Christian Photographers Community

Morning Devotional...


Fear not, Zacharias.
Luke 1:13


"Fear not" is a most familiar exhortation in Luke's Gospel.

It is the word of the angel to Zacharias, to Mary, and to the shepherds.

It is the Saviour's word to Peter, to Jairus, and to His disciples.

Whether to an old priest in Jerusalem, or to a young maiden in Nazareth, to shepherds of Bethlehem, to the ruler of the synagogue, or to fearful disciples, the word is the same.

And to troubled saints today He still says, "Fear not."
                                                                    --Jim Flanigan

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Pat - I hope my post echoes yours. Fear not - two little words that have kept me many a day from worrying myself sick.


Moses was now dead, but the God of Moses was very much alive. Moses' days of service to his God on earth had come to an end, and a new instrument of the Lord was to stand in the breech.

Joshua has been the assistant of Moses for many years. It was as if he had lived in the shadow of the great man and had been learning the ways of God on their journey through the wilderness.

That wilderness had been Joshua's training ground. Moses was his example, and the lord Himself was preparing him for the great work that lay ahead of him. He was to walk in the same spirit as Moses, and he was to carry on the same work.

Moses could only take the children so far. He took them as far as the river, where the land of Canaan visible to them, but then it was Joshua's task to take them over.

Surely here we have a symbol of the law as our schoolmaster to bring us as far as it can - to Christ. The law itself can't obtain the inheritance for the saints; it can't obtain eternal life for them, but it can lead them to the only One who can do these things.

When the Lord started working a saving work in our souls, was it not true that we soon became aware of two things in our lives? Were we not made aware that we were walking in a spiritual wilderness and that we were strangers to grace and to God?

We were also aware of the law of God written in our hearts. We were convicted of our sin and misery every day.  We looked for refuge in the wilderness, but there was none.

The law as our schoolmaster led us to a river of decision.  It led us to our Joshua, to Jesus Who was the only One who could lead us safely across. Moses the lawgiver died, as did all our fleshly attempts to please God and to fulfil the law.

We wholeheartedly accepted the new authority that God had given, and we trusted Jesus to take us safely across, to reconcile us to God, to cleanse us from all our sins and to give us eternal life.

Is this not signified in the crossing of the Jordan? Remember that as the stones were placed in the bed of the river there was also a set of stones placed at Gilgal on the other side.

Do the stones on the bed of the Jordan not signify the burying of our sins and as the waters returned to cover them?  As you view these stones, can you not hear the Lord saying to your heart -"your sins and iniquities I will remember no more?" What of the stones at Gilgal?

Do they not represent us seated with Christ in the heavenly places? As the children of Israel looked back from Gilgal they remembered that they had left behind Moses the lawgiver. It was his end as lawgiver.

So Christ is the end of the law to all those who believe. The stones representing their sins were now covered, as the blood on the mercy seat covered the broken tables of the law.

Old things have passed away, behold all things have become new! They had been "raised" to stand upon the shores of Canaan at Gilgal - we have been raised to newness of life in Christ Jesus.

Now it was time to serve a new master. The wilderness was behind them. In front and on every side was the land flowing with milk and honey - the Promised Land.

Our text can easily be divided into three sections.

1 - Be strong and of a good courage.
2 - Be not afraid neither be thou dismayed.
3 - For the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

First of all then, "Be strong and of a good courageŠ" Why was Joshua to be strong and of a good courage? The answer, I believe precedes the question: God had commanded it.

Why was the command given? I think it was given because Joshua had never before felt as weak and as lonely as he did then. He was only too keenly aware of the burden of responsibility that had been placed upon his shoulders.

It was easy for him to see the qualities of leadership that Moses had possessed, but did he possess them! It is easy for us to see the gifts that our brothers and sisters in Christ have, but it is not so easy for us to see them in ourselves. Because we do not see them in ourselves does not mean that we do not possess them!

Joshua says in his mind, "How can I step into Moses' shoes, and how can I heal the breach?" Of ourselves we can do nothing. God must be our strength. How does God give us strength?

God had commanded Joshua to meditate on the book of the law day and night. The Word of God strengthens us; the preaching of the word strengthens us as we live by it.
The book no longer condemns us - it liberates us.

Our strength is no longer in ourselves but in Jesus. He upholds and keeps every one of us. We are a people kept by God through faith unto salvation.

Our strength lies in the redemption accomplished and applied by God in Christ. Nehemiah could say - "the joy of the Lord is my strength." Wherein is the Christians' joy? Surely it is in the knowledge that they have their sins forgiven them.

They are able to stand before a Holy God justified - not by themselves but by the grace of the Lawgiver Himself.
There is strength in love. The love of Christ constrains us. Are we to keep silent in front of our fellow man?

No, but because of what Christ has done for us and because of the love that we now have for Him - we cannot but speak of the things that we have seen and heard.
One said, Come see a man that told me all things that ever I did!  Is not this the Christ?

Love is as strong as death. Trials and problems may come, and our providence may be going in the opposite direction to the promises that we are waiting for God to fulfil in our lives, but many waters cannot quench love.

There is strength in faith. We look not on the things that are seen but on the things that are unseen. We do not look at the swellings of Jordan, but we look to Jesus.

Our strength is not the vast number of the children of Israel that accompany us along the way.  We look to Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith.

Let me quote what Thomas Boston says of faith, - "Faith that staggers not at the least amount of reason is the soundest faith".

There is strength in hope. We have hope of eternal life as we pass through this scene of time. The responsibilities that we now have are but for a short time. Let us therefore be strong and of a good courage as we endeavour to perform them.

Secondly - " Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed". Why? Because God commands it. What was making Joshua dismayed at this time? Surely it was the loss of his companion and mentor, Moses.

Death is the greatest divider of all. For those of you that have experienced the painful loss of a loved one, you will know the heartbreak and anguish that was in Joshua's heart at this time.

Oh the loneliness of grief. Who can understand it? Joshua had all the children of Israel around him, yet I do not believe that there was another in the camp experiencing the loneliness that Joshua was experiencing at that time.

It was in this loneliness that he became aware of the Presence of the Lord as He spoke to him saying, "Be not dismayed." He also said, "Be not afraid." What would have been making Joshua afraid?

I've mentioned many things before. 1- His new responsibilities. 2 - The crossing of the Jordan 3- Obedience to the Word of God. 4 - The dividing of the land.
And all this without the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night that had helped to guide Moses! As there are many fears in Joshua's life so there are many fears in our lives.

There is the fear of man, the fear of tomorrow, and the fear of death or serious injury. These fears have a paralyzing effect on our souls. Fear builds mountains before our eyes, but faith removes them.

If we walk by sight it will jot be long before the mountains will come into view. But if we walk by faith then we fear God. He who has looked into the face of God can look any man in the face.

If God be for us then who can be against us? God says be not afraid neither be thou dismayed. Why? - because He promises that the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

What wonderful words of encouragement and comfort for Joshua and for us today. No matter what perplexing providences lie before him, no matter what duties he is expected to undertake, he has the full assurance that God is with him.

These words are for your comfort and encouragement also, because just as Joshua heard these words, so you also have heard them. God speaks these words to you just now!

Could we possibly have any greater encouragement than this - that God is with us wherever we go? Perhaps you have read this and you are thinking that it does not apply to you.

Wrong! A thousand times wrong! This was written especially for you! It is a command to your heart from God. "Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid neither be thou dismayed; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

I am sorry this is so lengthy. Forgive me.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Good morning all 11.25AM

Pat thank you for the devotional this morning
also thank you Iain for your devotional your booth are very good.

Jenny Thank you for the prayer yesterday from Dietrich Bonhoeffer very good.

Larry What good words the hymn
 Happy the home when God is there
I don't know that hymn but the words are very good.

Marilyn on your message yesterday i say AMEN.

Judy Mc congratulations you are maestro.

Judy B God is not giving us sickness please go
to a doctor or hospital with Melaura and don't believe that woman JUDY  GO WITH  MELAURA  I PRAY FOR YOU
ALL IN YOUR HOME.  

On this moment i am very depressed i had 1 Prozac
for that but now the doctor want that i use 2. But i am not doing that on this moment. I am afraid that i not more can think then and very sleepy are. But i am tired
and depressed. But i read a lot in the Bible and i am
praying.
I also have now a English day book:
GOD'S ABUNDANT LOVE this morning i have read
Psalm 25
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your pats;
guide me in your truth and teach me

              GUIDE MY STEPS

    Lord, guide my steps along life's journey;
         Hold my hand along the way.
        Point me in the right direction
            As i travel day by day.

Saturday and Sunday there where not a lot pages
where is every own

I LOVE YOU ALL
HUGS AND BLESSINGS
LOVE RIA

Good morning, friends,

Ria, I'm so sorry to learn of your depression. Sometimes a different medicine will work after another has not worked. Depression is a difficult illness to deal with - I know, I've had it. Possibly the doctor could work with you to take something that would work better.

You've had lots to deal with including death of a spouse, worries about your son, worries about your dad, even a remarriage is stressful. So, don't be hard on yourself - God and you and the doctors can help you through this difficult time in your life. And, we're here to help you pray, also.

Ruth Ann

Mid-day England.

Ria

Please rest. Know that I am praying for you and Jan dear One. The Lord Jesus loves you and I do.

Judy I pray for Melaura also.

"Honour physicians for their services, for the Lord created them; for their gift of healing comes from the Most High. The Lord created medicines out of the earth, and the sensible will not despise them. Was not water made sweet with a tree in order that its power might be known? He gave skill to human beings that He might be glorified in His marvellous works."
(Sirach 38:1-7 Abr)

Larry My reflexes have been rather slow lately and I do have to pray myself over the road. Thanks for caring.  God bless you dear  brother.  

Pat   May this day be one of "blessings" for you, dear sister.

Jenny X

Good day to you all....here in Guelph it is very cool...-9c........but the sun is shining ever so brightly which is a good boost to my spirit......

my dearest Ria.....sorry to hear that you are going through this tough time with depression.....just know that God is with you and does not give us a spirit of fear or depression....we are praying for you here at cp...and we all love you......just try to get some rest.....

Iaian....thankyou so much for the lovely and timely message this morning......how many times do we as God's children give into the fears and concerns of the times and wonder why we have not a victorious life....only by submersing ourselves into His word and acting upon it will we gain victory.....thankyou again for your wonderful words of blessing.

RuthAnn...you are such and wonderful encourager....God bless you....

Jenny....I pray that the Lord will keep you safe also as you make your way on your errands and outings dear sister.

well am off now to start the schooling...so God be with you all and have a wonderful day.
In HIs Grace....Paulette

I didn't mean to stirr up a hornets nest by what I said about Melaura. BUT  I stand by what I said.  In speaking to someone well trusted by Melaura I found out that she is full of anger, bitterness and is being very unforgiving toward a couple of people who have been in her life.  This opens the door for all the sickness that she experiences, and more.  I have her going to a pediatritian, but all she can do is treat the symptoms.  That is all any doctor can do.  Only God can treat the root problem.  Melaura has been hurt by those she should be able to trust for years, and that has finally taken its toll.  The scriptural backing for giving thanks is found in ;

Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always,for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  
There is no limit on time.
"for all things" there is no limit on the extent.  
I won't restrict this to blessings in the Epistle, it seems better to take it to its widest sence.

1 Thes.5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God concerning you.  
I will give thanks for her sickness, I will encourage her to do the same.  God has allowed this, for teaching, therefore He has a purpose behind it.  

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God,  to them who are the called according to his purpose.  
god has called her into missions so......

I stand by what I said.

Love JudyB and JohnB

Good morning!

Judy B~I did write something else but noticed your post above so I deleted it. I do know what that girl is going through. I went through the same thing as a child.  Bless her heart.  I feel her pain.  I will pray for her and tell her to keep strong.  Maybe you should get a goal sheet made up for her.  Help her to see what she is accomplishing and things she needs to work on.  Remember make it easy at first so she feels like she is accompishing something.  I did this as a teenager and it really helped me out.  You all are in my prayers. (((hug)))

Ria~ I am so sorry to hear about your depression.  I have never really been depressed so I don't know what you are going through.  I will keep you in my prayers.  Hug and :-*  :-*

Scriptures I have been appling to my life these past couple of days.
1 Cor. 4:2 "Those who are trusted with something valuable must show they are worthy of that trust."

There are a few changes that I have been making in my life that pertain to this scripture.  Cooking dinner for my family unstead of going out to eat which would also mean managing my money better.  I would save at least $75.00 a week.  And that money could easily be used for something else.  So that is my goal for now.  

Matt. 25:21 "Well done, good and faithful servant? You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. come and share your master's happiness. "

This verse gives me hope to acheive my goal above.

I have joined the choir at our church.  Last night was my first night.  It was pretty fun.  I am a little nervous but I hope i can over come that.

Any how I hope you all have a pleasant day.
Sonja[/color]

QuoteJudy B~I really think you should take that girl to the doctor.  If something bad happens then it will be on your head and not God's.  He is not like that and if He was then I wouldn't want anything to do with Him.  He is a God of love!  If I would have felt this way about my son Zachery then he would be dead by now. If I were you I would pray hard about your situation and in the mean time get that little girl to the doctor.  Sorry but this is serious stuff you are dealing with

As I have already stated I am taking her to a doctor.  The appointment is Nov 11th at 1:30.  BUT all she can do is treat the symptoms.  Thankyou for your concern.

Good Morning Everyone!

It's a lovely sunny day here in Guelph and I slept in!  (Guess I needed the extra sleep)

I really appreciated your post here Sonja!  What wonderful verses and what good lessons to learn.  (You'll be able to put that extra money to your new camera!)  ;D

And Iain, thank you.  I'm still meditating on your devotional here today.  I always get so much to devour when you post.  Thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Oops...   my phone is ringing so I'll click Post to thin and come back later.

HI Judy!  I rewrote my post. I seen you had posted so I went back and deleted and wrote something else.  

Judy B~I did write something else but noticed your post above so I deleted it. I do know what that girl is going through. I went through the same thing as a child.  Bless her heart.  I feel her pain.  I will pray for her and tell her to keep strong.  Maybe you should get a goal sheet made up for her.  Help her to see what she is accomplishing and things she needs to work on.  Remember make it easy at first so she feels like she is accompishing something.  I did this as a teenager and it really helped me out.  You all are in my prayers. (((hug)))

Morning Pat!  How are you this lovely -9 degrees morning?  ;D  Who on earth is calling you this early in the morning?  hehehhe...

It is a sunny Monday morning here and just seeing sunshine makes me feel warmer today.

Etta Sue:  Thanks so much!  I want to do the tutorials and have been feeling over-extended for several years.  It must be time to slow down and say "No" to some things.  ;D

Judy B:  You are fortunate to have so many people interested in Melaura and her health.  They want the best for you and for Melaura.  I send my prayers for her complete recovery and for you as  well.

Carol

Good morning, Janet, Marilyn Fisher, Papa John

Thank you Pat and Iain for the devotionals today.

This morning I have an appointment for a Bone Density test it is the first I have ever had and I had to ask for it.

I have no idea where this place I am goin is located, they gave me a map but that isn't the best. I will be leaving in pleanty pf time to get there though.

Going to check the other forums here then get ready togo.

TTYL

Good Morning Sonja.

Judy, I'm so sorry you feel the way you do about poor little Melaura's illnesses.  Yes, repressed anger and unforgiveness can make the body sick, but you need to help her to understand why she has those feelings, and be able to release them to God, not complicate things by thanking God for something He had nothing to do with!  I can sort of see why some people are confused on the issue, but I think the devil gets the glory instead of God, when our thinking is so convoluted as this.

If Melaura can understand her own feelings, even if they are justified, and be able to forgive and release the ones who have hurt her, then the healing will come.  But God is a God of love--not a punishing human father!  He wants Melaura to be healthy and happy!  He NEVER uses sickness to punish His children!  Would you want to serve a God who did things like that?  I surely wouldn't.

You seem to have your mind made up, but I urge you to please reconsider.  Please don't teach the children that God uses things like sickness and problems to correct them---it just is NOT true.

Okay.......off my soap box now.

Sonja, I surely enjoyed your happy post today!

Marilyn~I hope you are able to find this place.  Have a good day, sister!

Janet~I agree with what you said about Melaura.
How's your painting coming along?

Ria dear friend, you need a change,
a change of surroundings, maybe even some kind of life change, could you go away for a few days, somewhere where you could be switched off from the normal daily chores of life?
Do you have a women's prayer group where you could ask for prayer and continual fellowship?
May God answer the cry of you'r heart.
In His love,
Chris.

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/o/u/ourgodrn.htm

Hi, Sonja!  I did more painting yesterday.  I am trying to make some changes, too, one of which is to stay off this computer more and do more painting.  That gives me a feeling of accomplishment, rather than feeling I have wasted so much time.

Did you see that portrait of the couple that I posted?  It is the one I told you about.  Rather strange, but they were happy with it, and it was good, for the materials I was given to work from, anyway!

I am working on several wood pieces a friend gave me.  They will all be done in acrylics.  I need the practice with acrylics........oil is still my favorite medium.

See y'all later!

I got a map of the internet and the place looks pretty easy to find, a much better map than the one from the doctor's office.

Found another program for editing photos at www.infraview.com (http://www.infraview.com)

Check it out would you please Sonja and tell me what you think.

TTYL

Janet, You are so right.  God never uses sickness.  BUT, hatred, unforgiveness, and bitterness  it opens the door for the enemy to walk in and do his thing.  What the enemy does God can turn around for His good when we let Him deal with the root cause..  He cannot over rule Melaura's free will.  If she chooses too hang on to these feelings, then He cannot do His Work  He cannot go against her free will.

I really appreciated what Sonja wrote:

QuoteJudy B~I did write something else but noticed your post above so I deleted it. I do know what that girl is going through. I went through the same thing as a child.  Bless her heart.  I feel her pain.  I will pray for her and tell her to keep strong.  Maybe you should get a goal sheet made up for her.  Help her to see what she is accomplishing and things she needs to work on.  Remember make it easy at first so she feels like she is accompishing something.  I did this as a teenager and it really helped me out.  You all are in my prayers. (((hug)))

God does indeed allow trials (sickness, pain, etc.) to come into our lives, but He does not tell us not to pray for relief and healing.  He tells us that "Tribulation works patience, and patience has her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire."  Who else has the power to send that "tribulation?"  But, in it, we are to pray to be taught, and we are to pray for relief.  Both are true.  I also like what Sonja said about goal setting - that's excellent.

Thankyou Al   You said what I was trying to say only in better words.  

JudyB ~ I think Al hit the nail on the head.  God allows trials and problems.  God promises there will be good coming from our trials and problems...in his time.  PHave Melaura pray to God what He wants done for Melaura to get over this illness.  He will give her the answer.  When we have unforgiveness or bitterness, God doesn't ignore us...He is still right beside us.  But we have to listen to Him and not ourselves or others.  Look to God for the answers.  Also make sure Melaura gets all the help needed from a physician(s).  God gave them the knowledge to help us while we find the answers from God.

I am praying that my thinking about God is right.  I just know that God doesn't give us illnesses, Satan does.  We glorify God with positive traits...not negative traits.  He doesn't like to see us suffer but He does allow it.

Well, the check is in the mail for my property taxes.  I called this morning.  Yes, they mailed the taxes out....last Spring.  But I didn't get any last Spring.  But, you paid them last Spring.  That is because I called you and you told me how much to pay.  You said I would receive something in the Fall for the Fall installment.  No, that was in the envelope you received last Spring.  I didn't receive an envelope last Spring.  It went to my old address.  Well, you owe $??? that is due TODAY!  That is why I am calling today.  Now can I mail them?  Only, if it is stamped by a Post Office with today's date or you will be penalized for being late.  (I also wrote on my calender that if I haven't received my Spring taxes by the end of April, 2004, to call this office again!!)  So, I wrote the check, called Ivalou to see if she would like to go out for breakfast and grabbed a gas can to fill up for the mower.  I got the gas, mailed the envelope and filled up with biscuits and gravy!

Now I want to get caught up on here and go out and mow the leaves.....one more time!!!  It is noon!  Where has the morning gone too!

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`
"I don't mind the rat race, but I could do with a little more cheese."

Sometimes it is our own sinfulness and sometimes the "sins of the fathers are visited upon us"....


Didn't the disciples ask Jesus if the blind man was that way because of his sin or  his parents sins...Jesus said it was so that God could be glorified.

"Is anyone sick?  He should call for the elders of the church and they should pray over him and pour a little oil upon him, calling on the Lord to heal him.And their prayer if offered in faith, will heal him, for the Lord will make him well; and if the sickness was caused by some sin, the Lord will forgive him.  Admit your faults to one another so that you may be healed.  The earnest praer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results..." James 5:14-16

I am still alive today because dear Christians prayed for my healing.


Jenny.

Quote from: JudyB on November 10, 2003, 11:09:48 AM
 If she chooses too hang on to these feelings, then He cannot do His Work  He cannot go against her free will.

I really don't think she chooses to to hang on to these feelings.  It is our job as a parent to help her rid these feelings.  Kids just don't understand and I am speaking from experience.  She first of all needs to discuss these feelings with someone who knows how to deal with them and then it takes a long to to get rid of the hurt and pain.  It is something that doens't happen over night.  

Quote from: Marilyn Fisher on November 10, 2003, 11:07:22 AM
Found another program for editing photos at www.infraview.com (http://www.infraview.com)

Check it out would you please Sonja and tell me what you think.

TTYL

I can't get this link to work.

Okay, so I am wishy washy.  I can see where JudyB is coming from.  When my father was so sick (semi-comatose), we did thank God for that illness.  We recognized that God was using it to make us stronger and to add to God's kingdom.  Maybe it wasn't a direct thanksgiving, but it was thanksgiving at the results.  I don't think God is sitting on His throne waiting to strike us with illness, but when it happens, I think He can use it to glorify Himself (I'm thinking of that guy named Job).  I've learned to not say how God can or cannot work.  He may not cause a lot of things, but I definitely think He will use them to make us stronger and closer to Him.

Judy, talk to the ped. about a sports doctor, or perhaps Melaura's trainer/coach.  He/She probably needs to know about this sickness, and adjust her schedule accordingly.  (If I am correct in remembering that she is the one training for the bi.)

Etta Sue, that is the most convuluted thing I have ever heard of.  That's like the other day when Bernard had to show proof of his college graduation.  He showed the diploma and transcript and the receptionist asked him if he had ever received his HS diploma or GED.  duh.

<sarcasm applied>
See, the way I see it, all of us in here are the "smart" people of the world.  If everyone would just listen to us, we could solve all the world's problems and no one would ever have to fret.  Hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahhahahahahahahhahahahahahhahahahahahah
<sarcasm removed>

I hope all of you have a wonderful productive Monday, and week in general.

I thank all the people who are praying for me.

Chris and Margit thank you for your advice but i have called our pastor but she say to me I HAVE NO TIME. But once i have writen there are problems in our church. Only he is doing once in the 2 weeks divine
service the other week there is coming a strange pastor normal the wife of our pastor is then doing
the divine service. But once in the two weeks there is coming womans together not so young more and there you can talk. I think there i am going. Because i want stay home. I must also thinking on my son his father is this month 5 years death. And he also is silence.
But i thank all the people who are praying for me
and PRAYERS HAVE POWER.

But every year in nov. and dec. i am depressed i can not
against the long dark days. This afternoon at 4.00 PM
o'clock the darknes is starting here and before 8.30AM
tomorrow it is not light and we also shall have rain.

But my pastor have say i have no time i know there is own who has time the hole day and night.
AND THAT IS OUR LORD and to Him i go in my prayers.
He always has time for us.

I wish you all a good afternoon and evening
Bye Lots of Love
RIA

In speaking to the Captain and the officer in charge of the bi we have come to the unanamous conclusion that Melaura is not in the physical shape to continue with the rigerous training that is required to conitnue with the bi.

We are instead working at gradually building her up strength wise and involving her doctors.

At this point she is not willing to give up her feelings, and we are working on that aspect of her spiritual growth.  Few know the details, and I am not willing to post them here.  Once she steps over this there will be growth physically, intellectually and most importantly spiritually.  

Thankyou for all your comments.  I have taken them all in the spirit of love that they were given.  I do so love and respect each of you.  

On my way out to take John to work.  

Bye for now.
JudyB

Jenny she was annointed and prayed for at church yesterday.  I do believe in this as well.

Thankyou

Ria,
Pastors are usually too busy to spend much time with anyone, and also pastors come and go, but the  faithful church members are always there, please try to find a good prayer group, even if is not from your own  church.
When I was a young Christian, I went to many charismatic prayer fellowships, mostly inter, or non-denominational, and I was ministered to  by wonderful Spirit-filled men and women, that is where I grew up spiritually, sitting amongst these Godly people, where you could bring your problems, and be prayed for, then when you were stronger, you in turn could pray for them too.
Some prayer fellowships lasted for years, mostly house groups, which are far more relaxed than church meetings.
God bless you in your search,
Chris.

Hi everyone.  This has been an active place today.  

Ria, I am sorry you are feeling so down but I also understand how things can temporarily.  It is good that you are seeking some help.  

I haven't accomplished much today and don't seem to have anything to say so am going to post the hymn again that I did yesterday but today I wrote out the music as a midi file and added it to Pat's treasure trove of hymns.  







   

[/color]

I have this evening called a psychotherapeut i also have had him for your years.
Now he has a group also depressed people he is a christian and i can come wednesday in the afternoon
first in a little group 6 people and also himself
He have told me what they all are doing talking
reading in the Bible and praying. This psychotherapeut
is not working in a clinic but for his own but he is busy
i know him. First i must talk with him alone

But i thank you Chris and Margit for
your help and all the people who are praying for me
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
AND I LOVE YOU ALL

LARRY THANK YOU FOR THE NICE HYMN I LOVE THE WORDS BUT NOW ALSO THE MELODY[/

  BYE  LOVE   RIA

I wish you all a very goodnight
I love you all

Bye
till tomorow RIA

See so many postings that I have to catch up on.

Ria, dear one, please remember all the lovely postings from so many of us in your time of depression and soon you will be smiling with the peace and love that knowing people care for you will bring.

Remember our Heavenly Father is always there; so please even though you may be alone; you will never be lonely.

He loves you so.

Hope your health is better--I see where you mention osteoporis (spelling is lousy) any way; I , too, was diagnose with it about a year ago.  I take -Actonel--once a week and remember calcium, calcium and more calcium.

I have doctors appointment on Wed. 12th and will see how I have progressed.

Judy, dear, I will keep your young one in my prayers.

Thanks, Lee, for the kind words.

I remember a long time ago on SN when we were posting with unbelievers; how hard it was for me to hear those words of hatred and disbelief about our LORD.

But you and Al and Don (how is he???) would just fill the forum with your biblical wisdom and this little old lady was just filled with HIS love.

I think my child like innocence helped me alot when I was on the forum.  By this , I mean, I listened to everyone; even the unbelievers and then I was led to research more and more about the Bible and learned so much.

I even thanked the unbelievers for bringing me closer to the LORD.

Sometimes I think it was a good thing to be quiet and listen for then I was able to discern the purpose and plan our Father has for our lives.

Sometimes, we "think" too, too much --People, especially, unbelievers can analyze things to death.

I love the quiet times with the LORD the best of anything

Yes, being "child like" is a very gooOOOOD THING.

Take care and as always,

Love in CHrist,

Joyce

Joyce thank you for your words i am feeling me never
alone since i be with you all on CP
And the Lord is with me I am NEVER ALONE

I ALSO HAVE ACTONEL BUT I MUST USE EVERY DAY
AND A LOT CALCIUM AND VIT.D

BYE FOR NOW

LOTS OF LOVE RIA

Hello everyone!!!

JudyB - sorry if I was too hard on you about Melaura.  Sometimes just a couple of words can really make a statement sound completely different, and I'm supposing we all "heard" you say something a little different from what you really meant to say.  I think you are exactly on track to look for the spiritual significance in her sickness and look for the lessons to be learned, but I think we all got a little paranoid that you were simply going to let her be sick until God chose to heal her, rather than letting a doctor try to treat her.  So sorry if I misunderstood.

Etta, you keep those taxes paid, girl.  Else they'll turn up the buzzer on the power lines and you won't be able to sleep at night...

Ria - I'm praying for you, praying that God will comfort you.  We love you, and I'm so glad you have US to talk to.  Please don't ever feel that we won't listen.  We're always here.  

I'm gonna go for now; gotta do another hour or so of real work.  It's been a busy day!

Nards No offence was intended nor was any taken. ;D

Our winter seems to have begun - not with snow yet, but certainly winter-like temperatures.  

Yesterday Gene was down with one of his headaches again so I went to church alone and then in the afternoon to an American Legion flag-lowering ceremony, also alone.  After that we just spent the afternoon together, reading and watching football, car races and golf on TV.  

Judy, I only have one comment to make about Melaura's illness.  Maybe I'm not understanding correctly, but you say the doctor can only treat the symptoms.   I find that unacceptable.  Why isn't the doctor finding, or trying to find, the cause - the physical cause - of the fever and nausea?   If she's not looking into that, I'd find another doctor.  


EDIT:  I forgot to mention, the site for photo editor that Marilyn mentioned is http://www.irfanview.com - she just had a little typo. It's an excellent program and the price is right - free.  I've used it a lot - until I got PSP and Photoshop Elements.  It's very good for changing the pixel size and the file size of pictures and will open (and save to) many different graphic formats.

It is almost dark and not 6 p.m. yet!  But it was a bright sunny but cool day.  I think it only got into the 50's!  I did get my leaves mulched by the mower and I also closed the vents in the crawl space and put some styrofoam on the outside.  That helps some, I hope.  

Then I did a couple of PSP lessons.  I took some photos at the little church we went to last evening.  I didn't use flash and it was too dark so I deleted all of them.  Maybe next time.  The puppets are hilarious!  Teenagers are the puppeteers!  They are really good and you forget that they are puppets instead of people singing to the CD's!  Well, almost.


I am talking to Jerry on IM.  I missed him this morning while I was spending my money and eating.
Hahaha!  Uncle Sam needs my money.... :'( :'( :'(

Good night all!!!

Hi Everyone

I have to agree with Janet-we do not serve a God that would want to punish us with sickness-after all it says that by HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED GODis not the Author of Confusion about this but Satan is..He wants all of us to be Healthy..It is His will that we are Healed..I think that Melaura needs to express how she feels and be able to talk with someone about it-and for someone to teach her to ask God to forgive her.. Jesus wants to set her free from that-Yes, Sin, unforgiveness will cause our bodies to be sick if we do not get rid of it-
If any of you are interested-my husband ministers with the Healing Rooms in Spokane Washington-You can check out the testimonies there-and read a little bit about it-and maybe it will help you understand Gods Healing Power-
In one of the Testimonies there is a gal that the Lord healed of Aids-its an awesome Testimony..
You can check it out at www.healingrooms.com
Ok-Ive said what I wanted to say!
Hugs
Rachelle

Rachelle: thank you for the link to the Healing Rooms. I have put it in my Favorites.

Jeanne Thank you for making that correction in  the link I posted, I have downloaded the program. The  in my cpmputer is only a 30 trial then it is buy or uninstall. It came with my computer.

Well, I've had big problems today with my cable connection!  Sorry for being so scarce.

Thanks so much, Larry for sharing that hymn with us.  I love that hymn.  Nice job on the midi too!


Jenny's son, Chris, has shared four photos with us that are very special as tomorrow in Remembrance Day here in Canada and in the UK, Veteran's Day in the USA.  Click here to see Chris's photos (http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=1667).



Let's all remember our Veterans on this special day.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Melaura is under Doctors care.  She has been since last June 30th.  When the doctor sees her she deals with what she sees.  Our family Doctor is useless.  I have spent the last 2 weeks trying to get into the pediatritian.  

Now as far as what I was saying before.   If there is hatred and bitterness in her heart and soul it will (and HAS) eat up her spirit leaving her vulnerable to all the attacks of our enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy. (John 10:10)  I can only do so much so can medicine.  If the root problem is not killed, the hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness, the enemy will continue to attack her where she is the weakest. her health.  I had the opportunity to talk extensively with her about the problem on the way home from taking John to work.  Her words were I don't want to forget, forgive , or stop hating.  I want to sue that  person.  I understand that feeling.  It has now come to a head.  We talked and talked, I directed her to think about how her Lord was saddened at the sin in the world and He died for it.  I told her that God was not requiring her to "feel" forgiving.  I told her God required obedience.  Forgive, out of obedience and then let the love of God flow through her to these people.  I shared with her how I had been on a similar journey 2 years ago.  I knew the Holy Spirit was directing my words.  the tears flowed.  I suggested that somewhere there would be a little girl who will have gone through the same journey that she has taken, and she would be able to help that person.  Also that until she was obedient in this the next step God was wanting her to take would be stalled till there was obedience.  You see until we obey His Known will we won't know his unknown will.  She, with tears  :'( streaming down her face prayed asking God to forgive her for the unforgiving attitude and anger.  When she had stopped praying she was glowing    8)  :D.  Tonight she ate more than she has eaten in a long, long time.  The healling has begun.  The healling of her spirit and the healling of her body. ;D

Tomorrow is the doctors appointment and We will see what she says. :-\  This too is in God's hand.  Melaura has read this and agrees with what I have written :)  

Again I do and will continue to take her to the doctor, a lady she likes, one who is very thorough.

Etta Sue Thank You for the email, I have received it.

Thank you all for your love care and concern.  Melaura says thankyou too for your TLC. She did all the smilies!

JudyB

A big hello too all in this Discussion.

As usual both Devotionals ( I only remember two, hope I did not miss any) were very up lifting.  So thanks.. :) :)

There was another thread opened today, that I only read and will not respond.  :)



I do have a two part question to ask, and Pat if this belongs some place else let me know, or just move it.  Please!!

If the Bible is divinley inspired although written by men (and I believe it is) then would it not stand to reason that God would grant interpretation to everyone coming to Him in ernest prayer?

(2nd part)  If the first question is true, then could not God also grant interpretation of some Scripture according to the Holy Spirits understanding need, of the person reading the Scripture?

Just something that is worth consideration.

Boots

I found this so-o-o interesting....


Not So Bird-Brained



"So God created . . . every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good."
Genesis 1:21



How do you take a much-needed nap or get a good night's sleep when you must be alert to danger? Human beings designate people to stay awake and watch for danger when they sleep. Then, they set up warning systems.

Since birds are much more vulnerable to danger, God gave them the ability to do these things on a simple scale, and then He gave them one more amazing gift. Many birds are able to put half of their brain to sleep, while the other half stays awake and alert. The eye that serves the sleeping half even closes, while the eye that serves the waking half of the brain stays alert, searching for danger. After the first sleeping half is nicely rested, it wakes up, and the other half goes to sleep. Of course, these birds can also put both sides of the brain to sleep at the same time, just as we do. Whales, seals and dolphins are among the non-birds that can half-brain sleep as well.

Evidence of the clever design of this half?brain sleep ability can be seen in the fact that where two birds sleep next to each other, each bird will put the half of the brain that faces its partner to sleep. Once that half is rested, they change places, so the other half of their brain can sleep.

When Scripture tells us that God looked at His creation and declared it "good," God's standard for good is perfection. His ingenious design, which would allow birds to protect themselves even when sin and death entered the creation, is part of the goodness of God's creation.

Prayer: I thank You, Lord, that You made a creation perfect and so beautiful that even in could not completely destroy it. Amen.

Ref: S. Milius, Half-asleep birds choose which half dozes, Science News, February 6, 1999, v.155, p.86

Thanks Pat & Iain.  As always, the devotionals are interesting and a blessing.

Janet, as usual, I agree with your clear and biblical thinking.  So many scriptures are taken out of context and confusion can result.  Blessings can come when illness strikes and people seek a closer walk with God.  It is the personal seeking that results in the blessing.  God does not cause the illness.

Ria, I am so sorry that you are having problems.  Chris made a valid point about a change...even a small one.  Have you thought about attending a different church?  I do pray for you and will continue doing this in the future.

A grey, wet day here on the island.  Not cold tho' and that is nice.  Had a moving company come to give an estimate.  They will email the figures in a couple of days.  Highly recommended by a friend who just moved and it is a small, family company.  Sometimes better to pay a little more and avoid problems.  Movers sure can cause problems!!

The kids have been doing well at getting everything lined up to build the kitchen, etc.  The three of them are working together on the project and hopefully even having a bit of fun??  Made marvelous deals on appliances, etc. and my daughter excels in cutting a good deal!  The age of discounts has not totally died.  I have always called her 'Mighty Mouse.'

Did Lee go somewhere?  

Enjoyed reading all the posts and always come away much wiser and certainly feeling much closer to the Lord.  This site has given me a great deal of comfort.

God Bless and Pleasant Dreams.

 

Oh, PAT ... That is so interesting about the "bird brains" ... I remember my mother often slept with one eye open ... does that mean she was only half asleep?   Or does that mean she was a bird brain? ???  NAH ... Not MY mother!!    ::)

I really get a lot of information from these CREATION MOMENTS, Pat ... Keep it up.  I also want to thank you for pulling this one out of the files to post here.   ;)   Saves me the trouble  ??? of clicking on another link!    :P

I'm heading out to look at a couple other places and then I'll be back .... see y'all later!

(https://www.christianphotographers.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhome.thirdage.com%2FFamily%2Ffren2him%2Fjanequil.gif&hash=1cff0b4fb8fb70b6a3977e0a701fe2038b9eecd6)

Great comment, Jane!  HAHAHA!  I wonder about your mother!  LOL

Love this one, too, PAT!!  

After that not-so-nice comment about my mother <good thing she can't read it  :-[> I'll say that my father used to sing this song a lot at church.  Also ... I have a friend who named her daughter Sharon Rose!  Lots of good memories with this song.  Thanks. ;)

That song reminds me of Mieka.   :'( :'( :'(

Me thinks I will send an email to her dad!

Pat - I love that about the birds!  Thanks!  I'd like to compare myself to them, but I'm a little afraid of the outcome.

hey ya'll
i am still here extremely tired and sore. we had a scrimmage tonight against a neighboring town. we got some pretty good bumps and bruises from it! i got knots on my shins and bruises on my knees. i got a small knot on my head! but i'll be alright! 1 week from tomorrow is our season opener for basketball! it is awesome but it means that the year is gonna be over before i know it! oh well i got to go i'm seriously thinking aobut heading for bed  :-\
sarah

sarah -- you playing basketball or rugby???? :o ::) ;)

we play basketball but it's pretty much full contact like a mixture of football, hockey, basketball, and volleyball without any of the pads that the football and hockeyplayers wear and our net/goal is smaller than theirs! it's a lot of fun but we play "oklahoma" rules from what people say which is a rough form of basketball. if you can't stand the pain then it's not your game is our motto so to say! lol
Sarah

Karma, I was thinking the same thing!  

Come on, Sarah!  Rugby or Basketball???

Oh, you've posted before mine, Sarah!  LOL   (I took so long to click the "Post" button!)  HEHEHEHE!

lol at pat!  ;D ;D 8) :P i'm just soo good i knew what you were going to ask before you asked it!   :) :P ;D

I've very concerned that we haven't heard from Janice Hudspeth for a long time.  She was in hospital and Earl wasn't well and now...  well, I was wondering.

How about if you click on her name and send her a nice card from some place like Dayspring and say how much we are thinking about her?

Here's her email address:  highhopes@yucca.net

Here's the link for Dayspring and click on "Free e-cards"

www.dayspring.com (http://www.dayspring.com)

I think we should try to keep in touch with our members who seem to vanish.

Mary Frances is another one.  

I care for these folks!  Do you?  I'm sure you do.

Who else is there that we haven't heard from for a long time?

Hi Everyone

Judy B..- I totally understand what your talking about  with Bitterness,unforgiveness etc. I know that God wants Melaura-to have an obedient heart in wanting to be forgiving..That is so awesome that you were able to talk to her-and that she saw your heart and that she prayed and asked God to forgive her..
I am glad to hear that she is feeling better and was able to eat and glowing..Praise God!
RIA- I am sorry to hear that you are feeling down-and want you to know that I am praying for you..
Hugs to the rest of you-
Rachelle

Pat -- I was wondering about shinenlite (Jo).  Has anyone heard from her?

No, I haven't heard from her or Mamapoo (was that her name?)

Let's write these folks and let them know that they are missed.

Thanks Karma!

(Now, if your photo was a wee bit lighter, I'd be able to see you better!) ;)

Quote from: Pat Scott on November 10, 2003, 10:29:17 PM

(Now, if your photo was a wee bit lighter, I'd be able to see you better!) ;)

Boy!!  Some people are never satisfied!   ::)  <tee hee>

Hallelujah I finally got my car window put up. I had the mechanic leave it down about 2 1/2 inches and put clear tape over that part so it won't get wet inside.

I was wondering about Shinenlite (Jo) too. How about our missionary that was learning spanish, I think he was in Costa Rica? The missionary in the Philipines? Ursula?

Cami is still having trouble with her eys. I'll bet she would appreciate a little Get Well card.

In response to all the postings regarding my mom's first post about Melaura, all us in this family sometimes have difficulty writing what we mean and other times difficulty saying what we mean. Melaura has a wonderful pediatrician, I know cus she is my oldest's pediatrician too. She is a very thorough doctor and never "misses" a thing, she is also very cautious. Melaura is in great hands.
I had a vision as i was reading all this and i saw "one set of footprints" Melaura is in Gods arms now and he is carrying her. As I am almost in tears typing this i understand all too well what Melaura is feeling towards these people and I have felt it too. My first comment to mom when she told me what Mrs Schantz said was "Mom it is unforgiveness and hate that is allowing Satan to get in and cause her to be sick, God can't do His work till she deals with the hate and unforgiveness"
Melaura.............i love you hunny, and no matter what i will always be here to listen when you need me. When you feel like you have no one to talk to just remember i am here and mom has said it is ok to talk to me too. I have been there, where you are sweetie, with the same people and more.
Mom..............just keep praying and i will too. she needs all the spirituall support and prayer she can get cus now that she has forgiven there will be another attack from Satan. She is meant for something special in Gods Kingdom and Satan won't give up easy with her. Remember that look in her eyes i told you about? we all need to pray that she stays on the right track and the attacks will not succeed.
Thank-you all for the support you have given my family

Great idea to send Cami a card, Marilyn!

Our missionary was in Costa Rica...Larry Rockwell.  I think he's very limited with internet time the last I heard from him.

Hi Everyone:

My computer has had some trouble so I haven't been posting so often  but I did go and see Lee's great grandchildren in the Photo area.  Beautiful children.   Go and look.

Judy after reading all the posts about Melaura and how she has been sick for so long it made my heart ache.   I remember when one of my sons was 16 years old and sick for 2 or 3 days.  After taking him to the doctor, the doctor said "Why did you wait so long"  He then gave him something and said "If he has not improved in 24 hours, you take him to the emergency!"   As a Mother,  I was frantic to see my son get better and I would do anything I could to make sure that happened.  I guess that is the love and compassion that a Mother has for her children.    

I will be praying for Melaura and will be waiting to find out what is the physical problem that she has after you take her to the doctor tomorrow, and I'm sure many others here on CP are concerned and want to know too.

God Bless


Ruthie

Hi Ruthie!  :D  It is nice to see you posting.  Sorry about the computer problems.  How is that new grandbaby?

 I  have some good news.  A friend of mine wants me to make up 75 invitations for her daughters graduation.  Wooohooo!  I am so excited.  I made some invitations for Chandraya's B-day party and she liked them.  

I am off to bed folks.  I have had a busy day of running around.

P.S.  I did not go out to eat tonight.  I wanted to, but resisted the temtation.  We had spagetti tonight with garlic bread.  mmmm...I am Suzy homemaker all over again.  
<sonifo does the happy dance>

Quote from: Jane Walker on November 10, 2003, 08:23:33 PM
Oh, PAT ... That is so interesting about the "bird brains" ... I remember my mother often slept with one eye open ... does that mean she was only half asleep?   Or does that mean she was a bird brain? ???  NAH ... Not MY mother!!    ::)

hahahhahahahhaa....you are so funny!  I got a good chuckle from this.

Waiting for Pat to lock-up

Nice to see you home again, Lee!

I'm really late tonight.  I've had all kinds of cable problems today.

Locking the door now...

http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=1671 (http://christianphotographers.com/yabbse/index.php?board=2;action=display;threadid=1671)