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Morning Devotional...



Given to hospitality (i.e., practicing hospitality).
Romans 12:13

The origin of our modern word "hospital" is the idea of an inn for travelers. We currently use the term to refer to an institution for physical care with the view of healing in mind. Both ideas are included in the biblical gift of hospitality.

Our home and the local assembly should be an inn (place of rest and refreshment) for weary pilgrims traveling life's pathway, as well as a healing place for the wounded soul.

Look for opportunities to extend hospitality to the saints and hurting individuals around you.

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Heb. 13:2).
                                                                --William Gustafson


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I received this from a friend and felt it was too good to keep tp myself

A test of thought

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America contest.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.  These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.  But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten.  Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Now, here is another test. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped! you through a difficult time.
3. Name three people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of three people you enjoy spending time with.
6. Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you.

  Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the
ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are
the ones that care.

I Love my family. I love my friends, and I love you God.

The devotional today is very close to my heart. It is the story of my home.

Ms Judy Your story is one of forgivness and family. It is one of love.

It is my prayer today that I will know when I have not been kind to the ones I love. I hope they will forgive me. I hope they will always know it is not ever my wish to make them sad.  

Oh Meika  No one could be upset with you for long.  This is what life is about love and forgiveness and then forgetting.  

I had an experience a couple of years ago.  I felt God was asking me to forgive someone.  I was having difficulty doing that .  Then I felt God asking me to love that person. Again I had difficulty.  Finally in prayer I asked God to forgive me and I forgave out of obedience .  I asked God to Love that person through me.  He has.  I have a good relationship with this person today. When we have had tough stuff happen as it will the key is to forgive out of obedience and then let God love through you, knowing that we are not to keep track of wrongs.  This has been a hard one for me.

Love you Meika
Judy

Hi, there,

Shelby barked for me to take her out, so while I was awake I decided to check my favorite place.

About forgiveness. I dealt with a situation that was more painful than I can relate involving sexual abuse of one of my children by a trusted friend.

At any rate, the time came when I was going to have to be around that person. Oh, my! What strong feelings I had.

But God led me to the verse in the Lord's Prayer that says, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who tresspass against us."

Well trespasses are sins. Since my child was under age, I felt that not only had my child been violated but that I had been as well.

I finally had to face down my anger and read that verse again and again.

The word "as" is the one that was pivotal for me. "As" is a right-now kind of word. If I am to ask for forgiveness from Our Father in Heaven, at this very moment, I must also forgive the person or persons who have trespassed against me.

What a difficult moment!

So, I simply held up my hands in front of me, palms up. I placed my child in the palm of one hand and the abuser in the other.

Then I asked God to get ready to "catch" them - at that point I turned palms down. At that moment, I was relinquishing hatred and pain and all sorts of other emotions into the hands of a loving God.

I am not with that person even on an annual basis, but I can now be around that person without the slightest rancor, knowing that they're still safely in the hands of our Father --- as am I, as well.

Ruth Ann

Wow - seems I'm late today. Some enriching thoughts for me already today. Is there anything better then being a pupil in Christ's school?

There are no exams, no boring lessons, just the best Teacher ever!

'And blessed is she that believeth; for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.' Luke Chapter 1 Verses 45 – 47

This chapter is full of miracles. The angel meeting with Zacharias in the temple. The poor man struck dumb through unbelief, yet what joy when, well stricken in years his wife delivers a child.

It is the Lord who makes the barren, fruitful. He turns dry land into water springs. Then there is Elisabeth's child leaping in the womb in recognition of the unborn Christ.

I love to read and hear of examples of the Lord's children simply taking Him at His word. Mary is a perfect example of what I mean in this chapter and her reward is evident. Have you thought for a moment of what Mary was asked to believe?

If I were to put it into everyday language it would read something like this. Although you are engaged to be married to Joseph, and although you are still a virgin your womb will carry the Son of God. You Mary, will give birth to God in the flesh! You Mary, out of all the women on this earth have been chosen by God.  

I often try to imagine her initial thoughts and also those of Joseph when he is told.

Faith takes God at His Word.

How often do we pray fervently for things that are close to our heart, yet our prayers have no sooner left our lips than we are telling ourselves that this will not happen! Our prayers will not be answered because we do not deserve them to be. Our prayers will not be answered because we are so sinful. Is that our reasoning?

If it is then ask yourself this question using the same reasoning. Did we deserve to be saved in the first place?

We have to fight to keep the faith. It is a constant battle for us, yet there are times when we know and are fully persuaded that what the Lord has said, He will also fulfil.

Are we alone with our doubts and our fears? Judge for yourself my friend. Here are words on the subject from other Christians:-

'I think that I can trace every scrap of sorrow in my life to simple unbelief. How could I be anything but quite happy if I believed always that all the past is forgiven, and all the present furnished with power, and all the future bright with hope because of the same abiding facts which do not change with my mood, do not stumble because I totter and stagger at the promise through unbelief, but stand firm and clear with their peaks of pearl cleaving the air of eternity, and the bases of their hills rooted unfathomable in the rock of God.'

'Is it any wonder that, when we stagger at any promise of God through unbelief, we do not receive it? Not that faith merits an answer, or in any way earns it, or works it out; but God has made believing a condition of receiving, and the Giver has a sovereign right to choose His own terms of gift.'

'No praying man or woman accomplishes so much with so little expenditure of time as when he or she is praying. If there should arise, it has been said – ONE UTTERLY BELIEVING MAN, the history of the world might be changed.'

'Prayer without faith degenerates into objectless routine, or a soulless hypocrisy. Prayer with faith brings omnipotence to back our petitions.'

Will today be any different for us than any other day? It can be, and I pray that it will be.

Are you waiting for a long awaited answer to your petitions? Are you in such depths that you are desperate for a great deliverance? Are you prepared today to set your 'so called' reasonable arguments aside and simply take God at His Word? If so my friend, 'there shall be a performance of those things which were told you from the Lord.'

May you know the blessing of God that maketh rich and addeth no sorrow.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

wow good morning to all today.
It sure has been hot here this week...but am very grateful to the Lord.....for the rain and the heat...everything looks so green and luscious it is good for the eyes to see the beauty of this world even though at times all we hear about is the wickedness.....

I am grateful to the Lord for what He has given me and the times of beauty that He allows me to partake in....
God bless you all today.
In His Grace...Paulette.

Mieka ~

QuoteIt is my prayer today that I will know when I have not been kind to the ones I love. I hope they will forgive me. I hope they will always know it is not ever my wish to make them sad. [quote/] [/size] [/color]

I am in agreement with you and I pray I am  never unkind to a loved one, although I am sure I do say things sometimes that are taken different than the way I intend them to be.

Hi everyone.  We are to have our first day of 90 degree weather this year today.  It is sort of strange that we are in the South and those North of us are having hotter weather.

Iain, very powerful words this morning.  It is so easy for doubts to creep into our minds.  

Ruth Ann, a very powerful testimony in your posting today.  

Judyb, sometimes these little stories pack powerful messages.  Mieka, the same with your little quiz today and or so true.  Fame is fleeting.

Pat, do most cars in Canada not have air conditioning?  I remember when we were first married and were living in Oklahoma.  We had 30 or more days when it was over a 100 degrees everyday.  We didn't have any air-conditioning in our home or are car and my wife was expecting our daughter.  It was miserable.

The posts this morning have made me cry. Judyb what a tear jerker of a story. Iain your also brought tears to my eyes. It brings to my mind  what Jesus said to thomas. "You belive because you have seen me, blessed are those who have not seen me a believe" Paraphrased.
On a lighter note I thought you would enjoy this:
Smart little girl - You'll smile! If a child can get this, why can't we?

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.. The teacher asked a little boy:

TEACHER: Tommy do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see

the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see God?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. He doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy:

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she must not have one!

"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"
( 2 Corinthians 5:7)

Wow is all that I can say such powerful words for thought and all are so very true.

Marilyn what a wonderful comparison and we can be sure that even the teacher had her lesson for the day and many more to follow.

Blessings.      
Ruth

Good morning folks!

Just thought I would stop by to say hello.

Still pretty chilly here and will be till this weekend.  

The boys are out raking leaves for folks to make some money.  

Good New!  Lila Mae finally got her eye teeth.  Boy was that hard on her.  

Got to run.  Hope you all have a good day.  

Sonja

Marilyn That is soooo good.  

I home school my girls and that will be a good example of how evolution is taught.

Ruth we should get together for tea sometime!

How I wish I could say that to the rest of you,  That would be something having tea with Iain!

Well come to think of it I WILL be having tea with Brother Al and his wife Marbeth. I am looking forward to meeting them both in person. Al and I have spoken on the phone a few times and email fairly often.

Marilyn

I haven't been around for a few days..but what a devotional today!! The remarks from Meika, Judy B, Ruth, Marilyn, Iain, Larry, Sonifo, and the others.  Please know that today's feedback has been quite emotional for me to read.  I think that being able to forgive the "unforgivable" is one of the most neglected things we do.  Ruth Ann put it so well when she said she gave them to God and let God work through her..so powerful! Only a God of love, mercy and forgiveness can do this.  
Iain talks of doubt..another area in my life that needs continual work.  Thank goodness I can have a heaenly Father any time of the day or night with whom I can talk or pray.  

Meet us at Sacred Grounds, a local coffee/tea place.  And be there on time!

I wanted to post the following hymn.  It's found (for me at least) in the old Intervasity Hymns, page 101.

Come, my soul, thy suit prepare
Jesus loves to answer prayer;
He Himself has bid thee pray,
therefore will not say thee nay.

Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much

With my burden I begin:
Lord remove this load of sin;
Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,
Set my conscience free from guilt.

Lord, I come to Thee for rest,
take possession of my breast;
There Thy blood-bought right maintain
And without a rival reign.

While I am a pilgrim here,
Let Thy love my spirit cheer;
As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
Lead me to my journey's end.

Show me what I have to do,
Every hour my strength renew;
Let me live a life of faith,
Let me die Thy people's death.

Well, gotta go now - have to go to the dentist this morning!

Al don't tempt me!

It would take very little at this point to hop behind the wheel of a semi and do just that!

Better make sure there is plenty of parking!

I just stopped by to share my aunt's surgery update and to Praise the Lord for her recovery.
Please my post in Prayer request.

While reading Charles Stanley this morning; this message touched home..

May I share it with you for some meditating thoughts ??

Passing On the Good News
Psalm 107:1-2

Those who are saved by God's grace are called to accept Christ;s commandment to evangelize the world and become Great Commission believers. Matthew 28:19-20

Unfortunately, many Christians seem to become Great Omission believers instead.

Can you imagine a country filling a great ship to overflowing with all manner of precious cargo and then launching it to sea only to watch the ship repeatedly dock and never offload?

Silent Christians are much like such a ship. God has personally blessed believers with salvation and has imprinted within their hearts and minds the blueprint for eternal life.

Far too few of His children are willing to share that blueprint with others.

God wants all people to know about Him and His perfect plan of salvation through His Son. (1 Timothy 2:3-4; Romans 10:13-15)

You may hear a Christian defend his or her lack of witnessing by saying something like,

My faith is private. It;s between my God and me.

The next time you hear such a comment, ask the person to show you where that sentiment can be found in the Bible.

Each Christian has been entrusted with the good news of salvation through Christ. It is singularly the most important information in history because it offers the truth of the only door to heaven.

Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me (John 14:6)

All we must do is obey Him, step forward in faith, be willing to set aside worldly concerns, and simply talk about Jesus.

Hello everyone.  I've been doing some reading lately, and I wanted to get some peoples' opinions.  I was reading "The Tozer Pulpit".  One sentence in particular struck me.  He said, "Mentality is here, it's a part of us, and God can redeem it too".  

I want to know first of all, what you think he meant by that.  I have thought of the usual, "our thoughts can be changed, our focus is aimed at Him".  I just wondered, I know there is something more profound there, and I would love to hear peoples' thoughts on it.  Thanks.  Jen.

Hello all!!  Just poppin' in to say hey.  We are busily tryign to get ready to go "north" tomorrow.

Etta -- are ya ready?  are ya ready?  are ya ready/?

I'll try to get in later and post something more profound, or somethin, but I'm in a wee bit of a hurry right now!!

Good afternoon!!!!  My day has been turned inside out!!!  I was up very late last night.  My ISP connected but IE and Outlook wouldn't respond.  So I couldn't read or post last night.  I spent all evening running Norton, Scan Disk and defragging.  Mieka caught me late last night.  Sorry, Mieka, for worrying you but I was fine...just up late.  

Then I didn't get up until 8am this morning.  I had my coffee and Bible reading outside on the deck....I love that.  All of a sudden I heard a lawn mower....Ivalou was starting to mow.  So I got done with the reading and started my mower.  Between Ivalou and I, there was a baby Robin in the grass.  Big little guy really but couldn't fly yet.  When I made a pass by him, he would open his little mouth like I was Mommy bringing a big worm.  He did the same with Ivalou.  He would walk/waddle but always to where I hadn't mowed yet.  And his Mommy was really squawlking up in a tree.  Finally I got that part of my yard done.  

It was getting dark, then it would sunshine.  Finally I had a few more passes to make and I was done mowing BUT I noticed these big wet drops on the hood of my mower.  Rain.  It came down fast.  But I kept on and got my mowing all done.  By the time, I got the mower put up, the rain stopped.  If it hadn't have been for that little bird, I wouldn't have gotten wet.  But then I wouldn't have seen that little bird so it was worth getting wet.

Ivalou has been my hair cutter so I took my barber apron and comb to her house.  She cut my hair.  Here I was all dusty and stinky and sure didn't want to fix lunch.  So I got in my car and drove 8 miles for our lunch and brought it back.  Ivalou and I had lunch together.  So I didn't get online until way after lunch.

Sonja ~ Love your profile photo!!!

YES!!!  KARMA, I AM READY!!!  Don't forget your directions here!!!

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"Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever!"

Mercychild - Tozer was indeed a fine praecher with some deep thoughts. It is difficult to tell what he is trying to say when I do not knowe the context.

If I may have a guess at what he was getting at. The New Birth involves our whole being, our nature, our wills and our mentality.

There is no one on this earth who is so 'stubborn' (for want of a better word) in their ways that God through His Spirit cannot change.

I hope this helps.

A tea party sounds good to me. Is there a cafe in Greenland where we can all meet?

LOL

Well, here you are, Iain...

http://www.greenland-guide.gl/seamenshomes/dining.htm

"The seamens homes offer hot and cold meals, as well as coffee, tea and cakes, in our modern and relaxed cafeterias. Non-residents are just as welcome to have a meal here as our residents. "

Ha ha, brill sis!! Looks like I will need my tammy or perhaps you say woolly bonnet!!

Jen I am going to leave the response of your question to others with a better understranding than me.

Etta Sue I am sorry bout your 'puter.  It can be a real let down when things like that happen.  Also enjoy your visit!

How has the western weather been?  We have weather coming from Winnipeg, a system bringing relief from the intense heat.  We are havinf heavy winds, the hydro has gone out twice, so I don't have long on.  Those in the Guelph area and up thro to Quebec expect the thunder storms, and the bad weather.  Check out the weather chanel at the very least.

I am going off line again, if this weather system passes I will be back at ya!

Well, I'm so tired today but glad too that I can be of help to my friend.  It won't be as early a morning tomorrow.

Iain, does the Isle of Lewis have a cable connection or do you use dialup?

Hello everyone,

I do hope and pray that no-one minds me posting, but I am making a move very shortly and will no longer have internet access.  I was finding it quite difficult to believe that I may never meet up with any of you again, so I decided to send you all my christian love before my circumstances changed.

God bless you all.

Anthony.