Christian Photographers Community

'Will ye also go away?'

John 6:67

Our faith is so prone to change depending on our feelings. There may be times when we are so dejected and low that we even consider turning back. But where will we go? Who will have us?

Yesterday in my reading these words held my attention:- The writer was talking about three various phases of faith.

'The first phase of faith believes when there are favourable emotions, the second believes when there is the absence of feeling, the third form of faith believes God and His Word when circumstances, emotions, appearances, people, and human reason all urge to the contrary. May God give us faith to fully trust His Word though everything else witness the other way.'

Days may come when it is so hard to keep going. When we feel as though our prayers are not going beyond the ceiling. Endless, monotonous days with no change in circumstances, leave us dismayed and forlorn.

Within ourselves we may be saying that we just cannot go on. It is more than we can bear! Our paths remain crooked and the way is steeper than we could ever have imagined. Where is my Saviour when I need Him most? Have you asked that question recently?

Deep down we have a desire to be like Him, to walk closely with Him. We yearn for His favour and His blessings. We want His power to be demonstrated in our life. Instead however all we can see is a growing mountain of sin lying at our door. We are no longer aware of the blessedness of forgiveness and there is no peace in our souls.

Has the Lord changed? Has He turned His back on us? Is He saying to our soul today, 'will ye also go away?'
It is time for us to put feelings to one side and for us to return to our first works. Trust and obey. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was so simple when first we believed and the joy was tremendous. Why complicate things now? It is by grace that we are saved and that has not changed. We did nothing in the first place to earn our salvation and we can do nothing now to keep it. It is a gift from God. It is our duty to accept it. Will we have this man to reign over us?

Ask the Lord this day to give you back your focus, that you may indeed delight yourself in the one thing needful. He is the pearl of great price. Will you give Him away? Will you trade Him in order that your flesh may be satisfied for a little while? Will the flesh pots of this world fulfil your desires and make you happy? Will they bring you peace?

They may promise plenty, however their promises are empty and vain.

Christ alone can satisfy our longing soul. He alone has the words of eternal life. He is the bread of life, the water of life. He is life! The tomb where they laid His body is empty. Does that not speak to our souls about awesome spiritual power?

That same power is available to you and to me today. He can lift us from the dunghill and raise our spirits to feed on Him in heavenly places once more. It only takes a word from the Lord to change our lives. I often think of the power behind the words spoken to Matthew, 'follow me!'

He left all and followed Him.

Simon Peter replied, 'Lord to whom else can we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, the son of the living God.' These are wonderful words! 'We believe and are sure!'

Let that be our goal today my friend. Let the world pass us by if it will, but we will make sure of our eternal salvation today.

If we are sure that He is Christ, then we will be sure that He will and has forgiven us of all our sins. If we are sure that He is the Christ then we can be sure of spending an eternity in glory with Him. If we are sure that He is the Christ then we can be sure that He loves us with an everlasting love.

He alone makes darkness light, crooked paths straight, rough places smooth, the blind to see, the deaf to hear, the lame to walk. In other words He does all things well. The individual care that He has over His own, those who are called by His name is without question.

Nothing shall separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are accepted in the Beloved. We are complete in Christ. Our lives are hid with God in Christ. It is no longer us that live but Christ in us, the hope of glory. Old things have passed away behold all things have become new.

I dearly want to encourage all those who are cast down today to be strong in the Lord and to be lifted up. If I could give you a helping hand I would. If I had a word in season I would give it to you.

I pray to God that each person who reads this post today will be blessed by God in such a way that all fears and troubles are put far from them. We would believe and be sure that Christ is the Son of God. Arise let us go hence.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

Good morning, friends,

Thanks be to God, I awakened feeling good this morning.

My gratitude today is that my son who lives in the UK phoned and we had a lovely, long conversation.

Y'all have a good day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  

Iain, another fine devotional.  It is always us that change in our moods and feelings and not God.  What assurances we have from the Word of God.

We had a quick storm come up late yesterday afternoon and got some strong wind and heavy rain for just a few minutes.  It broke the top out of one of the trees at my back property line.  So we will have a small cleanup job to saw up the limbs and move out of the yard.  I don't have any trees close to my house so don't have that worry.  We are suppose to have more stormy weather today and it is very overcast.  I am hoping that I can get down to the hospital and back home before that happens.

I think I wrote about my experience Friday in having my treatment cut short because of a bomb scare at the hospital.  I found out yesterday that they found a pipe bomb in the stairwell of one of the medical buildings that make up the hospital property.  It wasn't the building I was in but it made us realize it could have just as easily been in that building.  It was removed without damage.

Janice, it sounds like Earl is caught in the middle of the medical world with conflicting instructions.  Sure hope that he will soon be feeling better and this infection won't cause a delay in his surgery as expect he would like to get that over with as soon as possible.

Ruth Ann, glad to see that you are feeling better today.  It is always a relief to start a new day and find that you feel better than you did the previous day when you have been not up to par.

Etta Sue, did Jerry get out of the recovery area and into ICU?  Do you have any idea of how long he will be hospitalized?  Sure good to read that he is doing well.

My mind seems to be a blank this morning so will sign off for now.  

Iain-
Your devotional has truly spoken to my heart today.  Even in my disobediance, I always knew deep down inside that there was no where to go but back into the arms of my Precious Savior.
So many times I told those I met not to get too attached, as my time in their world would be short lived. I knew Who's I was and where I belonged.
Simon Peter's words "Where else would I go?" had been etched in my heart...
Now that I am moving closer to that place of security where I had lived for 12 years before my marriage, as a single mom in the palm of His hand, I am reminded again and again of His faithfulness to those He calls His own.

Thanks for the reminder that we all struggle with our emotions and our dedication to Christ and His calling.
How beautiful is His forgiveness, mercy and grace, that no matter how far we stray from His side, He waits patiently for our return.

Blessings to all
Joann

Good morning!  I feel as if something far worse than being whipped with a wet noodle has happened to me!  What a long day we had yesterday.....from 5 AM until 12:30 AM.  Whew!  But we are safely home, and I am very thankful for that.

We installed a security system for my husband's sister in Amarillo yesterday, took Beth to the doctor (wasted time and money, in my opinion, as he told us nothing new at all!)  went to Lowe's and bought an enclosed cargo trailer Darrel has been wanting for a long time, bought enough ceramic tile to do our kitchen, dining, utility and one bathroom, plus the "stickum" and grout for that and miscellaneous other pieces and parts.  Everything just seemed to take longer than it should, and we left Amarillo around 8:30.  I am still tired this morning.  But it will pass!!

I am supposed to meet my son, who lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, somewhere today so I can pick up Katy, my granddaughter.  They are visiting in Boise City, Oklahoma.  I haven't been able to get through yet on the phone.  Katy loves to visit me and do arts and crafts projects with me.  She just turned 10, and is a really fun little girl.

I will be back later......need to try calling again!

Good to see each of you here today, and from yesterday, too!

Good Morning whaere is Pat, she didn't lock the door last night?

Iain great devotional. I have been to some of the Hymn sites this morning looking for the words to "Where can I go but to the Lord" and Can't find it. Larry do you have the words.?

I am so grateful for the Gift of Faith that the Lord has given me, to completely trust in Him for all my needs. I have taken God at His Word and Trusted in His word. His word does not return to Him void, and It does what He sends it out to do, He watches over His word to perform it.  He sees that is propers where  to He has sent it.  Thank you Lord for your faithfullness in fulfilling Your word.

TTYL

Good Morning!  This is the first time that I have attempted to post here, tho' have been enjoying the site for weeks.  
Thanks Ian for your grand devotionals. I am really encouraged by the depth of your faith.  Discovered many years ago that the only real peace comes from trusting and following Jesus.
When problems sometimes seem almost to much to tolerate, I remember Ps. 46:10.  'Be Still And Know That I Am God.'  Then the world doesn't seem such a big, scarry place.  God Bless.

How nice to hear from you, Elizabeth!  Now you know we won't bite, come and post often!

Good Morning and love to all.  Francy

Iain, thank you for your good thoughts this morning.

In the spring of 1949, 54 years ago I was a senior at the University and I entered the Oratorical Contest.  The speeches were impromptu.  When your time came up you were given a short passage  in the Bible which was your subject.  The passage handed me was  John 6:67-69.  I couldn't have received better verses to talk about.

"Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?  Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."

Some of Jesus' disciples had turned back and no longer walked with him.  Earlier in this 6th chapter of John Jesus talked about the spiritual nature of his mission.  He said to some that they were following only for the loaves and fishes.  He told him that he was the bread of life.  He spoke to them about their receiving eternal life if they would believe.  He said they must eat of his body and drink of his blood.  This was too much for many of them who were looking at the material things rather than the spiritual things.

When Jesus asked the twelve, "Will you also go away?"  Peter gave the perfect answer which has come to mankind down through the ages:
"Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.  And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God."

When we believe in Jesus we know there is no one else to whom we can turn.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

Ms Elizabeth it is so wonderful you post today. I am Mieka and i am a new Christian.  The world to me is still a very big and a scarey place. Your words are here at a time in my life when nothings else will help me with my troubles today. for this I do thank you.

Ps. 46:10.  'Be Still And Know That I Am God.'  Then the world doesn't seem such a big, scarry place.  

It seem my friends all have so much pain and troubles in their life today. so many are hurt and sick. My heart is broken today for the love of my friends. I try so hard to "be still, and I know he is God" and i know he will always do what is best even for me. But i do not undarstand why there need be so much pain in my heart when i do have a faith in God. Why must I learn with pain.  
What is it I am to learn today?

Living below in this old sinful world
Hardly a comfort can afford
Striving alone to face temptation so
Now won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord


Where could I go oh where could I go
Seeking the refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to save me in the end
Won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord


Life here is grand with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from God's own word
Yet when I face that chilling hand of death
Won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord


Where could I go oh where could I go
Seeking the refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to save me in the end
Won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord



Words & music by J. B. Coats


CHRIS & MARGIT

Well, here I am!

I was online last night and downloaded a new Norton's program and my computer froze up.  And being the incompetent person than I am with computers, I couldn't figure it out so I've been without my computer till now.  My friend came in and did some fiddling around and here I am!

Thanks so very much, Iain for taking over!  That was so appreciated!

I'll go now and read what I've missed.

Thank you Chris and Margit. I love that song.

Great to see you posing Elizabeth. I have just come from SN Manna and saw your post there as well as in M & V Now just keep on posting here as well.
Marilyn

Thank you, Iain for the tremdous devotional on faith.  Like Peter when walking on the water..I flounder around when my faith falters.  I have been so worried about the mental health of my dgtr and her husband as they try to cope with the 'lost-job' situation, my faith seems to have flown away.  Just when I need Him most I try to do things on my own.  What a wonderful reminder that He is always there..and I just need to depend on HIm for everything..even the small things.  Must go..I'm getting emotional.  

 
     Yes Iain your message was a blessing.

   I went online looking for a couple of friends but it looks as if they are away.    So while here I decided to take a few minutes in CP as well.  Yes we also had rain yesterday but not of any great amount, and today the sun is doing a wonderful job.  

I now will be taking a few minutes to order some yarn from the  Bernat factory --- hope they have my needed color.       Then into the other room I will go to finish the ironing.

Blessings to you all
Ruth

Thanks Iain, I needed that.

Love to you all

   Ruth what are you knitting this time?  You really should desplay some of your knitting crafts here!  Also when you are done your ironing I have some you can finish up for me! ! ! That would be a good excuse for you to visit.

My baby starling is still alive.  I don't quite know what I am going to do with it, but I will keep plugging on with it.

Iain When I got to the end of knowing what to do all that was left was to follow Him.  So often we follow feelings only to go astray.  if we follow Christ then the feelings follow us, like the caboose (guards van) follows the train.  I enjoyed your message.

Meika here is another verse for you to learn.  It is Melaura's favourite, and she quotes it often.  
Psalm 56:3  What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Pat sorry to hear about your 'puter problems. I was wondering where you were at!

Ruth Ann I am glad you woke up feeling better. I have been praying.

Chris and Margit I love that song too. I wonder if Pat could come up with the music so we can sing it together.
What about it Pat?

Well bye all, I am off to my son's home to spend time with my grand babies!

Love and {{{{hugs}}}}
JudyB

http://members.tripod.com/Synergy_2/lyrics/wherego.html

Iain - that verse, "To Whom shall we go, Lord - Thou hast the words of eternal life?" has been much used in my life.  Many years ago, when I was doubting greatly that my faith was genuine, when I thought that perhaps the Lord would cast me out finally, that verse came to me.  It became my own words to Him.  I said, "Lord, perhaps You will condemn me.  But I will come to You, because there's no place else to go - You're the only One Who has eternal life.  So I'm going to trust You anyway; I'm going to keep on coming to You."  Then another verse came to me from the same passage.  It said, "Him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out!"  I saw that if I just kept coming to Him, then I could never be cast out!  My doubts were gone from then on.  I urge everyone, now, to keep coming to Him.  You might as well - perhaps He will cast you out, but you can't find salvation in any other, so you might as well call on Him.  But He WON'T cast you out - NO WAY!!!!!

Shinenlite, how're you doing this week? I've been enjoying your postings, and remember your pledge to leave your old haunts and focus on Christ and your relationship with him.

I've been praying that the Comforter would be near and dear to you as you return to the old paths.

Ruth Ann

I'm missing Etta Sue.  Perhaps she has updated Jerry's condition in the prayer forum.  I'll go check on that.

Marilyn:  I know about Manna in S.net but, what was that other forum you mentioned?

Elizabeth - so nice to welcome you!...sooo, WELCOME ELIZABETH!.   Could you possibly put a photo of yourself in here?  If you aren't sure how to post it, there are so many here that can help you.

Ask Janet or Pat...they are about the best!

Norm and I have had a pretty good day ourselves.  We are always so thankful when we wake up; abe to put our feet on the floor (without too much stiffness and aches)..LOL

Last night I was 'craving popcorn"...do you think I could find a packet??...nope..., but Norm felt sorry for me, and went to trhe grocery store and bought some.

I had to laugh, as it reminded me of the time I was expecting David, I craved popcorn and watermelon.  Oh how I HAD to have it.

Trouble was, I didn't get the craving until after 11:o'clock at night...not a place opened at that hour(41 years ago).!

I suffered it out, and the next day, went and stocked  up...never had the craving again!..LOL

Good evening.  I didn't get online this morning because Jerry's daughter got here before I realized she would be here.  She is an hour ahead of me and I was thinking an hour behind me.  But it was great having someone with me in the car and in the waiting rooms.  I posted in 'Have You' about Jerry so I won't repeat myself except to say Praise God!!!

I have skimmed through the posts so if there is anything super important that I definitely should read, repeat and color it red!  

My smileys aren't working tonight.  

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"The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more."

Hello Everyone...

I've had a busy day--a day of lying down, going out, turning off and on TVs in the big storm, trying to stop Geordie from barking at the thunder!  I'm all worn out!

Good evening everyone, seems like it's been a good but quiet day here.  Thank you Iain, for the devotional this morning.

Pat-I gave you a call this afternoon, but I must have missed you again.  You're a hard person to get in touch with!

Judy Mckenna-My sister is expecting, and I guess we've been lucky.  So far she hasn't had any unusually strong cravings.  But then, my mom didn't either, so I guess it runs in the family, lol .

Well, it was nice to Elizabeth posting.  Hope all our newcomers will be posting here soon, it's nice to hear from you all.

Well, I'm off to bed, I'm getting up early to spend a day at the beach with my mom and the kids.  God bless you all and have a great night.  Jen.

Judy, I can appreciate the pregnancy cravings.  When I first suspected I was carrying Travis, I wanted sugar cookie dough.  Panicked when I couldn't find any in the refridgerator section, but did find some cookie mix.  Then, all I wanted was pizza and tomato sandwiches.  One night, Bernard and I had just eaten a huge supper and had gone to Wal-Mart.  On the way home, we went past a Pizza Hut, and to make a long story short, ended up with a medium Pepperoni pizza going home with us!!  At least I craved fairly normal stuff.  My older sister ate powdered doughnuts and drank pickle juice with one, and wanted fried okra from a local cafeteria with the other one.   Probably more than you wanted to know.

Pat, I hope your computer woes are over.  
I love the song "where could I go?"  So much truth in it.

Hvae a good evening everyone.
kamrat

Hey, Jen!

I was speaking to Andrea on the telephone and she said you'd be out till 9:30.  I assured her I'd still be up and I am, so why not give me a call?

I am just home from having supper with Sarah's parents in Eureka, we had a real nice visit.

Bebe was just attacking Gitsie and I had to  stop and break it up, I am so afraid that gitsie will get hurt with the big dogs playing so rough around her and Bebe is so jealous.

Judy Mck: Mars and venus is in the Lifestyles forum.

TTYL

I'm really late this time - over 24 hours late!
We started with thunderstorms yesterday evening and they lasted all night long.  Soooo...  I just left everything unplugged.  Supposed to be a possibiliy of more tonight, but so far so good.  

Anyway, that sure puts me behind in here.  

Hi,

Just dropping in real quick to say Hello!
I'm just back from a trip to Bandon by the Sea!
It was wonderful. We left late Saturday and have just returned.
I have a ton of pictures to get developed. Hope to share some of those soon with all of you.

I have a lot of unpacking and cleaning to catch up on now and camp gear to get put away
Talk to you all soon.
Denise