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Morning Devotional...



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Some years ago, I was hiking alone in England. The trail (or as the English say, the "footpath")—was isolated and very poorly marked. This is a rare situation in England, known to hikers as the land of well marked trails. At one point, as I later discovered, only a couple of miles from the end, I became disoriented. I was tired and lonely and hungry. There seemed to be no other humans for miles. What should I do now? I longed to meet another hiker, or a local resident; even a friendly dog would have been a relief. No one suddenly or miraculously appeared. No laughing border collie wagged its welcoming tail.

What would you have done in similar circumstances? Well, I found a comfortable rock, slipped off my rucksack and sat down. Then I ate the lunch I should have eaten about two hours earlier and drank a half of a liter of water. My energy returned. Using my map and compass, I figured out my location and with a spring in my step, walked to the bus stop in the little town that marked the end of my hike.

As we move on to verse three of Psalm 23 and meditate upon it, we see the wonderful promises it contains for life's journey. "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Psalm 23:3) The words are overflowing with comfort and encouragement for all the members of the Good Shepherd's flock. No believer is left out and it is applied on an individual basis. The lovely truths of this psalm are not mere generalities. We do not read: "He restores our souls" Such a statement would be welcome encouragement for God's people, but how grandly greater is the assurance "He restores my soul". He cares about me! He loves the world but, praise His name He loves me. Yes, my friend, if you are His you can personally claim this blessing of restoration, no matter how withered and drooping you feel.

Day by day we all move along, sometimes reluctantly on the journey of life. At times our happy feet march to the triumphant music of success. At other times we drag ourselves weary and worn, and perhaps even broken along the ruggedly steep paths of life—over rocks and ridges and along precipices dangerous and frightful. This lies in the nature of being human. Sometimes we have cheerful and supportive companions on this great trail of life. These may include a spouse, family, friends or fellow Christians. But at times we plod on not only tired but seemingly alone and perhaps unwanted. The way seems miserable, the going is rough and the shadows are lengthening.

When the traveling is wearisome and lonely, and our minds are stretched, elastic like, to their limits the awful ghosts of past sins and desires are inclined to haunt us. Regrets dart from the dark recesses of the mind and mingle with the cares of today and the fears of tomorrow. Like a delicate flower on a dry and windswept hillside we begin to wither, and the serene look gives place to frowns and wrinkles.

When our spiritual pilgrimage becomes unbearable, we need to take time out. We must take time to rest in God's presence. As the Bible enjoins us we must be "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

If we take time to rest in His presence we can refresh our spirits as we enjoy the sustenance of God's word and drink deeply at the "wells of Salvation". Then using the compass of God's truth, we can set our course towards home in the eternal City, just as our great spiritual forefather Abraham did. "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Hebrews 11:8-10).

If our own foolish misconduct, our own sin and rebellion is the root of our withered and miserable condition, restoration is, bless God, still available.  And who among us has not sinned over and over again in the years since first we trusted Christ? God calls us to confession and repentance and provides cleansing for the sinning hart. The gospel for the sinning saint is found in I John 1:6-9, "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 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." And believing this we can humbly say amen to the words, "He restoreth my soul".

King David cried out to God in anguish of soul "Hide Your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Then I will teach transgressors Your ways and sinners shall be converted to You." (Psalm 51:9-13).

God heard his heart rending wail "Hide thyself from my sins and blot out all my iniquities." God graciously restored David to fellowship with Himself and gave him back the joy of salvation.

David and every other repentant, sinning believer can claim with joy overflowing: "He restoreth my soul." Only the forgiven can appreciate the warmth of His tender love.

Perhaps one of my friends will confess in his or her own heart. "I have repented oh, so often; but I keep falling on the rocks of temptation and sliding on the slippery scree of evil desire. What can I do? I've tried to gain the mastery over a particular weakness and failed again and again. I think I am doomed—sin is in my very nature". Like David, you cry out "Behold I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:5)

There is good news in the verse before us for those who are in such a predicament. Look at Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."
God's children have yearned over the centuries for power to break the binding habits of sin. The Lord Jesus taught His own disciples to pray, "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Does God answer this prayer? Yes, if we obey His command in Jeremiah 6:16, "Thus says the Lord: 'Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is. And walk in it: Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it'."

We are to ask after the old way, and upon finding it we are to walk therein. Many professing Christians, like Jeremiah's hearers, sadly refuse to walk in the old paths; they are doomed to keep on repeating the same old sins, and living the same old life of spiritual mediocrity. The path can be found where the Lord Jesus is. After the resurrection, two of His disciples made a journey to Emmaus. These two disciples don't appear to have been any of the twelve apostles, and it seems probably that they were a married couple. In any case, they were sad and discouraged. Their hopes had been dashed—the one they thought would deliver their nation from the iron yoke of Roman bondage was dead and buried. There was something however, that they didn't know about. Christ had risen from the dead in triumph over sin and the grave.

A marvelous thing happened as they trod the weary Emmaus Road that day. "So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them." (Luke 24:15) These two dear people didn't recognize their beloved master until later but something should have tipped them off--the presence of the Man of Calvary made a great difference to their walk that day, "And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'." (Luke 24:32).

If we walk in His company and seek to know Him in the scriptures, our hearts too will burn within us. They will burn with love to Him and with a strong desire to obey His commandments. Then shall we understand in a spiritual sense the words of Isaiah 35:1, "The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them." And they shall walk in "the Way of Holiness" (Isaiah 35: and we will experience the promise of Psalm 23:3, "He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake".

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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.

I'm always late, this time it was just seconds!!!  I tried to put this message in the old thread, but by the time I tried to post it, it was gone already!!    
Sorry, Janet.  It still is your birthday, however.  Maybe you will see this in time.  


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR JANET !!

Hi, Pat!

Hi Janice...  Sorry about that.  I usually try to look down at the bottom to see who's online and I wait a bit but this time I was all alone so just went ahead.  Guess you came while I was composing.

How's Earl?

Oh, that's OK, Pat.  I took a bit too long trying to figure out how to make it move - and I see I ended up with 2 lines.  Oh well.....

Earl is doing well, he gets so tired though.  I guess he will just have to accept it, though he has always been so active and busy.  It is not easy to have your health decline a bit, when you want to keep doing all the things you are used to.

Thanks for asking.  He is doing better with the restricted amount of fluid intake than he thought  he would though.  

I know you are so tired and I won't keep you any longer.  


Good night!
Love, Janice

Pat - Jack had such a gift for painting a situation that I could almost smell the heather! He has more in one devotional for my soul than many preachers have in a whole sermon! Thanks you.

Marilyn - I hope that your move when it comes, goes well. No sis I have not written any books. I failed all my English exams when I was in school and I do not have any real confidence in my writings skills. My old English teacher would think that you had lost the plot if you told her that I was writing posts on the Internet!!

The truth is sis, that I did not read a book until I was converted, then, because I fely my ignorance so much - I ate books!!

On a few occasions, not long after being converted I found myself going very red in the face when trying to find certain books in my Bible that I did not know of!!

Why do these preachers not stick to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John anyway?  Bah!!

'Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of host.'

Some lessons need to be learned almost on a weekly if not daily basis. I speak about myself!

How often do I try and serve God under my own steam and in my own strength? How often do I try for instance to please Him by my good works? I sin against God on a daily basis yet all too often I try and make amend 'my ways!'

I would have fitted in perfectly in Galatia!

Perhaps it's just me that does this!

I remember a slogan that a former Government had after an election victory, 'back to basics!' Well that must be my course also. Salvation is simple, it is us who complicate it!

What would we say to someone who believed in a salvation of Christ crucified plus works? We would throw the book at him or her, wouldn't we?

Yet this is my story over and over again! What a relief it is to my needy soul to find that once I have returned to my first love, that He has not changed. Jerry talked the other day about God not moving, but I do. Oh! To learn to sit at the feet of Jesus!

The futility of my efforts to earn God's favour made me think of Joshua. How futile it would have been for him to try and stem the waters of the Jordan by his own works. God's spirit opened up a way for the children of Israel to march through the flood on foot.

That same spirit has opened up a way for us to the cross at Calvary where we see the Love of God in action, in Christ Jesus dying in our room and stead.
Is it might or power that saves?

No my friend it is Christ who saves through the workings of His Spirit. It is by grace that we are saved through faith, that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God. Can we add anything to it? No we dare not. Yet hardly a days goes past that I do not revert to my own 'good works.'

Where would I be if my Lord held grudges? Who would stand if He were to mark iniquity? How many more times will I let Him down? Will a day ever come when He will have had enough of me and my foolish ways?

NEVER!!!!

I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Thy sins and inquities I will remember no more.

Little wonder then folks that this Man is my Best Friend.

Is He yours?

Every blessing to you.
Your brother in Christ

Iain

Good morning, friends,

Thanks for the wonderful devotionals today. Thanks for the update on Earl. I am headed in to work, but wanted to peek in the door for a wave and a smile before I drive off to do the day's duties.

Have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Thanks for the birthday wishes, Janice!  And it's good to have an update on Earl.  I hope both of you continue to improve in your health matters, till you are walking in divine health!

Good morning to the rest of you who have already been in here.  It is starting out to be a busy day here, which is always good.

I think I will ride over to Hugoton with Darrel as he is going to LIberal.  I want to see my kids and grandkids today, even though the grands will be spending the weekend with us.  I sure do miss 'em!

It has been a strange week for me.  Very stressful, but with God on my side, I win!  The joy of the Lord is my strength!

Good Mornng.
Pat thank you for posting another segment of Jack's writings on the Psalm 23.

Iain you are so right about the way Jack paints a picture, It makes you feel that you are right there. Iain you are doing such a wonderful job posting here, your writings also paint a picture. In many ways you are telling us more about yourself and yet you are giving us Bible Study lessons.

We have 4 wonderfully prolific writers here and interpeters of the bible in You, Jack (through his beloved Pat), Papa John and Brother Al. Who could ask for more. Then there is Jerry who posts his devotionals, and well all of us do contribute our part in our comments. Thank you all .

TTYL

Hi everyone.  It is a glorious, beautiful, sunny day here in Georgia and I think we are to have several days without rain, which will be welcome as we are very wet down this way.

Pat and Iain, what great devotionals.  Both talked of matters we should consider on a daily basis.  

A few days ago I got the Billy Graham newsletter via e-mail and Billy was talking about what happens after we are born again and then sin and I think it fits with the devotionals today so want to share it:

Quote8. "Can a person be saved more than once?" Read our answer below

Some people who truly repent of their sin and receive Jesus as their Savior and Lord fall into sin and then feel that they must be saved all over again. This is not the case. The Bible says, "My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One" (1 John 2:1). "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).

Mr. Graham has said, "Christian conversion is the transformation which we experience when we are born of God. Since one is not born over and over again, we must think of Christian development in two phases: birth and growth. A child, for example, is born once. True, he falls down many times, but when he falls he doesn't need to be born again. His falls, his bumps and bruises are all part of growing. So it is in the Christian life. Birth is sudden, once and for all, but development is the work of an entire lifetime. We can be converted in a moment: the precise moment that we accept Christ. But it takes a lot of prayer, Bible reading, church-going, and Christian service to make a mature Christian.  Source:  BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION News & Special Events E-mail Update
Monday, June 16, 2003"

It is good to see folks posting this morning and to know that Pat got back safe and sound yesterday evening from her journey.  Judy, hope you and Norm have a nice trip this weekend and know you will enjoy the graduation of the grandchild.

It will soon be time to leave for my treatment and I just got back a little while ago from coffee with the men at the Senior Center.  Always a nice time of pleasant conversation in a very relaxed environment.  

Hi Everyone...

I'm so happy that you are enjoying Jack's little devotionals.  I'll finish the Psalm 23 ones and then give you a break again.    I so enjoy what you post early in the morning Iain.  

Larry, how long is the journey into the city where you get your treatment?  Is is far?  And how many times do you have to go now?  What a good quote you put in from Mr. Graham, Larry.  Thanks for that.

It's nice to see everyone.  Won't be long now, Marilyn, till you're moved!  I'm sure you'll enjoy that so much.

Janet, it's always so good to see the grandchildren, isn't it?  I'm certainly happy that my three are now grown.  I wouldn't want to be a young parent again bringing children up in this world.  What a job to do this!  Such sadness in the world and for young kids to be Christians at school now as a young teen is so difficult.

Great to see you posting, Ruth Ann.  Have a good day at work and we'll look forward to seeing you later on when you get home.

Great to have news too, Janice, of Earl.  Keep us posted and come in here as often as you can.  

 Cornelia is doing much better this morning.  She was released from the hospital and now is at home.  

- - - Papa John

That's such good news, Papa John!  I'm so happy to read that.  Praise the Lord for this!  

Amen!  This is wonderful news, Papa John!    Give Cornelia my love and keep lots of it for yourself as well!  I still keep you both in my prayers, for strength and health.

Praise the Lord, Sister Cornelia is home now. God is so good.

I am late getting in here today.  I spent the morning getting my property taxes straightened out.  They were mailed to my address in Greenfield...I have lived here 2 years come November.  Then they seemed high.  Called back.  I didn't file a Homestead Exemption.  I didn't know about it.  If I file before May 10, 2004, my assessed value will be reduced $35,000 but will not show on my taxes until 2005.  So I wrote out this huge check this morning and the check is in the mail!  This homeownership is not what it is cracked up to be!!!

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"Humor is the hole that lets the sawdust out of a stuffed shirt."

Cornelia thanks all of you for your welcome home.  I think I have a little problem.  She is supposed to take it easy for a few days.  But it isn't easy for her to take it easy.  The first thing she did was reach for her yellow pad and start making lists of things that need to be done.

We are having a nice day here.  Cornelia is home.  I am feeling better.  And of course our daughter Martha is off from school for the summer.  Life is good.  God is good.

- - - Papa John

Etta Sue, there are a lot of "home ownership priviledges" related to taxes and maintenance but the offset is that it is yours and you get to make the decisions.  

Papa John, that is indeed great news and sure Cornelia is glad to be out of the hospital.  It is hard to rest in the hospital.  

Pat, my trip downtown takes about an hour.  We leave the house at 11 am and so far the traffic hasn't been bad.  People are leaving the parking garage from morning appointments so we have been able to find parking without any difficulty.  My treatments last an hour and I have now finished 7 of the 35 so have 28 left to go.  I am getting used to them and the hour treatment goes by quickly as I visit with the nurse or listen to music on my little mp3 player or I can watch television.  

Hello everyone.  Sorry I don't post that much.  I don't have much time to.  Life for us is busy in the summer.  I am trying to keep up but sometimes it is so hard because I have a life with kids.  

We are doing good. Lila is talking more now.  She says ball, down, up, no no no, mommy, da da, bu bu for brother.  she still hasn't got her eye teeth yet but look like it should be any day now.  

Zachery is having another flare up with his crohnes disease and needs some prayers. he is going to have another treatment next week at the hospital.

Have a week end everyone.
Love Sonja

I'm so happy to hear that Cornelia is home!  Praise God for his goodness.

Sonja, it is great to see you popping in here.  Yes, life with four children and all your other activities would indeed be busy, especially in the summer.  Give them all a big hug, and hello to Mike!  And much love to you!

Abby is here and wanting something to eat.  Darrel has ribs on the grill, so I need to go find something to go with those.  Talk to you later!

RIBS MMMMMM Can I stop by for supper.?

Whew!  Now I had a busy afternoon also.  I called Jerry on the phone and told him I was going to finish my PSP lessons today, Week 6, and upload them to my website before I hit the pillow tonight.  I was beginning to think I was going to be up all night.  But it seems that when I printed them, I missed a few downloads.  But I have them all done and uploaded!  Halleluiah!!!  But I do have 11 Bonus lessons...not required but I have them...I might as well do them.  

Boy, it feels good to have those lessons done.  I should have never taken on that task with summer on.  Besides, I have house guests next weekend and can concentrate on getting ready for them....

Papa John ~ You know Cornelia is much better when she is making out her lists.  I am so happy that she is home and also, that your back is better, too!  Maybe you ought to tell her your back is better because you haven't seen a list for a few days...

Janet ~ Ribs?  Wonder how long it will take me to get there?

Sonja ~ I know how it is...summer is busy for me, too!  I haven't even been outside except when it is yard mowing.  Will have to change that soon!  BTW, when I drive to Calgary, I think I will be going through your town.  Hopefully, we can meet somewhere!!!

Larry ~ Sounds like you have your treatments down pat.  It sure would be nice if they had courtesy cars that would come and pick you up and take you back home.  The Eye Surgery Center in Indy does that.  Really a great jester.  They said they drive two hours away from the center for those courtesies.  But I know you like music so you are making the time fly while receiving the treatments.  The next 28 treatments will be done before you know it.

I pray that everyone had a blessed evening and a great night's rest to welcome a new day with our Lord.

Wow, Etta Sue. Really?  That would be great.  Where is Calvary?  And when are you going?

Well I have problems again. I came home from work and my pump isn't working so i don't have water. One tank is completely full and the other 1/2 full but it is the pump again. I called the Landlord, he said he would be up here either tonight or first thing in the morning. It was fine this morning, I did my laundry today as I have a busy day planned for tomorrow.
Just when I have so much to do I have a problem, Well anyway I know the Lord will take care of it, so I ain't gonna worry about it.

TTYL

Sorry about your water, Marilyn!  Boy, you'll be so happy to get moved.  How many days now?

Sonja, Calgary is in Alberta which is about north of you.  I'm going as well and driving with Judy and Norm McKenna.

Etta Sue and Pat, you both make me jealous.  Calgary is too far from Tennessee for me to go.

I know I haven't written much lately.  Maybe I'll do better beginning tomorrow.

It is good to see everyone.  Tomorrow is another day.  And Marilyn I'm sorry about your water problem.  It is hard to get along without water.  But you have the water of life.  


John 4:13-14  Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,  but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."(NIV)

- - - Papa John

Pat it is 21 days now, just 3 more weeks.

Papa John I am glad to hear that Cornelia is feeling better and making her lists. Yes I do have the water of life. How wonderful that is to have.However it will be so nice for me to have my own running water and the landlord up there is a plumbing contractor. So any problems will be dealt with right away. No more wells to deal with. I looked inside one of the water tanks this morning and it has a lot of rust in it, I wil lnot be drinking this water anymore I will be buying bottled water for the time I have left here.

Papa John ~ Calgary is too many $$$$$$$$$$ away from Indiana for me to get there.  

How I wish I could go to Calgary, too!  Maybe the next bash...........

Sure, Marilyn and Etta Sue, come on over!  The ribs were very good, and there are a couple left!

I'm feeling headachy and wrung out tonight, hope I get a really good night's sleep tonight.

Papa John, flex those muscles and get ready to tackle Cornelia's lists!  It's great that she's home again!

Hi Pat~!  Hello, Jerry, and you, too, Larry.  It would be so nice if we could all meet, wouldn't it?

Sonja, I sure would like to meet you and your family!

Abby is choosing the books she wants me to read her for bedtime, so I guess it's time to say goodnight here!