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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 43

Sometimes God doesn't answer prayer as quickly as we think He should. That's especially true when we're in difficult and painful situations, In fact sometimes it seems like we've waited a very long time and there's still no answer.  

It wasn't any different for God's people in David's day.  Some of them came to the temple to worship early in the morning with heavy hearts, sometimes even with hearts that were completely misunderstood by others. They came, after all, as they were - with all their daily problems and difficulties.  

As the psalmist expresses it here, sometimes - whether dealing with nations or individuals - it seemed like people were so unjust that they couldn't or wouldn't deal understandingly with anyone. In fact they might even be downright deceitful in their dealings. In any case, in such circumstances, sometimes  it seemed as though God wasn't looking after them, as if He had deserted them and wasn't hearing their crying.  

But there was nowhere else to turn either. He was, after all, their only Source of help, and there was no where else to turn.  It was with these things in mind that the worship leader had the people sing in urgency,"Oh send out Your light and Your truth!  Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle!"  They desperately need to know  they're not just in an earthly tabernacle, but that they're truly in the Presence of their caring God as well.

The wondrous thing is that God answers a prayer like that!  In fact the leader leads the people in anticipation of that answer.  He sings, "Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God my God!"

Actually, the leader wants the people, when they finally leave the temple that morning, to believe that God always does send out the necessary light and truth.  He has them sing, "Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?  Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God!"

Have you had experiences like that?  Do you ever feel as if God isn't answering your prayer, as if you've been deserted to an unjust and deceitful world?  Actually, it may be that God knows it's necessary for you to have feelings like that.  Sometimes, in fact, God may leave you in that situation for just a little while in order to create in your cold heart a real anticipation of what it will be like to be in His presence and blessing again.  

Of course He may also do it in order to move you to pray, to beg for His light and truth - perhaps because you had thought you could get along without them for a time.  Whatever your case, join the worship leader: call on God - again - for you shall "yet praise Him, the help of your countenance and your God!"  Pray today for a soul sensitive to His presence, a soul needing that presence and a soul glad for it when it happens!


Al Moak


Here's a hymn that reflects these thoughts.  Just click to hear the music.

I had this posted but deleted as AL had started the new week.  Thank you Al for the message tonight.  Waiting for answers to prayer can indeed be hard,

Here is what I posted.

Well I have been away from the house since about 4 this afternoon.  We had a call from Doug to come over for dinner.  We had steak (I had lamb), veggi stuffed potatoes, broccoli and (for the first time for John and I ) Sushi!!  It was a feast. 

We got home to feed and water our chicks, dogs and bring in Dana.

Gord tried to call you back, but the line was busy.

This verse has always kept me from wanting "things"  I listen to the youth of today and they always want more....
Philippians 4:11 NKJV  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

Church was awesome.  We have one jokester in the church and every once in a while he will get up front and tell a joke with a members name in it.  A few weeks ago he asked what Betty's middle name was.  So today he told a joke about three ladies in the church...Etta Sue, Ivalou and Betty Lou (her middle name is really Ann).  Etta Sue, Ivalou and Betty Lou went out west to a dude ranch.  The foreman told them that it would be $100 each to ride a horse.  Ivalou said, 'You are putting us on, aren't ya?'  And the foreman said, 'That will be an extra $20 each!'  I sure didn't know when we gave him Betty middle name that we would be in his joke also.

After church eight of us ladies went out to eat.  I got home around 1:30pm.  I got so sleepy that I shut off the computer and went to sleep.  Ivalou was to get me at 4:15 to go to her son's house for a birthday party.  I woke up at 4:13!!!  She was waiting for me in the drive! 

Now I am wide awake at it is 4:39 AM!!!  So I am up in the wee hours of the night. 

Today we are going to a church member's home for a Bar-B-Q for lunch and this evening is church council.  Also Kitty is to be home today.  Her and Bob have been on vacation to Hilton Head!

Good morning, I, too, am up very early.

You've been asking about the 15th...well, I've been really over-working to try to get the old house emptied before my son comes to take possession of it. Well, he's probably in the air as we speak - will spend tonight in Alabama with my grandson and wife -- they're the one's who're having my son's first grandchild and my first greatgrand.

Next, while he's here (until the 15th), we'll be busy transferring ownership, setting up insurance, getting electricity, water, grasscutting arrangements made, etc, as well as starting the work on the house.

Whew!! Makes me tired just thinking what I've done the last few months. Now, I need to finish up my apt, too, so that he won't think I'm just "camping out" when actually, it's that I need to finish unpacking and storing the stuff I plan to try to keep. May still need to weed out some more "stuff."

I laughed and told someone the other day that I think I'm going to enjoy retirement, now that's about to really happen. <wry grin>

It's certainly great to see our new posters. Isn't it wonderful how love naturally grows as we meet new friends. So, welcome to our website, and also welcome to our hearts!

God's blessings be upon us all.

QuotePhilippians 4:11 NKJV  Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:

JudyB:  This should be sent to our politicians -

Al:  I hope that your medication helps the leg problems.  Is there any chance of you getting a hospital bed or mattress  that would lift you legs to be more comfortable?  Enjoy the baptism day that is planned at the river. 

Dentist this morning - I am bringing a book on CD so that will help the boredom.  Two caps are being fitted & apparently, I grind my teeth at night.  Don never notices. 

Carol you are right... There is so much discontent out there, everyone wanting more or different.  Never satisfied.

We have rain today.  UG  but it is needed for the garden.  Thing is we need the heat and sun as well. 

Gotta run.

Al I have a hospital bed here you can have... Just don't know how I would get it to you.

Good morning!  It is sort of overcast here in Wichita this morning.  Beth ate her breakfast and now is taking a nap.  Needs lots of sleep for healing her poor body.

Darrel will be heading back home later this morning.  I am trying to stick close to Beth in hopes some of her doctors show up to discuss plans.  

Al, much good food for thought in your devotional.  Yesterday's sermon at the church we attended was from Daniel 9, where Daniel prayed for his people, and the pastor likened it to the state of our country today, and how we need to pray just such a contrite and repentant prayer.  

Judy, we used to raise lots of chickens, too, but since it is just Darrel and I now, I told him we can just buy the few we need.  Too much work when it comes time for killing and cleaning them!  Ugh, I hate that smell.

Daughter Kerri and her husband are trying to raise some guinea fowl.  They have eleven at this point, and hope their big dog won't kill them when they are big enough to run free.  They are hoping the guineas will eat lots of the ticks, which are bad this year up there.

Mark picked me up and shook me, I was hoping it would help my back.  It popped once, but didn't really help it.  Then he gave me a pretty good back massage.    But I really need Dr. Saxon.

Marilyn, sorry you're having pain and problems.  But I find myself avoiding doctors as much as I possibly can--except for my chiropractor.

Ruth Ann, I am counting the days with you until the 15th!  Thanks so much for your call on Saturday.

Carol, how did the work at the cabin go?

Guess it's time to find a bite to eat.

Thanks so very much for your concern, but a hospital bed wouldn't do it.  It's not just that I need the legs raised, but that I can't turn onto my left side for any great length of time, due to pain in the hip area.  It's being worked on.  Pray for success.

Al, Beth can't stand being on her left side for more than a few minutes.  Of course, being quadriplegic, she cannot turn either way, so must be turned often to avoid pressure sores.  She prefers lying on her back.  The trouble with Neurofibromatosis is that even after losing the use of the limbs, they still are super-sensitive to pain. 

I do hope you get your hip fixed so you can sleep wherever you like.

Hi everyone.  I have the house to myself this morning as Pat has gone to help with Bible School at the church.  She volunteered to help with the snack time.  It has been several years since she has done that.  She is having a lot of problems with spasms in her lower back so hope she can stand up to this activity.

I took my laptop up to coffee to see if my friend, Rod, could help me figure out why I was having certain problems.  Of course, when I tried the programs there they ran.  It reminds me of taking the car to the mechanic and when you get there they can't hear the problem or duplicate it.  After coffee, we went to the church to walk.  They are starting summer school this week and many parents and children were arriving to either register or sign in and they are also having a camp this week that uses the gym.  We were able to walk upstairs.  I only walked about 5 rounds as it was really bothering me this morning and that has left me feeling very tired.  I am actually sitting in my easy chair as I write rather than at my desk and will probably stay here this morning.

Janet, so glad that Darrel was able to spend the weekend and that you were able to get away for awhile and see other family.  I hope it was a refreshing and renewing time for you and this week you will get some definitive word as to when Beth will be able to be moved closer to you all.

Al, glad to hear your report of progress with your legs and other health issues.  Hope the baptism goes well today.  I have never witnessed one done in a river or lake, only in churches.  Al, thanks for the new devotional and the hymn posting. 

Judy, we have some rain forecast for us all week and sure need it.  I was noticing this morning how dry the yards are and they are turning brown.  Did you like the sushi?

Carol, good idea to take a book on tape with you.  I am having the basil cell carcinoma removed from my face on Wednesday morning and there is apparently a lot of idle time involved with that as a bit of tissue is removed and then has to be checked until they can detect no more cancer cells.  I will take reading material and my Palm with the MP3 player with me.  I need to get a new set of headphones that are small and portable to use.  Anyway, hope your dental appointment goes well today.

Ruth Ann, I know you must be looking forward to your son's arrival and getting the business affairs related to your house finished.  Is your son going to live in the house or just rent it out?

Etta Sue, have a bite of Bar-B-Q for me.  I really enjoy meat fixed that way.  Maybe I will have some Bar-B-Q for lunch to day when I eat out with my Monday men's group.  We are eating at Ruby Tuesday's.  This will be my second visit there is three days as Pat and I ate there on Saturday.

Marilyn, sorry to read of your constant pain.  Sorry to hear of your neuropathy.  This is giving our daughter so much pain.  She is now up to 1800 mgs of Neurontin/Gabapentin a day and while it helps it doesn't stop all the pain.   

Gord, you are such a fortunate man to be able to spend so much time with your family and the grandchildren. 

Hi gazzab and Ruth.

Larry I loved the sushi.  A new experience, but an enjoyable one.

Al Still praying for you with your pain,

Marilyn I'm Praying

Janet I am sorry for Beth and all the pain she is in, but I am also glad that Darryl was able to spend the weekend with you.

Everyone else not mentioned know that you have been prayed for today.

Hi, everyone.  Lots going on I see.  What a comfort to know that the creator of the universe is our Father, and knows all and cares about all we go through.

Pat, I wanted to tell you that I watched the video of Paul Washer preaching.  It was so powerful, as Don said.  He doesn't pull punches, does he?  Whoever did the video editing did a good job too. 

I watched the video as well....Yes it was powerful

Having looked there appears to be a number of his sermons or parts thereof on the net, which video are you talking about and i will try and get a view myself

Regards

Gary

   Hi to all.  Yes it is good to be able to enjoy our family and our grandchildren they are so much fun and to see them progress so quickly it is hard to believe.

Our weather has been very weird you never know what it is going to do.  Today it was raining then the sun would come out then it would get very dull and black.  I was out with my son and we were in the next city beside where we live.  It was raining so hard that we could not get out of the van so we were talking and all of a sudden there was the loudest bang that I have ever heard of thunder and also the lightening I actually jumped in my seat.  This weather is crazy.

Al:  Thanks for the devotional and of course the hymn was great.  Won of my favourite ones.

Larry:  Hope you continue to look after yourself.

Pat and Paul.  How are you both doing ?   When will you be back in Guelph.

Judy B.  I will try to get you tonight.

To all others have a great week and don't forget to pray for each other.  Love ya.

Gary, if this works, here it is.  I haven't done this before, so we'll see....edit:  It worked!  It will take you to the video Pat posted.


http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=8668.msg135860#msg135860

The Doc called in a 90 day prescription for all my meds to the mail order place, ordered a mammo, lab tests for CBC, thyroid, B-12 and Vitamin D. Trying to find the cause of my neuropathy. He upped the  Neurontin/Gabapentin for the neuropathy to 300 twice per day instead of only once. He recommended that I get a  steroid shot in the thumb joint instead of surgery for now to see if that helps and for how long it will help. So that is the results.

Marilyn, I'm glad you have a doctor here now.  Also hope you find out a reason for the neuropathy.

Wasn't today nice?  Not much wind and warm.

     Nita.  Thanks for putting that link to Pat's link to the You tube and is he ever a good preacher also Pat thanks to you.  Good night to all the night hawks.

Thanks for the link - i will try and watch it this evening after work

Gary

The Bar-b-que was great.  There were 31 people there.  If I ever decide to have them here, I hope someone pinches me and wakes me up!  That isn't my thing to do. 

I got a call last evening from Tony.  Tony, Charlene, Brian, Thomas, and Ralph, (Charlene's brother, nephew and dad) are with them on cycles on the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Four cycles.  Sunday it was raining and Ralph went off the road.  He wasn't hurt and the bike only has scratches on it but it took 6 people to get it out of the ravine.  He went down about 15 feet from the road and down is an operative word.  It was muddy and they all kept sliding down but finally they succeeded.  Ralph was shook up but okay.  He is in his late 70's.  So say a prayer for all of them in their travels.  I just wish that God would tell Tony and Charlene to travel by themselves.  Seems none of these five riders agree on what to do when.  That isn't a vacation to me.

Today I am doing laundry and Kitty is coming this afternoon to watch last weeks Bachelorette.  I need to get lawn mower gas and mow sometime today also. 

Hi everyone.  Just finishing up my lunch.  This morning I had to take Pat to the doctor.  Last night she had such severe muscle spasms in her upper back that she was sobbing.  She sat up most of the night with a massage cushion to her back.  Hopefully the medication will give her relief.

I have to leave in about 90 minute as have an appointment to see the surgeon regarding repair of the hernia I have.  It is an hours drive so always try to allow an extra 30 minutes as most of it is on the Interstate and you just never know what you will encounter.  That will be it for today.

Janet:  Hi - I am glad that Darrel was able to visit and that Beth is napping.  The cabin is at 8500 ft. so it is exhausting to work there, at least for us.  We can walk & do alright but painting was tough & there is a lot more to come. 

Larry:  So sorry for Pat and her back just as she wanted to help with the children at church.  It is hard to give up things.  Now you have an appointment today.  We have one car in for check-up - Don is making an 11 page memory album of his family to give to the children - I need to do same & will after our trip west.

Marilyn:  It sounds like they have a reasonable idea of how to help your thumb pain and so forth. 

Al:  Thanks for the explanation - still in prayers. 

Here, sun is out, clouds are building.  I hope our daily storm doesn't hit while being on the road but all the regular working people have to endure these weather patterns. 

Al, that song had been running through my mind, and I was wishing I could remember the words.  So while the music played, I sang the song to Beth.  Thanks!

Yesterday is in competition for one of the longest days of my life.    It was wait and wait and wait and wait, from 7 AM until 7 PM, for doctors who never did show up!    And today is shaping up as another of the same kind.........

The nurse is in here, flushing Beth's Malancott drain with Sprite.  That still seems strange to me.    But, whatever works, right?

I think it might be time to go have something to eat.  Beth has kept me really busy today.  She is having arthritic-like pain in her legs and hips, like she doesn't have enough, already.    So every few minutes I am rearranging her legs and propping her legs and arms with pillows, or helping them change her or get her on a bedpan.  Poor girl.

Darrel is tring to get the mess with Alltel sorted out.  They admitted that mobile-to-mobile is free, so that has to be wrong, what they charged us last month.  I really miss talking to family and friends freely.    He (Darrel) said it should be sorted out by tonight.

Gotta fix those legs again.  See you later!  Thanks to those who have been so faithful with those get-well-o-grams!! 

Hi, Carol!  I see you posted during my time-consuming, word or two and then jump up, post!

Day 40 and counting........

Oh Etta sue Perhaps the fun is in the disagreeing!  Good job he wasn't hurt with the fall.

Janet that is awful that she is in still more pain.  Are the painkillers not working?  Know I am praying for you all.

I have read all the posts and am praying where needed.  Have a good day everyone.

Etta Sue - upper 70s?  Good grief!  I'm in my mid 70s, and I'm afraid I won't do any cycling at all.  Wow!

Went to see the Vampire lady today and she got blood out of a vein that  I didn't think was working anymore. he even got 4 vials of blood out of me, hallelujah.!!!!!!!!!!! Back to the doctor for results on the 7th of August and the Mammo is scheduled for 17 August.

Quote from: gazzab on July 06, 2009, 04:42:14 PM
Having looked there appears to be a number of his sermons or parts thereof on the net, which video are you talking about and i will try and get a view myself

Regards

Gary

Gary, here's my post again that I posted last week:







I just took ten minutes to watch this video. 

I pray as I post this that many of you will take the time to watch it and listen to Paul Washer as he speaks about Jesus Christ being everything to us.

It is a quiet morning here on CP. 

We have a rainy day, Elizabeth and I are feeling the weather.  We have jobs to get done, some outside but they will have to wait.

Have a good day everyone.  and God Bless.