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Morning Devotional...

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 By the late Jack Scott 4. The Old Guide Book

In the years of long ago when I was a child, I often heard my mother sing a hymn that somehow I understood was very dear to her. Sometimes I would find her sitting alone singing it with tears on her cheeks. As the years rolled by its importance to her seemed to increase.

Some would have thought it a very strange choice had they heard her quietly sing it. Most people who knew her would have been surprised to hear her sing at all, for she never sang in public. Not even with the congregation. While others sang, she would follow in her hymn book intently with her eyes and I suspect with her heart. Her lips would not move, nor her tongue utter a single syllable. Those who knew our circumstances (although they were probably few in number) would have been astonished at the words:




Over the years we had accumulated few of this world's goods and it was a constant struggle for her to feed and clothe the family.

What then were the blessings that a very poor Irish woman could sing about? They certainly had no value on the stock market and could not be accumulated in the local branch of the Belfast Savings Bank. The "passbook" in which the blessings she sang about were listed was an old black leather covered Guide Book. On the spine in faded gold letters were two words which made up the title, "Holy Bible". The pages were more worn than the cover. Once white, they had long since yellowed with wear and age and tear drops.

My mother probably never heard of John Locke, philosopher and writer, but she would have agreed with the truth of his statement when he said, "It has God for its Author, salvation for its end, without any mixture of error, for its matter: it is all pure, sincere, nothing too much and nothing wanting."

Theologians refer to the Bible as God's Special Revelation to Man. The wonders of creation testify to us of God's unsurpassed wisdom and power, but the Holy Scriptures tell us so much more about God, and it helps us to understand ourselves if only we are willing to accept its teachings. In it we see that God is holy, just and righteous and at the same time, gracious, loving and merciful.

Woodrow Wilson, twenty-eighth president of the United States, spoke truly when he said, "The Bible is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life."

Paul, the apostle, reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

It is true that ungodly men have attacked the word of God and tried to destroy it down through the ages.  Many have used or attempted to use "facts" of science to disprove its truth. In 1861 the French Academy of Science published a booklet listing over fifty supposed "facts" to contradict the Bible. Atheists of the day rubbed their hands in glee as they ridiculed the Christian faith. Today all of the claimed "facts" are rejected by men of science.

In the early and mid-nineteenth century, archeologists said that they were confident that their findings would discredit the accuracy of the Bible. A few years ago, I heard a lecture by a professor of the Department of Archeology at the University of Toronto in which he said that the Bible is now considered by many archeologists to be the most reliable guidebook to finding remains of old cities etc. in the middle-east.

Yes, the Bible is an old guide book. In fact it is the only truly reliable guide book on the path of life.

An ancient writer said: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NKJV)

Despite the attacks of Satan and puny men, "We rest upon the impregnable rock of Scripture". (Winston Churchill)



There are many "great and exceeding precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) found in the Old Guide Book we call the Bible. There are countless multitudes of blessings in this grand old book. One outshines all the others and accepting it is the condition for receiving and enjoying all the other blessings. It is described many times over. We shall look at only a few instances where it is mentioned.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:16, 37)

What love God expressed to us in the coming of His Eternal Son in the body of human flesh! True God and true Man to suffer the penalty of sin upon the cross. What a blessing to know that those who repent of their rebellion and sin and trust Him as Lord and Saviour possess eternal life.

Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians 2:4-10 gives us a great summary of this wonderful blessing. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

You can enter into this the greatest blessing that can ever be known to mankind. Why not do so now by faith in Jesus Christ?

"Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of Salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b).

---

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

There's a fun poll up there too!

Let's hear from you all about what you like and dislike in this week's poll. 

My Dear Friends

Thank you for remembering me and for inviting me to share with you at this time. I have been very busy and hate to say this each time I visit but it is true and I feel terrible to say it. You have been so kind and patient with me, but still I am always absent from this beautiful site.

It is no secret that when I do get to visit here, I feel a sense of peace and rest and I thank God and all of you for that as well.

This time of my life is extremely challenging. Where there are many blessings there have been many losses and much grief. While I am happy that my second book published and I am well on my way to the third and fourth being done, I have lost several life long friends and lately one of those and a family member in the span of eleven days. My heart was breaking but I know that others are going through similar grief, so I kind of kept it to myself until one day I simply broke down.

My life transitions are happening quickly. My house is now nearly empty...one more adult child to go, and I did not expect that I would feel some of the things I am feeling.  I feel sometimes lost and quickly feel ashamed because I know that God is with me and His purpose for my life does not end because of a natural course of events.

As a divorced woman and later a widow, this is not the vision I had for my life.
I realize that even had we stayed married, one of us would be leaving the other behind someday, but that some day used to be far away...and yet I feel guilty, because widow hood is not just the elderly. Wars and the violence in our world has made widows and widowers of the very young, and left children without parents as well as parents without children.

I ask that you would pray for me that my complete faith be restored and that I do not dwell on the negative right now. It is easy to do so, despite my love for the Lord, there is something in me that breaks apart daily and has to be put to rights each day in the form of  repentance.

As usual, I cannot "dress up" email sharing to you. Each time I try to use an emoticon or one of the colorful little doo dads, I just get a connection of strange looking  stuff, but I love looking at all the neat add ons that you guys do. Of course, you are photographers and know how and when to use the graphics, etc.

Please pray for refreshment of spirit and return of joy. The enemy has pretty much whipped me with grief and desolation. I feel as if I have been left behind and forgotten by all whom I have loved and cared for. I am sure that someone here has felt the same way.

Well, enough for now.
Hugs and Blessings to all!
Zenobia

Zee, most definitely I've had many of your feelings. But, the wonderful grace of Jesus sustains us through these terrible trials. When the joy of our salvation seems out of reach, we can stand upon that faith in God and Jesus our Lord and Saviour who died that we may be set free from sin and its torments.

I think of the little song about the wise man building his house upon a rock while the foolish one quicky threw up a home without foundation and upon shifting sands. When the storms came through the house built upon the rock stood fast, but the other was lost in the storm.

So, while storms are raging about you, look up, for your Father knows and yearns to comfort and sustain you during these trials.

Pat, thank you so much for bringing us one of Jack's amazing devotional presentations. I, too, miss Jack, although I didn't have the opportunity to know him.

Well, it's very late, and I have many things to accomplish tomorrow.

So, may God richly bless each of us, comfort and keep up till the morrow.

Love to everyone,
Ruth Ann

Thanks for the wonderful devotion, Pat.  The topic fits nicely in the Sunday School study I am leading, following George Barna's book, "Think Like Jesus."  Having a Biblical Worldview hinges upon a number of key points, and acknowledging the credibility, accuracy and authority of the Bible is one of them.  After standing the test of time and assault of Satan for so many years, one would think people might start paying more attention to what God has to say in those pages.

Zee, you will be in my prayers.  Despite the numerous challenges you've had, don't give up.  God's plan will prevail, and He may be preparing you to be His warrior to lift up others who suffer from the emotions you are experiencing right now.

As you all may have noticed, I have been mostly absent for the last few weeks.  I just wrapped up a 2-week stint in Colorado, and am off to Iowa this week.  I thank God for the lovely weather lately, it sure has made March travel much more enjoyable than normal!

I'd like to ask for your prayers for a dear friend, Donnie, and his family, who are members of the church I attend.  Just a couple weeks ago Donnie was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, which has spread to his liver and adrenal glands.  He began chemo this past week, but at 72-years young, he has weakened rapidly.  Donnie has been faithful servant of Christ, and a role model for many of us.  Please pray for peace and comfort for him and his family, while God's will is done.

May we all walk a little closer to our Saviour this week!

It is well,
Ken

Hi everyone.  A bit cooler night here in Georgia and just great for sleeping.  However, we will be in the 70s again today with no rain in the forecast for several days.  Nothing new for today as have my men's Monday luncheon at Olive Garden this week and then have an activity to attend this evening.  We elected not to go out to eat yesterday with the group from church but just Pat and I went to a seafood place and had a good lunch.  She wasn't feeling very good and I was feeling very tired by the time church was over so we can get home more quickly and I rested the rest of the afternoon. 

I learned this morning that a friend I have known since moving  to this community and the brother of two another friend and the BIL of anotaher friend passed away on Saturday.  He has been in the clutches of Alzheimer's for quite awhile.  His funeral is tomorrow afternoon and I plan to attend.  He had been a part of our coffee group while he was able.

Zeebers, my it has been a long time since we have had the pleasure of your joining us here on CP.  It was certainly a pleasant surprise just now to see your posting. Sorry to hear of the losses of friends and loved one.  Sometimes these things come in bunches.  Congratulations on your second book.  We never know what life has in store for us and that is the reason I try to stay in today and enjoy it as much as possible.  Use the past for reference but don't live in it and similarly make plans but don't try to live in tomorrow as you will miss many of the blessing of today. 

Pat, thanks for the devotional thoughts for this week.

Ken, good to see you post.  So sorry to hear of the cancer having struck your friend.

Pat thank you for Jack's words.  I can hear him and his mother singing. 

There have been a number here who have lost friends and relatives in recent weeks.  It is difficult, but if they are with CHrist we will see them again.

Zee good to see and hear from you, always a pleasure!

HAve a great day folks.

It's a lovely sunny day here in Virginia.  I may go out and take some photos of some beautiful blossoming trees later.  Right now I'm crocheting little tiny roses to sew on a baby bonnet and then a baby cocoon.  The baby is due soon so I must get this done!!!

I'm so happy that you all enjoyed Jack's devotional.  I'm glad he wrote them.  They were specifically written for posting on the internet so feel free to share.

Zee it's always so good to read your posts.  When you click on a little smiley (as they are called), only some text appears and it's not until you click "Post" that you will actually see the little smiley.  So try it again.

Zeebers ~ What a delight to see you posting again!  Just think how wonderful it will be when you get to heaven and see your friends and loved ones and you saying 'Glad to see you here!'  I have been a widow for too many years and I find that I am closer with God now.  Instead of it being me, myself and I, it is me, myself and I with God.  Love it!

What a cool morning in Indiana.  I do believe we are back to March weather.  I don't know the low but it was 47 when I got up.  I took a letter to the mailbox (the check is in the mail) and was so glad I put on a sweat shirt!  Brrr!  It is partly sunny meaning mostly cloudy, windy and cool. 

I am hoping to change clothes and take Hawaii to fill her up with some 'liquid gold' and also my gas containers for the lawn mower.  And also a car wash since the gas is cheaper with a car wash! 

Then I can't wait for lunch...grilled chicken breast, baked potato and Cornbread Salad...leftover from Small Groups.

That's it for today.

Hi, friends,

It's such a beautiful day here. I'll be slipping into the back of a funeral chapel in a few moments. With the death of this aunt, my husband's family now resides in those of us who are the next generation.

I realized that back in 1995, when my father died, and it's official now, I AM part of the heritage of those who rfollow on bboth sides of the fsmily, now.

Must go,
Love to everyone, but most especially love and adoration for our Savior.

Ruth Ann

Well, look at all our animal lovers! 

Do you enjoy these little fun polls?

Well hre I am, it's about time. I have been hither and yon not accomplishing anythig for a few day. At least it seems like that.

Zee how wonderful to see you and read your uplifting post. I will certainly be praying for you and have prayed as I read your request.

Not much going on here with me. Happy is doing very well and itook them both for a walk this afternoon. i'm trying to get caught up online and with some work i'm doin.

Judy Hang in there it wll get done.

Marilyn Not at all worried!

This has been an uneventful day.  I just realized I didn't post a hymn, Will do that now!

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Love that hymn, Judy!

Pat:  Thank you for posting one of Jack's messages.  Truly, I could hear the church singing "Count your blessings".  It has been ages since hearing that one and the old songs are my favorites. 

Zee:  My condolences on the loss of your family and friends.  This is a test none of us wish to endure and yet it is realistic.  Do visit often. 

We have been so busy just getting things in order.   Did I mention that I have been driving on a lapsed driver's license?   The online renewal wasn't available to me so now I am concentrating on just getting home and standing in line next Monday morning.  Oh, joy!!!     80 mph winds at home right now and one son is getting a new roof this week, just in time.  He had to prove that there was a hailstorm on a certain day for insurance so he talked to a policeman and they verified yes, it was a heavy duty hail. 

Al:  I do hope you are getting better and better each and every day. 

Today may be the day our new neighbor finds out if her chemo is affecting tumors or not - praying for her.  We met her husband and teenage daughter today - the son wants to study to be a doctor so she was having him tour the Mayo Clinic here while she has an appointment. 

Glad that Happy is doing well, Marilyn.  Not nice when our pets are under the weather and we just don't know how to help them.

Hi Carol!  We had very high winds here today as well.  I hope that your friend is doing well.  What a horrible disease cancer is!

Yes, I think it's fun to see what the results show. Pat, it's so good to hear from you.

May our Lord be with each of us as the day progresses.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  We enjoyed the most beautiful day here yesterday.  It was warm with low humidity and a slight breeze.  I think today will be more of the same.  We had a good men's luncheon yesterday with seven men there.  Today should be a quiet day but do have a funeral to attend this afternoon of a friend who passed away over the weekend. 

Pat, the spring blooms are so pretty this year.  The season is advancing very quickly here in Georgia and it seems the flowering trees leaf out almost before the blossoms have time to mature.  My new iPad takes beautiful pictures and it is nice to frame them on the large screen and then see the results in the retina display, which is terrific.  So far only taken pictures of friends and family and some of the glory of spring in the flowers and shrubs.  Pat, I do enjoy the polls you put up.

Marilyn, glad that Happy is progressing well.

Carol, hope your friend gets a good report from her doctor on the results of her treatment.  Guess you don't miss the strong winds.



Etta Sue, we are being advised here in the Atlanta area to not put mail in the box at the street that contains checks for important papers.  Fortunately, I have a post office right close to McDonald's that is easy to get to so utilize it a lot.  I was putting the items in the big blue boxes outside at the post office but they are having trouble with people stealing from those boxes as well.  So I take the extra effort to go inside if a check is involved.

Ruth Ann, it is sort of sobering to realize we are the older generation of our families.  However, when you have great grandchildren it makes you look at reality. 

Ivalou talked to Linda and Parker yesterday.  It seems that someone is coming from Texas to evaluate Jacob to see if he is able or they are able to transfer Jacob to either Texas or Georgia for further treatment.  This is the same person that evaluated the lady that was shot in Arizona.  Jacob is still in a coma.  He still has pneumonia and being treated by antibiotics but now has a highly contagious disease that developed because of the antibiotic.  Not life threatening but contagious.  He opens an eye once in a while.  I don't know if that means he only has one eye or if the other eye is swollen so much he can't open it.  His only broken bones are in his head.  His church has had bracelets made with 'Come back kid' imprinted on them.  Ivalou got me one.  His school is having a fund raiser like Donkey basketball where they will pass buckets around at half time or a break for donations.  This money will help the family with expenses that insurance does not cover.  His father works for an international company and has already been told if Jacob goes to Texas or Georgia, he will be transferred so he can be with Jacob.  His mother works in the office at a nursing home and has been told she can transfer also.  They have both been on vacation since March 8 when the accident happened.  I am told they haven't been back home but staying at a facility that the hospital has for patients' loved ones. 

Parker is 18 also.  He asked his mom if he could have a tattoo for Jacob.  Normally Linda would have said no.  But Parker now has a tattoo on his upper arm that says 'Come Back Kid'.  No flourishes...just letters.  He said he wanted something to always remember Jacob and what he is going through.

So Jacob has a long way to go but hopefully and through God, he will be healed.  Please keep praying for Jacob and his family.  Thank you!

I am on my way to the pool and then the Senior Adult Ministry class is having lunch at Jim Dandy in Noblesville at noon.  Ivalou is going with Betty.  She may ride back home with me. 

Going>>>>

Well, lhere I am art home, sitting in front of my own computer, with a nice cup of coffee, and enjoying reading all your posts today.  I'be been discharged from the skilled nursing center, and my wife drove us home yesterday afternoon.  I have a big chair in the livingroom that tilts back, the feet come up, and it's quite comfortable.  When I got home and sat in it, tilted (electrical) it back, I felt so coimfortable in irt that it was difficult not to fall asleep immediately!  So I slept in it last night.  It was great.  The feet come up far enough that, with an extra pillow, the feet are definitely "up."  That's the way I need it to be, so it works very well!  So, praise the Lord, I had a good night, and now here I am!

I prayl that your friend, Carol, gets a good report, a report that looks forward to progress.  Larry, that's indeed awful that people steal out of mail boxes.  They used to be afraid to do that because it broke federal laws, but now they're not afraid of anything.  They should reside in a federal penitentiary for a while.  Glad Happy is doing well, Marilyn - thank the Lord!  Good to hear from you, Pat.  I, for one, enjoy those little polls.

Well, got to go to a doctor's appt. today, the same one who operated on me a couple of months ago to see what progress was made.  They did an ultrasound yesterday,

How good our God is to forgive us in His Son and allow us to live in His world for one more day!  May we glorify Him consciously in it throughj Jesus Christ His Son.  Amen.

I pray also for Parker and Jacob, that all these things weill bring them close to Jesus.

By the way - welcome to Zeebers!  Keeo us informed that we may be able to pray.  And - Pat - you know I ALWAYS enjoy Jack;s messages.,  I didn't know him long, but I do miss him.  Glad we;ll see him in heaven.

I came in yesterday and read, didn't post, so I guess that makes it skip the email notification???  Anyway, good to catch up; will be back later to post more, just now I have something to do NOW! 

Welcome Home Al.

I haven't responded to everyone, but I am praying for each issue.

It is still cold here, below 32F this morning, so the furnace is a must.  Pat I love that hymn as well.

I am finally getting back to post again.  I asked Darrel to help me this morning, and we got almost all of the things from the kitchen and pantry which were still in the garage, brought in, cleaned and put away in their new homes.  Ah, progress, I love it!

Al, so good to know you are home, and you sound like your old self again!  For that, we thank our God!  Yes, these recliner chairs are wonderful!  I often take a nap in mine, but lately, if I'm in it for two hours or so, my back starts hurting.  Maybe that's a signal to get up and get busy!    I pray your comfort will continue, your strength continue to grow, and that you and Marbeth will be blessed to enjoy your home together for a long time to come.

We went to the senior center for lunch, after which I had a toenail appointment.  Then we went to the grocery for a few items I needed to make supper for our friends.  Paula is still having a lot of pain, and Roy is really stressed, giving her the dialysis treatments, so I am trying to help out in this way.  I spent the next two hours cooking and have their supper ready to take over as soon as Roy calls to tell me they are finished with Paula's treatment.  He sure sounded pleased when I said I would bring supper over for them! 

I got called in to work yesterday, and wasn't at all happy about it, as I had my day planned, and that ruined the plan.  I wouldn't have answered the phone had I known who it was!  Is that bad?

Maybe tomorrow I can get more things done toward feeling somewhat caught up around here.

I have been asked to speak to the local Rotary Club about my book.  They asked me to come today (called yesterday, at the last minute) but by the time I got home and got the message, they had found someone else, so I will speak at a later meeting.  God is working!  Those books WILL sell!!   

Paula just called, so I'm off to take them their supper!

What a shock to find how long it's been since I posted here!  I've been reading faithfully and composed answers in my head, but obviously I have neglected to put my thoughts in writing.  Shame on me!!!  And of course now I don't remember any of the earth-shaking comments I had ready.   

So I'll just say it was great to see Zee and I hope she'll be back soon.  And how happy I am that Al is home again and so much more comfortable this time.

Jeanne, thanks for the reminder!  I meant to tell Zee how happy I am that she is still with us.  And, Zee, I am so sorry about the great losses in your life recently, but glad you are holding onto the Lord who will bring you through this tough time and make you even stronger.  Prayers for you, dear one.

I have been to my chiropractor, now am ready to tackle the seeming never-ending work here in this house!  I will be back later to read the rest of your news, friends. 

I will be gone most of today (what is left of it).  I have that dreadful job of bill payments to make, and then to the store for a few things.  HAve a great day everyone.