Christian Photographers Community

• Prayer and Praise     Thanks for visiting this area of our site to share prayer requests and items for praise!

• See the last photos uploaded to our Gallery

 



Morning Devotional...


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



14.  John's Announcement


The preacher was a rugged looking man.  His face was burnt brown with exposure to the relentless Judean sun.  Dressed as he was in a camel hair tunic encircled by a leather belt, he struck the figure of a manly sort of man.  His message to the gathered crowd was in keeping with his no nonsense appearance as his voice echoed across the river on whose banks he stood in sandled feet.

For days now, he had been preaching to the people who assembled from various parts of the province and each day the message was similar.  It was quite unlike the sermons heard every Sabbath in the local synagogues.  This preacher cared not for the empty praise of men, nor did he Pharisee-like exalt himself above the level of the people.  Praise and personal aggrandizement might be sought by the professional teachers and synagogue rulers, but John the Baptist cared only for the Glory of his God.

His message spoke of coming judgment on the nation and of One who was much greater than himself who would soon come to deliver the repentant.  At the close of each sermon people who repented of their sinful ways would be given the opportunity to come and be baptized in the river to mark their change of heart and thus prepare themselves for the coming of Messiah and His kingdom.

One day a group of religious leaders came down from Jerusalem and asked for baptism but the preacher refused.  He could somehow see beyond their outward puritanical appearance and into their hard unrepentant hearts.  There could be no baptism without a change of heart and a transformed life.  Without these it would be a meaningless ritual.

An interesting and profitable time could be spent examining the birth, life and death of the preacher but a greater than John the Baptist beckons for our attention today.  John pointed this One out for us.  One momentous day He made His way through the congregation in the river valley and walked with decisive steps toward the Baptist.  By the power of the Holy Ghost, John recognized the one who approached.  Pointing to Him he called out with clarion voice, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins of the world.   John 1:29.  John had effected the greatest introduction ever performed by mortal man.  He had finally answered the heart cry of Isaac on Mount Moriah, "Where is the lamb for a burnt offering?" Genesis 22:7. The Lamb who would fulfill the promise of thousands of lambs slain on the great altars of Tabernacle and Temple was revealed that day to the sinful sons and daughters of Adam.  The old Temple service would soon end, the need for it eliminated and a new and living Way into the presence of the Holy made plain.


The Lamb would accomplish what the Temple lambs could only foreshadow.

Isaac Watts wrote well:



Have you trusted the Lamb of God to take away your sins?  There is no other way to be made fit for the Kingdom of God.  Will you join in the grand chorus of heaven to sing heaven's song?





I am a dreadful singer.  My mother once told me that I sang as sweetly as a crow.  I am not hurt by this.  I recognize it as being true, but one day I will be able to join in that glorious song, because the Lamb has shed His blood for me.  What an anthem we will raise up there.  Will you be joining us there or will you be weeping and wailing among the eternally lost?
If you have not done so before you need to come in repentance and like John acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, as the Saviour slain for your sin.

Those of us who are His by faith must surely seek daily to worship and glorify the Lamb who is worthy of all praise and honour.  Let us join hearts and hands to extol His Name.  Let us say "Lamb of God our souls adore Thee."

Those who sing the great refrain "Worthy is the Lamb" will be from every people and tongue and tribe and nation.  There will be no racial prejudice, for all will be one in Christ.  Surely this is what the Baptist meant when he said, "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." (John 1:29)  For all the redeemed of every color and tongue will join as one in praising the Savior in the eternal ages.

---

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

 Great devotional, Pat!

Ed, The 71 Chevelle is a nice car. Would you post a few pics. As I've mentioned before, I'm a huge car guy.

Please see this sympathy post...  Andy Sorensen has gone home to Glory!

CLICK HERE

Hi everyone.  Just back from coffee a the cafe and then we went to walk at the gym of the church nearby.  Today the housekeeper is here and she is starting with our screened in porch, which needed to be cleaned after the winter.  It is always nice to have the house clean all at once.  There is nothing else on the schedule for today.  It is a beautiful day with a nice breeze but suppose to warm up to about 85 this afternoon.

Pat, it was nice to see Jack's writing again as the devotional.  Thanks for sharing it with us this week. 

Ed, it sounds like your reunion was worth all the work involved.  My son restored a 25 year old "Z" car (can't remember the make right off) and he drives it.  He really enjoyed the process of the restoration and was able to find a lot of what he needed on e-Bay.  He took it from something that looked like a wreck to a nice looking vehicle. 

Ruth, glad to read that your stress causers are almost over.  It is sometimes difficult during the peak of a crisis or tough situation to remember that "this too shall pass".  The valleys of life help us recognize the peaks.

Etta Sue, it sounds like you made a wise decision to leave the festivities before the bands started.  However, it sounds like you did enjoy the graduation even if it was really hot there.

Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Good morning all.  Our family has been collectively fighting the whole allergy/cold thing.  I thought I had escaped it, but . . . .

I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Well, I am a little lighter now.  Ivalou just cut my hair.  Nice to have your beautician next door. 

Ivalou had a crown put on today and asked me to go with her.  Later we had Chinese at a sit-down restaurant...not buffet.  Really good.  We both had Orange Chicken and enough to bring home for another meal. 

Other than that...not much.  I did show Ivalou Prom pictures of her grandson and granddaughter that their Mother put on FaceBook.  My, these kids look so grown up when they dress up!!

Hi everyone. Been busy up until now. I slept a lot better last night and didn't wake up until 5 and then only because I was cold. got up got dressed for Curves did my devotion fed the dogs and went on to Curves. After work today I made Soft Oatmeal and fig cookies with a hint of chocolate, then walked the dogs. Now I am relaxing and about to go fix a cup of tea.

Keith will be here this weekend and do the mowing. He has been cleaning up his yard, reparing the stairs on the deck, and got the moss off the deck so I won't be falling down.  He worries that I will fall again. I haven't fallen at his place yet but  he isn't taking any chances.

We will probably go to the Azalea Festival here in Mckville. The Annual Oyster Fest is in Arcata this weekend and the Fish festival in Trinidad on Sunday. Lots of stuff going on now that summer is here.

TTYL

Pat - thanks for posting one of Jack's things - they're always good.  Larry - wasn't the Z car a Datsun?  That's what sticks in my mind anyway.

Tehre are two Z cars  the camaro Z-28 and the Datsun Z series. 280-Z etc.

Hi, friends, I learned today that retirement on July 31 has been approved. If I counted correctly, that's 42 more working days. 

Ruth Ann!!  Oh, wow.........it's getting closer.  You'll be so lost for awhile while you adjust to not having someone and the someones connected with your employment,  depending on you daily, but you'll find your next mission soon.  I'm really happy for you.  We need to have a cyber retirement party for you in July.   Nita

Ruth Ann, I can only guess at your (mixed) emotions regarding that July 31 date.  As Nita says: you will probably feel lost for a while and maybe a bit of nostalgia, but that will quickly pass as you adjust to your new life!  Yup, it's gonna be YOUR life from then on!  Enjoy!!   

P.S. I think a cyber retirement party is the way to go, for sure!   

I've started with Oswald Chambers' devotional, My Utmost For His Highest.  I've gone through it through the years, but I am always touched, blessed and often convicted or chastised.

Hi, Jane.  I know you've used this same little book as a devotional too.  In fact, did you get his biography for me?  I can't remember.  love u,  Nita

ps.  Thank you for posting one of Jack's devotionals, Pat.

Hi everyone. 

Yes, it is a Datsun Z car that my son restored.  Thanks for the help on that.

Not really much to write about this morning.  Have a meeting to attend later this morning and Pat is going to the grocery store and that is the extent of our activity for the day (at least that I am aware of at the moment.)  The termite inspector is to do his annual check this afternoon and then that will be done for another year. 

I also use the Oswald Chamber's "My Utmost For His Highest" on a daily basis.  He really challenges one to think. 

Karmat, sorry to hear your family has had the flu/colds.  Hope they are about over.

Etta Sue, these young people really grow up quickly.

Marilyn, you sure don't need to be falling so it sounds like your efforts are well directed.  It sounds like you have a busy weekend planned.

Ruth Ann, it is always good to have something definitely established.  I remember the feeling when I reached the day where I could retire.  Of course, with my situation I worked at home for about 18 months and then retired so didn't have too much of a transformation.  All the years since retiring I have maintained office hours by working in my office during the day.  For me it has been important to have structure for my day.

I agree with Larry about your retirement, Ruth Ann.  I think it's very important to plan ahead and have definite structure to your days to come.  Possibly some goals could be established toward which you could progress.  And when you're lacking for something to do, come on in here!  We'll sure be glad to have you!  May our Father greatly bless you at this important juncture in your life!

Good Morning: raining here most of the night and this morning to. I got a call from my client at 6:30 she had to take her husband to  ER last night, He has pneumonia so I would appreciate prayer for Gil Gilkey. She will call me after the Dr rounds so maybe I can go to work then. It will be a short shift, as I have the other job to go to and my nails done this afternoon.

Nothing else is new here, The dogs are sleeping and being lazy dogs  because of the rain.

It's raining here too.  Paul was going to play golf today but the rain is too heavy so he'll play on Thurs. 

My cousin and his wife from Spain are leaving on Thursday for home so we'll try to go to Niagara Falls tomorrow.  You can't come to Ontario and not see Niagara!!!

Good morning.  Raining here too.  And my dogs are sleeping too.   I have Pandora Radio on...playing some very beautiful, restful music by Dan Gibson.  Tyson is curled up by the computer, sleeping away.  He really likes it, I guess.  I keep it low. Rocko is on the couch stretched out on his back as far as he can reach, paws up, sleeping still. 

Hope you all have a blessed day.  Nita

Ruth Ann ~ I foresee in your future that you will wonder how you ever had time to work!!!  Yes, plan ahead.  Take a few trips.  See things and do things that you couldn't do on weekends.  Lot less crowded during the week also.  Visit friends and relatives.  Whatever your heart desires! 

Raining when I woke up.  I ate breakfast, read my devotions, did my exercises and then swept all the floors.  Then took my shower.  I got caught up on my emails and no internet.  Hmmm.  I turned off the modem and back on.  Rebooted.  Still no internet.  So I emptied my camera of pictures and PSP'd them.  Then I had internet. 

Ivalou called and reminded me that we are to go to the funeral home this evening for a visiting.  So while we are out, we are going to have pizza...my day to choose.  I just had a late lunch of leftover Chinese food...not as good as yesterday. 

That's it!!  Oh, yes.  Tornado watch until 7pm.  Don't like that.  It is thundering big time right now!!

Rain here too.....I went to Victoria yest. to shop for a Birthday present for my daughter.  Wore a light jacket as the sun was bright and cheery.  Short time later, cold, damp and I felt rather like a frozen popsicle...? 

Lots of exciting things on TV today!  Ah, the wonderful game of politics.  Sort of reminds me of John Grisham's latest novel:  The Appeal.  John Grisham is a Christian.  He writes about something very similar to what has happened.  Read the book if curious.

My personal choice is Daily Bread for my devotionals, tho' do have and read ' My Utmost for His Highest.'  Can't get too much of a good thing....

Here is a little something:

Though sin seems to triumph and wrong conquers right,
Though lies can put justice to flight,
God's truth is eternal, His Word shows His might,
And He will bring justice to light. —Gustafson

Someday the scales of justice will be perfectly balanced. 

This is also an historical time for those of use who follow Prophecy.  It is exciting to watch things developing according to God's plan.

Pleasant Day/Evening and God Bless.

Liz

Goo Morning everyone. I will be going to work soon so I don't have much time to  write much of a post. I just wanted to say I hope you all have a very blessed day.

I got some more hints on my mystery vacation, It is inland in Oregon and an apartment. Not a lot of details yet. Haha

Good Morning everyone,
                                This is the day that the Lord made Amen!  Yep it is raining here in Michigan as well, it has held up my garage sale adventure!  lol
        We have so much stuff we (me) have accumulated over the past few years, it is time to get the old out and make room for the new! 
        Kind of like when it rains, it washes away the old filth, and brings growth.  Our God knows everything we have need of even before we ask....
   I pray that everyone is doing okay.  I am happy to go to this site, I frequent it alot!  Spiritual manna!

   God Bless and have a wonderful day..

It is trying to rain here as well but so far sprinkles.

Just like Ruth Ann I am finding retirement hard really it is the letting go, finding lots to do that will not be hard  just this week Mel will be taking a few lawn items to the auction then later in the winter I will be putting a whole lot more together for the auction I need space.

Goodwill is getting some in a couple of weeks if not sooner. 
So you see it is just letting go.   
I have not had breakfast yet so I had best be on my way and prepare brunch before heading out to work.

Ruth

Well, the tornadoes went south of Indy.  A covered bridge at Moscow, IN, was destroyed.  And 40+ homes near Camp Atterbury was damaged.  Two soldiers at Camp Atterbury were injured.  Here?  Lots and lots of rain and lots and lots of lightening.  I have never seen lightening like we have had the last week or two.  Worse than strobe lights.  I have lakes all around me.  No yard work today, for sure. 

I will be gone for a few days.  Ivalou and I going to her daughter, Jo's in Ohio for a high school graduation, a dance dress rehearsal, a dance recital and an Open House for the graduate.  Then Lydia is coming back with us for a few days/weeks!!  She's 9 and lots of fun! 

Etta Sue - your weather report sure does remind me of one of my trips through Indiana.  From just across the river in Illinois and about half way to Indy I was in one of those weather fronts where you can't even see the side of the road, and you come to believe you're driving through the ocean - except it lights up every few seconds.  The next day we were down in Evansville at my bosses' house.  We took a little drive and were parked on a little hill.  From there we actually watched one of those funnels come down, along with more lightning.  You can have it - I don't want it.
It's mostly sunny and beautiful here right now.  Just got back from using the treadmill.  Wish I could actually hear what's going through my head: "The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want.  He maketh me down to lie.  In pastures green He leadeth me - the quiet waters by."

Goodness! Hope everything's all right with folk in Indiana, Etta Sue.

Y'all are SO right - already I'm bewildered thinking about all the time I'm gonna have...Then, I look around me at the house and this office and my bedroom, and I wonder if there's gonna be ENOUGH time to do all that must be done! Yikes!!!

Thank goodness the weather is clear and very warm here.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever . . ."

I got to thinking about the above Scripture today - a passage very, very important but little understood.  It tells all Christians that they are brothers, that they belong to one family.  It means, among other things, that the local church is a faimily, a group of people who are committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Can we, then, jump from family to family?  Can we attend the gathering anywhere we desire at the moment?  When we have problems with this brother or that, can we simply leave and attend elsewhere?  I hope the answer is a resounding NO!  We must deal with our fellow members as brothers and sisters, not club members.  We must work out every problem.  We must submit to one another and defer to one another.  We must minister to one another in Christ's love.

Oh may "church  hopping" cease!  Oh may cold relationships  be warmed!  Oh may our Lord be glorified!

Just some thoughts that have been turning in my mind today.

 

  Got a little rain here, too.

    I wonder if it's raining in Las Vegas.

Quote from: Al Moak on June 04, 2008, 07:49:55 PM
"Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever . . ."

I got to thinking about the above Scripture today - a passage very, very important but little understood.  It tells all Christians that they are brothers, that they belong to one family.  It means, among other things, that the local church is a faimily, a group of people who are committed to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Can we, then, jump from family to family?  Can we attend the gathering anywhere we desire at the moment?  When we have problems with this brother or that, can we simply leave and attend elsewhere?  I hope the answer is a resounding NO!  We must deal with our fellow members as brothers and sisters, not club members.  We must work out every problem.  We must submit to one another and defer to one another.  We must minister to one another in Christ's love.

Oh may "church  hopping" cease!  Oh may cold relationships  be warmed!  Oh may our Lord be glorified!

Just some thoughts that have been turning in my mind today.

and may sister church's stop seeing each other as competitors, but rather as on the same side.

Karmat - YEA!!!.  Actually, each church should rejoice at the "successes" of other churches, and they should even help them onward!