cross and recommend self-effacing humility as a virtue
actually to be practiced by modern Christians? These are the
arguments, along with many more flippant still, which are brought
forward to give an appearance of wisdom to the hollow and meaningless
cross of popular Christianity.  The Pursuit of Man, 53,54.

"Lord, it's not popular today to be 'old-fashioned.' But I commit
myself today to the old cross. Help me today to deny myself, to take
up my cross, and to follow You. Amen."

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Pat said....

Quote
I MIGHT HAVE MY CAR TOMORROW!!!

New car?  Old car fixed?  New old car?  New new car?  Old old car? 

These are some of my favorite verses in the Bible. I'm a distance-runner and these verses are often found in runners' groups and on their t-shirts! I've been pondering how I can be a witness to Jesus while running (biking, etc.), something like a "Praise the Lord" t-shirt but more attention-getting and less-often used. I'm going to get computer-t-shirt-printing stuff and make one that says, "Be swift, my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant, my feet." (From Battle Hymn of the Republic)  I haven't decided on the artwork yet, if any.

It was a good day for these verses in my life, since I did a long training run and was in fact very tired the last few miles. I find distance-running such a good metaphor for life.... moments of feeling strong and joyful, moments of feeling tired and discouraged, moments of wondering whether one can go on.... but God goes on forever, neither wearies nor grows faint, always ready to catch us and bear us up when the going gets tough. He expects us to do our own footwork but our hearts find rest in Him.




Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.



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Psalm 86:5-7 says...

For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications.

In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.


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Morning Devotional...

I am the God of Bethel.
Genesis 31:13

"Beth" and "El" mean house of the Almighty--a place of blessing and beneficence, worship and wisdom. Bethel was the place where God was revealed to Jacob in a night vision.

It is the name I revere, for my start for heaven was in a building called Bethel.

It was at Bethel that Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven, emphasizing to him the interest that the God of heaven had in his life. What that ladder represented was central in the future life of Jacob.

There is always a ladder in the experiences of a life that sees angels and apprehends the presence, protection and purpose of God (Gen. 28:15).

Has God left you with a ladder experience?

It is still there (Jn. 1:51).
--Les Rainey

Quote

Hi everyone. 

Happy Birthday Rachelle.  Hope you were able to find the new office chair.  It sounds like you made a wise decision regarding your business venture. 

Welcome to CP seebee1999.

Pat, I sure hope you will have your car tomorrow.  We just went to pick up our car at the brake place as thought maybe the back brakes were worn out.  I had had the front ones replaced a few weeks ago.  However, the back brakes are in fine shape.  They replaced the pads on the front and bled the lines to be sure there was no air in them and didn't charge us anything more as their work is guaranteed.  So that was a nice surprise.  Of course on the way there Pat told me that the transmission in our daughter's car seems to be developing a problem so will now have to get that in and checked out.  It is something all the time with these cars.

I worked several hours on the frames for my porch project and finally got them assembled.  I decided not to glue after all but got metal 90 degree brackets to use to fasten the pieces together.  Now I need to get them ready to paint, paint them and then staple on the wire and get them in the windows.  No faster than I work it will probably take me another week or so to finish the project. Being a handyman is not my cup of tea.

That is indeed frightful about the "Y" here in Georgia.  I have noticed that at the "Y" where I go to walk the staff for the summer camp program for the kids all have T shirts with scripture verses on them, which I thought was very nice.

Janet, congrats on your ribbons at the fair.  Hope Beth was up to attending with you today.

Taking a break from watering, etc. and have read all the day's posts.  Will give me something to ponder about when having a rest outside on the swing....SOON!

Good questions Mieka and great answers Pastor Al.  Sometimes I think you are testing us Mieka, seeing if someone will come up with good answers

I checked on the squirrel and robin problem and this is one of the things found on the internet:

What do squirrels eat?
Squirrels are opportunist feeders. Their diet varies depending on the season and what is available. They eat catkins, flowers, rosehips, fungi, shoots, bulbs, bark and may even rob nests in spring, taking both eggs and young birds. However their most important natural food is tree seeds. Squirrels eat them as they ripen or store them for hard times, burying them just below the surface of the soil in numerous small caches. Reds and greys eat similar foods. There are differences in the relative importance of specific foods, as well as when and where they are eaten. For example, in a study of squirrels during a poor acorn crop, grey squirrels searched for buried acorns, whilst red squirrels began feeding on a fungus in the tree tops.

Winter is usually a time of plenty, providing there has been a good autumn nut crop, so squirrels have no need to hibernate. Summer is often harder and is the best time of year to put out food.

It seem squirrels are either hated or much loved.  Have been known to attack people on occasion and might eat very young birds when trying for the eggs.  I only know that none of the robins have returned to the yard since the incident of the squirrel catching the robin...might have been after the eggs.  Drat!

Read something interesting in the paper this morning.  It seems that a lesbian couple who rushed to get married after living together for 10 yrs., are now seeking a divorce.  Broke up five days after the ceremony.  Now our gov. faces a new challenge.  No provision has been made for divorce from same sex marriages.  Lord Love A Duck!!!!!

Must go check on a few things.  Will try to come back and read more posts later.  Hopefully, lots more posts to read??

Pleasant day and God Bless,

Liz

Quote

Ms Liz - Sometimes I think you are testing us Mieka, seeing if someone will come up with good answers.

It is only me i test here ms Liz. I am a new Christen and I have a hard time to undarstand what is a Christen way at times. My family is a Christian family to me, but not to some.  We talk of God and learn of Jesus every time we are together. When I try to learn I read of the Bible and I ask my family and I ask my friend and I ask God and when I think I know what is my answer I ask my friends here. It is strange to me at times why some things have a answer what is so hard for every one to know in a same way.

I think so many times God will talk to us only in how we hear Him. I know we do not all hear in a same way.

I think If ms Ladybug is sad because she think perhaps she did blew it with a answer. I think perhaps it is how God did need her to hear it at this time. and perhaps it is a need for her to do what is Gods wish. It is her walk with God. I think she should not ever be sad to walk with Him. I hope she will ask and pray and not ever be sad.

It is my hope I will not ever make any one mad at me if I ask a question here. I sometimes only think I know and it is a great help to me to see what is written in a place i did not know to look.
and for this I love you Mr Moak, and Papa John and Ms Ruthie and Ms Jenny and Mr Anthony (I am SO happy to see you) and SO SO many others here who help me to find the words as they are written.

I have so much troubles in my heart at times and I know it is not a answers i will find in a book. It is my hope I will find it in my heart and know it to be Gods wish.

Mieka:  It is so wonderful to see you online, you are so cheerful.

Instead of reading the posts all the way down I jumped to the bottom so that I could say hello.


Love ya always  Ruth

  Hahaha (((hug))) It is SO nice to see you Ms Ruth.  I love every one here. 

I am so sad right now. there is SO much i wish to say and to share and I did not get to talk with my friends here for a So long time. I know i will not say a happy birthday and get well and so many things I wish to say to every one. So I am sad I do not want for any to think i forget all what I forget to do. 

and I did not undarstand any words from Ms Janet  I do not know how to thank her for this Chinese. 

And now I will go eat a Mexican food. MMMmmmmmmm     (hi ms Etta Sue)

Mieka, I think we all love your questions.  I learn lots from the answers given and it is wonderful to have you back with us.  Hope you enjoy the Mexican food....

God Bless,

Liz

Mieka what Janet wrote about chinese was a joke ha ha.

I was here this morning and forgot to post or just didn';t have enoughtime to post.I have been so busy lately both morning and evening. When I got home today I vacuumed the furniture and the rug put a load of laundry in the dryer and ran to the bank, now I have to sit and write the checks to pay my bills. Then  supper and tothe church by 6:30.

Sorry I haven't be4n here as much as before but I know y-all understand my busy schedule.

TTYL

Mieka what Janet wrote about chinese was a joke ha ha.

I was here this morning and forgot to post or just didn';t have enoughtime to post.I have been so busy lately both morning and evening. When I got home today I vacuumed the furniture and the rug put a load of laundry in the dryer and ran to the bank, now I have to sit and write the checks to pay my bills. Then  supper and tothe church by 6:30.

Sorry I haven't been here as much as before but I know y-all understand my busy schedule.

TTYL

  Hi ms Marilyn