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Morning Devotional...



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In Part (i) of our studies on the wonderful Shepherd Psalm, we looked a little at the character and saving work of the One to whom David referred as "My Shepherd". Before we proceed to examine some of the amazing benefits of being one of His sheep, we shall consider the marks which the sheep carry upon them.

Phillip Kellar, writing in his book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23", tells how upon purchasing his first little flock of thirty-five ewes, the former owner handed him a large sharp killing knife and remarked, "Well, Phillip, they're yours. Now you'll have to put your mark upon them." This would be a painful experience for each sheep, for it meant parting with a chunk of its ear, cut with Kellar's own chosen design. This peculiar cut would thereafter mark each individual member of the flock out as the shepherd's own property.

The person who hears the voice of the Good Shepherd and trustingly follows Him must forever bear the Master's Mark. This mark is described for us in Romans 6. We really should read the whole chapter, but for the sake of space, we will quote only a few verses.

"Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all: but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:6-12)

Death to self is demanded and can be a very painful process but it is very necessary. You see the Devil has his own flock, which bares his mark of rebellion and sin. When Christ redeems us He expects to mark us out with His own characteristics of love, obedience and holiness. As we read in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." As someone has said, "We are not saved by our works, but if we are truly saved our works will declare our new relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ."

We must realize the kind of sheep we once were and remember the flock to which we belonged; "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6.). If we also understand the tremendous price He paid for us, then we will not wonder that he demands that we bare his likeness.

Despite what we were, guilty and lost, wandering on the desolate crags of Satan's domain, He redeemed us, called, us, and made us the sheep of His pasture if we are His by faith. In all His own he takes delight and tends them with loving care. Even in the midst of their trials and difficulties, the Good Shepherd leads His lambs with gentleness and grace. We may sometimes feel that He no longer watches over us, but if we wait upon Him the dark clouds of doubt will dissipate to reveal the sunshine of His tender love.

Before we begin looking at the blessings of Psalm 23, let us emphasize the Shepherd's mark upon us. In Ephesians 2:8 & 9, we learn that salvation is by grace (unmerited favour) accepted by faith. It is God's gift to us and it is "Not of works lest any man should boast". But that is not the end of the saga, because in verse 10, we read, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

As James tells us in James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

What kind of faith do I have? What kind of faith do you have? If nothing has changed since we first professed faith in Christ, a thorough self examination is called for. There are those who believe, or at least appear to believe, that we can trust in the Saviour and continue to live unrepentant lives. The Word of God emphatically teaches otherwise.

Friend, do you and I have the Shepherd's mark engraved on our hearts? If we can honestly say, "Yes, I have trusted Him and I love Him and seek to follow Him", then we can also truly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and from our hearts we can sing:


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"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). "I shall not want". Reassuring words but what do they mean? David had known poverty, heartache and rebellion in his own family. He had been a fugitive and a refugee. Warfare was fairly constant throughout his reign. Friends and loved ones had been unfaithful on more than one occasion. Few if any of us have experienced more difficulty and more troublesome times than David the sweet singer of Israel. Yet he could confidently declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want".

If David's eyes had focused only on the things of time, he could have found no solace, no place of rest, no shady green pastures for his soul. David had found that place, where none but the redeemed of God can enter. The place of His presence, the place of peace. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1, 2).

If we are dwelling in the secret place of His presence, then we can experience the comforting words of the Psalmist "I shall not want." Perhaps one who is experiencing a difficult situation is asking, "Where is this place of His presence and how can I find it?"

The answer is not tedious or difficult , "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19).

If we, by faith, are conscious of the presence of Christ abiding within our hearts we will soon begin to realize the immensity and the immutability of His love for us. Spiritually we need nothing more, and since Christ in us is our hope of glory (See Colossians 1:27), we can truly say, "I shall not want."

I shall not want peace and joy if I realize His inward presence. If I lose my peace and joy, even in the midst of tribulations it is because, for the moment I have ceased to abide in Him and forgotten His abiding presence in me.

Although the blessings of the Psalm are relevant to our spiritual state and our spiritual pilgrimage, it is also true that He meets our physical needs as well.

Our daily provision for food, health and shelter are from His bountiful hand. He may not always give us what we desire, but in grace He meets our needs.

What a gracious Shepherd He is!

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20,21).

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Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

Pat - It is little wonder lass that you miss Jack so much when he was able to write like this mornings devotional. There is no doubt he was a deeply exercised and spiritual man who loved 'His Shepherd.'

Why does the Lord take our loved ones away? Well perhaps Jack like Enoch, had been walking with God, enjoying blessed fellowship and instead of going to his own home, the Lord to him to His.

Yae Janet LOL means Lots of Love when I write it. I am happy for folk to laugh out loud if they want though!

'The just shall live by faith.'

Would our faith stand the test if we lived on our feelings? A difficult question to answer, yet a relevant one for the Christian.

We are all prone to our ups and downs for various reasons and often these things affect our faith. Lack of sleep, pressure at work, family problems, financial problems and health concerns all affect the way we live our lives. We are not robots, living our lives without feelings. No we are created in the image of our God.

Does He really understand what we are going through each day? Yes dear brother or sister and a thousand times yes!

Can you put yourself in the Lord's shoes as He walked the streets of Jerusalem for just a moment?

Think for a moment on what it would be like to live in this wicked world without sin. Think of what your soul would experience when you heard someone swear. Think of what it would be like if you were convicted of a crime that you were innocent of. Think what it would be like if in your hour of need all your friends forsook you. Can you imagine loving people who hated you without a cause?

Can you imagine being a Great Physician, having the power to cure all ills, yet your patients steadfastly refusing the medicine prescribed?

Does Jesus understand your plight today? He does dear brother or sister He does! You may be experiencing difficult times with darkness all around. Does Jesus know anything of that? Does He know what it is to be forsaken?

He knows it that well that He has promised in His word never to leave or forsake His own. You have a friend today that sticketh closer than any brother. One who really understands you. One who knows your innermost thoughts. Not only does He know you, but He loves you. Not only does He love you but He loves you just the way you are!

Never does He say make yourself perfect before coming to me for help, no never! Instead He says, come as you are!

Imagine someone loving you just the way you are.

Warts and all!

His name is Jesus. He is altogether lovely.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Thanks Heather. Sorry I'm not sure how to send you a reply, but you did my soul good with your note.

LOL

Pat:  Thank you for sending Jack's devotions to us.  

Iain:  

QuoteHe knows it that well that He has promised in His word never to leave or forsake His own. You have a friend today that sticketh closer than any brother. One who really understands you. One who knows your innermost thoughts. Not only does He know you, but He loves you. Not only does He love you but He loves you just the way you are!

This is especially meaningful this morning.  Again, thank you.

Larry:  It is very nice for you to have your daughter drive you into Atlanta and you can have such a special time together.  

Papa John:  Thinking of you and Cornelia today.

Carol

I am having a "weepy" morning here, reading the great devotionals and realizing my own shortcomings.  Thanks, Pat, (for Jack's) and Iain.  I needed that.

My friend is coming back to finish painting the old wooden ironing board today.  When we get it finished, I will take a photo to show you all how it turns out.  It is very hard to use photos taken from different points of view, 40 years ago, and show what someone else has in their memory!  But we are trying!  It is for a friend of Marceil's.

I feel really wrung out, so need to spend some time in prayer before I feel ready to face the day.

Oh, I just love the song in the devotional today!  It's one of those beautiful hymns that makes you "float" when you sing it - you could go on singing it forever.

Pat ~ I always get such cheer reading Jacks writings. Great start to a morning.

Iain ~ I enjoy your posts so much also! It is a great way for all of us to start our day athough I do start my day with another Daily Encounter every morning!

I hope everyone can stand another long post because I want to share my Daily Encounter with you today!

FEELING CLOSE TO GOD

"God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach
out for him and find him, though he is not far from each
one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our
being'" (Acts 17:27-28, NIV).

Another Daily Encounter reader writes: "I wonder if you
could give me some advice. Sometimes I feel as though God
doesn't like me and seemingly does everything to make my
life a living nightmare. I have done all that I can to
change my life and repent for all the things that I have
done in my past and yet I still don't feel the warmth of
God's love. Is it possible that it has anything to do with
not be christened or baptized?"

Of one thing you can be certain, God loves you totally and
unconditionally no matter what you have ever done or have
failed to do. Be assured, too, that it isn't God who causes
our problems. We happen to live in a broken, sinful world
where we all face trials and go through tough times. We
won't be delivered from tribulations until we get to
heaven.

In the meantime, God wants us to keep growing towards
wholeness so we will overcome many of our personal
struggles.

Also, when God feels far away, it isn't God who has moved.
The barrier is in us. Neither does it have anything to do
with whether or not we were christened or baptized. While
Jesus picked little children up and blessed them, he didn't
christen them, and (though some will disagree with me) as
far as I know there is nothing about being christened as
such in the Bible, and while baptism is important, not
being baptized doesn't cause God to distance himself from
us.

When God feels far away, it can be caused by un-confessed
sins and/or by persisting in doing things we know that are
out of harmony with God's will. More often than not,
however, that barrier has more to do with our impaired
relationship with others, and especially so if it was with
our parents in our developmental years. For those who had a
close, loving, warm relationship especially with their
father, it is very easy to feel that God, the Heavenly
Father, is also close, loving, and warm. But for those of
us who felt their father was distant, cold, and punishing,
we tend to project that on to God the Heavenly Father and
feel that he too is cold, distant, and punishing. I've had
to wrestle with this problem, too, so I can understand how
you feel.

To overcome, you not only need to confess your sins to God,
but you also need to have an open, honest, and trusting
relationship with other men--or at least with one soul
brother with whom you can share all your inner thoughts,
feelings, victories and failures--one who will not judge,
criticize or put your down or tell you what you should or
shouldn't do, but one who will love and accept you just as
you are. Ask God to give you such a soul brother. As we
grow close to others we will be able to feel close to God.

Also, be sure to commit and trust your life to God every
day no matter how you feel. God is close to us whether we
feel it or not. Learn to accept this by faith
and not by your feelings.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you that you are not far
from any of us. Please help me to find the help I need so
that I will be able to face and resolve any and all
barriers in my life that cause me to feel that you are far
away--so that I will not only know in my head that  you are
close, but feel your closeness in my heart. Thank you for
hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus'
name, amen."

<)))><<

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   Daily Encounter (c) Dick Innes 2003. Subscribe
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Hi everyone.  It is another rainy, gloomy morning outside but certainly not that way within our CP family.  Pat, I don't believe I have ever read that devotional by Jack on the 23 Psalm.  Iain, as always your writing is so meaningful and Spirit filled.

Jerry, I see your post came up while I was reading the last messages so will have to go back and read the devotional thoughts you shared there.

Carol, you asked about transportation after my daughter goes back to school.  I am hopeful I will be feeling so much better that I can drive myself.  If not, there are a group of 5 men at church who have offered to drive me, plus a couple of the ladies from church and then another friend of mine also said he would take me.  I really appreciate their thoughtfulness but hope it won't be necessary to bother them.  It takes up most of the day as we leave at 11:15 and don't get home until around 3 pm.  

Janet, I look forward to seeing the painted ironing board.  What an interesting thing to use as a canvas.  I have seen saw blades painted but don't think I have ever seen an ironing board used for that purpose.  Hope your day will brighten for you as you become engrossed in the painting project.

The devotionals this morning are all very touching,  Thank you for your words of comfort and wisdom.


Well I have a busy day ahead, John is coming home, and that means a trip to the city.  I do so enjoy him being home.
My mowing is done, so all that is left is picking up before we leave.  All will then be done.

Kassie just read our Bible verses for the morning, Psa. 2 1-6 Quite the passage.  "Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion." vs 6  Yes he is on that hill and we worship him there.

Please pray for Joanne, my friend who is dying.  She is hanging on and it has become a desperate situation. As one person said, there is someone not yet ready to release her to her Father.  She does so long to go Home to her heavenly home.

Blessings to all
Judy

'Also, when God feels far away, it isn't God who has moved.'

Jerry, I have to confess that I am the world's worst for moving from the Lord!

Larry - can you drop me a quick note telling me what your new treatment involves. EE-whatever!!

Thanks

LOL

Good morning all!  Wow!  What great devotions this morning.  We have them coming from all directions.....and that is good.  A lot of food for thought.  Thank you Pat, Jack, Iain and Jerry.

Today was trash day.  Then Ivalou came over with a cup of coffee.  Now my washer is going and I am all cleaned up for a lunch with a high school classmate.  I am going to hang the clothes outside....a bright sunny day here.  So I am kind of in a rush....I must stop that and stop and smell the roses.

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"A diet is something that you keep putting off while you keep putting on."

Good morning everyone.  Pat, how many parts are to this devotional?  I'm really enjoying them!  As I said yesterday, definitely something that's needed!

Well, I have to return to the doctor tomorrow to get my knee examined.  I'm on crutches for the second time in three weeks.  But hopefully, as last time, it won't be for long.  I'm pretty resiliant.  Thank you all for your prayers and notes of thoughtfulness.  I unfortunately am off work for the rest of the week.  I did manage to accomplish some things at work yesterday, but there's just not enough work at the moment.

But I'm thankful, that will give me some extra time to do some study.  I'm working on sort of a prerequisite to my course.  I'm so excited to get it.  I can't wait to get started on the actual course!    Well, I must get going.  I'll pop on later.  God be with you all.  Jen.

Thank you Iain, Larry and Etta Sue. I have days when I doubt myself, but never have I doubted God. God can do all he says he will do and more! Some-days I know I have moved away and feel a little out of touch with God, but I always get a reminder either in thought, sight, or by hearing something that reminds me who I am, who I want to be and where I want to spend eternity!

Good Morning: Wow: I am still absorbing all three devotionals. The Lord is my Shepard, I do not want for anything, I have put all my trust in my Shepard to lead me and guide me in all that I do. I know He has the perfect job for me up north and I will have many hours in the truck driving up there to witness to Gilbert, as I told a friend, Gilbert will either kick me out of the truck or he will be saved by the time we get there.

I really feel that God has given me a very special gift of Great Faith. Unwavering faith in His word. I truly believe that He will do all that His word tells me He will do., supplying all my needs, healing my body, restoring my family, etc.One of the lines in As the Deer Panteth is: You're my friend and you are my brother, always brings tears to my eyes. He laid down His life for His friends and I too (as well as you) are His friends. Our Brother laid down His life for us.

Judy I will pray that whoever will release your friend so she can go home to be with the Lord. We as humans are sometimes selfish when we do not want to release our loved one to the Lord just yet. I will also pray for peace for her loved ones.

Going now to check the rest of our home here.

TTYL

I'd appreciate it if someone would put the following in the "Have You Prayed" folder.  I just have time to put it in here.  Please pray for Marbeth, my wife.  She just now came close to passing out, is now lying on her bed, thankfully.  Don't know yet whether I'll have to get medical assistance.  Please pray.  Thanks.

I've posted the prayer request for Marbeth, Al in our "Have You Prayed About It?[/b]" area.

Please know that I'm praying right now that the Lord will guide you in what you should do.

  Why is there so much troubles with my friends here this week.   - I will go to the church today and pray for everyone.  My heart is not so strong to see my friends here with so many stones in their path today. My heart is in His hand today, I pray He will take great care with my only treasure, my friends.  

I just received this in my email and thought that it would be good to share with you all...


Key Verse
"There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24).

Key Passages
Colossians 2:6-7; John 15:14


This is the second stanza in a poem, and later hymn, entitled "What a Friend We Have In Jesus," by Joseph Scriven. He wrote this in the mid-1800s, after his fiancée tragically drowned the day before their wedding.

Although he was prosperous, educated, and surrounded by family and friends, Scriven knew that only One could understand and alleviate his pain: Jesus.  From that point on, he walked in His Savior's footsteps by offering friendship and help to anyone in need.

Scriven cherished his friendship with Jesus, and understood the importance of communication with His Savior.  If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you, too, know the incredible love and assurance that comes with a personal relationship with Him.

Jesus knows and loves every little thing about you. He is aware of your thoughts, dreams, and deepest desires, and He understands you better than anyone else possibly could. (Psalm 139:1-4)

Jesus understands because He has been there, too.  Our Lord humbled Himself by becoming fully human, while remaining fully God. (John 14:5-14) He left heaven and lived in a sinful world, so that He might completely identify and empathize with you. (Hebrews 2:16-18) He also endured temptation and trials, felt grief and joy, and experienced rejection and abandonment. So, He does not just watch you suffer; He shares in your suffering.

Moreover, He loved you enough to willingly accept an agonizing death on the cross in your place. (1 John 3:16) He sacrificed Himself in order that
you might have a restored relationship with Him for eternity. (Romans 6:23) And, as if that were not enough, He--the Son of God and the King of Kings--wants to personally communicate, teach, comfort, and bless you! He guarantees more than eternal life in heaven; He offers you friendship and abundant life on earth. (John 10:10)

Jesus is passionate about you! Are you so passionate about Him? Are you even His friend? Do you spend time with the Lord, communicating, learning, serving, and obeying? Perhaps it has been a while since you felt
close to Him. Maybe it has been some time since the two of you last spoke.

Jesus is waiting for you to acknowledge Him. He longs for a deeper relationship with you. He even wants to be involved in all the minor details of your life, so spend time with Him. If you revitalize your relationship with your Savior and Lord, you will experience an abundant life. Renew your passion for Christ because He has a passion for you--and you will find the friend you forgot you had.

• How would you describe your relationship with Christ: vibrant and growing, or stagnant and complacent?  Why?
  
• What are some ways by which you can cultivate your friendship and maintain an exciting and consistent walk with Christ?
  
• Talk to God. Express gratitude for His faithfulness, and ask Him to give you a passion to grow closer to Him.

** Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior? Take a moment now to answer the question, "How Well Do You Know God?" at
http://www.intouch.org/intouch/site.show_page?p_id=76086&p_survey_id=65886

Hello all!!  I hope everyone's day is going well by now.  It does seem that troubles abound at time.  I guess it just goes to show that walking with Christ does not mean we are free from the cares of this world.  I heard an analogy once that looked at it like this --  We are living in a "country" where we are the enemy because we are living in enemy territory.  Therefore, life will not be easy, but someday . . . .WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!!

It is rainy today, so I am sleepy.  Actually, I am probably sleepy because I stayed up too late again.  

I'll be around since I am at work and have nothing I want to do (notice that does not say "need").

Take care

PRAISE REPORT

At Christmas I received a beautiful necklace and earring set from my DIL's parents. The first time I wore them I lost 1 earring, I thought at church. A few minutes ago I was standing on my porch and looked down inthe gravel and there was my earring. It was lost 7 months ago. THANK YOU JESUS.

Pat/ Meika - I was reading recently the biographies of many of our well known hymn writers. It is truly amazing the suffering many of them had to endure. I have often said - 'I would rather be in the midst of the storm with Jesus, than standing alone on the shore.'

Al- Hope your wife is making a good recovery.

Marilyn - Great news. Not only do you have your necklace you also have the Pearl of Great Price.

Etta Sue - It was so windy over here today, that if we had hung our washing on the line, it would have landed in California!

Oh, Iain, how I remember those winds!  Northern Ireland had them as well.

By the way, Iain, do you have "wind farms" on Lewis?  If so, what do you think of them?  They seem to be in Wales and Ireland just wherever the scenery is about the best.

Pat - They are the topic of the hour. They plan to use the local factory here to build windmills to supply all over Europe. Great for employment, but not for landscape photographs!

Our Islands desperately need employment. The economy is rock bottom and things have never been so low. We seem to be in a catch twenty two situation although they are still exploring wave power.

I am sure that is they built a windfarm outside the House of Commons there would be enough hot air blown out from there to supply the whole of the UK!

In Ireland they still use peat to fire there generators.

I just went and did a search to see if I could recall the name of the couple of wind farms I saw with great disappointment while in N. Ireland the last time and now find that they have SIX!!!

Here's a link to them:  WIND FARMS[/b]

These are all in the most picturesque places of mountains in the north.

I forgot to mention Pat, that I was canvassed last week by those wanted to construct the farms on our Island.

I suggested that they build them in parallel to the main power lines as the landscape is already spoiled in these places and nobody takes photos with power running through the middle of the shot unless you happen to be Etta Sue!  

Tee Hee! Sorry lass, only joking!

I see in that article that I've posted above that Wales now has 16 wind farms.  For such a small country, that's quite a lot.  I've seen several of them as well.

Windfarms??
How do you farm wind!!!?
Does it not blow where He wills it lol?

Hi Chris!  Do you have any near where you live?  You being a photographer must not like them either.

Hey, Chris!  It's great to see you in "New Every Morning".  There's fresh tea on the counter--Earl Grey!  Enjoy a cup!