Christian Photographers Community

 



Morning Devotional...




Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel.
Amos 7:8

The Bible speaks of a plumbline three times.

A plumbline represents truth, the absolute standard of accuracy and revealer of what is false. God uses this metaphor to speak of His righteousness, the basis of His judgment on all that is not true.

This prophecy refers to Christ, God's plumbline. He declared God's absolute standard of righteousness and revealed what is false. He breathed out heaven and warned of hell.

Christ is the standard of truth, and the executor of judgment on all that is false.

Do you know Him?
—Sam Thorpe

 Ah yes. The plumbline. The standard that people forget.
we are so busy measuring ourselves by ourselves and against others
that we forget there is an absolute standard.

SONYA:  Couldn't happen to a nicer persom!!....CONGRATULATIONS!!...we LOVE you!

URSULA:  I'm heading right over to see what all you have posted.  LOVE THAT BEAUTIFUL EYE!!

Oh, my goodness, I wish I could go there, but time just will not permit. I worked 11 hours yesterday, then attended a minister's 82nd birthday celebration at a church dinner I was, of course, late for.

I won't go into lots of specifics, but God was so good to me yesterday at work. And, because of terrible asthma attacks I've not told y'all about, they decided to move me from my cubicle into an office with a door for health reasons. I've needed one for 3 years for the work I do, but there's a heirarchy of "offices vs cubes" and the HR definition of the work I do says "cube only."

Three annoyances will be taken care of - the constant calls from my client will not annoy others nearby, there's NO draft in there and with my door shut I can determine what temp to wear clothing for. Imagine - me, the coldest natured person on the planet working warm! And, I can look forward to relief from the asthma that almost causes me to pass out from lack of oxygen.

Isn't God Good - He engineered all this by very high executives and I did not need to petition for the move.

AHHHH - sweet relief.

One more thing. I said 2 day's vacation??? Think again, I must actually make a training trip to teach a new manager the work I do - and, it's in Atlanta suburbs (Marietta, Larry). So, my firm is paying for my gas and food tomorrow, AND, I am taking the day Friday to be with my precious granddaughters.

Y'all have a good weekend. I must drive down right after work tonight so probably won't be in until after the weekend.

Ruth Ann

Just wanted to drop in and say HELLO.  Well, tomorrow the test results will be in & so please everyone keep me in prayer that I get some good news & I will report in sometime tomorow with the outcome. So, take care & I must get somethings done around the house.  Till next time sorry for the short visit !

Liz ~ Yes, Ali and Inky are on Catster.com.  They have lots of friends on there.  It is a fun site to read through.

Matt ~ I voted.

Chris ~ Great bird picture.  Yes, what is it?

Larry ~ Me thinks that if the doctors didn't have us running around for tests and office visits, we would become very sedate!  Hope your tests come out negative for cancer.

Samantha ~ To me, every verse in the Bible can be used in life applications for today.  I like to check different versions of the Bible when trying to decided what verses mean.  Here is The Message...Matt 18:18-20   18"Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. 19When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. 20And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."  (Great picture, Samantha!)

Rachelle ~ Good to see you posting.  I see you have hubby busy.  Great to hear from you and your family.

Al ~ Right on, Al.  None of us like to be confronted but when we are confronted, then our actions show where our hearts are.  That doesn't mean we should agree with everyone but we should put God first in all we do.  WWJD!

Sonja ~ I know you are busy but isn't it wonderful to do work you love to do?  I am sure it will get easier as time goes by.  The rewards you receive are outstanding.  Great for your 1st Place standing. 

Janet ~ Thanks for the great news about Beth and Darrel.  Hope you got a great night of rest.

Pat ~ Thank you for the devotion today.  Plumbline!  Yes, an accurate measure we should all be measured by.

Ursula ~ Wow!           WOW!

Sonja ~ Wow!           WOW!

Judy M ~ Thanks for the email today.  I replied back.  Have a super fun time in Florida.

Ruth Ann ~ What an uplifting post!  I am sure you will enjoy your own office.  And a paid trip to visit your granddaughters?  God is good!

TBear ~ I am praying you have good news with your tests.  Waiting patiently for the news.

Well, today was trash day.  I bundled up real good since it was only 21°F at 7 a.m.  And I sure don't want more of this cold that I have.  Still taking medications for it.  Ivalou and I are going to the funeral home this afternoon.  The wife of one of our parents high school classmates passed away.  Us kids went to school with her kids.  So it will be nice to see them and give our condolences to the family.  Then I will be going to Jerry's.  Maybe out to get something to eat and then go to Small Groups tonight.  And, hopefully, I won't forget to post Thursday's NEM!  I will leave the pc on to remind me.

I agree with Etta Sue on Matt. 18:18-20. I am one of those who believe that all scripture applies to us today just as much as it applied to those at the time it was written.  God does not change, He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. In Hebrews it says Jesus Christ is the same ... Jesus is God therefore God is the same...His word does not return to Him void but it does what He sends it out to do. God said that. Do you believe that?

Why would we ask others to pray for us or to agree with us in prayer if Matt. 18:18-20 is not to be applied to us today?

Why would we have prayer meetings where all pray in one accord if Matt 18:18-20 does not apply to us?
Why would we believe in Supernatural healings if God were not the same today?

I could go on with these questions but I do not need the answers, my answer  is  Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. If He did those things then He will do them now. I believe that When two or three are gathered together Jesus Christ is in our midst.

Maybe the answer is in demoninational beliefs. My advice is to pray about it and let the Holy Spirit lead you and guide you as to the truth, after all He is the Spirit of truth..

Thank you Etta Sue and Marilyn for your insight.  We have friends who come to us asking for prayer for family members alot. (healing, salvation, etc.) Terry (my husband) will say (it's happened twice!) OK , let's agree right now in prayer (using that scripture) and both times the men have balked.  Terry says, how can you want me to pray for them for something if you wont agree to it!  It's crazy!  Difference in denomination I guess.

Thanks to all who have had comments on my question.  Any one else have a thought?


Hope everyone has a blessed day in the Lord, and all who have been sick are doing better now. ( I know my kids are better now! PTL!) 

Later,
Samantha

Thank you for all comments about my picture.  My daughter took it! (She is 9)

Babycakes, I, too, love your picture!  What a pretty lady you are.  And I agree that Matt.18:18-20 means EXACTLY  what it says!  We all need the prayer of agreement.  Right now, I am praying with my son-in-law and daughter about a big business decision they are considering, fully KNOWING that God will show them His perfect plan for them.

Beth's endocrinologist told her she may be steroid-dependent for the rest of her life.  We are NOT willing to accept that report!  We believe God will heal her of any dependence on those meds, so she can get the weight back off that troubles her so much, and get back to a much healthier life.  Her surgeon was pleased with her progress, but wants her to get off the walker before he does any further surgery.  He didn't agree about the dependence on steroids, either.

Darrel and I went and worked out for a full hour today, and while I was doing my final stretches, Kristi (our exercise guru/trainer/wellness manager) told me she is so proud of me.  She said "Very few people your age can do what you are doing!"  That made me feel good.  And I am feeling better---stronger, healthier, and much more energetic.  Now I am going to be more diligent in watching what goes into my mouth! 

Diane gave me a check last night for one of the framing orders.  I stuck it in my pocket, and when I got home, I couldn't find it.  So I need to call her and ask if they found it.    I'd hate to have to call my customer and tell her I lost her check! 

I must get busy.  I have asked my ladies to come paint today, because Abby has a program tomorrow during our usual class time, and she thinks Grandma needs to be there!  (So does Grandma!) 

Hello to all of you---will try to address you individually another time.  I'm sort of in a hurry just now.

Hello Everyone...

Just got up from lying on a heating pad so thought I'd quickly check my email. 


I've enjoyed the posts.   

Re interpreting scripture, etc.  I believe that always it must never be taken out of context.  You must read the whole chapter or the 10 verses (or any number) both before and after the verse in question to see who the writer was writing to when it was written, what was being discussed by the writer, etc.

This to me, is very, very important. 

Since we have different views and we're all sharing our different views, I found an article on the net about the subject and will read it more indepth when I'm feeling better. 

Prayer of Agreement

I found the beginning of it quite interesting so will read the rest later.  Maybe some here will find it interesting and helpful as well.

March 9   

Pastoral Ministry: I Know I'll Be in Trouble

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at
Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the
gospel of God in much conflict. 
--1 Thessalonians 2:2

It is good for us to remember how strong He is--and how weak we are.
I settled this issue a long time ago. I tell you I have talked to
God more than I have talked to anyone else. I have reasoned more
with God and had longer conferences with God than with anybody else.

And what did I tell Him? Among other things, I told Him, "Now, Lord,
if I do the things I know I should do, and if I say what I know in
my heart I should say, I will be in trouble with people and with
groups--there is no other way!

"Not only will I be in trouble for taking my stand in faith and
honesty, but I will certainly be in a situation where I will be
seriously tempted of the devil!"

Then, after praying more and talking to the Lord, I have said,
"Almighty Lord, I accept this with my eyes open! I know the facts
and I know what may happen, but I accept it. I will not run. I
will not hide. I will not crawl under a rug. I will dare to stand
up and fight because I am on your side--and I know that when I am
weak, then I am strong!"  I Talk Back to the Devil, 146.

"Lord, I'm convicted by Tozer's statement that he has 'talked to God
more than I have talked to anyone else' (and by my suspicion that in
his case that was literally true!). Help me to talk with You more,
and then to have the same commitment as Tozer toward doing what I
know I should do, even if I get in trouble! Amen."

---------------------------------------------------------------------
You are receiving this recurring mailing because you subscribed to
the daily Tozer devotionals from Literature Ministries International.

Thanks Pat, for the concise link, very good doctrine.
We must be very careful about using scripture to try and get  a Holy God to obey us.
He is in charge of us, not vice versa.
Yes, there are great and precious promises for all believers but a
"text taken out of context becomes a pretext,"
and we will just become frustrated if we keep on calling the shots with the Lord, then find out that we were in error with our doctrine.
regards Chris.

Quote from: Janet on March 09, 2005, 11:11:19 AM
Diane gave me a check last night for one of the framing orders.  I stuck it in my pocket, and when I got home, I couldn't find it.  So I need to call her and ask if they found it.    I'd hate to have to call my customer and tell her I lost her check! 

Janet - I almost have a similar experience.  Before we had left to come here to Belarus, we were at a pastor's meeting and a pastor handed me a personal check to bless us.  I stuck it in my pocket and never looked at it.  I forgot about it.  After we had been here in Belarus for 2 years, I put that suit coat on, stuck my hand in the pocket and pulled out two checks... One for $200 and one for $10.  Now what am I going to do?  I've still got the checks in my desk, almost 4 years later.  I guess I should shred them.  But I can't get myself to do it.   

Ohh, Mike!  I think that's happened to all of us at one time or another.  Lost cheques!

God bless you, Mike. 

Hi everyone.  I have been on the run all day long and still have choir practice tonight.  I wanted to stop by and catch up here on NEM as will probably be heading straight to bed when I get home.  I took Pat to the library and then she stopped at the fabric/craft store while I went to Wal-Mart (which is an exhausting experience I am starting to dread more and more as the store is so big).  We came home and I had time for a quick lunch then left to pick up my friend as we were teaching this afternoon at the Learning Center.  It was almost 5 pm when I got home. 

Janet, must comment that I was glad to read that Beth got a good report yesterday from her doctors.  Glad you are home safe and sound.   

I have enjoyed everyone's postings today and hopefully tomorrow I will have more time to comment on individual postings. 

Thanks Pat, for that really excellent link.  It certainly explains the situation thoroughly!  God bless it to us all!

I read the article too. Some of us here are also Word of Faith believers ( I know of one or two here) and Pentacostals who believe the way we posted. That article sure puts down those of us who pray with faith in the outcome. I never said I would pray out of God's will in whatever I am praying about as the article suggests.

The preahers named in the artical are all on TBN abnd either Word of Faith preachers or Pentacostals.Soem better than others and I do not agree with every one of them RW Shambach prays for money an a way that really  grates on my last nerve..

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QuoteI never said I would pray out of God's will in whatever I am praying about as the article suggests.

I'm not too sure what you mean Marilyn by this statement but when we start to pray for something, do we as Christians really know what the Lord's will is finally?  Or do we pray that we'll accept what the Lord's answer is for us in a certain situation?

I know that I'm often tempted to pray for a specific answer to a prayer request BUT that might not be what the Lord's answer is for that situation.

Oh, that I might learn to always accept what my Heavenly Father has planned for me and that might not be what I have in mind for my life.  I can't order Him to answer in a specific way to my prayers.

(This  writing is probably even more confusing to the reader today as I'm having a bad day here.)

Well, I have read over today's posts a little more carefully as my mind is a bit more clear since this morning when I posted  a little earlier (at least I think I did).  LOL


It was nice to see you posting Smokeythedog.  Thanks for your added comments about the plumbline...the absolute standard.


I guess you're busy getting packed for your holiday to sunny Florida, Judy.  It sure was nice to see you and Norm today.  I just hope that by the time you get home that I'll feel like driving and visiting and we'll have a really good "tongue wag" and see your photos you take.


Ruth Ann, so good to read of God's goodness to you in the workplace.  I'm so glad of your office move.  God is good--yes! All the time.


So hoping that your test results tomorrow will be good, TBear.  Thinking about you.


How are you feeling tonight, Etta Sue?  It's very cold here and tonight I must put the garbage out!  They come to pick it up on my side of the street at 7 am so it's too early for me to do it in the morning.  I sure hope that this winter will end soon.  I love that graphic below today's post, Etta Sue.  "May God embrace you" as well.


Thanks for the question, Samantha!  It's made for some good discussion in here.  I'm happy that your kids are better now.  I love that photo of you as well. 


Janet, thanks for the report on Beth's condition.  It's so horrible to try and get off the steroids.  I remember when Ian, my eldest, was on them when he was stricken with R. Arthritis so many years ago.  But he's off them now and it's wonderful.  So glad that the surgeon is so pleased with her progress and we'll continue to pray for our dear Beth.   What a horrible feeling to lose that cheque, Janet!  I've done that and it's such a terrible feeling.  Hope you have tracked it down.


What a great devotion today from Dr. Tozer, Chris.  Thanks for that.  It blessed my heart indeed.


I know I mentioned your situation, Mike, about finding the cheque after all this time...  but I don't think I ever mentioned your signature.  It sure made me smile today!  Thanks for the smile!


Larry, I remember so well how Jack couldn't get around the bigger stores without being completely worn out so my heart goes out to you as you walk around the huge Walmart store.  Take care my friend. 


Now, last week, on Friday, it was a sad day for us as we learned that Celtie, Rebecca's dog had died.  It's been a traumatic time for Rebecca who was younger than Celtie.  She's hardly been able to contain herself at times and was close to tears most of the time.

Well, I'd like you all to meet....

I am very upset about that article (link) which I read thoroughly.  I disagree with the writer whole-heartedly!  He is bringing false accusations against the brethren, which I understood to be the devil's job.    Anyway, naming some of the most prominent preachers in the world today and calling them teachers of false doctrine goes beyond the pale!!  If I thought all on this board agreed with those writings, I would never post in here again.

Yes, I'm upset.  But I am going to continue to pray about this matter, as I have for the past couple of hours since reading that........uh............stuff.  I have no desire to have any misunderstandings with people on CP whom I have come to love dearly.

This post is very mild compared to the one I wrote just after reading that.  And that being said, I will go away.  But I will be back, if only to defend those I have a great deal of respect for!  (Yes, I know, improper sentence structure, but what the hey.) 

It was not my intention to start any type of arguement of any kind.  I was just looking for answers.  As far as that article goes -  I scanned over it and did not agree with what it was saying about trying to make God do things for me.  But, I did not read it entirely.  I feel as if I have started a war and that was not in my heart to do.  I will go back and read it and pray about this until I'm sure in my heart what the answer is for me.

Please forgive me. I'll do better next time.

Have a blessed evening,

Samantha

Samantha, thanks for your post.  I don't feel that your question was trying to cause any disagreement on here.

I expect that when we are a group with differing denominational representation, this will happen when we try to expain our beliefs.  Please don't be upset.


I think we all need a {{{{{GROUP HUG}}}}}

I tend to agree w/Janet, Marilyn about the names that were named.  I don't think it's entirely necessary to say negative things about personalities.  There are many denominations represented here, and we will have disagreements.  Those disagreements are not necessarily bad, but they should be kept entirely within the realm of the Word and not personalities.

A little chuckle...



Name Those Twins 

A pregnant woman from Washington, D.C. gets in a car accident and falls into a deep coma. Asleep for nearly 6 months, when she wakes up she sees that she is no longer pregnant and frantically asks the doctor about her baby.
       
      The doctor replies, "Ma'am you had twins! a boy and a girl. Your brother from Maryland came in and named them."
       
      The woman thinks to herself, "No, not my brother... he's an idiot!" She asks the doctor, "Well, what's the girl's name?"
       
      "Denise."
       
      "Wow, that's not a bad name, I like it! What's the boy's name?"
       
      "Denephew. "

Thanks Pat for the devotional and the nice music.

This has been an interesting day on our site.  I remember when we had many days of people explaining their own particular way of following Jesus.  Also the ways that we differ.  It is good to remember that no matter the differences, we each feel strongly that what we believe is right for our own life.  Anger is not part of the equation.  So many people have left because they were not allowed to simply show their way of following Christ.      

Proverbs 16:3-4,9

Entrust your efforts to the Lord,
 and your plans will suceed.
The Lord has made everything for his own purpose,
 even wicked people for the day of trouble...
A person may plan his own journey,
 but the Lord directs his steps.

I happen to think the article was correct.  That shouldn't make me an enemy to other Christians who believe something else.  Nor are they my enemy.  To me, prayer is simply a two-way conversation with God that makes a difference in my life.  My prayer always ends with....in accordance with thy will, dear Lord.  That works for me.  I am always interested in what works for someone else!

Pleasant evening and God Bless.

Liz

I think that's an excellent approach, Liz.

Time to put the cat out and lock up today's NEM.

For Thursday's NEM, click here