Thoughts for the Week~May 31

Etta Sue · May 31, 2010, 10:24:08 AM

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Quote of the Week

I follow Christ:
Jesus is my God -
Jesus is my Spouse -
Jesus is my Life -
Jesus is my only Love -
Jesus is my All in All.
Jesus is my Everything.
Because of this I am never afraid.

Mother Teresa

Morning Devotional...

Appearances of Jesus
Luke 24:13-43 NLT

That same day two of Jesus' followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him.

He asked them, "What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?"

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, "You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn't heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days."

"What things?" Jesus asked.

"The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth," they said. "He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.

"Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said."

Then Jesus said to them, "You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn't it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?" Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.

By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, "Stay the night with us, since it is getting late." So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared!

They said to each other, "Didn't our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, "The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter."

Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. "Peace be with you," he said. But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost!

"Why are you frightened?" he asked. "Why are your hearts filled with doubt? Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it's really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don't have bodies, as you see that I do." As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet.

Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he ate it as they watched.

Would you recognize Jesus if you saw him today? How?

The two disciples returning to Emmaus at first missed the significance of history's greatest event because they were too focused on their disappointments and problems. In fact, they didn't recognized Jesus when he was walking beside them. To compound the problem, they were walking in the wrong direction--away from the fellowship of believers in Jerusalem.

We are likely to miss Jesus and withdraw from the strength found in other believers when we become preoccupied with our dashed hopes and frustrated plans.

Only when we are looking for Jesus in our midst will we experience the power and help he can bring.
The Best of the Bible--365 Must-Read Bible Passages

Etta Sue · May 31, 2010, 10:34:30 AM

Would you believe that I don't know who won the Indy 500 race yet!! I am sure a huge Hoosier fan, aren't I? I will find out sooner or later!

Today is a surprise birthday party for my brother. Kaye Don is 75 years old today. I called him earlier to wish him a happy birthday. It sure was hard to not say, see you later!!

I am going to Kitty and Bob's after the party. We are having burgers on the grill. Hope it doesn't rain which it predicted this evening.

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Jeanne Lee · May 31, 2010, 10:43:14 AM

Wonderful and thought provoking devotional this morning, Etta Sue. Thank you!

JudyB · May 31, 2010, 12:42:00 PM

Etta Sue thank you for the devotional. As Jeanne said Thought provoking. Enjoy the Surprise party. They are always fun.

JudyB · May 31, 2010, 12:42:26 PM

This week's promise: God's Word is powerful
Consume my life

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.

Jim Elliot, 1949

God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.

Jim Elliot, 1948

Jim Elliot's prayer

When he died [at the hands of the Auca Indians], Jim left little of value, as the world regards values....Of material things, there were few; a home in the jungle, a few well-worn clothes, books, and tools. The men who went to try to rescue the five [missionaries—all of whom died] brought back to me from Jim's body his wrist watch, and from...the beach, the blurred pages of his college prayer-notebook. There was no funeral, no tombstone for a memorial....No legacy then? Was it "just as if he had never been"? Jim left for me, in memory, and for us all, in these letters and diaries, the testimony of a man who sought nothing but the will of God, who prayed that his life would be "an exhibit of the value of knowing God."

The interest which accrues from this legacy is yet to be realized. It is hinted at in the lives of...Indians who have determined to follow Christ, persuaded by Jim's example; in the lives of many who write to tell me of a new desire to know God as Jim did....His death was the result of simple obedience to his Captain.

Jim Elliot and four other missionaries met their deaths trying to reach the Auca Indians for Christ.
Elizabeth Elliot, Shadow of the Almighty

Pat · May 31, 2010, 12:48:47 PM

Hello Everyone...

Thank you, Etta Sue for the thoughtful devotional to start out week!

I'm very tired today. I didn't get home from Toronto yesterday till the wee hours of the morning but what a lovely musical cruise on Lake Ontario! It was terrific. But the heat in the city was terrible. I really felt it.

Jeanne Lee · May 31, 2010, 02:06:05 PM

Have you checked out our latest Mini Challenge? The subject is "Angels Unaware" and we're voting for the Number One photo. Some really great ones - have a look and cast a vote. CLICK HERE

Janet · May 31, 2010, 05:19:23 PM

I voted. Pretty hard subject this time.

Keeper · May 31, 2010, 06:31:13 PM

I found the topic really difficult, I hope to be able to participate next time.

JudyB · May 31, 2010, 11:13:23 PM

Great evening tonight. I went out to the mall with Heather, and then to a fabric store. We always have fun when we do this.

Kass thinks she is ready for Annual Inspection this year, leading the cadets in and give the commands. That is on Saturday, Friday is the Run for Life which the cadets volunteer for. Tomorrow she has to be back at school for 6:30 for the Academic Awards. We have friends going as well to cheer her on.

It is late, I am heading to bed.

Night all

Marilyn · May 31, 2010, 11:38:48 PM

Etta Sue thank you for the devotional

QuoteOnly when we are looking for Jesus in our midst will we experience the power and help he can bring.

More and more i am looking for Jesus. Maranantha Lord Jesus!!

Keith is in Portland and I am here with the critters. His oldest son become Doctor Craig Riley at tomorrows graduation. Keith will come home on Wednesday stopping in Lincoln City to inspect the new school cafeteria addition he designed.

I went to my Yoga class this morning, painted my toenails blue to match the Corvette I will have my fingernails done in the same color. After I walked the dogs this afternoon I went to Walmart to buy a blue cap to match the car and some sandals to wear to Savannah's graduation next Tuesday. That is going to be a long drive there and back from Sunriver.

I have already packed my suitcase but still need to pack the lunch bag that I use for cosmetics i.e. shampoo, conditioner, shower gel toothpaste etc. We leave for Sunriver on Saturday, I am taking my Netbook so will try to check in at least once or twice.

I voted this morning but didn't stop here to post just to read. I guess you could say I've been lurking.

Good Night

Marilyn · June 01, 2010, 10:17:21 AM

Wake Up!!! It is after 7 AM here on the left coast. I slept so good last night, I took an all natural sleeping pill that I bought at Dollar Tree , it has Valerian, L Tryptophan, and Chamomile I didn't even wake up once.

Today I am going To the Coos Bay Grange to buy dry food for the dogs, do the usual walks with them this afternoon and work on my next Photoshop lesson that is sitting in my email box.

I might gather together some of the things that go with the dogs in their bag. I have to send their own food, so usually send their own bowls, a few treats, canned wet food, Happy's meds have to go with him and I am adding their own shampoo since they don't have the Head and Shoulders at the groomer.

All y-all must be tired of hearing about my dogs.

JudyB · June 01, 2010, 10:20:21 AM

The Word convicts

When the king heard what was written in the law, he tore his clothes in despair.

2 Chronicles 34:19 NLT

A rampage of revival

If Josiah, kind of Judah, had kept a journal, we might have noted this first significant entry: "Eight years old today" (2 Chronicles 34:1). At that tender age, Josiah had a scepter thrust into his hand. Yet he didn't let the super-responsibilities of those years allow him to forget his Creator. Rather, he "did what was pleasing in the Lord's sight." (34:2)

Another important entry might have been "Sixteen years old today" (2 Chronicles 34:3). That's when Josiah began to rid his country of the pagan shrines, idols, and images that had accumulated during the reigns of prior kings. After he purified the land, Josiah ordered the repair and restoration of the temple.

"Twenty-six years old" (2 Chronicles 34:

was the midpoint of Josiah's 31-year reign. It was also Back-to-the-Word time. When Hilkiah the high priest stumbled across the "Book of the Law of the Lord as it had been given to Moses" (34:14) and had it read to Josiah, the king was devastated.

Josiah went on a rampage of revival, first making his people covenant to obey the Lord and his laws. Second, he destroyed all idols and required everyone to worship the Lord. And third, he initiated a Passover celebration on a scale that hadn't been seen since the time of the prophet Samuel.

Josiah did everything he could to bring Judah back to God and the treasury of his Word, but the clock of God's favor was running out. Sadly, because the people tired of Josiah's revival, within twenty-five years of Josiah's death, Jerusalem was destroyed and all it people taken in to captivity.

Etta Sue · June 01, 2010, 10:29:26 AM

Thanks for enjoying the devotional this week. I love reading about our Lord.

The surprise party was a success. Kaye Don knew his daughter was having a cook out. She lives in the country so there was no place to hide cars. As they approached Robin's house, he asked Barb what was going on. So when he got to the house, he knew it was his three-quarter of a century birthday party!

Lots of food and hugs. Two of his grand-daughters are expecting boys within the month. Another is due in October. They were comparing baby bumps. Times have sure changed since I was pregnant 50 years ago.

I left there and went to Kitty's house. I was asked to stay for hamburgers on the grill but I was still stuffed from the birthday party so I came home between heavy rains.

Ivalou is gone to Ohio. I miss her already. I have to go to her house and turn on the A/C since our lights were out last night for about 3 minutes. Her A/C doesn't come back on by itself when there is a power outage.

Today Kitty and I are going swimming. I have no idea what else we are going to do. She is driving and if she asks me, I would like to go to Best Buy and check out their GPS's. Mine is getting obsolete...can't find the address I want. And I got a Best Buy Gift Certificate from the Class of 1960 for a job well done.

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Pat · June 01, 2010, 10:35:43 AM

Good Morning!

I heard Marilyn shouting "Wake UP!" and so thought I'd better get up!

Cleaning my kitchen today. It's too hot outside to do anything.

Jeanne Lee · June 01, 2010, 10:51:10 AM

Marilyn's shout certainly shook the rafters around here!

We had some thunderstorms overnight and more are forecast so I may not be around a whole lot. I try to keep jugs of water in the refrigerator and buckets in the tub when storms are forecast. If the power goes off the pump for trailer park's well shuts down and we don't get any water, so I try to be prepared just in case.

Ed · June 01, 2010, 10:52:46 AM

Steve Saint (the son of Nate Saint) has written a book, "End of the Spear." It is also in DVD. Steve tells of his travel back to that area where his missionary father was killed.

Eventually Mincayani, a Waodani tribesman, the very man that had killed Steve's father comes to know the Lord. He has since traveled in the US telling his marvelous story of redemption

Jeanne Lee · June 01, 2010, 10:56:15 AM

Ed, a good reminder that results from the seed we sow aren't always immediately apparent.

Al Moak · June 01, 2010, 11:06:28 AM

Good mornin' all y'all. Well, since Marbeth is still in the hospital, I'll be visiting there today. They're probably going to move her today to another facility over in Eureka, where she can receive a lot more rehab exercise, etc. God willing, it should prepare her for coming home fairly soon. She's improved considerably in the last couple of days. They've had her up walking a couple of times each day. So, anyway, I'll need to go over to the hospital and at least find our where and when they're taking her. Please continue to pray for her - and for me.

Pat · June 01, 2010, 11:26:24 AM

Ed, that sounds like a great book. I will look out for it. Thanks for telling us about it.

Praying for you and Marbeth, Alan

Jeanne, we had the big storms here last night as well--and high winds.

Marilyn · June 01, 2010, 11:29:14 AM

Al; What happened to Marbeth, I think I must have missed something. Or maybe you didn't tell it here but in the moderators forum.

Well Pat and am glad that you and Jeanne heard me and got yourselves out of bed.

I hate being up all by myself.

JudyB · June 01, 2010, 01:27:47 PM

I am at Heather's, we are sitting chatting while I check in. Iheard you Marilyn but was too busy to leave for NBay.

It is a hot windy day here today, this morning it looked like rain but so far no luck. We need the rain so badly. I have all the garden planted and now for the rain to get it going. If there continues to be no rain, then I will have to put the hose and sprinkler out and wet it down that way. On a dug well that is hard, we can easily run out of water. We are praying for rain.

Got to run. Be back later.

Al Moak · June 01, 2010, 02:14:15 PM

That'a pretty interesting about Steve, Ed. I didn't know him, but I am quite well acquainted with Jim Elliot. The house we lived in up near Portland had a shed that Jim built, and I used it as a study.

Marilyn - I don't remember where I told about Marbeth's condition. Anyway, she contracted conjestive heart and then pneumonia on top of it. So, a week ago today, she went to Mad River Community Hospital. She'll be leaving there today, going to another place where they do a lot more phys. therapy. That should speed up her recovery sand return home (they say).

kathywc · June 01, 2010, 02:52:33 PM

Hello to all of you. I got an invitation to check out "The Coffee Shop."
I enjoyed the morning devotion and hope that I would know Jesus if he paid a visit to me.

Here it is, the first of June already. Time sure does fly by now. I wonder why it goes faster as we get older. I'm going to have to start going to bed a lot earlier and get up with the dawn in order to have enough hours to do all I want to do.

One of you mentioned having a good nights sleep. I like to drink a cup of chamomile, or catnip tea before I go to bed. It helps me get to sleep and I don't wake up during the night at all. I feel more refreshed the next morning too.

I hope you all have a blessed day.

Larry Hanna · June 01, 2010, 02:59:10 PM

Hi everyone. Once again last evening we had a very strong thunder storm with lots of rain and more is expected to develop later this afternoon. It has become very warm here this afternoon and that helps create these storms. We were watching the program from the National Mall to honor our veterans and their families but missed most of it as the satellite loses contact with the receiver in a heavy rain. What we did see at the beginning and end was very moving.

This has been a rather quiet and routine day. Had coffee and then a friend and I walked a mile at the church gym. Came home and worked on the bills for the month and attended a meeting. I then had lunch and had a nice rest. Nothing pressing for the rest of the day.

Al, glad to hear that your wife is improving and will get out of the hospital and into rehab.

Etta Sue, thanks for the fine devotional and Judy, once again, thanks for posting the pieces you have been posting.

Marilyn, blue fingernails? People will think you have smashed your fingers.

Ed, I have not heard of Nate Saint or his son.

Kathy, welcome and it is nice to read your postings.

Colin · June 01, 2010, 04:44:08 PM

ANOTHER GOSPEL

The tired old preacher stood in his pulpit
Bent and grey haired with age
He slowly opened his battered Bible
Leafing over it page by page

Then he looked over his congregation
Waiting to hear what he would say
As he closed his Bible shut
He said, my sermon will be different today

I have preached here fifty years or more
The gospel that I thought I knew
But now I don't really know
If I have been preaching the truth to you

I have told you the Bible is trustworthy
I have told you to believe in its word
For this book was inspired by God
Almighty, sovereign and Lord

Now to my shame I must say it
I have been on the internet
Reading the opinions of men
Something I am beginning to regret

So I am trying to bring you this sermon
Although it's even confusing to me
But learned men who profess to be Christian
Say this is the way it should be

Now excuse me if I stumble
And lose my way here and there
For they have so many theories
Added to so often I am aware

The old preacher raised his voice
Though feeble his words rang clear
Listen to me my dear flock
And the Gospel of men you will hear

In the beginning God created
Then maybe again He did not
Perhaps He allowed some evolution
To help make us this human lot

We must not believe the entire Bible
Pick and choose what you like best
For scientist have proved so much
That this Book does not stand the test

I have read that God was confused
And maybe did not know how to count
When He said six days of creation
How could He do it in that amount?

Now these are the words of those
Who say they believe in His name
But of course they know much more
Than God himself to His shame!

I used to know the Gospel so well
Sure I learned it at my Mother's knee
But since I went and read some debates
I wonder just what she was teaching me!

She told me God loved all the world
Now it seems He loves just a few
And even the one's He has chosen
Can lose their salvation its true

I preached to you from the Bible
That was given to me by my Mother
I believed in her Saviour too
But now they tell me I should not bother

For how can you believe His word
His sayings are so way out
They have so messed with my mind
That they have made this old preacher doubt

Then the preacher raised his voice again
Listen my friends unto me
If we had not God's Holy Word
Then this is how all my sermons would be!

But I have in my hand this wondrous book
I have read its every page
I believe it is God's will revealed
To debate with Him I won't engage!

I will preach its glorious truths
This old time Gospel pure and true
And rest assured my little flock
I will never preach another Gospel to you!

Colin Moffett

Pat · June 01, 2010, 04:54:42 PM

Oh, my!

Colin what wonderful words of truth. Thank you for that.

I think that this hymn would go along with that very well, don't you?

THE BIBLE STANDS
(Click title for music)

The Bible stands like a rock undaunted
'Mid the raging storms of time;
Its pages burn with the truth eternal,
And they glow with a light sublime.

Refrain
The Bible stands though the hills may tumble,
It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble;
I will plant my feet on its firm foundation,
For the Bible stands.

The Bible stands like a mountain towering
Far above the works of men;
Its truth by none ever was refuted,
And destroy it they never can.

Refrain

The Bible stands and it will forever,
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given,
All its precepts I will obey.

Refrain

The Bible stands every test we give it,
For its Author is divine;
By grace alone I expect to live it,
And to prove and to make it mine.

Refrain

Marilyn · June 01, 2010, 07:35:28 PM

Colin I have copied, saved and sent you poem off to some friends and my Pastor in California.

JudyB · June 01, 2010, 11:35:09 PM

Good evening all. Kassie got an academic award in Grade 10 English. This here is a proud Mama!

It is late and I am heading off to bed. Night all. Praying for the needs here!

Gord Brown · June 02, 2010, 12:36:56 AM

Hi to all at C.P. It seems that I have not been here for a while but I have tried to keep up and read the posts. We have just found out that our new grandchild will be an other baby boy and the ultra sound says that he was moving around a lot. We are very excited for mummy and daddy.This may seem like a broken record but again please contiue to pray for Noreen as she is not having any releif of pain and she needs a miracle to heal her.

Larry: Hope that your wife is getting better and also that your daughter is doing O. K.

Marilyn: Hope that you are also well and is the car a real Corvette and what year is it. Now about those paintings well your friends might think you are going overboard.

Etta Sue: Hi how are you see you are still keeping very busy, Thank you for that great devotional Hope that you had fun at the party.

Judy B: Sounds like you are very busy and that is good. How is John hope well. Tell Cassie it is wonderful to here that she is doing so good. Please say hi to the rest of the family and don't overdo it. Love ya sis.

Al: Sorry to here that your wife Marbeth has been so sick but am glad to here that she sonds like she is on her way to getting better. give her my regards. Also how are you doing with the sleeping I do hope that you are able to sleep in your own bed. God bless.

Ed; Thanks for reminding me about Nate Saint because I remember when Jim Elliots wife started speaking she came to Peoples Church in Toronto and told the whole story about the death of the missioneries

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Thoughts for the Week~May 31

Etta Sue

Etta Sue

Jeanne Lee

JudyB

JudyB

Pat

Jeanne Lee

Janet

Keeper

JudyB

Marilyn

Marilyn

JudyB

Etta Sue

Pat

Jeanne Lee

Ed

Jeanne Lee

Al Moak

Pat

Marilyn

JudyB

Al Moak

kathywc

Larry Hanna

Colin

Pat

Marilyn

JudyB

Gord Brown