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Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 9. The Shepherd's Psalm--Part (iii)

Perhaps you can imagine the scene. In the far distance, the sun shines over the misty blue mountains. Below them lie the upland moors covered with deep rich purple heather and golden yellow gorse. Immediately in front of us, and just beyond the field gate on which you and I are leaning, is a beautiful verdant pasture.

The grass is lush and wild flowers grow in colorful array. If we stand quietly, we can hear above the soft rustle of the wind, the musical drone of the honey bees as they gather nectar from delicate blooms.

About five hundred yards away, the cool, clear waters of a river flow serenely and silently towards the distant sea.

A little flock of sheep, some with lambs, lie peacefully undisturbed near the river's edge. If we were to look at them through our binoculars, we would see them gently chewing their cud as they draw nourishment from the abundant provision of fresh food. They surely are the picture of contentment and tranquillity. This is something like the picture that Psalm 23 calls to my mind.

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters." (Psalm 23:2) Why are the sheep in our little scene so peaceful, so content, so unruffled as they enjoy the warmth of the afternoon sun?

I think my shepherd friend, Johnny Crawford, would tell us that a flock such as we have described are free from fear, have enough to eat and are not plagued with parasites. If we remove any one of these conditions the sheep will not be at peace.

Has not God given us a lovely picture in Psalm 23 of the condition of His believing people? In Psalm 95:7, we read "For He is our God; and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand." Every good shepherd will care for his flock, removing the sheep from danger, providing medical treatment to prevent parasites and ensure sufficient food to keep them strong and healthy.

Our "Good Shepherd" has done so much more for His flock than the best of earthly shepherds. To start with He says to us in John 10:11, "I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep". He paid the ultimate price to purchase His flock and to deliver them from the fear of eternal death. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" (Romans 8:32).

In Christ our shepherd we have all we need for eternity. When we realize that "I am His and He is mine", fears quickly diminish and should fade away. When the Shepherd is present the wolf will seek some other prey. We need not fear man or devil, even if they kill us we shall live with Him.

If we are aware of His divine presence we will find food abundant for our souls and our spirits will rejoice in the Bread of Life, for He feeds us with food sufficient for our requirements. This He does as we seek to feed on His word and to find Him there. We can, with the Shulamite maiden experience the bounty of His hand. Listen to her words, "He brought me into the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love." (Song of Solomon 2:4) My friends let us feat on the good things of His word as we bask in the sunshine of His love.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters." Sheep like human beings need more than food to live; both need water if they are to survive. In Revelation 21:6, we read, "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts'."

What is the water of life? The Lord Jesus when speaking to the woman of Samaria told her of "living water" which if a person drank he or she would never thirst again. "But whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 4:14).

The Old Testament prophet Isaiah talks about that water in Isaiah 12:2,3 "Many people shall come and say, 'Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths." And the Lord Jesus Christ explains its meaning for us in John 7:37-39, "On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.' But this He spoke concerning the Spirit whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."

We see then that the water is the Holy Spirit whom we receive by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ the Great Shepherd. The Holy Spirit is needed to give life to those who are dead in sin. He is God's agent in the new birth as we are told in John 3:8 "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit". And it is His presence that sustains eternal life in all those who come by faith to the Lord Jesus for Salvation. It is He who enables us to become true disciples of the one who loved us unto death; the good shepherd who gave His life for the sheep.

If you and I are truly united by faith to the great Shepherd we can enjoy peace greater and more beautiful than any earthly scene. No matter what our material blessings or lack of them we have a peace that passes all understanding, food that nourishes for eternity and water that quenches the thirst for satisfaction in a way the broken cisterns of earth cannot satisfy.

To know this Shepherd is to love Him, and to love Him is to know Him in a way that can only be experienced by His flock. We will close this part of our studies with His gracious invitation as it is found in Isaiah 55:1-3a "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live."

Can you afford to reject this lovely overture of love and mercy? If you are one of His sheep, does not the knowledge of His love thrill your heart and cheer your spirit?

---

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

Pat, thank you!  How wonderful that these lessons Jack developed are still available for us today.

And I can hear Jack's gentle voice speaking these wonderful things!  I thank our Lord for him, and I thank our Lord also for you, Pat. for preserving these excellent writings for us!

I look to our Lord today, for His gracious work in my mind and actions as I retake again the driving test.  I can pass if He enables me.  Amen.

The reunion was fun.  I saw so many people I haven't see for years and yes, there were related to me! 

I came home soon after eating and took a nice nap.  Last evening was TV and crocheting.

Today I have an appointment with my throat doctor for a flexible laryngoscopy.  That is a tube with a cope on the end of it so the doctor can look at my larnyx. 

This evening Kitty, Cherie and I are going to Photo Guild.  I am just not interested in taking photos anymore so I don't have any entries to view but I love viewing other photos.

Hi everyone.  Went to coffee for a little while this morning but have cancelled my other normal Monday activities as decided I am not strong enough for the regular schedule.  I am resting now as I write using my iPad. 

Ruth Ann,  sometimes it seems that God hasn't heard our prayers but things have to happen in his time as evidenced by your son.  I am sure it blessed your heart.  I have God's hand in the life of our daughter and am praying that the time will come for son.

Carol, sorry to hear about the roof leaks at your son's home.

Pat, thanks for the devotional for this week.  Jacky's writing are always inspirational.

Thank you Pat for that.

Well the intense heat here in the north has broken.The temperatures are mid 70*F much easier to cope with.  I actually needed a blanket on the bed last night.

Have a great day folks!

   Good afternoon to all.  Had a great day on Sunday and went to a concert to here a Canadian Southern Gospel music group and it was a quartet but it was two ladies and two men.  They were excellent and they actual original group has been around for 25 years. .

It does not seem to matter how many groups that you here they have many songs that you have never heard before.

Larry:  I am glad to see that you are not pushing yourself to much as it is to warm first of all and that I am sure the doctor told you to relax as much as possible.  God bless you and Pat .

Pat:  Thank you for the wonderful devotional from Jacks writings and as Al said that you can just here Jack speaking through this beautiful 23rd. Psalm  God's richest blessing's for the week.   Gordon and Noreen.

Please pray that I will have guidance on what to do about this feeling that I keep getting in my head and that I may be able to get the proper doctor at the emerg. that does this special procedure that's stops Vertigo.  Thanks for you all.  Again Gordon.

Ruth Ann  I want to thank your right away for your post of 30 years of prayer because that special note from you is such a help to me especially today. 

Gord:  May you find the solution to your vertigo problem and begin healing. 

Al:  Big hug for you. 

Pat:  Love that special word from Jack.  His writings are still with all of us. 

Well,  I honestly don't know what to say.  I again did not pass the driving test.  This time she said that when she instructed me to  make a left turn that I came up to  the line, but didn't completely stop  before making the turn - several  times.  My reaction (internal and unexpressed) is that, first of all, there  was no line that I should pull up to.  It is possible that I didn't completely stop before the turn.  Another time, she said that, when pulling out from the curb (after she had me stop there), I didn';t look over my shoulder to make sure there would be no problem.  I absoutely insist that I did llook oveer my shoulder at that point, because I had, right from the start, been very conscious of "looking over the shoulder.  Anyway - that's it.  Nothing else was wrong, yet they did not pass me.  I admit that, if I'm left to myself, I'm downright angry.  May our Lord have mercy on me and help me to overcome impatience and anger.  They say I'll have to take it again.

Oh, Al, how sorry I am to hear this! I'll be taking the AARP safe driving classes this week, so I understand how we can have difficulties driving as we get older. Here in Nashville, there is a handicapped bus service, but I certainly hope to e able to drive as long as possible. I'm praying as I hear the beautiful tones of the hymn, "Does Jesus Care", are playing in the background.

A dear friend is dying with kidney cancer, so I'll be driving about 25 miles or so one way to see her tomorrow. She decided she could no longer stand the 3-days per week dialysis, so will most likely expire shortly. It's sad to see my friends go on before me, but with family and friends waiting, the reunion will be GLORIOUS!!

Thanks to God Who DOES CARE!

RuthAnn

 Hi everyone.  I skipped coffee this morning as am very short of energy.  I spent most of yesterday laying down and then went to bed at 7 pm. Doing the least thing leave me breathless.  I sure hope this passes and is not going to be the new normal for me.  The doctor told us that if the third line into my heart is going to help provide more energy it will take several months (I am ready for it now.)  Pat is just leaving to go to her friends house, and her friend is taking her downtown for her pre-op appointments.  I suppose I could have made it today but just didn't feel strong enough and not really suppose to drive for a few days, although I drove the short distance to McDonald's yesterday morning.  Obviously I have nothing on the schedule today other than more rest. 

Judy, glad the heat has lessened up your way.  We are still hot here but not into the 100's of a few days ago.  We had a lot of thunder last evening but don't think we got any measurable rain.

Gord, the concert sounds like the type of thing I would really enjoy.  I love Southern Gospel music.  Do hope you find the right doctor who can help with the dizziness.

Al, I was so hoping that yesterday would be the charm and you would pass the test.  Do you get the same examiner everytime?  Glad you can take it again.  Hope the anger doesn't ruin your day and remember 'it is what it is" but that doesn't mean it will always be that way.

Ruth Ann, enjoy the class and I sure hope you get a good instructor.  We have taken the class several times and had both good and not so good instructors.  Sorry about your friend with the kidney cancer but guess we know when it is time to give up and go home.

I am getting dis-interested in Photo Guild.  I have a Sony camera...everyone else has Canon or Nikon.  I uses PaintShopPro software...everyone else uses Photo Shop.  So, so many things that they discuss, I have no interest in because it doesn't apply to me.  They are wanting to start lessons again.  They passed out a paper of 20 different things to discuss and learn about.  There were only about 4 that was interest to me.  I am thinking I won't be paying dues next January.  I love looking at the photos that people submit for gently critiquing but that's about it.  I guess I am getting burnt out!

So this morning I went to the pool and ate breakfast at Ginger's.  Ginger's has breakfast all the time they are open and lunch then close at 2 or 3pm.  I asked them if they can have groups...yes and if I could have a menu to show to my classmates...yes.  It is a quaint restaurant that serves breakfast, soups, salads, sandwiches, a daily special, and homemade pies...even Zucchini Pie was on the chalkboard!!  Today the special was Beef Manhattan.  Thursday, the special is Chicken and Noodles.  All the tables are different...some wood, some painted, some chrome, old kitchen tables and chairs.  All the plates are different...mis-matched dinner plates.  Each table has a game on it.  It is decorated with aprons hanging from the wall, old license plates, old photos.  Nice cute place.  Hope the class will go there next month.

Now I am doing some laundry.  Next I want to take my book outside and read.  Not breeze today, bright and sunny with a few clouds.  And in the mid 80's!  Nice day!

Hello!  For some reason I didn't get an email notice today, so had to jump through the hoops to find us again.

I thought I was all ready to submit the information on the loss of my suitcase and the missing items, so I called....wrong.    He said I have to replace every item, then submit all the receipts, THEN they will send me a check.  This means a trip to Garden City, as we can't find a lot of things in our small town.  Okay, whatever!

Larry, I pray your strength and energy will start to return soon, even if gradually. In the meantime, please do continue taking care of yourself.

Al, I'm so sorry about your not passing the driving test again, but glad you will be allowed another try.  Try not to let it get you down.  ((((hugs))))

Ruth Ann, always good to read your encouraging posts!

Hi, Carol, good to 'see' you.

Curtis is here working on Darrel's computer.  When he gets done, mine needs some attention, too!

I need to get back to work on my 'to do to get caught up' list!

Larry after any kind of procedure it takes a while to get strength back.  Give it time and do as the good doctor says.

Etta Sue I understand what you are saying about the photo club.  If it doesn't meet your needs then perhaps time to move on!.

Jane 

Al I sent you as email.

Ruth Ann you are a blessing to so many!

Have a good day folks.

Al, I know you must feel disappointed and frustrated.  While we of course don't understand, the Lord has a reason.  I'm praying you find His peace through this latest setback.   

Al I pray that the Lord will grant you a calmness  and the ability to  pass your test. I think It is about time they gave you a different  testing person. Many that person has it in for you by this time and she is just looking for things that she can ding you one.

Etta Sue I know what you mean about getting  burnt out. i seem  to have come to a stand still on some of my PSP groups that I am in. I'm just burnt out on creating for the time being. it's no big deal to follow a tutorial but to create something  of my own  sometimes I just sit here and draw a blank.

Take it easy Larry give yourself a chance to heal and give you body a chance to adjust. Praying for Pat.

Hi everyone.  I am happy to say I got to feeling better late yesterday afternoon and so far today seem to be ok.  Pat has to go to the Kaiser Pharmacy for another test and some medicine and will drop me off at McDonald's on the way.  Pat failed to see an instruction from her doctor after her blood tests a few days ago to get some medicine for a possible problem.  This may result in the surgery having to be postponed.  I sure hope not for her benefit.  Beyond that I have nothing else on the schedule for today and will probably do a little more resting than normal. 

Etta Sue, to all things there is a season and perhaps that is what you are experiencing with the Photo Guild.  I have never heard of Zucchini Pie but love Zucchini Bread.

Janet, it seems that things are seldom easy as evidenced with your luggage claim.  Nice that you have Curtis available to work on your computers.

Yes, Larry, Curtis only lives about 30 miles from us now, so he can come occasionally and work on our computers.  Darrel's virus protection had expired and Curtis got another put on the new laptop for him.  He gets in such a hurry when trying to show me how to do things, that I can't write it down and sure can't remember (or even see) what he is doing.  That is frustrating to both of us.  So he told me yesterday he will make a video for me, showing how to post photos to my blog, etc.  I am really frustrated having so many nice photos and not being able to share them or use them.  I think I need to get to a certain point before even Jeanne can help me.     

Larry, I do hope Pat's surgery won't have to be postponed.  I know you both want to have it in the past, and have her recovered from it.

I went to Christian Women's Club last night with four other ladies, to Dodge City.  Our club folded several years ago and I miss it so much!  One of their board members bought a copy of my book and is going to see about getting me approved to be a speaker for these clubs.  That will be a blessing!

I have a couple appointments today, and right now, I'm headed out to do my daily walk, need to go before it gets too hot!

Just back from coffee and had a good time with my friends.  There were eight of us there today. 

Marilyn, I would find the creative part of the PSP to be a challenge.  Some people just have a talent for it and others don't. 

Janet, glad Curtis will make the video.  You can probably stop it at each step and document the action you are to take and thus work at your own pace.  I think one of the secrets of the SeniorNet Learning Centers are that they recognize the need for good documention of what is taught and to go slowly and not try to cram too much information at one time.  We have a good friend who is one of the speakers in the Christian Women's organization, although now she is probably limited as her husband is suffering from Alzheimer's.   

My left eye was bugging me yesterday.  It felt good to just shut it.  And I kept it shut for way too long this morning.  Ivalou called me and woke me up.  Really late!  It still is bugging me today.  I am beginning to think it is allergies.  But why just my left eye and not my right eye, too?  And of course, the more I rub it, the worse it gets!!  So...Self...quit rubbing it!!

Not much going on.  Nothing today.  But I did look at the forecast on Droid and see rain in the future!!!  Friday....Saturday...Sunday....Monday...and Tuesday!  By then, us un-satisfied humans will be wishing for sunshine again!  But I do hope it comes and we see moisture for central Indiana.  Not north or south but central!!

Tomorrow is my Class Luncheon.  Then Friday I may run around with Kitty!

.

I read all the notes and am thinking of each of you and all who are not posting recently.  Last night was quilting group and it was surprising that one woman mentioned she quit going to the church we attend because she "did not want anyone to tell her how to vote".  There has never been a word spoken on that in our presence so that is sad to hear. 

Today, the baby quilt and a book of nursery rhymes was mailed so that was good to check of the "To Do" list.  My new knitting project had to be taken apart and started all over again.  Tonight, we are going to the Wed. night service to see what we have been missing. 

Carol I have 5 knitting projects yet to start, but it still is too hot to knit without air conditioning.   That will start in September.  Thankfully they are all children's sweaters.

Have had a wonderful day today, quiet and restful.....except for the time the dog wants me to throw the ball for him!

HAve a great evening everyone.

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We did attend the Wed night service and the message was so good--- however, the jazzy and super loud music for almost 25 minutes caused Don to have a vertigo attack and he could barely understand or hear anything and he even came home and went to bed early..   So, that particular service is out for us.  I know the young people like that music.  Both of us will feel better about this tomorrow and early Sunday mornings are for us so we are grateful for that fact. 

Judy:  A 2nd. knit sweater is just started - maybe two inches high is finished.  It sure is nice to have something to knit and then something to sew while something is simmering.  Hope you stay cool.  Winter comes soon enough after the 4th. of July. 

Our hawks lost their  nest in the big wind when we were away but we do see one at least.  There were three. They are amazing to watch and entertain the neighborhood.  Two rabbits are in the front bushes every day and the rascals destroyed a pot of flowers but they are not touching the pots of herbs.  There are millions of rabbits here - and Don saved the life of one bunny in our window well.   our neighbor said, "Why did he do that" ? 

AL:  Can you go to another area to take your driver's license test?  It sounds like you are very close to passing.  Prayers for patience and relaxing for you. 

Carol, I'm with you on that terribly loud, jazzy music!  But we have NO choice--they play that way at every service.  Well---there is only one service available to us PER WEEK now.     Not enough people were coming to the early service, so it has been cancelled. Sunday morning, I took my hearing aids out of my ears and still wished I had ear plugs!  Then he stopped all the music and let the congregation sing, the only time I have heard any of our voices in months and months!  But they weren't even playing the melody, so it was pretty bad.  What are we supposed to be learning from all this?  I don't want to be a complainer, but it is very hard.  Do they not care at all about those of us who are over 50?  Please, those of you who are experiencing this, tell me what you think/feel.  Should we go find another church, even if they don't teach the Word the way we believe it?  Should we drive to another town?  What?  I love the people in my church and don't want to leave; also taking Beth becomes a problem if we go elsewhere.  It is a heartbreaking problem.

Our reprieve from the heat has been so nice, but the temp is crawling upward again.  We plan to go to Garden today to buy the things we lost, otherwise we cannot be paid for them.

Can you believe our Abby will be 15 years old this Saturday?  Wow, she grew up so fast!

Larry, I hope you are feeling stronger again today.

Judy, glad you got a break from the heat.

I pray I feel more energetic today.  Yesterday I felt completely wrung out. 

Have a good day, folks!  Our God is still in control!   

Larry - so glad you're feeling so much better than you were a couple of days ago.  Thank You, Lord!