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Morning Devotional

"I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."
- Isa_48:10

Comfort yourself, tried believer, with this thought: God says, "I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction." Does not the word come like a soft shower, assuaging the fury of the flame? Yea, is it not an asbestos armour, against which the heat has no power? Let affliction come-God has chosen me.

Poverty, you may stride in at my door, but God is in the house already, and he has chosen me. Sickness, you may intrude, but I have a balsam ready-God has chosen me. Whatever befalls me in this vale of tears, I know that he has "chosen" me. If, believer, you require still greater comfort, remember that you have the Son of Man with you in the furnace. In that silent chamber of yours, there sits by your side One whom you have not seen, but whom you love; and ofttimes when you know it not, he makes all your bed in your affliction, and smooths your pillow for you.

You are in poverty; but in that lovely house of yours the Lord of life and glory is a frequent visitor. He loves to come into these desolate places, that he may visit you. your friend sticks closely to you. You cannot see him, but you may feel the pressure of his hands. Do you not hear his voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death he says, "Fear not, I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God." Remember that noble speech of Caesar: "Fear not, thou carriest Caesar and all his fortune."

Fear not, Christian; Jesus is with you. In all your fiery trials, his presence is both your comfort and safety. He will never leave one whom he has chosen for his own. "Fear not, for I am with thee," is his sure word of promise to his chosen ones in the "furnace of affliction." Will you not, then, take fast hold of Christ, and say-
"Through floods and flames, if Jesus lead,
I'll follow where he goes."


adapted from Morning and Evening  by Charles H. Spurgeon

Hi everyone on a rainy South Carolina morning but by the forecast it should end shortly and then we will just have a cloudy day.  It is already 64 degrees and headed up to around 75 this afternoon.  Yesterday was a pretty much lost day for me as spent most of it laying down. I hope to have more energy today as am ready for church.  This daylight savings time has made it dark again when I got up this morning.  I have reset all but one of the clocks.  If Pat feels like going to Sunday School and church this morning we will probably go out to eat, as usual, after the service.  I will probably watch the SEC Championship Basketball game this afternoon.  I see North Carolina once again won the ACC Conference Tourney last night.  I didn't stay up to watch it. 

Carol, I shudder when I think of someone around our age climbing on a ladder.  I gave my ladder to my next door neighbor when I moved although he had no business using it but wanted it when offered. 

Jeanne, I can understand the shock of going to a large supermarket when you have been shopping in a smaller place.  For the last couple of months I have been trying not to use the electric carts when I go to Walmart and just take things slowly stopping often to rest.  Pat has finally admitted that she needs to be using a cart when she grocery shops but whether she will do it or not remains to be seen.  I would need to be with her to reach the higher shelves as it is difficult for Pat to get up and down anymore.

Marilyn, I would suggest you download an app called You Version.  It has many different translations of the Bible available and a lot of them are downloadable.  It is a free app and millions of people are using it. 

Gord, poor Noreen and her sisters in having to endure the 82 degree temp.    I bet they are having a good time and it is nice to read that she is up to doing this.  Hope you are feeling well.

Ruth Ann, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the many postings here since yesterday.   It is a real treat to see others posting and of course all of the postings are special.

Janet, I look forward to seeing any pictures you may post of your art work.  I think there were to be 16 debates by the Republicans but not as many for the Democrats. That is an interesting piece you shared from Darrel's classmate.

John, what is a sugar shack?  Hope your maple syrup making goes well.  Sure hope Beth an get an earlier appointment with the eye doctor as this sounds like an emergency.   

Jane, a very fine devotional for this week.  I liked it so much I copied it and put it in my devotional file and may use it one of these days when I bring the devotional for our Sunday School class.   Thanks for sharing this with us. 

Our church showed a movie last evening - "War Room".  I remembered in the first two minutes one of the reasons why I don't go to movies any more - without closed captioning I can understand almost nothing of what's being said!  It's plenty loud enough (even a little louder than I like) but there is no clarity - it's something like hearing it in a foreign language.  I could get the gist of the story - an older woman seeking non believers to convert an save, but next time I'll remember to stay home. 

Jane, a wonderful devotional today - I hear your concerns in the message. 

What a wonderful devotional today, Jane.  I love the writings of Spurgeon.  He always has something in what I read that is just for me!  (At least it always seems that way!)

Yesterday, I was outside with T shirt on but today we need a coat for sure.  Hopefully this will soon pass.

Nice to see you, Gord!

Hi everyone on a morning that is starting out at 66 degrees and will likely get above 80 this afternoon.  For some reason I didn´t sleep very well last night but think I do feel less weary this morning, although really too soon to tell.  As soon as Pat gets up and ready we will head to the hospital lab for some blood work for each of us in preparation for routine visits with our primary care doctor on Friday.  We both have to fast this morning.  As soon as we are done we will head to the place I have coffee with the guys for a good breakfast.  We then need to head to the place she got her CPAP machine to get some new face masks as these items have a limited useful life.  Depending on the time available and our energy level she wants to check out the Joann? Fabric store for an item.  She hasn´t shopped there since we moved.  Finally, I hope to get to my Monday meeting at noon.  We both will be more than ready for a restful afternoon and evening. 

JeanneP, one reason I don't really want to go to the movies is the volume at which the sound is played.  Sorry you were not able to understand the dialect as that must have made a long evening for you.  Pat and I both use headphones when watching TV most of the time.  Then we can each set the volume where we need or want it since she needs it a lot louder than I do.  They are particularly good for British programs which we enjoy a lot and you get the benefit of the background sounds that are missed with just the volume on the TV. 

Pat, it sounds like you winter is paying you another visit with colder temps.  Have a good week. 

It felt wonderful to take a walk this morning and we browsed the neighborhood.  Fun to greet the quail family visiting by the kitchen door.  We had dinner with a friend and her cousin from the east coast who just moved here and Don is helping the newcomer with her t.v. reception, etc.  All sorts of different things for her to experience.   

Still reading "Jesus Calling" daily messages - they are perfect timing. 

JANE:  Thank you for devotions.  We are so blessed. 

Larry and Pat:  If you have a chance, the movie "Peanuts" is a fun thing to see - remember the cartoon?  Just refreshing to have a nice story and dialogue. 

How fun to come and find so many messages here today!

Jeanne, I'm so sorry you couldn't understand the dialog in War Room.  I LOVE that movie!  I've seen it three times and now we are using a workbook to do a Bible study based on the movie.  The gist of it is the older lady teaching the younger how to "fight the right way"...(in prayer), for her family, saving her marriage in the process.  Really a wonderful movie.  Like you, there are a lot of movies I can't understand these days.  And those "action" ones?  No way am I going to those!  Are you able to understand if you watch them on DVD?  (not the action ones, the good ones!)     That may be an alternative if there are a few you really want to see.

We went to Hugoton to My Father's House yesterday, than spent a couple hours with the kids and grands.  I sure miss them when I don't see them for weeks!

We are still having summer here, once it warms up in the morning.  But so terribly dry. 

They took Beth to the eye doctor early today, I missed their call while at the gym.  John did go with her, thank goodness.  I didn't know if he could, as he's   been sick for several days.  They only decided to use the drops in her eyes 4 times a day and see how she does.  Her eye did look a lot better yesterday and she was able to open it.

Kristi is having me do a few different things, nothing strenuous, to see if it will help my hip.  I am really tired of the pain with every step; about ready to go have an MRI myself.

See you fine folks tomorrow!

Hi, friends,

It was wonderful to see so many folks here in our cozy Christian homeplace.

I've had another very quiet day. It's good to enjoy a quiet apartment where I feel at home.

Jane, thank you for the good devotional.

Y'all have a good day.

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny day when we expect to get to 84 degrees this afternoon.  I noticed yesterday that the dogwood are beginning to be in full bloom and the Azaleas and other spring flowers are budding out.  We are only about 3 weeks from the Master's gold tourney and everything is being spiffed up and ready for the huge amount of visitors at that time. 

After a busy day yesterday I am planning a fairly quiet one today.  I may make a quick trip to COSTCO for a few items but that is likely all.

Carol, it sounds like you are getting back to your normal health situation and beginning to enjoy life with walking outside and being with friends.  I guess you all will soon be thinking about returning to your home in the Denver area.  It seems that the winter months have gone by quickly.  I do remember the Charles Schultz "Peanuts" cartoons.  We once saw a play put on by a high school drama group based on the Peanuts characters. It was a lot of fun. 

Janet, I agree it has been so nice the last few days to see an increase in postings and to catch up a bit with our friends here.  Glad to hear that Beth's eye seems to be doing better and that John was up to going with her.  With all you do maybe you have begun to wear out the hip bone (but hope that is not the case). 

Good morning Ruth Ann, it is nice to enjoy a quiet day and not feel rushed in any way.  That is the way I feel so far today after a day of rushing around yesterday. 

Good morning Larry and all who will follow!

It's cool and windy here today, and predicted to get even more windy, and you all know how much I love the wind.  NOT.    But Someone much wiser than I controls the weather!  So I will rejoice and be glad in this day the Lord has given me..

We have been to the gym, and I have an appointment in a few minutes, so this will be short.  I may be back later, though.  I plan to go with the Sr. bus to Garden City tonight to a concert of songs from the old American Bandstand show, so that should be enjoyable.  They leave at 4:15, as they always think they need to go eat somewhere.   

Have a blessed day!

good morning Thank you arry for telling me about then yopu version link to bibles, I did get to download the Amplified version but there is no index and you just have to scroll along to find what you need.  Maybe I will gewt the hang of how to work with the ap.

Today I am doing laundry and also have a l;oaf of bread in the bread machine. Yesterday was rather busy. Still a l.ot of rain here but it's supposed to clear up for a few days before it starts again.

Hi from a wet, grey, island!!
So much rain for such a long time.  But as Janet would say, 'this too will pass'.
I have had a lot of health problems and not feeling very chatty.  Comes with being 83 yrs. old   Lately compounded with many computer problems.  Larry, can you tell me if you know how to disable an update that Microsoft put on without asking and won't correct, even with much asking!
They came online to fix and messed up my computer so badly I have had to us recovery factory settings to use.  Not fun as they are 2009 settings.  Got things going fine and installing updates, then along came the above update and now no more updates.....fixes won't work, bad internet advise won't work....This computer was also missing ATI graphics driver when it came from Costco and they sent it back for repairs.  I can't find that driver and HP is no help.  Ralph is going to look into getting me a good inexpensive refurbished computer with windows 10....but that is in the near future.  Thank goodness for iPad.
Jane, I really loved your devotional and sometimes think this site is the only thing that keeps me strong. 
The kids have so many health problems and the world is in such a mess....
Is Donald Trump for real???  I don't want to be impolite but ..... :
So that's my story for the past few weeks.  Keep posting folks, it sure does mean lots to many of us.
God Bless,
Liz

It is good to come in and see all y'all posting ... I come here often but don't feel too communicative so just read ... and pray.

When I saw the devotional by Spurgeon it really spoke to me and I felt it was very apropos for each of us here.  We, so often, feel the trials of life are bogging us down and wonder what it's all about.  It is a good reminder to know that God knows exactly where we are and what we are experiencing ... He is with us! 

I have been concerned for family members (as have many of you) and my own health has taken a hit, but I am still standing and have faith that my Father knows all about.

Y'all have a good rest of the day and I'll be back 

Hi everyone.  We are expecting another nice day getting up to 84 again this afternoon.  My quiet day yesterday turned out to be fairly busy as not only did I go to COSTCO but before dinner last night made a grocery run to Walmart.  Today I expect to stay home until time to go to the church for dinner this evening and Scott plans on coming out before we go to dinner and then spend a couple of hours with us after we come back from dinner.  I may go back over my tax return this morning.  I can always find something to keep me as busy as I want to be. 

Janet, sure glad we don't very often have any significant wind here in South Carolina.  Hope you enjoyed the concert last evening.  It is hard to believe it has been so many years since American Bandstand was on TV. 

Marilyn, I hope you like the YouVersion app as there are other sources there besides the Bible.  If you look under Bibles in the App store you will find many other apps available free.  One I have on my iPhone is called Unofficial Reader for Biblehub.  It has many resources available.  I love homemade bread.

Liz, hope it begins to dry out for you soon and you are right as this also will pass.  Sorry you are having so many health and computer related problems.  If you know the number of the update that is causing the problem you can go to the Control Panel Uninstall a Program link and in the left column you will see an item called Installed Updates.  Click on it and you will see all of the updates that have been installed and you simply highlight the one you want to remove and tell it to uninstall.  I have used this and it has worked for me.  Check the webpage for ATI and see if you can't find the driver you need there.  I find doing a Google or other search engine search on a problem will give me an answer to most of my questions as others will have had it also.

Jane, as always I appreciate your postings.  You are so right that God knows exactly where we are and is there to walk beside or carry us when we need it.  Sorry to here that your own health has taken a hit as the last I remember you writing was that you were doing fairly well. 

Nothing too serious, Larry.  I was only referring to my adventure with breast cancer.  I had surgery in November, and am dealing with the discomfort of the results.

Hi, friends,

Well, I got several pending things finished today, and now I'm thinking of going out for a late afternoon lunch/dinner.

Our temps broke the records yesterday with us reaching 87, when 83 was the previous high for winter months here in Nashville.

Now, we are trending downward by about 10 degrees a day until the expected high on Sunday will be in the low 50s.

Y'all have a great rest of the day - and keep on coming in to see us. It's important we know you're there and quietly participating.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann Bice

Hi everyone on this St. Patrick's Day.  In the spirit of today our dinner last night at church was corn beef and cabbage, boiled potatoes, peas with bacon, Irish soda bread, salad and a most delicious dessert made with a layer of chocolate cake, mint filling in the middle and a layer of fudge type icing.  Talk about good but also it was really sweet.  Of course, that was my favorite part of the meal as wasn't too fond of the rest of it.  Today will be my normal Thursday with picking up my friend as I go to coffee and taking him home after coffee, then to the church for the Wisdom group meeting.  Pat has a special luncheon at noon so think I will stop again at Arbys and try to use my coupon for the Andes mint shake and a small sandwich.  The rest of the day will be taking it easy.  I did finalize my taxes yesterday and glad to have that job done.  I just have to print them off and then submit them electronically and that should be done for this year. 

Jane, glad to read that there is nothing new on your health plate in addition for your recovery from the surgery in November.  You sure don't need something else on top of that as you continue to heal.

Ruth Ann, we got into the high 80's yesterday also but today it is only suppose to get into the low 80's this afternoon. Hope you enjoyed your meal out.

Wow Larry you must have been up early, your posts says 3am my time. Well if you are on eastern time that would be 6am here.

Beautiful sunny day here today, it is supposed to get a little warmer over the next few days than the rain is to start again Sunday afternoon.

Hi everyone.  It is 55 degrees here this morning and we are suppose to get to 75 this afternoon.  This morning will be a busy one as the painters are to be here around 8:30 for some quick touch up areas and then Pat and I both have appointment with our primary care doctor.  This is just a routine visit and he wants to see us both every 4 months. I had an enjoyable day yesterday and was able to quickly get some freon in the A/C unit for my PT Cruiser.  I had to add a little last year and over the winter some had leaked out so hope this will get me through this summer.  I will probably watch some basketball this afternoon.  I did get a couple of new masks for my CPAP machine and had a really good nights sleep.  These masks last for only around a month and have to be replaced.   Thankfully most of the cost is covered by my health insurance. 

Marilyn, I had not slept very well two nights ago and had posted fairly early as was going to be gone all morning and I like to do my discussion board reading and email in the mornings. 

Good afternoon!  I actually slept until nearly 6 this morning!  I didn't have gym today, and my hair app't wasn't until 10:30, so it was fine.  I still had over two hours for bible reading and prayer.

It's snowing here!!  You have to look pretty hard to see it, but yes, it is snowing!  If it keeps this up for a month without stopping, we may get a half-inch or maybe a whole inch of moisture!  But we are thankful for every drop! 

It seems hard to believe it's already March 18th!  This month is flying past!

I have nothing of import to share today, so I will stop.  Just wanted you all to know I'm thinking about you and wishing you many blessings.

Hi, friends,

The last 2 days have been very busy. Ruth Ann's taxi was making runs both days.

When I got home I took a brief nap. Seems afternoon naps are becoming important to me.

It's so good to see y'all posting. I agree with Janet, I have nothing of import to give to all of you, but it's always good to see folks posting a friendly hello.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  The morning starts out at 60 degrees and we have at least a 50% chance of rain this afternoon, which will be welcome to get rid of some of the pine pollen that is covering everything.  Our doctor appointment went well yesterday and when we finished we stopped into a new restaurant that is right next to the doctor's office.  We had a delicious meal and the only drawback was the noise in the place.  I think today will be a quiet one.  I have done my morning chores and folded a couple of loads of laundry and emptied the dish washer.  I may make a quick run to Walmart to pick up a prescription for Pat.  I plan on watching the next round of the NCAA basketball tournament.  Half of the teams have now been eliminated and after tomorrow half of those playing today and tomorrow will also be eliminated. 

Janet, it sounds like you don't expect to get your snow sled or shovel out with what you were experiening yesterday. I just looked at the temperature where my sister-in-law lives in Independence, Missouri and it is 28 degrees there so expect you all are pretty chilly out your way as well.

Ruth Ann, pretty soon you may need to get a taxi driver's license.  Good work on your part in helping others. 

I hope everyone who visits here today will have an enjoyable and safe day.

Hi, friends,

It's a nice, cool day here in Nashville - just the right kind of day to do some errands.

I'm doing much better than earlier in the week. My pancreas has decided to be picky about what I eat, so I'm in the process of training myself to avoid future problems.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Catching up with your news after meeting and visiting 7 relatives or friends in three days.   Don is taking a morning nap  . We did get to a flea market and brought back a metal wall hanging of a quail family all made by a man from Nogales   Most probably this will hang in the kitchen. 

There is snow at home, that is not unusual with " Springtime in the Rockies".  Moisture is sorely needed. 

Ruth Ann, sorry about your picky pancreas, praying for your health.

Hello again!  Our big snow didn't even result in a whitish haze on the ground!    Better luck next time.  I got up and went to the annual health fair given by our Pioneer Electric and Communication Services.  There were hundreds of people there, resulting in long lines for the blood draws, but they are really efficient and the lines moved along well.  They bring in phlebotamists from all over the area to do the blood draws, and the young man who did mine was really good--I barely felt the stick.  I walked around to all the booths and picked up a big handful of pens (I discovered this after getting home and dumping out the bag!)  I also picked up information on various things pertaining to health, visited with a lot of people I know, then attended the Communications meeting.  Following that, they served us a lovely lunch of barbecued beef, salad, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a roll.  Then either white or chocolate cake for dessert!  MMMM!  Then in the afternoon was the Electric Co. meeting.  I stayed, hoping to be lucky and win a door prize, but nope!  Both the companies give away really nice prizes, but it wasn't my good fortune to win anything.

Tonight I want to be in three different places--but think I will opt to go to the Easter Cantata at the care home.  It is by the Moscow Baptist Church, and one of their members is one of the "head honchos" at the home, so they are doing it for them.  The lady who is directing it is a long-time friend, and also is singing a special in the morning at My Father's house, along with my Son-in-law, Jeff.  We will have to catch the movie Risen on Monday or Tuesday night.  The third thing is the special speaker at My Father's House, but I will hear him in the morning, and I can get a CD of his message from tonight.  Compromises! 

I'm sleepy, may take a little nap so I can stay awake tonight!  TTYL!

Hi everyone on this Palm Sunday.  We are overcast here today and 50 degrees. It is only suppose to get up to 57 this afternoon.  We are going to Sunday School and Church this morning and then out to lunch.  The rest of the day will be rest and I am sure I will watch a little basketball.  There were some really good games on TV yesterday and I watched three of them although don't keep my eyes on the screen all the time. 

Glad you are doing better Ruth Ann and hope that Pancreas behaves and you treat it well. 

Carol, that is a lot of visiting in a short time.  I expect you and Don are ready for some restful days. 

Janet, your snow sounds like the rain we had last night.  I just hope we had enough to clear away the yellow pollen.  I wish I had left my car outside to be washed off but didn't think it was going to rain.  Isn't that health fair where you won the big prize a year or so ago?  That sounds like quite a big event and worth attending.  Your calendar is certainly full of events.  It sounds like you are having a big weekend.

Another new week - and new Thoughts for the Week HERE