Christian Photographers Community

 












 



Morning Devotional...

The Death of King Ahab
1 Kings 22:29-40  NLT

     29So the king of Israel and King Jehoshaphat of Judah led their armies against Ramoth-gilead. 30Now King Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, "As we go into battle, I will disguise myself so no one will recognize me, but you wear your royal robes." So Ahab disguised himself, and they went into battle.

    31Now the king of Aram had issued these orders to his thirty-two charioteers: "Attack only the king of Israel!" 32So when the Aramean charioteers saw Jehoshaphat in his royal robes, they went after him. "There is the king of Israel!" they shouted. But when Jehoshaphat cried out, 33the charioteers realized he was not the king of Israel, and they stopped chasing him.

    34An Aramean soldier, however, randomly shot an arrow at the Israelite troops, and the arrow hit the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. "Get me out of here!" Ahab groaned to the driver of his chariot. "I have been badly wounded!" 35The battle raged all that day, and Ahab was propped up in his chariot facing the Arameans. The blood from his wound ran down to the floor of his chariot, and as evening arrived he died. 36Just as the sun was setting, the cry ran through his troops: "It's all over--return home!" 37So the king died, and his body was taken to Samaria and buried there. 38Then his chariot was washed beside the pool of Samaria, where the prostitutes bathed, and dogs came and licked the king's blood, just as the LORD had promised.

    39The rest of the events in Ahab's reign and the story of the ivory palace and the cities he built are recorded in The Book of the History of the Kings of Israel. 40When Ahab died, he was buried among his ancestors. Then his son Ahaziah became the next king.
When are you tempted to think that you can hide from God?[/size][/color]

    Ahab could not escape God's judgment.  Ben-hadad sent thirty-two of his best chariot captains with the sole purpose of killing Ahab.  Thinking he could escape, Ahab tried a disguise, but a random shot struck him while the chariots chased the wrong king, Jehoshaphat. 

    It was foolish for Ahab to think he could escape with a disquise.  Sometimes people today try to escape reality by disguising themselves--acting differently, changing schools, moving to a new town.  When life seems rotten, trying to escape will make no difference, for you will only take your problems along with you. 

   Turn to God to help you deal with the true source of your problems.  He wants to help you through the "rotten" times and give you life in its fullest.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages[/i]

  Wow, you wouldn't believe what our weather is like. YUP!  We have about 5-7 inches of snow on the ground.  CRAZY isn't it? 
Tomorrow will make for a good day to make a snowman. 

Looking back on my life and the things that have changed in the past year.  Wow!  Talk about change!

I always knew I wanted to be a portrait photographer, but for some reason the dream didn't actually hit home until a few months ago.  My business is really picking up.  The parents love my photos and are coming back.  That is a good sign.    It is doing some major messing with my family life..lots of stress around the house.  I guess it comes with every new business.  Keep us in your prayers while we all deal with this.  Thanks, we need it.

Janet, looks like we'll be doing some work around our house too this month.  Fun fun! hehehe.. 

Howdee, Ruth. Glad you stopped in.   I don't watch the American Idol..heard it was a good show though.

Joyce, what a sweet gesture!   I do things like that, but not as often as I should I am sure.  That was very nice of you.  Have a wonderful rest of the week.

Nita, want to bring some of those flowers over here.   I want spring and now! hehehe..I guess I can wait.  Enjoy all those wonderful flowers.

Yikes, Larry!  You will be in my prayers.((hug)) I also read about the evacuation.  I wonder if that guy in the plane will get a big fine for doing that.

Etta Sue, sorry you are sick. Hope you get better soon. 

This is soooo cool!  My very own room.  I've never had double days before. lol

Etta Sue, you just rest and know you are loved. ok?  I'm so sorry this cold has you down.  Sometimes the body has to express what's inside, and sometimes we are not even aware of the stress until the body breaks down and gets sick.
You've been through a loss and it takes time to even face the changes that has brought.  Be really gentle with yourself , and take very good care of our Etta Sue. ok?

Good Morning I see we have two threads goiing for today's NEM Could one of the moderators go and bring Soni's post to this  area. Please??


My client Jan is not doing very well she is 92 yrs. I was supposed to take her to the beauty shop and shopping today but she called me last night to tell me she has not been well for a week. So I am  still going to her house I am just not taking her out today.

Versal may be going for a short vacation to her son's house in Clearlake for a week to try to get some of the family problems solved. I had to call Adult Protective Services on Tuesday. The triage nurse also filled out a report and the hospital social worker called APS too. Versal has not been physical abused by the dope fiend daughter but the emotional abuse is just a as bad. It will do her good to get away and get them cleared out of her tiny apartment.


Fay is doing well fiesty as ever.

WE had another great Bible Study last night on the Holy Spirit by John Bevere, it ws part 8 of a 12 part series on DVD.

TTYL

May 12 - Understanding the Times

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"And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment" (I Chronicles 12:32).

This chapter lists the numbers of men from each of the tribes of Israel who cast their lot with David in his conflict with King Saul. All these numbers are given except those of Issachar, but of these it was said that all their brethren followed their 200 leaders in turning to David. The reason for their unanimity in this decision was that these leaders "had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do." It was time to "turn the kingdom" to David, "according to the word of the Lord" (I Chronicles 12:23). God had given them a Benjamite, Saul, as king for a time, but now David had been anointed, and it was the time to give "the sceptre" to Judah, according to the prophecy of their father, Jacob, given over 600 years before (Genesis 49:10).

How desperately we need leaders today who are spiritual "sons of Issachar," understanding these times! Christ told the apostles: "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons" (Acts 1:7); it was more urgent that they proceed to witness for Him "unto the uttermost part of the earth" (v.8 ).

Nevertheless, He would return to the earth in some generation, and that generation should be expected (when they would see all these things) to "know that it is near, even at the doors" (Matthew 24:33). They could understand the signs, and even though they should never attempt to guess the date, they could "look up, . . . for your redemption draweth nigh" (Luke 21:28), when they would see "these things begin to come to pass."

The signs are everywhere, yet few of our leaders-Christian politicians included-seem to understand the real meaning of these times. Christ is "even at the doors!" HMM

Soni:  I thought your area had some more snow.  We had a bit of hail but no damage.  

Pat:  Your company is gone, I understand.  Isn't it wonderful to visit but a letdown when everyone leaves?  I so hope you can find a medical answer for your shoulder pain.  

I am enjoying High Calling of our Daily Work, here is today's short message:

Quote"None . . . Stumbled"
READ Psalm 105:37-42

Then he brought Israel out with silver and gold, and there was no one among their tribes who stumbled.

Psalm 105:37

In the world of nature, especially in times of stress, the strong survive and the weak are discarded. In the world of grace, there is none of that; the weak are provided for as well as the strong. Escape from Egypt is not a horror story of desperate scrambling, but a salvation story of gracious providence in which God gathers all his people to new life.

Prayer: "Lead, kindly Light, amid th' encircling gloom, lead Thou me on; the night is dark, and I am far from home; lead Thou me on: keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see the distant scene—one step enough for me" (John Henry Newman, "Lead, Kindly Light"). Amen.

Carol

  Wow, you wouldn't believe what our weather is like. YUP!  We have about 5-7 inches of snow on the ground.  CRAZY isn't it? 
Tomorrow will make for a good day to make a snowman. 

Looking back on my life and the things that have changed in the past year.  Wow!  Talk about change!

I always knew I wanted to be a portrait photographer, but for some reason the dream didn't actually hit home until a few months ago.  My business is really picking up.  The parents love my photos and are coming back.  That is a good sign.    It is doing some major messing with my family life..lots of stress around the house.  I guess it comes with every new business.  Keep us in your prayers while we all deal with this.  Thanks, we need it.

Janet, looks like we'll be doing some work around our house too this month.  Fun fun! hehehe.. 

Howdee, Ruth. Glad you stopped in.   I don't watch the American Idol..heard it was a good show though.

Joyce, what a sweet gesture!   I do things like that, but not as often as I should I am sure.  That was very nice of you.  Have a wonderful rest of the week.

Nita, want to bring some of those flowers over here.   I want spring and now! hehehe..I guess I can wait.  Enjoy all those wonderful flowers.

Yikes, Larry!  You will be in my prayers.((hug)) I also read about the evacuation.  I wonder if that guy in the plane will get a big fine for doing that.

Etta Sue, sorry you are sick. Hope you get better soon. 

May 12
The Habit of Having No Habits

If these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful . . .
—2 Peter 1:8

When we first begin to form a habit, we are fully aware of it. There are times when we are aware of becoming virtuous and godly, but this awareness should only be a stage we quickly pass through as we grow spiritually. If we stop at this stage, we will develop a sense of spiritual pride. The right thing to do with godly habits is to immerse them in the life of the Lord until they become such a spontaneous expression of our lives that we are no longer aware of them. Our spiritual life continually causes us to focus our attention inwardly for the determined purpose of self-examination, because each of us has some qualities we have not yet added to our lives.

Your god may be your little Christian habit— the habit of prayer or Bible reading at certain times of your day. Watch how your Father will upset your schedule if you begin to worship your habit instead of what the habit symbolizes. We say, "I can't do that right now; this is my time alone with God." No, this is your time alone with your habit. There is a quality that is still lacking in you. Identify your shortcoming and then look for opportunities to work into your life that missing quality.

Love means that there are no visible habits— that your habits are so immersed in the Lord that you practice them without realizing it. If you are consciously aware of your own holiness, you place limitations on yourself from doing certain things— things God is not restricting you from at all. This means there is a missing quality that needs to be added to your life. The only supernatural life is the life the Lord Jesus lived, and He was at home with God anywhere. Is there someplace where you are not at home with God? Then allow God to work through whatever that particular circumstance may be until you increase in Him, adding His qualities. Your life will then become the simple life of a child.



From My Utmost for His highest by Oswald Chambers

Good Morning from a sunny island.  We are enjoying lovely weather and everything is budding and blooming!  Including election signs, violent tempers and good old political slander.... 

That was a great devotional, Etta Sue.  So true.  (Everywhere I go, there I am!)  We surely do need to face problems head on and resolve as best possible. 

Wish I could resolve my daughter's health problems.  They keep getting worse and worse.  The only way she can get to see another specialist is because her lawyer made the appointment.  Meanwhile, the lawsuit with the insurance co. continues in a holding pattern. I am not much help at the moment, the osteoporosis medications are out...my system simply will not tolerate and only made things worse.  Have cut back on any sports activity and simply walk when possible.  Plan to do so this morning...nothing like a good walk to put life back on track

The yard is swarming with men putting in an underground water sprinkler system.  This will take away some of the work as it is a huge yard.  Misty is scared out of her wits and we had trouble getting her to come home.  Have put her out again this morning and hope all goes well.  We had a little chat and a lot of loving first......

Good devotionals, Marilyn.  Hope you find a new home soon and will continue to remember you in prayer.  I feel very blessed to be here, stressed, but blessed!!!

Pleasant day all and God Bless.

Liz

It is still morning but barely here in Indiana.  I slept around the clock.  I feel better, I think.  I haven't been up long enough to know yet.

Sonja ~ What about the job at Walgreen's?  Did you get it?  Would that interfer with your business?  When one starts a new business, especially a home business, it takes away from the family until things tone down.  You have an awesome family.  Talk to them...they will understand.  They all know your love of photography....each one of them has been your subject in photography.  I can only imagine how awesome your photography is for others.  Take some pictures of that snow.  Wow!  Rathey Wyoming than Indiana!   

Where is everyone?  I posted this NEM early and Sonja is the only one here so far!!!  HELLO???

Etta Sue - you are probably aware by now that you have started not one, but two New Every Mornings!  If I knew how, I'd combine them, but I don't know how.  Do you?  Anyway, there are many more posters this morning, but it you're just looking at one of the NEMs, then it looks like there are very few.

Thanks Al for alerting me to this...

I've merged the two topics.

I still have some company and it's difficult to get to the computer this week. 

I'm going to post in our Prayer area about close friends of mine--their son.  Actually, Bil Jenson is a member of CP but hasn't been posting for a long time due to other commitments but we can still pray for his son who has been in a coma for 3 weeks now as a result of a severe beating by 5 or 6 guys who broke into the wrong house. 

More later...

Thanks Etta Sue for the devotional.

This is amazingly much better, Pat!  Better check on Etta Sue, though, as she may have multiplied into two of her also!

Tell me what I did to make two topics and I won't do it again.  I thought I did it right but I guess that is what I get for thinking....

I noticed this wasn't stickied so I stickied this topic.    

Sorry, Al, there is still one of me.  Big enough for two but only one.  Maybe I need more rest.  Or less medication.  I didn't think the meds were mind-altering but who knows? 

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May 12   

Preaching: Eloquence

And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 
--1 Corinthians 2:1-2

There are few things in religious circles held in greater esteem than eloquence. Yet there are few things of less actual value or that bring with them greater temptation or more harm.

One qualification everyone expects a preacher to have is the ability to discourse fluently on almost any religious or moral subject. Yet such ability is at best a doubtful asset and unless brought to
Christ for cleansing may easily turn out to be the greatest enemy the preacher faces here below. The man who finds that he is able to preach on a moment's notice should accept his ability as an obstacle over which he must try to get victory before he is at his best for God and His kingdom.  We Travel an Appointed Way, 91.

"Lord, this is a vital thought, but potentially quite contrary to what we normally think. I know I need to strive for excellence in my communication--but never at the expense of humble reliance on the Holy Spirit to do the work. Amen."

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Good afternoon all.

Don't worry about double posting etta.  All of us make mistakes occassionally.  That is you allowance for this week.  I do want to echo the sentiments of someone else though -- take it easy and relax.  You have had a harrowing couple of months emotionally and physically, and you can't get over that overnight.  Love ya girl!!

Both of the kids are asleep (I was too for a while ) and the house is so nice and quiet.  I should be doing some "Stuff" but I am just relaxing until the tornados wake up again!!

Karma, we had tornadoes here last night, too.  One was just less than a mile West of us, then it went north, touched down seven times as it bounced around the place.  I heard it did damage to some outbuildings, but that is all.  Thanks, God! 

This has been a really busy day for me.  Had to take Beth to town, do some errands, then they called and asked me to come help decorate for the mother-daughter banquet at the Sr. Center.  I'm one of a very few who can still clime a ladder, so I have really had my ups and downs today!    We still have quite a lot to do tomorrow, but are starting again at 10 in the morning, so we will make it.

I think I better go find Darrel and let him know I am home!

We should all call,
'H-E-Y   D-A-R-R-E-L!!!!  J-A-N-E-T'-S   H-O-M-E!!!'

Don't worry, Etta Sue - if there were two of you it would just mean double blessings.  Because you ARE a blessing.

I finished reading all my email and thought that Karmat might like to know that Christianity Today has a number of articles about the church problem mentioned in previous posting:

Weblog: Baptist Pastor Accused of Expelling Kerry Voters Quits
Plus: Al Mohler gets extremely misquoted, stealing a church, Georgia's abortion waiting period, and other stories from online sources around the world.
Compiled by Ted Olsen | posted 05/11/2005 11:30 a.m.


It would seem that even the Christian world won't let the story die.

God Bless,

Liz

Hi, friends,

I've worked a teeny bit late this evening, so am breezing in to say hello. I've read all the posts. Thank y'all so much for writing. It keeps me connected.

Have a great evening with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Our CP Member, Bill Jansen and his wife Laura and their family are going through some very difficult times and really needing our prayer.

Here's the topic where I've posted about their son and brother, Joe.

Thanks everyone!

Hi everyone.  I have had a busy day so this will be brief as I feel my eyelids wanting to close.  This was my bi-monthly retiree's luncheon today and we had only nine turn out this time.  However, we had a very nice time and were all seated around an oval table so we all could speak to each other.  From there I went to Staples to try to clear up a problem with a rebate.  I did get the rebate but this evening I got another e-mail saying they were taking away another e-mail.  So will have to stop by there again.  I then went to the church and sang with the folks at the adult day-care center.  I had to come home and rest a bit.

While I was resting I had a very nice call from the national heart transplant coordinator for Kaiser up in Maryland.  I had misunderstood and thought this was someone outside Kaiser but this lady coordinates all of the transplants of various types for the Eastern part of the country.  We talked for 30 minutes or more and she told me my paperwork would be going to the Transplant Center at the University of Alabama in Birmingham tomorrow and that I should be called around the first of June to go there for two days of evaluation and futher testing.  Kaiser pays mileage for the trip, puts Pat and I up in a hotel for one night and pays a per diem to each of us.  Anytime I have to go their this same thing will occur.  If I get called there for the transplant then they provide an apartment for us for the entire time we are there.  I had no idea they would pay all of these expenses so that is a big help.  If and or when I go into the hospital we do have a $250 deductible but they pick up the rest of the expenses except for a $15 doctor visit fee each visit, which is our normal fee.  So everything is moving well through the process.

The bad news today was that I found out my daughters car has serious transmission problems.  It has lot of miles and I can't see putting a lot of money into it.  So we will be shopping for another car for her.  I really hate to car shop.  I have spent some time this evening looking at information on the Internet.

Sonja, it is nice to read that your business is doing so well and I know you enjoy the photos.  

Etta Sue, glad to read you were feeling better and certainly don't worry about opening two discussions today.  It keeps us all on our toes.

Liz, sorry to hear that your daughter is not doing well and that you are not tolerating the medicine.  

Think I will sign off for tonight.  Tomorrow is another busy day so need my "beauty" sleep.  

Time to lock the door...

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