Christian Photographers Community

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

• I would like to thank again our friend Judith from Dayton, Ohio who very kindly composed our lovely scripture to go with today's devotional. 

Morning Devotional...



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


A Fact of History


They anointed and wrapped His broken, bruised and mutilated body with loving hands. Surely their hearts were rent within. Can we doubt that tears flowed like rivers of water down their cheeks until they could cry no more? The One they loved and followed was dead. The One they thought would establish again the throne of His ancestor, David, lay embalmed in oriental manner, in a cold, dark cave. Perhaps they looked on as the authorities sealed the tomb and posted a Roman guard to keep watch. Their saddened minds had forgotten His promise "But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee" (Matthew 26:32).

There are still unbelievers who try desperately to explain away what happened. They have developed some very stupid and unbelievable theories in a vain attempt to disprove the great fact that death could not hold Him in its icy grip. In triumph He burst the bars of death.

Ed Harlow, in his book "Basic Bible Doctrines" reminds us that the resurrection of Christ is the best documented fact of ancient history. It is not my purpose in this short article to give all of the evidences of proof but consider this: If the Lord did not rise again, then His disciples have perpetrated one of the greatest hoaxes of all time. But that does not make sense at all because they had nothing to gain if it were not true, and very much to lose. But preach the resurrection they did at great personal cost. For preaching the truth of the resurrection they were imprisoned, flogged, stoned, crucified, thrown to lions, and burned to death. No, they peddled no hoax, no imaginative myth, but the glorious reality that Jesus Christ is the Lord of Life and victor over death.

As he contemplated the great fact of the resurrection, Robert Lowry was moved to write the following lovely hymn:



Have you ever taken time to contemplate the significance of the resurrection and the great truths we are to learn from it?

First, it is the apex of the doctrine of the Deity of Christ. It is the grand proof of His Divine origin. None but One who is God could raise Himself up from the grave. Jesus had told the Jews that He had that power and now it had occurred.

"Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father" (John 10:17-18).

Jesus by His resurrection proved beyond doubt that His claims to equality with God were founded on the firm foundation of the rock of eternal Truth. There can be no serious doubt about it. He is the Son of God. We read in Romans 1:4 "...and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead."

This is the very keystone of our Faith.

Secondly, the resurrection is the believer's assurance of the completeness of Christ's saving work on the cross. If God the Father had not been fully satisfied with the atonement made for my sins, Christ would not have risen from the dead. The tomb would still be sealed. Unlike some other religions we do not worship a dead prophet, but a living Saviour who has triumphed over sin and death.

Paul reminds us in Romans 4:23-25, "Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification."

Are you trusting in the crucified, living, ascended and coming Saviour? Only He can take away the guilt of sin and give peace to the troubled conscience.

A third thing that we can learn from the resurrection of Christ is that we too shall live again. "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." (I Cor. 15:22)

For the one who is united by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ this is a blessed future to ponder. One day "...the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout and with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds of the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words." (I Thess. 5:22). Surely all who have been saved by grace echo the words of John as he brings the Revelation to a close, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!"

But what of those who reject Christ? We are reminded of the words of the blessed Son of God Himself, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth, those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation" (John 5:28,29).

If you, dear reader, are one of those who face the resurrection of condemnation, I would urge you to flee from the wrath to come. Flee away to Jesus. He has graciously said, "Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out." (John 6:37. He died for sinners such as you and me and His resurrection brings blest assurance to all who believe on Him.

---

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

Thank you Pat for another of Jack's wonderful studies.  And once again we are blessed that it has been beautifully enhanced by Judith's graphic presentations.

And once again, I have to apologize for missing Canada's Thanksgiving.  I'm glad to know, Pat, that you were able to enjoy time with your family and some special sharing of the earth's harvest.   

Hi everyone on a chilly morning for us here in South Carolina.  It was 58 this morning with a high of 72 predicted for the next couple of days with clear skies.  So this week is starting out great. 

I did get to Sunday School and Church but we decided to eat somethings we had here rather than to bring something in.  I listened to some of Don's radio program and then turned on the TV and watched Georgia beat South Carolina in the make up game that had been cancelled on Saturday due to the storm.  I then watched the Atlanta Falcons game as they beat Denver without too much difficulty.  Pat had another good day yesterday, which is so encouraging.  While she is not without pain she at least is not crying out in pain when she moves a certain way. 

Pat, a belated Happy Canadian Thanksgiving and so glad you could enjoy it with your daughter and her husband and at your grand daughter's home.  Also, thanks for getting us started on a new week with a new sharing from Jack's writings and the graphics you shared. 

Jeanne, you are not alone in missing that yesterday was the Canadian Thanksgiving.

This morning is going to be busy as have a 9:30 appointment with the podiatrist and when that is over will try to get a haircut.  I plan on attending my Monday noon meeting and then later this afternoon Pat resumes her chiropractic treatments.   

Thank you, Pat for using my Scripture photos. Thank you, Jeanne! Hope you are feeling better.

Lots going on here since I was in last--always a good thing!

Happy belated Thanksgiving, Pat!  Glad you had food and fellowship with part of your family!

Larry, so glad to read that Pat's improvement seems to be lasting!

I was up too late last night watching the debate.     No comment on that, as I have no desire to get into conflict or disagreement on our special site here. 

I am missing Carol!  Hope they are having a good cruise in Europe!

Lovely graphics again, Judith.

We have had a house guest for five days, one of the reasons I have been missing for a few days.  I always enjoy Mary, though, so it is a good thing; I am not complaining.

I had a blood draw on Friday and have a doctor's app't today at 12:45.  Strange time to have an appointment!  Their choice, not mine. 

I need to order something for my painting buddy, Dee.  She tries everything she thinks might help her feel better.

Thanks for sharing another of Jack's writings, Pat!

Thank you very much, Janet. 

   Hi to all.  Well we do have beautiful blue skies. but it is satarting to cool of.   Thank you Pat for the great devotional.

Judith.  Thank you for the beautiful picture that you add.

I have been busy working a bit last week I did two round trips to our Capital City area.  Ottawa.  Just like the old days driving my bus at Greyhound.

Larry good to here that things are going well and I do hope and pray that Pat will keep getting stronger.

May the Lord be with you all this week.

Good afternoon, friends,

I'm happily at work on a data project. It had been several months since I heard from my former boss, and I wondered if he had fully retired.

Pat, thank you for the devotionals. I'm certainly enjoying them and do hope your pain will lessen.

Yes, Larry, my son seems to be better.

Judith, I, too, am enjoying your contributions to our site. Your photos with captions lift my spirits.

It's great to hear from Jeanne, that you're back, and from Janet, to learn that your busy life is continuing.

Ken, you've become a great contributor to this site, and I enjoy your posts, as well as those from Gordon.

Y'all have a wonderful afternoon with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

Gord Brown, Thank you very much. I appreciate your compliment.

   Thanks for all your comment's  We  have had a wonderful day today up here in Canada as our Thanksgiving was celebrated.  God is so good and he gives us so much.  We had all of ourr kid's here today and then there kid's to which is such a blessing.
We are so grateful that our families are so close and we do not have to travel far to see them.

May the  Lord be close to you all.   Love in Christ.   Gordon and Noreen.

Hi Gord!

Nice to see you here.

Hi everyone on a beautiful, cool and crisp  Tuesday morning.  This will be a laid back day with no need to rush to accomplish anything.  I may make a short trip to Walmart to pick up a prescription for Pat and get a couple of items but other than that plan on staying home.  I need to fix some coleslaw and perhaps a macaroni salad, neither of which is difficult to do.  Most of the morning chores are done except to water the flowers and Pat has had her breakfast.  I know that Pat is feeling a lot better as yesterday she did the washing and helped clean up the kitchen following supper last evening. 

Judith, what a colorful graphic and so appropriate for this time of the year.

It seems that all of you have been pretty busy.  I think Ruth Ann said just what I would say so will not repeat her well written posting. 

Thanks, Larry. We remembered Canadian Thanksgiving ourselves yesterday. Miss living there, but only want to be where The Lord wants us to be. Now we are asking for wisdom as to where He would have Alan (us) to minister after this school year is over. Alan needs an answer by the end of January.

For clarification,



Alan is first a preacher. The Lord called him to preach in 1968 from His Word; John 4:37, 38. Simultaneously with pastoring churches, he taught for many years in a Christian school; upper grades in algebra, trigonometry, calculus and physics. Right now he is solely teaching the maths at a Christian school with a very heavy load of 6 classes!

He has not had an opportunity to preach and misses that very much. As he reads God's Word, he seeks direction from there and spends time on his bike as his prayer closet. So with finding direction in God's Word and praying and as circumstances unfold, God will give perfect peace at the right time and onward we go. That is how we have done it for 47 years. The Lord hasn't failed us yet and we believe He won't start now. As we wait on The Lord, we are at peace that at the right time, He will give Alan clear direction according to His will. 

Just wanted to explain. Hope it wasn't "boring." 

Chillier here in Dayton, but loving it! Autumn is my favorite time of year.

Everyone have a great day!

Larry, I am so glad to read that Pat is improving. I know she has been ever so grateful for the great support you've been giving her - and what a great job you,ve done, and you're an inspiration especially to me that when we need to do something, with the Lord's strength we can accomplish just about anything!

Judith, thank you so much for that photo and bio of Alan and the testimony you both have of the Lord's leading.  Keep us informed, please.  It is grand to get to know the members of our Christian Photographers site.

Good morning, friends,

I've been working on the data project and have sent it for review. So, now I have time to come to our wonderful home.

Thank you, Pat, for your kindness in setting up this site for us. I do so much appreciate it.

For all the administrators, may God bless you as you labor.

For all those who come here to read, pray, request prayer, and share your daily activities, may we receive added strength as we read and participate.

Y'all have a wonderful day.

Ruth Ann

Will do, Jeanne.  {give updates on our situation}

And Ruth Anne, may you have a wonderful day as well.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!  Today is my sweet husband's 79th birthday, and I am so thankful to God that we are both still here, together!  When I think about that awful car wreck in May 2015, I realize how God protects us.  How good  and how great our God is!!

Darrel is gone to the Dr.--not the best way to spend part of his birthday, but it shouldn't take long.  I went yesterday, just a checkup, and my cholesterol was down almost 50 points in six months!!      I cannot (will not) take the statins for that; and only taking Niacin--and it's working!!  Other than that, my potassium is a little low (result of taking water pill) so he prescribed that for me.  I have bursitis in my hip, so Kristi (at the gym) helped me with stretches to help that.  So I'm good to go for at least another six months, I guess.  And...isn't that just fascinating??  Sorry.

Today, if Darrel doesn't have something he wants to do, I plan on working on a painting.  I have two started!

Darrel just called from the Dr's office to tell me he has some kind of cyst that needs to be surgically removed.  Darn!  But God is in control and He will take care of us through this bump as well.

Well, now I need to be about some other things.  I will return to address each of you next time.  Hope you all have a very blessed day, with His love and mine.

Janet, I might not exactly call your reports "fascinating" - but then again I guess they are.  We need them because we need to know how you and Darrel are, as well as Beth and John.  So please keep it coming!!! 

And of course prayers for Darrel's cyst removal are mounting upward!

When are you going to take some pictures of your paintings so we can post them here to admire?

Thanks for the nice devotional and graphic, Pat. I enjoyed the others' comments also. 

We still have 6 weeks to go before our "official" Thanksgiving Day here in the U.S.
Although I have only read a few chapters so far, I am finding an e-book I purchased from the Google Play Store for 99¢ (for use on my Galaxy Tab S2 android tablet) quite inspirational and encouraging. It is titled "The Bruised Reed" by Richard Sibbes, one of the old Puritans.

Happy one day belated, Thanksgiving to all of you Canadians! 

Thank you, Jeanne.  I try not to bore you all with too many daily details.  And I would love to have you post some photos of my paintings here--if and when I can remember how to get them from phone to computer.     It's been too long!  I did paint this afternoon, and got one about three-quarters done.  It's on a canvas, 20" X 8".  Never saw one that size before.  It's for our exchange we do each year, where we bring a surface, then draw for them, and the one who gets our surface paints it and brings it back.  That is coming up in November, so I had to get busy!

Darrel came home with a surgeon's appointment in Garden City and a throat specialist one in Hutchinson.  Looks as if we will be busy!  Happy birthday, Darrel. 

We went out to eat tonight for Darrel's birthday and there was one of his classmates, Larry, and his wife, celebrating Larry's birthday, too.  So we all moved to a larger table and visited while we ate.  And as we were leaving, a lady from church came in and began singing happy birthday--it is her birthday, too! 

Time for this gal to go to bed!  I have been awake since 4 this morning.

Janet, I can't speak for anyone else, of course, but I can never find your daily activities boring.   

If you are taking pictures of your paintings with the current smart phone, you can simply email them directly to me.  Want to give one a try?

Be sure of prayers for Darrel with this next trial.  What are the dates for the appointments?

Hi everyone.  Once again it is a beautiful, cool and crisp morning in my part of the world.  The painters are busy on the outside of the new house next door and know they appreciate the cooler weather.  There is no chance of rain in our forecast for today.  There are only two things on the schedule for today.  The first is Pat's chiropractic appointment at 4 pm and then I will meet Scott at the church for the Wednesday night dinner (Italian menu) and then we look forward to his spending a couple of hours with us afterwards.

Yesterday was a most enjoyable and laid back day.  We decided to go out for a late lunch and early dinner, which we did.  Prior to that I had the best afternoon nap I have had in a long time.  It was a very laid back day. 

Judith, I sure enjoyed and appreciate you sharing a little of your background as you have partnered with Alan in his ministry over this 47 years.  God's will be done in your lives as I hope it is being done in mine.  What you said certainly wasn't boring.  I was surprised that you are in Dayton as had just assumed you were living in Canada. 

Jeanne, I believe if we are met to do something the Lord will supply the way and the will to do it.  I agree with you in wanting to see more of Janet's painting and your idea of taking a picture with her iPhone and just emailing it from the Photos app is a very good one as that is certainly an easy way to do it. 

Jim D, nice to see your posting and thanks for the info on the book you are enjoying.  I have just started a book our minister highly recommended called "Simply Christian" by N. T. Wright.

Ruth Ann, your posting is a good reminder that we need to thank and be thankful for Pat in giving us this site and for Jeanne and all of the contributors to it.  It doesn't just happen on its own. 

Janet, a belated Happy Birthday to Darrel.  So sorry for him that some new health problems have arisen that are going to require more surgery.  Congratulations on your cholesterol readings.  I used to take Niacin but was taken off of it a number of years ago.  I do take a statin daily and it has kept my numbers down.  I expect your serving at the dinner the other night aggravated your bursitis but sure glad the stretches help.

Good morning everyone. I think the reason that mirror is so expensive is because of the electronics  within, ( the blinker and the heat.)

I took Freckles to my hospice class yesterday, She is so well behaved and I am training her to be my Service Dog and she did great, she never moved from her spot unless I said it was OK. I don't let anyone just come to pet her they had to ask first and she didn;'t go up to anyone unless I told her to "go say hello", that is something we arew working on because she has always tended to go up to everyone.  In public places if I am sitting she is to lay at my feet. If I am standing she is to sit at my side. If I seem to be upset she is to jump into my lad and distract me. I don't know if I ever mentioned that I have PTSD it is a side effect  of previous domestic abuse, (a long time ago.)

Good evening, friends,

I've been very quiet today. Hopefully will feel much better tomorrow.

Thank you to all who have posted today.

Much love to all,
Ruth Ann

I have news to share re Jeanne.  I'm waitiing to find out from her if I can share her email but I will say that she's in the hospital again.

Please pray for her.

Hi everyone on a 56 degree morning with no chance of rain today. Nothing unexpected occurred yesterday so it was another pretty restful day. Today will be my typical Thursday with the exception that I will not pickup my friend for coffee. There is a special meeting at his retirement home that he will attend today so can't go to coffee. I am going for my social time with my friends and then to the Church for the Wisdom group. Pat has her final chiropractic appointment for this week late this afternoon. I plan on getting some cooking done today, hopefully before I go to coffee.

Marilyn, Freckles is obviously a very smart and trainable dog but sure you are a very good and patient teacher.  I don't recall your ever mentioning the PTSD before.

Ruth Ann, I hope today finds you feeling better.

Pat, thanks for letting us know about Jeanne. That is not the type of news we want to hear about our friends. Do hope this will not be a long stay for her.

Just a reminder to me today that God great, powerful and does understand everything, and everything is in His control. What a wonderful God we serve!

Judith, another time my reaction is AMEN! 

Your photo of the beautiful field of flowers is so pleasing, and the scripture expresses the feelings I have, especially these last days and weeks.  Thank you so much for your photo/scripture ministry!