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Morning Devotional...


Mercy for the Believer
Alistair Begg

Have mercy on me, O God.
Psalms 51:1

When one of God's choice servants, William Carey, was suffering from a dangerous illness, the inquiry was made, "If this sickness should prove fatal, what passage would you select as the text for your funeral sermon?" He replied, "Oh, I feel that such a poor sinful creature is unworthy to have anything said about him; but if a funeral sermon must be preached, let it be from the words, 'Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.'" In the same spirit of humility he directed in his will that the following inscription and nothing more should be cut on his gravestone:

WILLIAM CAREY, BORN AUGUST 17th, 1761:
DIED-
"A wretched, poor, and helpless worm
On Your kind arms I fall."

Only on the footing of free grace can the most experienced and most honored of the saints approach their God. The best of men are conscious above all others that they are men at best. Empty boats float high, but heavily laden vessels are low in the water; mere professors can boast, but true children of God cry for mercy upon their unprofitableness. We need the Lord to have mercy upon our good works, our prayers, our preaching, our offerings, and our living sacrifices. The blood was not only sprinkled on the doorposts of Israel's houses, but upon the sanctuary, the mercy-seat, and the altar, because as sin intrudes upon our holiest things, the blood of Jesus is needed to purify them from defilement. If mercy is needed to be exercised toward our duties, what will be said of our sins? How sweet the remembrance that inexhaustible mercy is waiting to be gracious to us, restore our backslidings, and make our broken bones rejoice!

Thank you for this week's devotional, Pat.  I had never thought about the order of things.

This week promises to be hot and humid, with today the least uncomfortable.  So I'll try to get some groceries early, before things get too soggy.   

Hi everyone.  Another sunny and warm morning to start the new work week.  I had an exhausted day yesterday.  I managed to make it to Sunday School and church but spent the afternoon resting and then retired for the night at 8 pm.  It is too early to tell if this will be another day like yesterday.  I do need to get a haircut this week and may attend a meeting at noon, although that depend on whether my energy level takes a sudden drop as it did yesterday.  I did watch the Canadian Open Golf Tournament yesterday afternoon and felt sad for the Canadian golfer who appeared to have the match in hand and then lost by two strokes at the very end.  Our son fixed our lunch yesterday, which was much appreciated.  However, this week he has to work a lot so probably won't be seeing much of him this week. 

Janet, I also washed a load of clothes yesterday but that is hardly work with the fine equipment that does the hard part.  Nice to read how well Darrel is doing.  Sure hope you found some time to do some painting as you need to tend to your own needs as well as those of others.  We also had a nice church service, although the pews were not filled but it is a very large sanctuary. 

Carol, it seems that computer problems come in bunches.  Hope yours have been solved.  Hope the storm missed you. 

Ruth Ann, glad you were able to be out and about yesterday.  However, that heat really saps ones energy.

Pat, good devotional for us to think about this week. 

Jeanne, hope you get your shopping done today so you will be able to stay in where it is cooler and less humid during the hot days ahead this week. 

I am waiting....and waiting....and, well you know the drill!    Why is it always so hard to get to talk to a doctor?  Beth and John are applying to Wish upon a wedding an organization that plans and gives weddings to couples where one is diagnosed with a terminal illness, or has had life-changing circumstances.  And they need a medical report from a doctor.  Prayers about this would be so welcome!

I'm going to call again.  Maybe if I pester them enough, they will do something!

That is such an interesting story of the gravestone note.  We have been to areas of the country where some headstones (Louisiana) are set up like monuments - very interesting and to quiet little native village graveyards where they try to put some color into the spaces.  It reminds me of the hymn, "Just as I Am" - something simple and to the point. 

Hi, friends,

Today (actually it's yesterday) was a recuperation day. Very little activity in my vicinity.

Y'all have a good new day when you awaken.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is the typical summer day in the South, i.e., hot, humid and only a slim chance of rain this evening.  Yesterday afternoon I started feeling like my normal self and the tiredness left me.  However, I stayed in all day and didn't even get the mail until this morning.  I do plan on going to coffee at 10 am and getting a haircut.  The yard folks are here already this morning although the grass hasn't grown much this last week. 

Janet, I have never heard of the Wish Upon a Wedding organization before.  I hope the doctor's office don't drag their feet on providing the medical report needed. 

I posted a prayer request in that forum

I've been pretty busy for a few days. today was more or less a free dayso i bathed both dogs. They sure needed it. Bebe has a Vet appointment n Monday and I wanted her to be clean.

We had a great church picnic out at the beach on Sunday, it was a large turn out be we sure had fun.

Hello from the island.  Dry and mostly hot.  We are on stage 3 water restrictions, which is not the usual thing for these parts.

The kids just got back from 3 days in Seattle. They do not travel much now due to Wendy's health and now the terrible exchange rate....terrible for us Canadians that is......   Not long ago it was the reverse!

I am feeling terribly sad as my dear cat Misty, who some of you remember, is dying of Cancer.  The vet was supposed to put her to sleep if found during surgery....but of course didn't.  But I have found that there really isn't any point in anger with a liar...so here she is, bleeding, in pain, and no future except more of the same.  It is a very terrible form of anal cancer.  Neglected by the other Vets at another clinic.  I have plastic and all sorts of old towels on  my bedroom floor as she has trouble with litter box, etc.  So am sleeping in a chair in my living room so she will stay under the bed, although I do have it well protected.  So far it has cost me $1400.00 and her a lot of pain. 
Misty has been a very dear companion for the past 11 yrs. so it really hurts.
We are going to have to put her to sleep soon.

I just wanted to tell Colin how much his poems have made me feel stronger and more certain that things always happen for a reason.  It may seem silly to be so sad about a pet, with all the problems we all have with family health, etc.  Janet is certainly an inspiration as her faith never falters.  My daughter also has serious health problems and we shared that over the years.   I am so happy for Beth and John.  Have followed their love story for so many years. What a great new chapter in their story!

This site is a blessing to many of us who come...and rarely post.  My excuse is that I am a few weeks away from my 83rd birthday and have little to write about.  My granddaughter now has a great job with the Cancer Clinic in Victoria and a lovely ground floor suite in a new home in Shawnigan Lake....a short distance from here.  So one doesn't have to look far to see God's Blessings. I continue to pray for many of you and enjoy your postings.

God Bless, 

Liz

Hi, friends,

Today has been another stay in day for me, but it's good to report I'm feeling better this evening.

I also feel like there's little to report from me, but it's wonderful to come and keep up with others' activities.

Marilyn, I'll head over to the prayer request forum now - thanks for the heads up.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Liz, I can't tell you how happy I am to see your post.  Thanks for stopping by..

What a sad, sad thing though for Misty.  I'm so sorry.  We do become so attached to our four legged friends.  I know I love my Lauren a lot.  And she loves me.

I've also been enjoying reading Colin's poetry.  I so enjoy them.

Please just say "Hi" whenever you can.

Love you.

Pat

Hi everyone.  We are just home from a visit to Pat's surgeons office.  She is doing fine but had a concern with the incision and the doctor said all is looking fine.  It is very hot and humid today so plan on staying in the rest of the day.  This humidity and heat just saps all of my energy and not really feeling like sitting at my desk this morning so have settled in my easy chair. 

Marilyn, it sounds like you all had a very nice church picnic.  It is a joy to share good times with our church friends.

Liz, so nice to see your posting although sad for you with the situation with your cat.  We do love our animals and they are great companions.  I am so thankful that my son has a cat and a dog.  They are missing my DIL just as my son is missing his wife.  At least, the animals are there for him to share his love with.  It sounds like your granddaughter is well situated with a nice job and a nice place to live.  Is she still doing her art work? 

Ruth Ann, it sounds like we have similar schedules with staying in out of the heat and humidity.  If I have to get out I try to do that early in the day. 

Pat, good to see you posting.  Are you in Guelph now or in Winchester?  Sure hope you are feeling better.

 

Especially for Liz! I am sure I have posted this poem before..I have a bad memory you know!

HE IS ALWAYS THERE

He walks with me the valley wide
He climbs with me the mountainside
In darkest night my Light to guide
He will never leave my side

When I sink in waters deep
And over me the waves do sweep
He my soul does always keep
He watches me; He does not sleep

He's with me in the storm and rain
He holds my hand when I'm in pain
He helps me take the stress and strain
And makes the sun to shine again

He stands with me in flames of fire
He rescues me from troubles dire
My sinking soul pulls from the mire
My Lord is there when I require

To my prayers He does give ear
He knows the dangers that I fear
He wipes away the falling tear
Child; He says; I'm always near

He turns aside the fiery dart
He knows the pain that breaks my heart
From me He does not stand apart
To me He does His strength impart

He comforts me when I am sad
He closely holds when things are bad
He knows the sorrow that I've had
His Spirit again will make me glad

He says; my child for you I care
All your burdens I will bear
Though you are down; do not despair
By your side I'm always there

Country Poet

So sad to hear about your cat Liz and it will be a mercy for it to be put to sleep but I know you will miss it so much. I admire you for being a computer whizz kid at 83! Hope you have a great birthday when it comes around. God bless

Liz, I was delighted to see your post!  I had been thinking about you and wondering how you were doing.  That's usually the Lord's prompting to pray!  So sorry about you beloved Misty.  I remember your mentioning her so many times in your posts.  Our animals do become close and comforting friends, and it is always so hard to let them go.  (((hugs)))

Larry, I notice this summer heat plus the humidity we usually don't have to deal with here is taking a toll on my energy, too.  I had a good chiropractic adjustment Monday morning, then about two hours or so later was helping John with Beth and her chair, caught my toe on a broken sidewalk and nearly fell.  I knew it jerked my back out, and this afternoon I have a very painful neck, jaw, and whole left side.  I stumble when I walk, too.  So I really did a number on myself!  Ouch!  My right shoulder is painful, too.  And he is closed the rest of the week!  (Chiropractor, that is!

I judged at the fair in Hugoton today, then got to spend a little time with grandson Mark, who is home doing the annual on their airplane.  Always good to get some good Mark hugs and catch up with his life a bit.  He is getting married on Oct. 10.

I believe I will go take some Ibuprofen and lie down!  Owieee!!

Hi, friends,

Well, I've been out and about today. First I took the disabled lady to the doctor and learned she's finally doing better, after being treated with surgery and with strong medications and weekly visits with the doctor. This has been going on since last September!

Then I was back with the dentist for another adjustment session on the lower denture. It's great to see good improvement, and I believe only a couple more visits will wrap this matter up to my satisfaction.

So, I'm praising the Lord for the good day. The 6 pm news reported that at that time, our heat index here in Nashville was 106, and it was 108 in Memphis. All the more reason for trying to get things done before that time of day.

Y'all have a good rest of the day and awaken knowing of our Lord's blessings on your life.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I am hopeful today will be a more energetic day.  I have to go to Walmart for a new prescription the doctor gave Pat yesterday and to pick up a few other items.  I would like to go to the Wisdom class at church this morning but that will have to be determined a little latter this morning after my shopping trip.  I think our son will be over sometime today so looking forward to seeing him. 

Colin, again thanks for sharing the special poem for Liz as we all get to enjoy it. 

Janet, just what you didn't need is a near fall and now having created new hurts for you.  Nice you were able to spend a little time with Mark and catch up on his life.  It sounds like your family will be expanding in October. 

Ruth Ann, we need to stay inside where it is cool by these summer afternoons.  When I watered my flowers this morning I noticed it wasn't too bad temperature wise but know it will be going up soon. Glad your friend is finally making progress with her health issues.  You have been a very faithful friend to her. 

Hi, friends,

It's another quiet day today here in the Bice domain.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth An

Larry:  After your Wisdom class - you will be wiser?  Hugs to you and Pat.

Ruth Ann:  I don't know why it just dawned upon me but Don used to commute to Nashville every week for several months.  He consulted for a HMO at the time - had to fly out on Sunday at noon and returned late on Friday.  He really talked highly of the people he met and they were very kind to him.  A great experience.

We are only trying to go fishing on Saturday with two of the grands and daughter but I suggested one place and Don nixed that so now I don't know where this will end but we shall persevere.  As a cousin wrote from Seattle (you have to know this from a guy named IVAR.  KEEP CLAM, CARRY ON. 

Hi everyone on this Friday morning.  It looks like 93 will be our high today with no rain in the forecast.  I had a good day yesterday as felt like getting out of the house and doing things.  Today I plan on going to coffee downtown and then stopping at the barbershop to finally get a haircut.  The housekeeper will be here later this morning. 

Ruth Ann, nothing wrong with a quiet day as I am sure you know.  Hope you were feeling well yesterday.

Carol, a little more wisdom is a helpful thing.  I don't know how much we help the minister but it gives him a group that listens and comments if we have anything to say.  I think just verbalizing his thoughts to us may be helpful to him in working out some of his sermon.  Good advice to "Keep Calm, Carry On".

I was here yesterday, but looks as if I didn't have anything to say!  That's different, huh? 

John left yesterday, saying he will be back in about three weeks.  He has to get their application in to Wish Upon a Wedding.  I guess I messed up, because I printed the application out and Dr. Rosin filled it out o paper, quickly, too!  But John said they want everything submitted online, so he has to scan it in and send it all together.    Well, I was trying!  So that means a few more days' delay, by the time he gets home and does it.  It's in the Lord's hands, and He will see that all goes according to the way he wants it.

Today is a slower day for me, and I'm happy about that.  I have a hair appointment, and think I might visit our only store that sells rather dressy clothes, to see if I can find something for Beth to wear for their wedding.  I have searched and searched online, can't find a really pretty LONG skirt.   Sigh...  Well, I know we will find something in good time.

Keep calm, Carry on.  The Lord tells me that nearly every morning!  I must need to hear it often!

Larry, good to read you are feeling stronger!

I shall return!

Hi, friends,

I like that phrase, "Keep calm, carry on."

That Wisdom Group sounds like a good idea.

I hope things go well with the wedding application, Janet, and that y'all continue your recuperation.

Carole, lots of people comment that we people in Nashville are easy to deal with. Since I live here, all I can say is that I really like it in Nashville.

The repairman came from Comcast and did several different things, as well as upgrading my obsolete equipment. It will be nice when it works well.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

You missed it - I wrote CLAM intentionally - Keep Clam and Carry On - that is from a clam chowder merchant years ago.  Yes, I believe it is truly good to say Keep Calm - Carry On.  Believe it comes from the British at least from WWII. 

Awaiting two grands who are to pull in here soon and we are anxious to have our time for  a quiet visit.    I found Palisade, Colorado peaches at the store - they are wonderful plus we will bake something and sew something - granddaughter is always so energetic.  Naps were the order for the day and that was a good thing so now we can stay awake and visit. 

Well folks, today was bittersweet for us.  A dear friend in his young 80's went to be with Christ today.  His name was Allen, but we referred to him as the Energizer Bunny.  Long ago we lost count of how many times his doctors said to "gather the family, his time is near!"  Only to have him make a miraculous recovery.  He had a series of long-term heart issues, knee replacements, and mysterious internal bleeding from unknown sources.  He was "fed" more blood than Dracula and all his relatives!  Probably because of all the false alarms over the years, his wife of 60+ years wasn't quite ready for the finality of Allen's departure, but the writing on the wall became very evident these past couple weeks.  Near the end, his pain was excruciating.  Hospice was brought in to help his final days at home be as comfortable as possible, and they also helped give the family a bit of a break now and then.  Allen was like a grandfather to our children, and to me he was a mentor and model of what a truly God-focused man and father should be - I only wish I had known him when I was younger.  He will be missed terribly by his family, friends and church-family, but there is no doubt that the Lord welcomed him home with open arms today.

Last night I was reading and pondering Scripture during the events of the crucifixion of Christ.  I considered His words referenced in Luke 23:43, when Christ remarked to one of the criminals that was also crucified, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."  Though a criminal, this man recognized Christ's innocence and deity - he was a believer!  And for this, his reward was to fellowship with Jesus Christ in paradise!  WOW!  I'm sure that I can't fathom the awesome fellowship going on in paradise right now between Christ and Allen; a believer, disciple and witness for Christ for most of his adult life!  So miss Allen, we will, but our joy for him is abundant indeed!

It is well!
Ken

Hi everyone on this beautiful Saturday morning.  I stepped out on the porch a few minutes ago to water my flowers and was pleasantly surprised with the temperature as it felt most comfortable. Scott came over and spent a couple of hours with us yesterday evening and he plans on being back here tomorrow morning to be with his mother while I go to Sunday school and church. 

I did finally get my haircut yesterday at a barbershop downtown, which I think I will be making my regular place.  It is a lady barber that has been cutting men's hair for 31 years.  She told me she doesn't cut women's hair.  I had to wait about 90 minutes for my turn but she does take appointment two or three days at the first of the week so next time will get an appointment and won't have to wait so long. 

Today is bill paying day and think I may go ahead and install Windows 10 on at least one of my computers. 

Janet, I am sure Beth is going to miss John these next three weeks but at least know about when he will be returning.  The Lord gives you, and each of us, very good advice as life is much more enjoyable if we take things one at a time and stay calm. 

Ruth Ann, I really enjoy participating in the Wisdom Group.  Apparently our pastor has had this type of group in other churches he has pastured over the last 31 years.  I hope you see improved service from Comcast. 

Carol, hope your day with your two grandchildren was most enjoyable.  It is nice your granddaughter likes to bake and sew with you--quality time I am sure. 

Ken, it I know it very sad to lose a good friend and mentor. It sounds like you had a very special relationship with him.   

I'm sitting between two open windows with a stiff breeze blowing.  And I have on a sweater. 

Wow, Jeanne!  Sounds as if you had a short summer!  We are enjoying a respite from the 100's and near, also.  Nice!

Carol, I surely DID miss that you wrote Clam, not calm--but I guess we all needed calm more than we did clam, so applied that instead.  Not knowing the source, it made more logical sense to me, anyway. 

Larry, I got a haircut yesterday, too!  Guess we are all groomed up, for a while, anyway.    We attended a supper last night at the Sr. Center, where the young people from the Mennonite church make and donate all the food, serve us, than stay and sing for us!  It is very enjoyable.  They serve hamburgers with all the "fixings", a wide variety of salads, baked beans, cantaloupe and watermelon, chips---and then top it all off with homemade ice cream!!  YUM!   This made the 90th such meal they have served the seniors of Grant County over the years.  That number includes the holiday meal the older members serve, consisting of baked ham, turkey and all the extras, and pies for dessert!  So they must have been doing this for the past 45 years!  WOW.

Larry, I wish we had a pastor who valued the wisdom some folks acquire through the years.  Not that I think I am wise, but it often feels our entire church is geared only to the youth and children.  And it needes to take excellent care and teaching of them, but the older ones do often feel superfluous.

Ken, isn't it wonderful to know, without a doubt, where your friend is today?  That is one of the dearest, most comforting promises in the scriptures, that we WILL see our saved loved ones and friends again.

Well, I finally "bit the bullet" and ordered an iPhone.  I just hope I can use it without being so frustrated!  Mark came up yesterday afternoon and advised me on which one to order, but I am so non-techy I am really concerned that I'm just wasting my money.  And I am so frustrated with trying to get my photos from camera card to computer--and FIND them, that I am almost in tears!  Pat tried to show me, tell me, teach me how to do this, and I read my notes, and still can't get it right!  WHY?  This is the only thing in my entire life I have ever had trouble learning!   I just don't understand WHY.  (Okay, off my soap box, and my pity pot!) 

Carol, hope you had a great time with the grands!  Know you did.  I really enjoyed having little Lexi here to paint with me the other day!  Time flies by SO quickly, and before we can adjust, they are all grown up!

Ruth Ann, I read yesterday that if a computer is 6 months old, it is obsolete!  WHAT??  This one is at least five or six years old!  And as long as it works I'm not planning to replace it!  YIKES!   But some people do replace stuff like this every little bit--each time an upgrade comes out!  Sigh...

I made an alphabet board last night for Beth, mounted it on foam core so it's light weight, and I am going to look for a small laser pointer for her.  Maybe she can hold the pointer in her mouth and point to the letters, to help us understand what she is trying to say.  It is so distressing to have her struggle so hard, and us struggle to understand her.  I really hope this will help.  She often tries to spell the words, but so many letters have similar sounds, it's still a guessing game that goes on and on.  If she can't use the pointer, we can point to the letters and she can say yes or no.  NO was one of her first words, and she still says that plainly!

I am jealous of your weather, Jeanne!  We have 104 F and will have it for several more days.  Autumn can't come quickly enough for me

Ken he was probably looking forward to going home.....His work was done!

Indeed, he was Judy!

Ken:  You are most fortunate to have known such a good friend and mentor - sweet memories. 

Janet:  Your idea on the pointer and alphabet board sounds like such a good thing for Beth and all of you. 

We are tuckered out after spending a lot of time with the two grands.  Cribbage was fiercely fought and Don came out on top with two extra wins.  Elise and I baked but didn't have time to sew as her uncle (another son) came for a visit.  He loves his teenage niece & nephews.  Today, we packed a picnic and went to a nearby lake to fish - got nothing as it is too warm but saw tons of various birds. Lots of Pelicans - they don't share fish.

JudyB:  I believe that it is so true so many times when you mentioned "his work was done and he was looking forward to going home".  .... Are you going to make a sweater from the pattern I sent a very long time ago?  I finally finished after 3 years and really like it for fall and spring days - good wishes to you.  Say hello to John too - he doesn't come in here very often.