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Morning Devotional...


He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.
Luke 16:10

Little things are important to the Lord.

If you want to serve Him, don't dream of doing something big; do something little. Pick up the hymnals after the meeting, arrange the chairs, help with things that no one sees.

Going off to do some great thing is not the pathway to service; faithfulness in little things at home is.

Are you faithful in your employment?

Are you faithful in little things in the assembly?

I know of a brother who simply visited the saints and sharpened their knives. The fellowship of his visits was a wonderful blessing to all.

What little thing can you be doing for the Lord?
--Carl Knott

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Well following on from that - here is my little thing for the Lord and His people.


This is an interesting question that we can all ask ourselves. I will never forget the blessedness I knew when first I met the Lord. I had such a fear of dying in my sins and going to a lost eternity that my life was absolutely miserable. The moment however when I managed to grasp that Christ had actually died for ME on that cross at Calvary, brought with it joy unspeakable.

The weight of sin and the burden of guilt that I had been carrying around for so long had finally been lifted from me. I saw clearly that God had taken my sins and placed them all upon Christ. Christ bore the punishment that was due to me in His own body upon the tree. God accepted His sacrifice and forgave me my sin.

I had languished with a multitude of others in the valley of dry bones. His Spirit brought these dry bones to life and He gave me a heart of flesh.

Forgiveness of sin was a new thing for me then. I had never experienced such a blessing before. The wonder, the splendour of amazing grace at that time took my breath away. I rejoiced and found that I could not keep this Good News to myself. I could not but speak of the things which I had seen and heard.

I told as many folk as I could about God's wonderful way of salvation. I could not understand why they did not accept this offer as I had. How could such an offer be refused?

With most things in life, if we do something often enough it becomes routine. A new house or a new car will hold our attention and pride for many a day, yet over time we become used to them and they no longer hold the same sparkle or importance that they used to.

The Beefeaters who guard the Crown Jewels view these wonderful gems each day of their lives and they do not hold the same attraction for them as they do for the first time viewer.

Does the Good News of the Gospel fall into the category of formality to you and I?

There are tasks that the Christian must do on a daily basis if zeal is to remain. Perhaps we have become mechanical in doing them? Are we just 'going through the motions?' If we are, then the blessedness we knew will no longer be there. What was once a joy will become a dreary task or worse still a heavy labour.

Confessing our sins will have become a legalistic necessity, where faith is no longer in exercise. The result will be a soothing of the conscience for a little while for having carried out the task, yet no joy at knowing sins forgiven.

For many of us - and I mentioned this recently - the problem lies with us sinning against Light. It was easy for us to believe that our sins were forgiven when we were 'Born Again' as we were then taken from darkness into light. It was a new experience for us.

Now we find that we are constantly sinning against that same Light! We confess our sins and perhaps believe that the sins of today and yesterday have been forgiven yet we remain in bondage as we think of the sins that we will commit in the coming seconds, minutes, hours, days etc.

We may even be aware of  pollution attached to our request for forgiveness.

In a sermon recently, the preacher spoke on this very topic. He said that we have difficulty in believing that the sins we are about to commit, or future sins will not be forgiven. He brought a very valid point to mind on this matter. He said that at the time when Christ died ALL OUR SINS WERE IN THE FUTURE!

Sometimes a look from a different angle can help us grasp the truth. The Lord has given us so many examples in the Old Testament for that very purpose.
Remember the day of Atonement and the scapegoat?

The High Priest was normally clothed with fine, rich garments and an ephod covered with precious stones. On the day of atonement he had to divest these rich garments and put on plain white linen. Our Lord divested Himself of the glory He knew and took upon Himself our nature.

The sacrifices having been slain, the High Priest with two hands upon the head of the scapegoat made confession of sins. This goat was then taken by the hand of a fit man away from the camp into the wilderness and never to be seen again. God signifying clearly the remission of sin. They were gone, never to be brought before the people again.

God laid on Christ, our Great High Priest the iniquity of us all. The altar was the cross, blood was shed and remission was secured for all those who believe.

Christ suffered what we should have suffered. He took our sins and paid the penalty that the law required. He nailed our sins to the cross.

If the punishment has been paid and the penalty met, what else is required?

Confession is to be made of our sin and faith must accept fully all that our High Priest has done for us. Faith must accept that these sins have been removed out of sight forever. If we do not believe this then we do not believe God.

This I believe is the greatest sin of all!

Them that honour me, I will honour.

This way of salvation is not man's doing, it is God's chosen way. Is this way not good enough for us? Can you think of a better way? Can you or I add to this atonement? Is there need for a further sacrifice?

When we ask ourselves these questions we soon realise that God's way is best and that it is unbelief that is preventing us from enjoying the liberty that God freely offers us.

It was only the High Priest that was allowed into the Holy of Holies. That was only once a year and not without blood. Christ however, having offered Himself a sacrifice for many, has opened a way for us to enter within the veil. We may now come with boldness unto the throne of grace whereby we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Today my friend we can each experience the blessedness we knew when first we met our Lord. We can come to Him confessing our sins and seeing these same sins taken from us never to be seen again. Washed in the precious blood of the Lamb.

We through simple faith accept God's pardon and forgiveness. Until we do this, there will be a barrier between us and our God thicker than any veil. Let us today however honour Him by accepting fully His way of salvation, His forgiveness and His blessing.

The High Priest having completed his work, took off the linen garments and put on his rich clothes. We today can divest ourselves of our filthy garments and having accepted the finished work of our Great High Priest will be found clothed with His beautiful garments.

The robe of His righteousness was purchased with blood. The price has been met in full. Jesus the Son of God covers our nakedness with this robe.
Now may we all enjoy the blessedness of the Lord. Psalm 32.

One final thought. How far has God removed our sins from us? His answer - as far as East is distant from the West!

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

8.50a.m.

"Jesus said that anyone who gives even a cup of cold water In My Name shall not go without a blessing".....(Mk 9:1).

The Lord takes our small efforts and multiplies them....so that all the glory goes to Him....

Thankyou dear Pat and Brother Iain...It all fits in ...

Thank-you Jesus for becoming our "scapegoat" and carrying our sins into the wilderness.
I pray that Israel may soon come to know You as their Redeemer also..

We have our own High Priest .....His Name is Jesus.

Love and blessings In Jesus' Name.
Jenny.

Thank you Pat and Ian for your devotionals.  I have never really thought about these things before, but how true it is.

I am not at work today, so will look forward to popping in a bit more regularly throughout the day.

Anthony.

Good Morning to all     Today's thoughts from Pat and Iain will again put me on my toes...I'm already thinking of something I can do 'unseen' that will give glory to our God and that maybe open the heart of someone to see Jesus wonderful grace for us all.   It makes me think of this hymn:

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Grace, grace, God's grace, Grace that will pardon
          and cleanse within.
  Grace, grace, God's grace; Grace that is greather
           than all our sin.


Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
     Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
Yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
     There wher the blood of the Lamb was spilt.

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
     What can avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
    Whiter than snow you may be today.

Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
    Freely bestowed on all who believe;
All who are longing to see His face,
    Will you this moment His grace receive?

Maybe Pat can help with the tune.

We had a rain late yesterday and it was well needed here.  Thank You, LORD!

A blessed day to all...

1.15PM
Thank you Pat and Iain for your good devotional
and also thank you Kathy for the nice hymn. I don't no how that hymn is but the words are very good.
I have been to my own doctor this morning.
And he was angry on the doctor they we have had in
the holidays and that he not have give me a good letter for the chiropracter. He must have writen that i
have not enough calciun in my bones.
But now my own doctor has say to me you are in the
beginning of osteoporosis.
Now i must to the hospital for new research but there
is a long waiting list i can come on 8 Octobre.
Now i have get painkiller because i don't no more how
i must sit walk or lying.
But now the sun is shining tomorrow i have heard on the radio we get rain. Then now i go sit outsite
I wish yoy all a nice day God bless you
Bye for now Ria

Thank you, PAT, IAIN and JENNY,  for the inspirational "nudge" to start my day.  Also, KATHY, I remember singing that hymn often ... somehow it has managed to get omitted from most of our modern day church services.    
ANTHONY~It is so good to have you back among us here!  Will we be seeing more of your photos soon?  I hope so! Have a good day in the Lord.
RIA~It is good to see you this morning.  I pray you have a more comfortable day.  The pain you experience must be very wearing.  God bless you as you wait for that October appointment ... and I pray that the solution and correct treatment is found speedily.

Today is my granddaughter's 18th birthday.  She lives in California, and I haven't seen her in over a year (when Bev and I were there to attend a seminar for teacher certification). Tricia is the oldest daughter of my daughter Jean, who died three years ago.  I know this birthday celebration is a very important one for anyone, but would have been especially meaningful to Jean.  I was 18 when she was born; she was 18 when she married; now her first daughter is 18 and missing her mother to share these moments with.  Grandma can't even be with her.  

Also, today I have been asked to accompany a friend, and member of our Thursday women's group, to Eugene, Oregon.  That's a little over 2 hours from here, and she is picking me up at 6:30 a.m.  I think she likes to allow plenty of time for driving and possibly frequent stops for road delays and rests.  She has been negotiating with lawyers and insurance companies for over 3 years and finally reached a settlement regarding an accident.  Today she must go to Eugene to receive the settlement check.  She says she feels the Lord has instructed her to have someone with her.  She chose me.  I will be alert for opportunities to do "some little thing for the Lord."

I hope to be back in here later this afternoon to see all of you, my friends.  I need the encouragement and inspiration from each of you during these days as we cope with the loss of our pastor Bev, and try to focus on carrying on without her.  I am reminded of the article by Oswald Chambers "When Your Elijah is Taken"  Bev has been my Elijah ... now I must continue in what the Lord has called me to do.  I know He will give me strength, and perhaps a double portion?

Good Morning to you all and May God richly bless each and every one of you on this wonderful Lord's day.

many, many thanks to Pat and Iain for the devotions today....I do agree that is it very important to be busy doing the small things around our homes and our churches and where ever the Lord may lead us......for the sake of His Name.....and to bring honor and glory to our Lord and God.....and at times the small things can be the hardest to do because they do not seem important enough to do......

Ria...bless you sister....it is not easy to be thankful or joyful when you are in pain....the sunshine will feel good on those bones and keep on rejoicing in the Lord.....He will be your strength when you allow Him to be.....
Just ask brother Iain......
Jane...have a blessed trip with your friend and keep your eyes looking up.

Good morning to Anthony, Jenny,Kathy and all those who will be coming in soon.Paulette

1.30p.m.

The electricity went off here this morning...I was doing some jobs in my kitchen and listeneing to Cilla Black talking about her life on the radio...and enjoying it, then...SILENCE....Luckily there was a battery in the tiny portable which I keep in my bathroom so I was able to just hear the end of Cilla's talk....

Jane I didn't intend to post up again today but when I read about Trisha I felt the desire to send love and Birthday Blessings her way...and a special prayer to the God of my life...
I was saddened to learn that you lost your dear daughter and this must be a doubly hard day for you, losing darling Bev also...
Let us see 18 as a Special No....this 18th is a given day of God...
Come on "Elisha"......breathe new life into all you meet on the journey....I LOVE ELISHA.....Such a faith!  I LOVE YOU JANE.

Love also to all you dear Ones..
In Jesus Precious Name..
Jenny.

Thank you, JENNY!  You always have just the words to express my heart.  Yes, this has been especially difficult for me during Bev's journey with cancer.  My Jean also went very suddenly (6 weeks from diagnosis to death) with pancreatic cancer.  As my daughter, Joy, wrote yesterday in response to the news of Bev ... "I had so hoped this would be different from Jean!!"  We all did.  But God has other plans ... His ways are not our ways nor his thoughts our thoughts.

I have a little calendar with thoughts about love for each day...I noticed that the thought for September 3 (the day Bev left this life on earth) is: "Love is giving of ourselves instead of thinking about what we will get from others." That fits Bev.  Also Jean.  Jean was a great influence in the Christian community.  She sang in the choir, worship team, and did solo work in a large church in Sacramento, CA  She also taught singing/voice in the Bible College.  She was a vital part of the Music Department for many years. Her passing effected a large community also.  

Good Morning: Iain and Pat thank you for the devotions. In my caregiving work  I have always felt that it is those little things that I do to make life easier for my clients are honoring God. I keep thinking of the scripture that says "When you do these things unto one of my children you have done it unto me".

I enjoy my work with them and it fills my heart to be able to care for them. I have led 2 to the Lord. The 2 I have now already know the Lord and  that is so special.

Yesterday when I went to meet my new client Asd I was leaving I said to her we can pray together too. She was so surprised and ask "Marilyn do you go to  church? She is a Southern Baptist. I told  her  about Al's church. But she doesn't drive anymore and I will offer to take her there some time when she feels up to going out.

TTYL

LORD WHY IS THIS THE ONLY SITE I CAN LOG ONTO ALL HOURS OF THE DAY?

I am on 24/7 with Virgin.net.......
Unless I afford Broadband, I find it isn't much good...Keeps cutting me off and I can only seem to use the Outlook Express on rare occasions during the day...


Anyway, I don't mind as long as I can keep in touch with you dear brethren in Christ.

The Lord certainly has His hand on this site...Praise Him!!  Thankyou Jesus!

I have just had a lovely ride down to Blakesley Hall.  The old Elizabethan Manor.  I bought a few small items from the gift shop...Christmas is coming...
Next week I am going down again for lunch in the new tea shop.....They do nice sandwiches and silver service tea pot, cream jug etc.,  Oh golly I am thirsty, I nearly forgot...

Bye I am going to put the kettle on again!

Love you all,
Blessings.
Jenny.

Thank you, Pat and Iain, for the morning's devotions.  Very fitting.  It is the little things that counts...that was my mother.  She was always doing little things for others.  A phone call, a trip to the doctor, cutting their hair, sewing a hem.  She was remarkable.  There are so many people that I think....'when I grow up, I want to be like them.'  But the more I am reading the Bible, I find that these small deeds are not their own...they are God inspired.  I just pray that others say the same thing about me that I say about others.  I don't see myself in that way.  I am still 'growing' in the Lord.  

Today is a bad day for Jerry.  I am putting an update in Have You Prayed....  We must have wore him out yesterday.  He is back into bed.  But after lunch, I MUST get my mower out and mow this 'hay'.  I will probably have to go over it a few times...this lady doesn't have a rake that fits in her hands.  Besides this yard is too large to rake!!!  

Jane, I am so happy that a friend is taking you for a drive.  Good therapy for both of you.  My thoughts are with you today because of Bev and your daughter, Jean.  

And now for another Words of Inspiration.

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"As you age, what you lose in elasticity, you gain in wisdom...and I think it's a real good trade-off."

Good evening 6.30PM

This day i have read in our newspaper that premier
Balkenende (whe in Holland call him Harry Porter)
has had breakfast with president Bush.
You may hold Balkenede in America.
76 per cent from the Dutch people they don't like him
on this moment.
Whe are hoping that we soon will have an other government.
Have all a nice evening
Bye Ria

9.50PM

That was a joke from me but it is thrue everyown
is calling our premier Harry Potter.
Our government they are not thinking on the people
who have no work.
And a lot of people in Holland do have no work.
And every month there are coming more and that is
a great problem. And the government is doing nothing
for those people.
Bye for now Ria

Well, we drove home today through some beautiful mountains of north Georgia.  It is hard to drive through those mountains without thinking of the marvel of God's creation. The drive took six hours.  Cornelia does most of the driving and she drove all the way today.

I have missed being able to get on line very much during our week away.  Anyway I just dropped in quickly each day and didn't read the posts because I had to keep the cost down.

Anthony, it is good to see you back with us.  We did miss you.

Tomorrow I hope to be rested up tomorrow.

Papa John

11.00 PM

I am happy that you Papa John and Cornelia are savely
come back home
Thanks God
But now i say till tomorrow i am going to bed it is
bedtime in Holland.

I also wish you when you are going to bed  a very
good night
Bye Ria

Ria, I'm so sorry to hear you're having so much pain.  It's good, though, that you're back with your own doctor.  I'm sure he'll find a way to help you.

Iain and Pat, many thanks for the reminders to do those little things that don't show but that count for more, with God, than the big showy exhibitions.

Papa John, I'm glad you and Cornelia are home safe and sound.  Six hours is a lot of driving.

Jane, my prayers continue for the Lord's comfort and strength for you.

Etta Sue, I'm going now to see what you posted about Jerry.

Hey where is everyone? I've been checking in several times today but not posting, not many posts today. What's up with that?

Not much new here in California either. Was foggy and overcast most of the day, rain was predicted but didn't happen.

Well Good night all. See you tomorrow.