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Morning Devotional...

Psalm 46

God is the Savior of His people  - no matter what the situation. They are, after all, His kingdom, and He's always willing and He is always able to successfully defend them.  That's the theme of this song. It's a theme calculated to renew the courage of Israel's warriors, as well as that of the entire nation in the face of war.  

It would do us well as we we read it to be reminded of Jehoshaphat's experience in the war he had to fight against the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir.  In that circumstance, you should recall, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, and he prophesied to the army the day before they were to go out to face the enemy.  He said,

"Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, King Jehoshaphat!  Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. Tomorrow go down against them.  They will surely come up by the Ascent of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the brook before the Wilderness of Jeruel.  You will not need to fight in this battle.  Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord Who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!  Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you!'"

Because Israel was God's kingdom, He intended to defend it in a way that would reveal His power and glory.

Needless to say, the result was indeed the promised victory for God's army.  And the lesson to be learned was simple and straightforward - You are GOD'S people, therefore HE will fight your battles!  So the singer says, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble!"  The people were thus reminded, each time they used this song in worship, that, in every battle, they were to trust not themselves, but in Jehovah their covenant Lord.

And at any time in Israel's future, it would never matter how strong the enemy was or how great the odds against them.  In ALL cases they could still sing, "Therefore we WILL NOT FEAR, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling!"

The reason for this trust in Jehovah is revealed in the promise of verses 4 and 5, where the people are told that

"There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.  God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved."  

God manifests His presence there because it is indeed His special city, and it is therefore impregnable.

The promise is for us as well.  We should be reminded of it in the prayer our Lord taught His disciples, a prayer in which He instructed them to say, "For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever."  The people of God are His kingdom, His property, His delightful possession, and He will always defend them -  because they are His!

There's a time coming when all battles will cease, when God's rule on earth will be complete and glorious.  The psalm reminds us of that glorious future as well.  The people sing, "He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire!"

God is just telling them - and us - in this song that not only Israel, but all the universe is His, and there's a time coming when all evil shall be utterly removed, when His rule alone will be seen not only in Israel, but in all His creation!

With that glorious end in view, and with the God Who brings it about doing the speaking, the psalmist's conclusion is appropriate.  He says to them and to us, "be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!"

Today we are closer to that glorious day when our Lord shall return to cleanse and renew His creation.  In view of that hope, then, we too should be ready for all the battles of this world, whether they are against our own flesh, the world, or the Devil himself, for "the battle is not yours, but the Lord's"


Al Moak


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

Don't be afraid...I am with you.   What a message.  Our God is a mighty fortress, In Him we can trust.  Thank you Al.

Hi everyone.  Al, thanks for your writings on the Psalms.  I one you are using this week is really a good one.  I think those of us with some years behind us can relate in a personal way that when we put out trust in God and seek his will for our lives he provides and protects us not from the trials but from being broken by them. 

Today should be a beautiful, sunny, and relatively cool day here in Georgia.  It is suppose to stay in the lower 70s.  Today is the day for the housekeeper to come and also the yard men so things will be back in good order by this afternoon.

Yesterday we had a delightful surprise when our step grandson stopped by with his wife and 19 month old son, Sean.  Believe me Sean kept everyone entertained and busy.  We had a great time but as soon as he left both great grandma and great grandpa took a long nap.  It is amazing how much energy these little tykes have at that age.  It had been several months since we had seen him and he had really grown and is a carbon copy of his father at that age.

Don, sorry to read that you are not feeling well and hope you are better by this morning.

Etta Sue, do many women wear aprons in your area.  I remember my mother always wearing one but my wife never does.  So glad to read of the continuing progress of your sister in her recovery.

Carol, it sounds like you had a full day with your relatives.

Judy, sure that will be a delightful ceremony of praise when your church is able to burn its mortgage.  I remember one occasion when our church did the same thing.

It is time to leave for coffee.  My good friend, Rod and his wife, are flying to Branson, MO. this morning to spend 5 days at a resort with his wife's brother and wife.  I hope they have a wonderful time.

Well, today's forecast was for sunny and around 70, but somebody forgot to tell the weather.     The sky, at 9:45 a.m., is very overcast and the temperature is only in the mid-50's. 

EttaSue - aprons!!!  I remember them well.  A clean one every day.  And sometimes, depending on what you were cooking, you'd need a second one.  Of course they were cotton and after washing, every one had to be ironed.  Then, after a good many years, we began wearing jeans for housework during the week.  Sunday still meant a "good" dress for church and an apron over it as soon as you got home and started fixing Sunday Dinner!  Now I still have a couple in the drawer but haven't used one in years. 

The mini challenge "Let His Light Shine" is now open for voting.  You can check out the wonderful entries HERE and vote for your five favorites.  (Just be sure to choose 5 before clicking on "Submit")

Thank you Larry,I do feel better this morning although I am not over what ever it is that has jumped on me.

Well I've never worn a apron but I do remember them. My grandmother wore them and I haven't seen anybody wear one since she passed on in the early 70's.

BTW I still miss my grandmother. She has second place in my heart next to Jesus! I sure hope my grand kids feel the same way about me.

Don

Love the stories about aprons.  I have one that I bought in Minnesota made by the Humong tribe out of Vietnam or were they in Cambodia?  The stitches intrigue me because they are so similar to Scandinavian stitches I have seen.  We are one in the world - really.

I just heard from a gal who graduated with me at high school and what a sad story with her - alcoholic husband who tormented their adopted children and then a divorce & she wasn't able to work.  Very meager income.  

Well, we are off to donate to Goodwill & it is Senior Day there so we always look if there is anything for the cabin.  Still no gas line at the cabin - I can't even think about it.  Our son is in charge of that issue.

Etta Sue:  LOL on "checking the engine".  

P. Al:  It isn't all the time I even think about the gift we have - that we can and should put our entire trust in the Lord.  Sometimes, it is a thought that comes rather delayed and that is sad but true.  Nevertheless, it is there for us day after day.  Thanks for reminding us of our perfect gifts. 

No, I don't think any women wear aprons today but most of us remember our mothers or grandmothers wearing aprons.  There is a lot of different designs and purposes for aprons and this was what the speaker showed us and told us.  Very interesting and brought back lots of memories. 

Ivalou has moved to rehab.  She knows she is going to have longer therapy sessions now.  I went over and got her some clothes and shoes to wear.  She should be ready to go tomorrow!  But I doubt that I get her clothes to her before her first therapy session starts! 

I took my laptop today and she Skyped with my daughter-in-law and with my friend in Mexico.  Now I am trying to find out if her daughters in Ohio have mics on their laptops/desktops and they could Skype and see Ivalou and Ivalou could hear them!  Or see, too, if they have Webcams.

Tomorrow is Lauren's surgery in the afternoon.  So say a prayer for her if you would, please!

I am tired.  Hopefully I will get to bed around 11pm. 

Good Evening:       
Life around here is one big mess.   When it rains it pours and yes we had hail mixed with rain this afternoon.

About wearing aprons I wear one when doing deep fried fish the favorite of many.  I also have been known to use a long towel as well.

The family which is all of them are out taking care of a family situation.

My thought and prayers for those in trouble.

It is getting late and I am very tired.

Well Again Cadets has me home late.  Kass is showering to get the gell out of her hair,  Elizabeth has ended her cadet career and we had a good evening together.  This will be a late night for me...I have a difficult time winding down after the night in NBay.  Kass is trying out for the colour party.  I am hoping she makes it.  Tryouts are for the next couple of weeks, there are places for 3 with 4 trying out.  Someone will be eliminated.  Also this year everyone who was on the drill team last year is guaranteed a spot this year as well there are rumours of a regional competition.  So it will be a full year.  Thankfully she has found a group of good friends at school who encourage, as well a similar encouraging group at cadets.

Elizabeth is looking into the veterinary assistant courses with the thought of doing a co-op in grade 11 or 12 in an animal hospital.  She is so good with animals and little kids that it will be a hard decision as to which way she will go.

As far as aprons fo I have never worn one.  My ex boss got a pattern to have kids make aprons...I knew it would not go, people just don't wear them any more...Ruth is the exception!  LOL

Ruth I am sorry your family is having a hard time. I am praying for you all.  Have a good rest. Often things look brighter after a good nights sleep.

Etta Sue I will be praying for Lauren

Don another night's rest and you will feel better I hope.  I am praying brother.

All the other requests for prayer...I am remembering.

Hi, friends,

I spent the afternoon getting med$$$, (the Rx tech told me to call the mfg of the meds, since I'm now in that dreaded "donut hole.") Whatta drag! I'll be paying this credit card bill in installments, which is not my normal habit - I usually pay in full. Oh, well, thank goodness for credit, and for a concerned tech who gave me that tip.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

   Hi to all I just wanted to say hi to all on C.P. again still keeping busy.

Today I had an appointment witha surgeon and he has told me that I have carpal tunnel and he wants me to try a brace for six weeks then see him and if it is the same way he will want me to try an other six weeks but if that does not work I will have to have surgery so again I ask you for prayer that the brace will do the job and that I will not have to have surgery.

I have read most of the post's and all very interesting happy belated birthday to all.

Paul:  Nice to see you posting and also all the others.  God bless to all.  Gord.

Hi everyone.  I have a few minutes before leaving for my normal morning coffee at McDonalds. 

Our daughter is in the hospital again as couldn't get vomiting stopped.  She did not wait as before to go to the ER and when they saw her and her sugar count and heart rate they admitted her.  I have no idea how long she will be there. 

Not much on my schedule for today.  I do have a meeting to attend this morning and then will have a quiet day, although never know what might come up during the day or what I might decide to do.

Don, I liked your comments concerning your grandmother.  I also was blessed with a wonderful grandmother, whom I dearly loved and miss to this day.

Gord, hope the brace solves the problem.  Carpel tunnel seems to be quite common but I understand very painful.

Ruth Ann, hope you can get some help from the drug companies.  I am very fortunate in that my health insurance does not have a donut hole where costs are not covered.  However, except for a couple of medicine I have been getting the others at Krogers for $10 for 3 months.  Kaiser uses many generics.  Pat has had to take antibiotics and Publix fills these free for a number of different antibiotics.  So far she has gotten three prescriptions free, including a new one yesterday.  I told them I would give them all my business of this type.

Judy, young people in deciding what they want to do after high school or college do have a challenge. 

Ruth, hope things smooth out for your family quickly.  Sometimes the hurdles seem very high.

It is cool here this morning, currently 50 degrees.

Good morning everyone!

Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about your daughter's latest problems.  I pray the Lord's healing touch on her and His peace and strength for you and Pat.

Have you voted yet for your five favorites in the latest mini challenge "Let Hs Light Shine?"  Click Here  If you haven't checked out those entries you'll be amazed at the different and wonderful ways the subject has been interpreted!

Talking about aprons, I wear  one most of the time when I am cooking and sometimes when doing house work.

Larry I am continuing to pray for Stacey.

Larry:   Sorry to hear that Stacey is back in the hosp. will be praying for her.

Judy:  Has Elizabeth just lost interest and time for cadets or is it an age  progression thing. 

Marilyn:  Aprons are and can be most beautiful but my problem is when I gained weight they shrank, but I do have one that is handy and easy to wear. 

Still feeling tired but do have concerns for the family time will heal as Larry said.

Time to get the evening meal ready.    bye for now.

Ruth She didn't want to be in cadets last year but she had committed for the year and I wouldn't let her quit mid season.  It was a step in fulfilling obligations and commitments.  So when this year started I gave her the option to quit before the season actually began.  It really was a loss of interest, as she is heading in a different direction in life to Kassie.

We have the fire going today.  The girls said they saw snow this afternoon.  Too early, too soon, too cold.

Got to run
God bless you all

    Good evening to all hope that you all had a great day.  Today was an other day at the mission to go to pick up the eggs and that was about it

My wife was at Christian woman's club today and they have changed the name in this part of Canada and I cannot think of it for the moment.  She enjoys going to it as all the ladies are so helpful to her and try to make her as comfortable as she can be.  She is also the prayer coordinator for the group and they meet the week before to discuss things and also pray for the meetings.  This takes her mind away from her constant pain and helps her to do planning.

Judy B.  Has John gone back to work I do hope that he takes it easy for the first couple of weeks.  It sounds like you are very busy at home hope you are looking after yourself Talk to you soon SIS.

Larry:    Hope that your daughter will get her strength back soon and also am glad to here that you and Pat are getting well God bless

Marilyn:  I read about the banana bread and my wife makes it  quite often and I will try to remember to get her recipe which is her mothers.


May the Lord be with all  Gord.

Larry:  Sorry to read that Stacey has been ill with something so difficult for her.  Prayers for her recovery.

Pat:  Thanks so much for UNTIL THEN.  I do appreciate the oldies.

This is our 47th. anniversary.  Who would have thought that it would last    I guess we always thought our marriage would last and now we have been together we would never change too much.  We went out for a lunch at a fish place that gave us a coupon for 10 per cent off the bill.  Don had the halibut and I had a small crab Louie salad.  Ate so slowly because my gums are inflamed, am swirling warm salted water - this is all the fault of this new dentist that I dread going in there but now have to finish what she started.  Am on antibiotics and eating yogurt so all will be mending some day. 

Tomorrow is the women's bible study and they do have a breakfast but I will only drink  coffee.  Cutting back on food and exercising longer as my physical comes up in December.  No cookies.  My neighbor is picking me up and later this month we plan to help fill several thousand packages for the troops at church.  It is a massive undertaking from all the pictures I have seen.  I bought toothbrushes and mostly needy things, not food for the troops.  They like the gel-filled foot supports for their boots. 

I have an urgent call from a teacher friend.  She ia asking for prayer for a difficult situation she is facing.  She doesn't want detaild known, God knows the situation.

John has finally called.  They are pushing the miles, but he is only doing what he is able.  He needs time to get his endurance up.

Gord, if you come back on check out the "Newcomer Introductions" Ruth has joined CP under the name RuthV.

I amheading to bed Night all

Gord thanks for thinking of me and I would very much appreciate the recipe.

Pat:  Don't think I have ever heard that one,thanks for sharing.

Carol: Happy belated anniversary and congratulations.

Judy:  I'm praying here for your friend. Its tough for teachers these days.

          Tell John not to over do it.

Have a blessed day everyone, I'll be back later.

Don

Pat, thank you for that beautiful hymn.   

Autumn is settling in around here with pretty chilly nights and cool days.  The colors in the trees are fantastic - our Lord is such a wonderful artist!   

My visits with my daughter and grandchildren are over for this year.  They're heading back to North Carolina early tomorrow morning.  Prayers for their travel safety, please.

Hi everyone.  Another beautiful and cool day here in Georgia.  Have had a quiet but busy morning here at home getting the bills ready to pay tomorrow.  This evening I have choir.

Stacey had an endoscopy done this morning as they try to find out what is causing the vomiting.  She is stablized with that problem at the moment.  I have no idea when the doctor will release her to go back home.  Yesterday she was on a clear diet.  Pat spoke with her a little while ago as we hadn't heard from her this morning.  She was groggy from the procedure so will call us when she feels up to it.

Happy Anniversary Carol and Don.  Pat and I have also been married 47 years this last July.  When we think back on the years it is hard to believe how quickly these years have passed. 

Good Morning everyone. I boiled up a pound of liver and cut it up for the animals. Fritzy, Happy and Bebe were all right there  as I was cutting it up, begging for treats. So of course they got some, Then I noticed that it was raining again and called Grubby into the garage and  gave him two teaspoonfuls of the liver.

I have one load of laundry in the dryer and one in the washer and still have to go change the sheets on the bed and do the kitchen floor.
We had tacos for supper last night and will have leftover grilled Parmesan cheese coated chicken breasts tonight.

We have had some crazy weather the last couple of days, it rains for awhile then the sun comes out for awhile then it rains again.  On the news last night it said that the  west coast was on tsunami watch too but that it wouldn't be much.

Quote from: Marilyn on September 30, 2009, 12:31:31 PM
We have had some crazy weather the last couple of days, it rains for awhile then the sun comes out for awhile then it rains again.  On the news last night it said that the  west coast was on tsunami watch too but that it wouldn't be much.

Hey!  This is Oregon, Marilyn ...   I had to put on long sleeves this morning!

BTW, that was not termed a "watch" because they just wanted people to stay away from the beaches and bays in case of undertows and such.  It was supposed to reach here at high tide so that was the caution ... no big deal.

I'm heading out to Farmers Market in a bit, and then I'll leave more of my fresh Rosemary at the mini-mall where I have a table.  Guess it's time to pay for the rental of that table, too.  Then I'll pay the rent here on my way back home.  I'm probably in for the rest of the day ... Not much going on in my corner of the world.

When we used to live up in Oregon, there was a saying we used to hear a lot.  It was, "If you don't like the weather here, wait a moment!"