Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


He who dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 
Psalm 91:1

Our passion to be alone with Christ in the secret place will determine our spiritual success or failure in the coming year. More than that, who we are, will be determined there.

Depth, power, endurance, compassion, reality, all these and more are found at His feet.

But will we be found at His feet? Satan will sparkle any distraction, impose any barrier to this holy place. He knows its fearsome worth. Time will fail us. Legitimate things will press us. But even our service for Him must defer to our time with Him.

Whatever befalls in 2005, commit to this now, "I will not forsake the secret place".
--S. McEachern







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"How sad it is to observe someone who has never lived up to his real potential. It is tragic to watch an individual who has great ability that is never used simply because he or she lacks the incentive to pursue a worthy goal. Similarly, it is disappointing to see a Christian fail to evidence spiritual growth of any kind. Scripture teaches that Christian maturity or Christlikeness is a process in which we advance from one level to the next, step by step. But the secret of such development is to have an intense desire to fulfill the purpose God has for our lives.


    'Higher Ground' has been a favorite with many Christians since it was first published in 1898. It expresses so well this universal desire for a deeper spiriual life, continuing on a higher plane of fellowship with God than we have ever before experienced.


    The author of this stirring text was Johnson Oatman, Jr., a businessman who wrote 3,000 gospel songs in his leisure time. Oatman was ordained by the Methodist Episcopal denomination but never pastored a church. His hymns were always well received, even though he was paid no more than $1 for any of his texts.


    Music for 'Higher Ground' was composed by Charles H. Gabriel, music editor of the Rodeheaver Publishing Company. He wrote the music and sometimes the texts for more than 8,000 gospel songs, many of which were especially popular in the Billy Sunday-Homer Rodeheaver campaigns from 1910-1920. This song was used often in the great camp meetings of this era and the singing of it would often bring forth shouts of 'Glory, hallelujah!'"


Taken from Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions © 2002 by Kenneth W. Osbeck.

Janet, I think you've discerned the situation pretty well with the family wanting help.  People don't always want to tell the truth.  It sounds as though your pastor has wisdom....offering what others can give.  Tell me......did they come back later, and how did it go?

Hey NITA!!  How often does this happen that we're both online here at the same time.   

I have had a pretty good day for the first of 2005.  Hopefully I will be up and about in time tomorrow to get to the church service that starts at 10 a.m.  This a new time for this church, they have been meeting at 11 a.m. 

I heard on the news that we may have 1-2 inches of snow in the morning!  Won't that be something.

My sister is visiting in Pleasant Hill <near Eugene> for the month and she won't be too happy with the weather.  She said she and her friend left Missouri to avoid the storms and ran right into one in Southern Idaho/Eastern Oregon.   We're hoping to get together at least for one day while she's "way out west".  She's thinking Florence would be a nice place.  Maybe after this storm passes. 

I went out with my neighbor this afternoon for pie and coffee.  A really nice way to begin the new year. 

Well, y'all have a great day with the Lord and I'll be back later to see how everyone's doing.

uary 2   

Personal Life: The Set of Our Sails

But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with
the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he
drank.... 
--Daniel 1:8

Though we do not hear much of it in this age of spineless religion,
there is nevertheless much in the Bible about the place of moral
determination in the service of the Lord. "Jacob vowed a vow," and it
was the beginning of a very wonderful life with God....

Daniel "purposed in his heart," and God honored his purpose. Jesus
set his face like a flint and walked straight toward the cross. Paul
"determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and
him crucified,"...

These are only a few of the many men and women of the Bible who have
left us a record of spiritual greatness born out of a will firmly
set to do the will of God....

Let us, then, set our sails in the will of God. If we do this we
will certainly find ourselves moving in the right direction, no
matter which way the wind blows.
The Set of the Sail, pp. 11-13

"Lord, today I renew the vow I made many years ago to serve You
unreservedly. I'm often pulled in other directions, but keep me
focused and faithful, undeterred and undefiled. In Jesus' name,
Amen."

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  ALBERTO

I am all ready to leave for church but thought I would stop in here before leaving.  I am thankful that it isn't foggy as it was foggy at sunset last evening. 

Today Jerry's daughter is to come to her dad's house.  So after church we will return to Jerry's and wait on her and the two grandsons, Ryan and Matt.  I know Jerry is anxious to see all of them as I am, too.  I have my camera ready to take out the door.

I believe that today we are to receive devotion books from church.  Both the teen minister and the Senior minister are starting on preaching the same subjects each Sunday and in two years we will have gone through the whole Bible.  Some people have never read the Bible through so this will be great for them as well as those who have read it from beginning to end.  Never can get too much knowledge of the Bible. 

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"Winter beauty belongs to those who make new paths beyond the blizzard."

 A beautiful day here in SC to start our New Year's first Sunday.  Will I ever catch up again??
I doubt it...but I can start over.
I pray that all have had a wonderful New Year!  I am going to continue setting goals to accomplish this year like....read the Bible through again, learn a new verse each week (& hopefully remember it), diet, exercise and visit once a week a shut-in. 
A blessed day for all.

The song and devotional today is just what I needed for my goals.  Thanks to you, Pat

Whatever befalls in 2005, commit to this now, "I will not forsake the secret place".

Good Morning. Happy Lord's Day. Another wonderful day to spend with our Lord at the altar in prayer before church. This is the day the Lord has made lets us rejoice and be glad in it.

Nothing else is new here today.

TTYL

Good morning, friends,

Welcome to our newest members. You've joined a wonderful group, as you probably already know.

Please jump right in with participation. We're thankful you're here.

Y'all have a good day today. I'm going to try to make it to worship. My hip and back are quite painful.

Ruth Ann

Another chilly day on the island.  Misty is happily playing in the snow!  I am staying inside, far from the ice and possiblilty of landing on sensitive parts.

It was not my plan to use the computer today.  Often stop by to read the devotionals....not post!  Especially liked: 

QuoteLet us not be content to wait and see what will happen,
but give us the determination to make the right things happen.
~Peter Marshall~

It is my personal belief that much of what happens is determined by our faith and ability to put it into practise in practical ways.  As Romans 8:28 states:  And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.  Of course, we also need to be obedient.....

Actually, I come with a question.  Possibly one that Pastor Al can aswer? I am a voracious reader and enjoy both fact and fiction.  Providing it is fiction of good quality.  At the moment I have again discovered the writings of James A. Michener, as mentioned in a previous post.  This book is rich in detail and like most of his books, well researched.  The book is ' Recessional' and is about living in a retirement facility, dealing with many people, problems, etc.  The part that I find interesting (at the moment) is a chapter that states Mary was not conspicuos in the Catholic faith until 431 A.D., either in their Bible or in Church doctrine.  Of course, this is one of his characters speaking......As a Baptist, I am not all that familiar with the Catholic Bible...tho' realize there is a difference.  Not in the importance of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit.  The difference being in the doctrine....I only know that Mr. Michener is an outstanding academic.  Do not know if he is a Christian.  So, I am wondering if indeed, this is an true statement...or fiction??? 

I hope this is not a subject that will create a problem.  If so, please delete the post!

God Bless.  Liz

Liz, that is a very interesting question.  I also will be interested in the answer, if anyone can answer it.

Nita, we didn't go to church this morning because we had to take Beth's friend, John, to the airport in Dodge City.  But tonight I will ask if those people came.......Beth said when they came to get the futon the wife came in and sat down and just expected John to help her husband haul it out to their vehicle.  She said the wife acted "really wierd".....whatever that may be.

It turned quite cold here, and last night it froze Darrel's watermelon and pineapple he had out in the garage.  Doesn't often get that cold!  Waaaa!!  I wanted some fresh pineapple, too!

I see Pat has looked at the Thailand photos----thanks, Pat! 

I think I will put in a cd and see if I can prepare more to post.  So much more I would love to share........

Thank you Chris for that verse:   Psalm 91:1  He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.  That's the safest place to be in 2005!  With all the trials and tribulations happening already in the new year let's all put our commitment and trust in the Almighty God,  Jesus Christ our Saviour.   

Raining here January 2nd!   The weather and the world is upside down.   Praise God for Jesus.

God Bless

Love Ruthie

Hi everyone.  This has been a very nice day for us.  I slept in until 8 am this morning, something I seldom do, and then we went to Sunday School and church.  Then we went out to eat and had a very leisurely lunch with 8 other friends.  When we came home I laid down again and had one of those little naps that are so refreshing.  Obviously note and exciting day but one of those that are just most enjoyable.  Pat is watching a video and I am listening to some music.

Janet, that was an interesting experience with the couple at your church.  Perhaps you will never know what the need really was or the reason but it sounds like your church stepped forward to meet a perceived need and you all will benefit from your giving regardless of the need.

Liz, I remember reading that James Michener book a number of years ago and it was one story that has always stayed with me and caused me to think a lot. 

Welcome Alberto to CP.  I look forward to seeing you post and having the opportunity to get to know you.

mmmmm!!
One of the most important meeting of Christian history was held in Ephesus in the year 431. The main argument was whether that Virgin Mary was the mother of God Christ or Human Christ. There were a great division between the participants of the meeting. The division became more apparent after the meeting. Emperor Theodosios ordered another meeting in the Virgin Mary church. This was the first church built to her name. More than 200 religious leaders came together. It took more than 3 months to reach to a consensus. During this meeting, it was officially recorded that the Virgin Mary's grave was in Ephesus.

40. In the year 1931 the same pope Pius XI, reaffirmed
the doctrine that Mary is “the Mother of God” ...............................1931

This doctrine was first invented by the Council of
Ephesus in the year 431. This is a heresy contrary by
Mary’s own words. (Read Luke 1:46-49; John 2:1.5).

41. In the year 1950 the last dogma was proclaimed by
Pope Pius XII, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary ............................. 1950

http://www.auburnalabama.org/library/christian_authors.htm

http://www.weddingguide.co.uk/articles/wordsmusic/hymns/hymn-bindustogether.asp

The Vote this morning was a unanimous YES for Pastor Danny Formahl. We have a new Pastor.  Hallelujah.

Liz - it appears that Chris has well answered your question.  Mary was indeed the mother of the humanity of Jesus, but it is not true that she is the "mother of God."  Simply put, God has no mother.  He is GOD, which means that He is self existent, and that He is not "contained" in His universe.  Rather, the universe in contained within God.  It must be obvious that such a Being needs no human mother.  Not that we can somehow divorce the humanity of Jesus from the Deity of Jesus - we cannot.  His human nature is indeed a mystery, and it must remain so for us.  And yet that humanity is also very real, so that, as the ancient creed says, He is very God of very God, yet He is also the Man Christ Jesus.  The best thing we can do is to leave it a mystery and concentrate on worshipping and serving Him.

Quote from: Al Moak on January 02, 2005, 06:10:30 PM
Liz -

Iit appears that Chris has well answered your question. Mary was indeed the mother of the humanity of Jesus, but it is not true that she is the "mother of God." Simply put, God has no mother. He is GOD, which means that He is self existent, and that He is not "contained" in His universe.

Rather, the universe in contained within God. It must be obvious that such a Being needs no human mother. Not that we can somehow divorce the humanity of Jesus from the Deity of Jesus - we cannot. His human nature is indeed a mystery, and it must remain so for us. And yet that humanity is also very real, so that, as the ancient creed says, He is very God of very God, yet He is also the Man Christ Jesus.

The best thing we can do is to leave it a mystery and concentrate on worshipping and serving Him.

Thanks Chris and Al for replying to Liz.  I find that we learn so much from some of the questions asked in here and the replies posted by our dear brothers.

Thanks again!


(I added the space in the above quote so it can be read more easily.) 

 Well my guest is gone now and I do not know when we will be together again probably not again untill June or July.It was a wonderful time of blessings and laughter and I loved every minute of it I sometimes would like time to stop so I can just savor it but I guess all good thgings have to stop .The plane was so small and so many bags he did not even have his aboard when he left so I sure hope his bags get there when he does.I am really having some bad leg pain today so please add me to your prayers ,I can hardly stand up or bear weight on my legs for some reason.I want to wish all of you the Happiest New Years  wishes for 2005.Love you all and thanks for being here,Beth

We woke this morning to a covering of ice followed by a good portion melting but it became a stay at home day just the same.

Ruth

Thanks Chris & Al for your answers.  Yes, I agree that we don't need to question God.  It is man's doctrine that I wonder about!  That can also be left for God to settle.....

God Bless.
Liz

Folks, thanks so much for clicking on the Google Ads.

Please go to the Photography section and click on some?  I think that they pay more!  LOL

It has been a great day here on this first Lord’s day of 2005.   We attended an excellent Bible class this morning on 2nd and 3rd John.  The worship was great as we sang beautiful songs and shared the bread and the cup, as we prayed together and listened to a wonderful lesson from God’s word.

After the regular contribution we had a special contribution to aid the suffering people in Asia.  At our service tonight it was announced that $29,000.00 was given.  This kind of response is typical of Christian people all over the world.  It is hard to conceive of any good coming out of this terrible tragedy.  But the human suffering which is seen on TV does remind us that one important part of the Christian life is that Christians share with poor and unfortunate people who are suffering so much.

Cornelia and I starting the third year of reading the Bible out loud.  For years we have had our private Bible reading.  But this has been a special blessing to read the Bible together.  As Pat suggested it is a good time to begin a program of regular Bible reading.

2 Tim 3:14-17
14   But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15   And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17   That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  (KJV)

--- Papa John          <)))><<   
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Our church also voted unanimously to call the pastor who was here for a candidate weekend.  Now our prayer is that he accepts the call.  I have a really good feeling about it; I think they will come.  Praise God!

I have spent nearly 6 hours compressing and sizing photos, so you will be seeing a lot more of Thailand in the coming days.  Right now, my eyes have had enough!  And still have our devotional time together to do, as soon as Darrel turns off the TV---------which he just did, I think!

Pat, that is so cool how the ads follow what is said on that page.  I just clicked on a couple about elephants, on Vol. 5 thread of Thailand Photos! 

Quote from: Janet on January 02, 2005, 09:59:28 PM



Pat, that is so cool how the ads follow what is said on that page. I just clicked on a couple about elephants, on Vol. 5 thread of Thailand Photos!

Thanks Janet!

I appreciate that.

Really looking forward to seeing more of your Thailand photos.

Time to lock the door...

See you all tomorrow!

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