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Morning Devotional...








WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16
By the late Jack Scott



6.  A Fact of History


They anointed and wrapped His broken, bruised and mutilated body with loving hands. Surely their hearts were rent within. Can we doubt that tears flowed like rivers of water down their cheeks until they could cry no more? The One they loved and followed was dead. The One they thought would establish again the throne of His ancestor, David, lay embalmed in oriental manner, in a cold, dark cave. Perhaps they looked on as the authorities sealed the tomb and posted a Roman guard to keep watch. Their saddened minds had forgotten His promise "But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee" (Matthew 26:32).

There are still unbelievers who try desperately to explain away what happened. They have developed some very stupid and unbelievable theories in a vain attempt to disprove the great fact that death could not hold Him in its icy grip. In triumph He burst the bars of death.

Ed Harlow, in his book "Basic Bible Doctrines" reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is the best documented fact of ancient history. It is not my purpose in this short article to give all of the evidences of proof but consider this: If the Lord did not rise again, then His disciples have perpetrated one of the greatest hoaxes of all time. But that does not make sense at all because they had nothing to gain if it were not true, and very much to lose. But preach the resurrection they did at great personal cost. For preaching the truth of the resurrection they were imprisoned, flogged, stoned, crucified, thrown to lions, and burned to death. No, they peddled no hoax, no imaginative myth, but the glorious reality that Jesus Christ is the Lord of Life and victor over death.

As he contemplated the great fact of the resurrection, Robert Lowry was moved to write the following lovely hymn:



Have you ever taken time to contemplate the significance of the resurrection and the great truths we are to learn from it?

First, it is the apex of the doctrine of the Deity of Christ. It is the grand proof of His Divine origin. None but One who is God could raise Himself up from the grave. Jesus had told the Jews that He had that power and now it had occurred.

"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18).

Jesus by His resurrection proved beyond doubt that His claims to equality with God were founded on the firm foundation of the rock of eternal Truth. There can be no serious doubt about it. He is the Son of God. We read in Romans 1:4 "...and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

This is the very keystone of our Faith.

Secondly, the resurrection is the believer's assurance of the completeness of Christ's saving work on the cross. If God the Father had not been fully satisfied with the atonement made for my sins, Christ would not have risen from the dead. The tomb would still be sealed. Unlike some other religions we do not worship a dead prophet, but a living Saviour who has triumphed over sin and death.

Paul reminds us in Romans 4:23-25, "Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification."

Are you trusting in the crucified, living, ascended and coming Saviour? Only He can take away the guilt of sin and give peace to the troubled conscience.

A third thing that we can learn from the resurrection of Christ is that we too shall live again. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Cor. 15:22)

For the one who is united by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ this is a blessed future to ponder. One day "...the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds of the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thess. 5:22). Surely all who have been saved by grace echo the words of John as he brings the Revelation to a close, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

But what of those who reject Christ? We are reminded of the words of the blessed Son of God Himself, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28,29).

If you, dear reader, are one of those who face the resurrection of condemnation, I would urge you to flee from the wrath to come. Flee away to Jesus. He has graciously said, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37. He died for sinners such as you and me and His resurrection brings blest assurance to all who believe on Him.

---

Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness.
He is missed greatly by his family.

JudyB:  The song about the "church in the vale" is a little brown church in Iowa.  An auntie and uncle drove from Minnesota to be married there many years ago.  At least I have always believed it is the same church as in the song.  I remember that song being played in every house of every relative.  Thank you.

Winter storm approaching tomorrow so I will get out early for errands and such.  We did get to church and came home before the high winds hit.  Not easy to take a walk so that was shorter than usual. 

Al:  We lived in Plano for 9 years.  It is fairly close to Rowlett.  Everything is big and busy there, isn't it?  This is a wonderful time for blooming flowers and I do miss seeing the Cardinals. 

Pat, thank you for sharing once again one of Jack's wonderful devotionals.   

And now I'm getting ready to go see if this bandage can at least be reduced. 

Hi everyone.  It looks like it is going to be a nice day here in Georgia.  We did visit with Stacey yesterday and she just called saying the surgeon had released her as had another one of the doctors.  She is waiting for the Internal Medicine doctor and a couple of other people but hopes she will go to rehab today.  When she called she was outside in her wheelchair and this was the first time she has been out of bed in about three days.  She is so tired of the hospital room.  I have my usual Monday activities for today.

Jeanne, hope this is the day you can get the use of your hand back. 

Pat, thanks for sharing the fine devotional of Jack's writing.  I'm glad we are out of that musty and damp basement. 

Marilyn, it was interesting to read about your background and view your slide show.

Janet, I hope your didn't have to lift a lot yesterday as you helped Curtis.  You mention of the good, clean fun at the dinner theater brought back memories of the plays we used to put on when I was in high school as they were always a bit silly but funny.

Judy, the hymn "The Church in the Wildwood" has always been one of my favorites.  That was a nice graphic for a Happy Sunday.

Thanks for the memories from hearing 'The Little Brown Church in the Vale'.  Mom used to play that on the piano.  She would chord with the left hand and played the right hand by the music.  She didn't add all the runs and the extra notes that this piano player does. 

Thanks for another devotion from Jack.

Glad that Stacey got outside in her wheelchair.  And thanks to God that she will be going to rehab soon!  May that road be behind her and healing is ahead.

It felt great to be in church yesterday.  Great that I was missed last week.  I missed communion and feel refreshed now. 

We went to Logan's Steak House for lunch.  Then Ivalou and I got money at the bank, I needed eggs from the grocery and Ivalou needed meds from CVS. 

Once home, I got caught up online and took my book to the north bedroom.  Inky was on my stomach and Ali was at my side.  I finished a chapter, put the book down and went to sleep.  I woke up 4 hours later!!!  And I went to bed fairly early and slept good last night!! 

Today is a nothing day but I want to make a Cinnamon Roll Cake for Euchre tomorrow.  That shouldn't take long.

I did finish a Chemo Wrap last night.  I am getting lazy..first one for this year!!

John is off to work.  Another short trip....Rochester....Not good memories of that city, John would up in Hospital with food poisoning when we were driving team......

Heard from Gord last night, They have things figured out with Noreen and she is home now, She is in a lot of pain, and Physio starts today.  Praying that she can get on top of the pain, and is able to get some relief. 

Pat really appropriate to have Jack's message this week with yesterday being his birthday.  It seems everyone is feeling the loss this year.  However he is not lost, we know where he is!!!

Nearly all the snow is gone, The bush is always the last to be snow free, and it has about gone.  I feel for those out in Alberta and Saskatchewan They are still dealing with feet of snow.

Have a great day everyone.

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Jeanne Any news on your hand?

Judy, thanks for asking.  My hand is still bandaged but much smaller.  He said if he could have put it in a splint and it would have healed much faster but the movement of using the hand, in spite of the bulk, keeps the skin moving and delays it.  That's OK, so long as it isn't getting infected.  Another appointment on Friday.

I was at the doctor's for two hours and then did a couple of short errands, came home and had lunch - and fell asleep.  When I woke up it was to the horrible news about the Boston Marathon explosions.

Jeanne:  It has to be a bit annoying to have your hand bandaged.  We take our mobility so much for granted - at least I am guilty of that fact.  Good wishes on your appointment. 

Yes, terrible news today.  I hope they get to the reason and the people who are responsible. 

It is snowing and will be off and on for the next three days. 

It's been a "bizzy, bizzy" day today. Denti$t kept me at office almost 3 hours, then a 30 min drive to visit the doctor.

I had forgotten how long the commute can be from one side of the city to the middle of it...sure was sad to see those numbers creep down on the average miles per gallon while I waited in v-e-r-y  s-l-o-w  traffic. Oh, well, at least I try hard to conserve fuel.

Along with all of y'all, I'll be praying for those victimized in the Boston Marathon debacle. 

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on an overcast Tuesday morning with prospects if isolated thunderstorms this afternoon.  Stacey did get to the rehab yesterday and made a trip back to her apartment before going in.  That apparently was an eye-opener to her as she was in a lot of pain and experienced some problems.  She called mid-evening complaining that there was a problem with her meds and the only pain medicine ordered was Loritab, which doesn't do much for the pain.  She is experiencing a lot of phantom pain.  We haven't talked to her this morning but doubt she had a very good night.   I plan on attending a meeting this morning and that will likely be it for today.  I did finish working on Stacey's computer yesterday and have a couple more things to do on Pat's desktop then think the computer maintenance will be over for the moment hopefully.  I am sure the whole country is very upset by the Boston bombings and such a senseless act of terrorism. 

Etta Sue, doesn't your church have Communion every Sunday?  The church I grew up in did have it every Sunday but the Presbyterian church I attend has it the first Sunday of the month.  We no longer have a Logan's Steak House in our area.  I always liked it and it always seemed to be crowded.  We do have a Texas Roadhouse that is very good.

Judy, that sounds like another short trip for John.  I do hope more work comes his way later this week.  Glad you heard from Gord and that Noreen is home.  Pat also experienced a lot of pain when she came home but didn't have to fight an infection at the same time. Judy, a very nice graphic related to the Boston runners.  There were so many injured and lost limbs.  What hatred must exist in the heart of someone(s) who would do such a cowardly thing.

Ruth Ann, three hours in the dentist chair is way too much.  It seems like every time I drive through Nashville the traffic is heavy.  Always good to have plenty of gas in your car when we start across to go to a big city.

Jeanne, it sounds like your hand is making progress and patience is the key here. 

~The Love of God

      Frederick M. Lehman, author and composer, wrote a pamphlet, in 1948, entitled History of the Song, The Love of God. It tells about the origin of this beloved hymn—

      While at camp-meeting in a mid-western state, some fifty years ago in our early ministry, an evangelist climaxed his message by quoting the last stanza of this song. The profound depths of the line moved us to preserve the words for future generations.

      Not until we had come to California did this urge find fulfillment, and that at a time when circumstances forced us to hard manual labor.

      One day, during short intervals of inattention to our work, we picked up a scrap of paper and, seated upon an empty lemon box pushed against the wall, with a stub pencil, added the (first) two stanzas and chorus of the song.

      Since the lines (3rd stanza from the Jewish poem) had been found penciled on the wall of a patient's room in an insane asylum, the general opinion was that this inmate had written the epic in moments of sanity.

      Actually, the key-stanza (third verse) under question as to its authorship was written nearly one thousand years ago by a Jewish songwriter, and put on the score page by F.M. Lehman, a Gentile songwriter, in 1917.

—Selected

Larry, yes, my church does have communion every Sunday but I missed Sunday last so I missed communion. 

Today I went to the pool, took a chemo wrap to the hospital, got my nails done, ate at Taco Bell and got two bottles of Slime for the big lawn mower tire.  Whew! 

Now the trash is gathered and waiting to go to Janet's to play Euchre. 

Tomorrow Ivalou has an appointment with our nurse, Andrea.  And WNL is tomorrow night. 

Such a senseless crime to innocent people in Boston.  I haven't heard anything about it today.  Just hope they find who is responsible for it and they are punished or exported!!

I do have some happy news.  Just had an email from a 2nd. cousin in Minnesota.  She wrote that her husband, very recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, is going to have surgery soon and all of that cancer is curable.  Apparently, caught in time.  We are thankful for this news. 

Taking a break from moving furniture in the basement and vacuuming and also shampooing carpet.  Whew ! Don is such a help and we both need to rest for awhile now. 

At the church we attend in Arizona, we have communion every Sunday. Here, this church is not often enough for my liking.   

Hi, weighing in on communion - my church takes communion each Sunday in the prelude to days of celebration, such as during Lent leading up to Easter; during the Advent season leading up to Christmas, etc.

I like that we don't take it every single Sunday, for it could become routine that way. We always have it at least once a month.

I've accomplished one part of a big task - refrigerator cleaning. Each time I break up a big task into smaller activities, I feel SO thankful as each thing done is marked off my list.

More tomorrow -

Ruth Ann

Carol, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer way back in 1998.  I was told that there is no cure for bladder cancer but it is controllable.  I have had 7 surgeries to remove tumors in my bladder.  In 2002 I have BCG treatments.  I can't remember what those initials stand for but it is the actual germ for tuberculosis instilled in my bladder.  I had either 6 or 8 of those treatments.  I have been cancer free since!!    You have to have cystoscopies to determine you are clear or have tumors.  I have them once a year now. 

And communion becoming routine?  Not for this gal.  It's just like reading the Bible...you read the same verses over and over and they are fresh each time.  To me, communion is the same.  Fresh each Sunday! 

I am taking Ivalou for an appointment with her nurse today and then somewhere for lunch. 

I do believe my cold/bronchitis is in the past!

Etta Sue. How marvelous that you are cancer free after so many years of medical care.   what wonderful words. 

Years ago, I used to assist someone from church who brought communion to the hospital or the home after Sunday service.  It meant so much to participate in this lovely exercise. 

Snow and ice right now. Not smart to get on the road for church this morning. 

Sun is shining and it is warming out.  This isn't supposed to last though.

Etta Sue a dear friend has bladder cancer, surgery is soon.  I feel for her, the chemo has wreaked havoc on her body and hair.  If you recall our brother started with bladder cancer and died in 08...... You are indeed a survivor, a victor!

The church Pat and I were raised in had Lord's Supper the first Sunday evening of every month.  Other churches I have gone to have different schedules.  I always enjoyed knowing it was the first Sunday and something to be looked forward to.  We always ended with the hymn Bless Be The Tie That Binds...... Still a favourite of mine!.

Hi everyone.  It is getting late in the day here and it has been a full one.  It is around 80 beautiful degrees here in Georgia.  This morning was full with coffee with the guys at McDonald's, then Bible study, some more visiting with friends at Dunkin' Donut and finally a quick stop at my insurance agents office to give them proof that I had my roof replaced to avoid a surcharge on old roofs that they had put on my policy.  Had lunch and rested for a couple of hours and now trying to catch up on the message boards and then will enjoy a quiet evening. I also made an appointment to get our air-conditioner checked for the season as it is getting old and want it to last as long as possible.

Etta Sue, what in the world is Slime for your mower tires?  I am not familiar with it.

Carol, great news regarding your cousin and the bladder cancer.  It sounds like you and Don are working too hard with the furniture moving, etc. in your basement.  It is nice when Communion is brought to folks in nursing homes, home-bound folks and folks in the hospital. 

Ruth Ann, I agree with you on Communion every Sunday as when I was growing up it did become very routine and harder to focus on the meaning of the sacrament.  It is fun marking things off a list. 

Judy, in the 16 years I have attended my current church Communion has been on the first Sunday with just a few exceptions.  I have always loved the hymn "Bless Be the Tie that Binds". 

My email notification didn't work.....again! 

No, Larry, I didn't have to lift anything heavy while helping Curtis.  In fact, he was almost finished when I got out there.

Darrel had a VA appointment in Liberal today, and consulted with a doctor in Wichita, via TV!  Times they are a-changing!  We also went to Walmart for some items, to the Squeaky Clean to wash the car, and to Braums for a sandwich.  It's been cool and misty all day here.

I have been asked to work on Saturday at the care home, so I will do that.  It will mean missing my scrapbooking day, but that's okay, too.

I hope it is warm on Sunday as we are scheduled to have our Sunday service outdoors, followed by a baptismal service and picnic lunch.

Glad to see that Stacey is in rehab, Noreen is out of the hospital, Jeanne's bandage is reduced, Etta Sue is over her cold.

Have any of you gotten those letters wanting to give you 8.5 million (or other crazy amounts) of money, just for answering the emails?  I knew it was a scam, but googled it and found the way they do it is to string you along until the bank (so-called) contacts you.  Then you have to open an account, with your own money, of course, and after that, they say they need more money for fees, or this or that until you finally give up or run out of money.  The one I got was couched in "Christianese" making it sound like it could be legitimate--even had a photo of the lady and her late husband.  The next email had a photo of a lady in a hospital bed, with her head turned away from the camera.  It is amazing what thieves think up to part people from their money!  Anyway--if you get one, delete it

Janet, about your email notifications. Please contact one or two of the moderators. There's a way to set that up so the notifications work all the time.

Well, today was a time of fellowship with some friends, a time to pray for a dear old lady who I have taken to the doctors for a couple of years - she's in the hospital in Critical Care with a blood infection and very, very weak heart. If she makes it through the night, I'm going to try to go there tomorrow to visit her. Also, a little trip to WalMart to take care of a few needs.

So, then, I came home to rest from my "labors."

Much love to all, and to our Lord most of all,
Ruth Ann

 Hi everyone.  It is going to be another warm and sunny day here in Atlanta with it going up to 79 degrees this afternoon.  I have a clear calendar for today.  Pat will go to the dentist in a little bit for a routine (we hope) cleaning.  Stacey seems to be adjusting to the rehab again and was happy with the meals served yesterday.  She will see her regular doctor today.

Janet, I have never experienced talking with the doctor via TV.  Was Darrel's experience through the VA?  It seems a little early to be doing picnics and services outside.  Hope your weather cooperates.  I have gotten those scam letters. 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like your dear old lady friend is in serious trouble. 

I posted so late yesterday that there are not many postings since I last wrote.  So will just say hi to everyone stopping by today and hope you have a pleasant day.

Friends, I just watched this short video and thought it was worth viewing and heeding its message so I wanted to share it:  http://www.flickspire.com/m/LifeSecrets/LifeIsLikeCoffee

LOL!!  Slime is something you put in tires, I think by way of the stem, when tires have slow leaks in them.  Once it is put in, then you drive the vehicle slow so that it coats the inside and seals the reason for the slow leak!  It is green and I imagine it feels like slime...yuck!

I had chemo in my bladder while I still lived in Greenfield.  It was to try to kill the cancer cells.  They put it in my bladder and I had to 'hold' it as long as possible while laying down and turning from side to stomach to side to back so it would get all over the inside of my bladder.  I think I had 6 weekly treatments.  After the 6th one, the inside of my bladder sloughed off, scaring me because they didn't tell me it would do that.  It was painful trying to 'push' those little pieces out!  But the chemo was all just in my bladder so my hair wasn't lost! 

Ivalou's husband had bladder cancer but he waited too long...when he found out he had bladder cancer, the tumor was the size of a softball and he had to have his bladder removed.  Then I think they lost a piece of cancer because 6 months later he had surgery and removed a grapefruit size tumor from his pelvic area.  He had chemo that cause hair loss and all that chemo does!

Sooo if you feel something is wrong with your plumbing, get it checked out soon.  Early detection is what makes it controllable! 

Kitty was going to come today and help me trim down hibiscus and butterfly bushes, pick up sticks and rake leaves out of my rock landscaping.  But I got a call from the neighbor boy that does yard work for people...I called him twice in the last week or two. He said he was sorry he didn't return the first call but  he was in Florida with his family for two weeks....I thought I was only allowed to go to Florida!!  So Jeremiah is coming Saturday morning and do the work instead of Kitty and I getting out there.  The wind is terrible today.  I shouldn't get out there in the wind since I am still coughing some. 

The wind is from the southeast today, the neighbor is mowing his grass and it is sunny but suppose to have severe storms this afternoon!

Larry, I was composing while you posted.  Ironically, I chose the coffee graphic that fits right into your post!!

Janet about notifications.  Go into the thoughts and unnotify and wait for that to work,  then hit notify again and that should correct the problem.  Frankly I scan the notifications but use the button at the top of the page "Show unread posts since last visit."  That shows all the posts and I open a new page for each post.    I hope that helps.

I haven't heard from Gord since the evening Noreen came home.  We need to continue to pray for them. Larry I am glad Stacey is in the rehab home, They will help her regain strength, and relearn how to do things. Janet glad Beth is doing some better.

Heather has the last 2 of her exams today. She is still struggling with the effects of the concussion. When today is done she has a couple of weeks off.  She will be able to rest. Just got this message that the Doctor said her score is worse than the last time she was in to him  2 weeks ago.  He is arranging accommodations for her which may include a tutor.  That will help her next semester.   She isn't a happy camper......

We have rain today, That is ok, that means no snow Most of our snow is gone just a bit around the bush line. This will help the last of it to go.

Have a great day everyone.