Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray Me. Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom He spake.        
John 13:21-22


Judas, a non-believer, walked with Christ for three years as one of the disciples. He blended so well that when Christ told them that one of them would betray Him, they were mystified as to who it might be.

No mention is made that Judas was singled out for suspicion. It is possible to blend well with believers in Christ but to never personally accept Him as Saviour and Lord.

Having a Christian family or associating with Christians does not save you.

Are you a blender or a believer?    
                                                             ~David J. Logan~



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Hi everyone.  I think this is a first for me to be the first person posting for the day.  I woke up early and couldn't seem to go back to sleep so decided to get up and do my Bible reading, which I have done.  Today's reading finished the book of II Chronicles.  Over and over the kings of Israel and Judah did evil in the eyes of God and then there would be kings who would bring the peoples back to observing the laws of Moses and would destroy the false gods.  I think one of the main things I have gotten from reading these chapters is how easily the people were lead astray and how powerful God is to look out for his people when they truly place their trust in him and follow his ways.  This is certainly still true today.

Once again last evening we had a lot of thunder and lightning and heavy rain as the spring storms moved through our area.  This is normal for us this time of the year.  We sure do not have a drought now.

Beverely, I am glad to see you found us again and also that you are enjoying your time in Florida.  Will you be returning to Vermont (hope I remember correctly) for the summer or are you now residences of Florida full-time?

I am about three quarters the way finished with the first book in the "Left Behind" series and todays devotional certainly fits with that story that starts with the Rapture.  I am finding the book so interesting to read and have spent the last two evening with it.  It presents a powerful Christian message and is very thought provoking.  

I have some webpage work to do for a couple of webpages I maintain for volunteer organizations.  I think I am also going to get involved in maintaining the webpage for our church as we don't currently have a webmaster.

Hope everyone has a good day today.  I had better read the other discussions here and get caught up.  

Good morning, Larry!  And I thought I might be first today!  Beth and I are going to Walsh, Colorado today to attend a Bible Study Seminar on Breaking Intimidation.  It will last all day, but I must leave by 5:00 my time, 4:00 Colorado time, so I can get to Hugoton in time for Abby's dance recital.

I hope everyone has a great day here on CP!

Larry, I'm so glad you are enjoying the Left Behind book.  I know we surely enjoyed them, and I feel they are solidly based upon the scriptures.

Janet~I didn't realize you lived that close to me.  Where do you live again?  I hope you had a fun time at the seminar.

Larry~Good morning.  I have also read listened to the left behind books.  This devotional reminded me of the first book.  I just resently watched the movie.  

My family is going to Devil's God's tower today to get some pictures and look around.  I hope you all have a good day.
Sonja

It is feeling sort of lonely in here.  Where is everyone!

  I am here but I try hard to be quiet today.

It is a very big rain here today so I can not go for my run. I will read my book today and work on a pictures I will like to share.

I hope it is a wonderful day today for everyone.

Hey Mieka, good morning!!

Get your rain boots on a go running anyway. hehehe

Sounds like a perfect day to do some reading and picture messing.  Have fun.

Good morning everyone, Beverly hi, glad you finally got clicked in.

Pat~ Great Devotional.

I am going away today again so I will be way behind by the time I get home I know!

I would like to share todays Daily encounter with y'all!

UNANIMOUS ANONYMOUS

"Instead, we will lovingly follow the truth at all
times--speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly--and so
become more and more in every way like Christ." (Ephesians
4:15, TLB).

I heard what I thought was a very funny ad on the radio the
other day. The announcer was discussing something with a
make-believe Unanimous Anonymous support group. Like many a
funny ad, I enjoy the ad so much I don't have the vaguest
idea what product and/or brand name they are selling.

However, this ad reminded me of people who always agree
with everything you say--whether they mean it or not. They
can drive you nuts. I'm talking about people pleasers who
always want to please you. They will give you the answer
they think you want. They fall over backwards to help you
even when you don't want their help. Or give you things you
don't even want. I'm sure you've met one or two in your
life. Sometimes they are referred to as "yes" men.

Actually these people are untrue to their own self because
they are very insecure and have an over-zealous need to
please just about everybody in a vain attempt to get
approval which they substitute for love. In other words,
they don't have a healthy sense of self-love and
acceptance.

The reality is that until we can love and accept ourselves
in a healthy way, we cannot fully love and accept anyone
else because we can't give what we don't have.

The way we grow in self-love starts by getting real; that
is, by being honest with ourselves and admitting that we
feel insecure and don't have a healthy sense of self-love
and acceptance. Once I admit that I feel insecure, I can
stop trying to prove to myself that I'm okay and get off
the endless merry-go-round of trying to please everyone.
This can be incredibly liberating. Furthermore, it's the
only way I can do anything about my problem.

Then I need to admit how I really feel to at least one or
two trusted, non-judgmental and supportive friends who
won't judge me or tell me I shouldn't feel the way I do. (I
feel the way I do because of who I am which has nothing to
do with whether I should or shouldn't feel the way I feel.
When I am courageously open and honest about myself with
these trusted friends and they love and accept me exactly
as I am, little by little in time I learn to love and
accept myself.

It also helps to realize that God loves and accepts us
exactly as we are. But he also loves us too much to leave
us as we are. He wants us to grow and become whole so his
love can flow freely through us to others. However, until
we love and accept ourselves God's love is blocked or
hindered from flowing freely through us.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to be real and
help me to find a loving, accepting, non-judgmental friend
or two with whom I feel safe to share my real self. Through
their love, and knowing that you love and accept me as I
am, please help me to love and accept myself in a healthy
manner so your love can flow through me to others without
being blocked or hindered. Thank you for hearing and
answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

<)))><<

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Mr Sowers, I love these words. I think I have a troubles sometimes too.
for me it is fear,
it is shame
and it is love
I hope God will take me as I am, and I hope I can one day be more strong where I need to. I do try.

Mieka - it's good you have a book to read.  Is it the book that was recommended on here?  If it is, then it's a good one.  I pray you will be blessed.

Thank you Mr Moak, it is "Eternity in their Hearts"
and I know I am blessed today Mr Moak, I have you as my friend.

Good Morningl
Jerry thank you for sharing your devotional with us.
I have a busy day planned, I have to take Gitsie (the Shih Tzu) in to Apple valley to a new groomer, Her groomer has hurt her back and can't work for awhile. So this will be an adventure. I hope she doesn't bite anyone, she bites from time to time in her old age. She is almost 11. While I am in town I will try to find a place to have my front wheels aligned. Then its back home for a late start on my housework. Senior Employment has increased my hours to 25 a week starting Monday through June. So I will not be off on Wednesdays unless I work more hours each day in order to keep my Wed. off. So I'd better get busy and get myself ready to get on the road.

See you all later

I usually get to say good morning to everyone, but today it is nearly evening.  I was late for my college class this morning and had to run out without even having breakfast (didn't finish until 2.00pm either )

It is good to see so many people posting.  I feel terrible that I don't answer everyone post, but we seem to be getting too busy, and that's a good thing.

It is raining over here in the UK too and we couldn't get much photography done in class so it was in the darkroom again.  There was only three of us so it was not too crowded.  That was good.

I was looking at the bi-monthly photography challenge again and all of the lovely photographs of the mothers and grandmothers.  It got me to think of how my mother has turned from atheism.  Isn't it wonderful what God can do?  She doesn't have her photograph taken these days because she looks very pale, but I will  have to dig some old ones out.

God bless everyone and it's been great to read the messages from last night and today.

Anthony.

Thanks, Pat, for the link about Easter.  I was thinking it was derived from Greek or Italian words but didn't think it would be from pagan God or Goddesses.  But that kind of makes sense if you put yourself back in those days.  Explaining something with something that they understood.  Makes sense.

Mieka ~ You bring sunshine to this forum.  I love you.

Nita ~ It is sad when you lose or give away a pet.  Is Katie close enough for you to visit?  That would be nice to see her from time to time.  But what a wonderful family that found Katie.  She will be a very happy pup and God is looking out for both of you.

Good to see Beverly posting.  I see you are still in Florida.  Are you going to Vermont for the summer?  Edit:  I see Larry asked the same thing.

Today's devotion is very moving.  I heard someone say that some 'Christians' play 'churchianity'.  They appear at church so everyone thinks they are Christians when all they are after is the attention they receive from other Christians at church.  They like the fellowship.  I sometimes wonder about that.  We have a lot of church goers that never hear a sermon on a Sunday.  I know we need Sunday School teachers, leaders etc. but I feel that sermons are a must....at least for me.

Larry ~ Are you reading Armaggedon?  I have it but haven't started it yet.  Reading another fiction book at the time.  Ooops!  I just re-read your post.  Are we going to have another person hooked on the 'Left Behind' books?  I know they are fiction.  But they do follow Revelation.  But they are so graphic in their words...you can 'see' Rayford, Cloe, Buck etc.  Hope you got a library book.  

Sonja ~ I have been to Devil's Tower.  A remarkable creation of God.  All of a sudden here is the uprising of stone that makes Devil's Tower.  I don't remember the myth about it or the Indian myth.  Maybe you know it or will learn it today.

Mieka ~ I can see you curled up with your book on this rainy day for you.

Marilyn ~ Good morning.  I am glad that Ali does her own grooming.  

Anthony ~ We would love to see a photo of your mother.  How is she doing these days?

Jerry is here and we are going out to eat and maybe do some shopping.  And he got another hug.  

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"If at first you don't succeed, see if the loser gets anything."

Etta Sue wrote:

QuoteJerry is here and we are going out to eat and maybe do some shopping.  And he got another hug.

Now what's Jerry got that all of the rest of us hasn't

Thanks for asking about my mother Etta Sue, she is quite a fighter I can tell you that much.  She never stops doing some work, no matter how ill she feels.

Anthony.

Hi everyone, I haven't been around in a couple of days. All is well, I've just been busy. I've been looking at all the wonderful photos this morning. I'll be back later in the day. I should get busy for now though.

Denise

Denise, it's so good to see you posting today and I am glad all is well with you.  We have been wondering if you and yours are all ok.  It is difficult to fit everything in to our schedules isn't it, but so good that  you were able to post today.

God bless and see ya later.

Anthony.

Good afternoon,

Yesterday I had the MRI test.  No one told me it was going to be about 40 minutes inside that machine with it making all kinds of horrible noises.  Wow!  I was laying on my back and my back was hurting and I couldn't move to a more comfortable position.  Anyway it is over now and I hope they can find out what my trouble is.  Of course, they couldn't tell me anything but said they would send the results to my doctor.

It is good to see so many.  I wish I could answer each one and mention everyone's name but I can't do that this time.  I hope you all have a good day.

- - - Papa John[/b]

Mieka,

I would like to add a few things to what others have said in response to your question about the condition of those who have never heard the message of Jesus.   I tend to agree with Anthony who wants to believe that in the love and mercy of God that somehow God, in his fairness, will take into consideration the hearts of those who never hear the gospel.   We know that God is love.   We know God will do right.

I spent many years preaching to people in America, in Europe and in Papua New Guinea because I know God wants everyone to hear so they can have faith and accept the message of Jesus Christ.  People are lost in sin.  They are not lost because they have heard the gospel and rejected it.  They are lost because they live in darkness and need the light of Jesus.

You want what God wants when you say you wish everyone would go to heaven.
2 Pet 3:9  The Lord is   . . . . not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  (NIV)  1 Tim 2:4  who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (NIV)

We must remember that the gospel is God's power to save.  (Rom. 1:16)   And we must remember that the only way to come to God is by Jesus.   John 14:6  Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  (NIV)

So sometimes the question comes up, "Do you think this one or that one will be saved?"   "Do you believe that so and so will be lost?"

I always say that God did not make me the judge.  He will judge the world through Jesus.    Matt 7:1  "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  (NIV)

There is a passage which gives us reason to believe that God will judge people according to the light or opportunities.  

Rom 2:13-15  For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.  (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law,  since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.)  (NIV)

Regardless of what conclusion we reach about the condition of those who have never heard the gospel, what God wants us to do is clear.  He wants us to believe and obey, to follow Jesus as to do our best to live as God wants us to live.

Mark 16:15-16  He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  (NIV)
Matt 28:18-20  Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(NIV)

- - - Papa John

What a morning. I dropped Gitsue off at the groomer and went to Goodyear to get the alignment, $150. later the car is aligned and  there is a new CV boot on the left front. They tried to get me to have all kinds of other stuff done. But I told them Not now.

Gitsie looks so funny, like an entirely different dog. She got ALL her hair cut off exctpet for so me eyebrows and her tail. She has less hair than BeBe and beBe is a shorthaired dog. At least they didn;t shave her completely bald tothe skin.

Now I have to get my Saturday chores done so more later.
Marilyn

Hi Everyone!

Well, this morning the phone woke me up.  I didn't answer it the first time as it was 7 a.m. and I thought to myself that no one I knew would be phoning me at 7 am on a Saturday morning!  So I turned over and fell asleep again!

Then at 7:15 the phone rang again and I didn't bother answering.

Then about 10 minutes later it started to ring so I got up and answered it and it was Andrew and he said, "Mum, are you getting ready?"  I had no idea what he was talking about and then I remembered that his assembly was having their annual breakfast up in Elmira and I had been invited!  So what a hurried preparation I had to get ready.  Andrew and Terena picked me up about 20 minutes later!!!

We're just in now.  We went to Mennonite area and St. Jacobs and walked around the shops and now they are on their way home too.

Now, I'll go and read the posts!!!

Papa John, it's sounds like the tests done on your back were quite an ordeal.  It's reassuring to know that it will give the doctors the insight they need to help them give the correct diagnosis.  I pray that this will get sorted out.

Thank you for your insights into the scripture.  It says somewhere in the psalms that at the entrance of thy word cometh light.  The word of God seems to bring clarity to our confusion over issues and questions, so thank you for leading the group to what the bible has to say on these things.

Marilyn, it sounds like you had an expensive Saturday.   I am glad that you were able to get everything done.

I am bushed, or shattered or whatever it's called over in the US. I do look forward to reading everyone's messages in the morning and I trust that you will all have a great evening and night.

God bless.

Anthony.

Goodnight, Anthony!

Goodnight Pat.  I just noticed that we were posting at the same time.  It sounds like you had a busy Saturday.

Attention Everyone

My web site host seems to be having problems again this week end just like last weekend and all my photos are blank both here and on my site. Be patient I hope they will come back like they did last week.

Marilyn

Marilyn, sorry about the $150.00 visit to Goodyear.  I took my car today to Sears Service and had the tires rotated as well as the oil changed and lubricated and I got out with $27.00 to pay.

Pat, you did have a busy day.  I know you must have enjoyed it.  Get some rest.  Tomorrow is the Lord's Day.

Anthony, I hope you have a good night's sleep.  Yes, the test yesterday was more of an ordeal than I thought it would be.  But anyway maybe the doctor will find out something from it.

We are going to a wedding tonight.  The bride and groom are both very faithful Christians and I pray their wedding will be the beginning of a wonderful Christian home.

--- Papa John      

Sorry you're having trouble with your website, Marilyn.  Maybe it will clear up.

Papa John, oh, how I remember Jack having these MRI's and complaining so very much about the noise.  I do hope that you get some answers.  Dr. Hamilton Hall, who wrote "The Back Doctor" was my father's surgeon and he was being interviewed on TV this past week.  He's of the opinion that 98% of back surgeries are unnecessary and I found that interesting to hear.

He's one of the top back surgeons up here in Canada.

I do pray that you'll get some relief soon.

Etta Sue, yes I believe I will want to read the full "Left Behind" series.  The writer is excellent.

Papa John, glad that test is over for you and hope the results are helpful.  Those magnets being turned on and off make a lot of noise.  It has been a number of years since I had an MRI and I hope it is a number more before having to do it again.

Marilyn, I know what you mean about the car expense.  I took my car in for an oil change yesterday and then decided to have the transmission serviced for $164.  Cars are certainly expensive items.

I am planning on attending a choral concert being given at our church tonight by a Lutheran Church choir from Athens, GA.  I am looking forward to it.

Sounds like a really nice concert tonight, Larry.  Wish I could go!  

I think everyone is busy today.  Not as many messages to read as we normally have.

Talk to you later...

Hope you are enjoying your book, Mieka!

Pat: I have been looking in a lot and not posting, I had to do my housework this afternoon since I was gone all morning. I have a pot of stew going. The wind is BLOWING aslo, it is 58 f. today, cool. Poor Gitsie has no hair to keep her warm now, well she isn't clipped to the skin. Anyway I keep covering her up with a little blanket to keep her warm. I see the photos aren't back yet.

Be Back Later
marilyn

Good evening everyone:  It has been a quiet day for me. Sue & Bruce came over this afternoon with a BD cake and goodies, even my son remembered to call, wonder of wonders.

Now I will go and do the Jig Saw Puzzle.

Ruth