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Meditating on the sufferings of our Lord lies at the heart of my faith. Yet I ask, is there an exercise more difficult for the Christian? Seems to me at least that I can concentrate on anything under the sun without any real difficulty, yet when it comes to focussing my mind on the Cross their seems to be an innumerable host seeking my attention.

The reason I am writing this today is because my soul is in danger of going into what I call 'robot' mode. A state where all the proper terminology is used but never put into practice. I can write something that I know people would love to read while at the same time living a lie.

My relationship with Jesus is a personal one. I am not interested in gossip. Today I need to get my relationship with Jesus back on track. There is no doubt in my mind that when I am in acute pain my mind centres easier on the Cross than it does when things are going well with me. Pain adds fervency and urgency to my petitions.

It is at the foot of the Cross I receive strength. It is as I view my Beloved Saviour dying for my sins that I catch a glimpse of the enormity of the sacrifice that was made for me. Who can grasp God becoming man with all that that entails? Why did God have to become man?

Did the Living One actually become the Dead One? Did they actually carry the God-man from the Cross to the Sepulchre as a corpse? Did the fullness of the Godhead dwell in Him then?

How did the darkness come about? I wondered today about the darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour.

What would it have been like to have no light at midday? Did they realise that they were putting to death the Light of the world?

Did Satan imagine for one minute that he had the victory over the Lamb of God? Did the darkness come up from the depths of Hell seeking to take Christ captive? Did nature veil itself as its Creator was put to death?

I am writing down the questions that are coming into my own mind as I think on Jesus and His sufferings. I try and imagine myself being there. I even have the answers to my questions.

They may not be the correct answers but they will do me until I find out differently. I hope that these thoughts may help to stimulate your own soul into making a fervent attempt at meeting face to face with Jesus today.

He died for me! A saying that trips so easily off my tongue but what does it actually mean?

My sins deserve God's wrath of that I have no doubt. I myself deserve to be lost in Hell for all eternity. I am not going to be though! A Substitute has taken my place and suffered in my place.

His name is Jesus. Beautiful, wonderful Jesus.

God's fury was poured upon Christ when it should have been aimed at me. The sword of justice should have pierced my soul. His physical death was nothing compared to suffering Hell for me. (The theologians tell us that He suffered an eternal death intensively but not extensively.) Well what on earth does that mean?

Was His sufferings less than we would have suffered had we gone to Hell? No!

That is one question I am prepared to answer. Did He truly suffer an eternal death on the cross? If He did and He is alive today, is there still a part of Christ that is still suffering that eternal death? How could a human being cope with such agony of soul in such a short space of time?

Did He really love me that much? Did He suffer these deaths for me? Why? Why me?

What was He really like to live with? Was He the perfect son to Mary and Joseph? Was He ever naughty as a child? Did He have sleepless nights while teething? Did He suffer from the mumps or from nappy rash? Was He really a baby?

Did he ever run home to His mother after falling and skinning his knees?

Just how intelligent was He? Did He study the scriptures all day long? Would we find His company boring? When did He realise that He was put on earth to die for me? Was He frightened of death?

Did He ever have an accident? What kind of carpenter was He? When He cut a piece of wood, was it perfect? What did He feel when He heard cursing and swearing as He walked the streets? Did He rebuke?

'For the joy that was set before Him He endured the cross.' What was that joy? Did He think of me as He was nailed to that tree? Was His joy the saving of millions from a lost eternity? Was His joy saving me from a lost eternity?

Does He really know me? Does He really care about me as an individual or does He care about the church as a whole?

As you provide your own answers to these questions you will find that the God who became man, gave Himself without reservation for you and I!

Could He have done any more for us? Was what He did do enough? Is God truly satisfied with his sacrifice? If He is, then where does that leave us? Are we truly cleansed without spot or wrinkle? Are we perfect in God's sight?

Should we fear His judgement and wrath? Should we enjoy the liberty of being a child of God? Does legalism have a tendency to hold us back from rejoicing as we should? What does Jesus think of us now when we doubt the efficacy of His work?

It is one thing to believe that He died for my sins before I was converted, but what now? I have now been sinning against light for years on end. Does He still love me?

Is the same sacrifice enough for today's transgressions? Am I wanting or needing another sacrifice for today's sins? Is God's way not good enough for me? Is my pride stopping me from believing that I am as clean today as I was when first I believed?

Does sinning against alter God's plan of salvation? Is something more required now? I am either righteous in the sight of God or filthy, which is it?

What does He think when I murmur against Him? What does He think when I wonder if my sins are truly forgiven? What does He think when I wonder if I have ever been saved?

Do I break his heart over and over again? Am I going to continue to allow my feelings to determine my daily walk with God or am I going to make every effort possible to do for Christ what He did for me? He gave Himself for me, shall I not do likewise in the short time that remains?

The more that we get to know this Jesus the closer a Friend He becomes. He can be relied upon for everything. He is ever willing to help us no matter what difficulty we may be in.

He is our forever Friend. Lots of questions and I pray that your soul will be edified as you answer them for yourself.

May you find Him to be the answer to all your questions today. He is my Best Friend and I want him to be yours also.

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

P.S. Please forgive me for the length of this post. The questions were the ones going through my own mind. I only hope and pray that my thoughts will be blessed to one soul at least today.

Thank you all for your patience with me.

Good morning Your all
Thanks for your words Ian i need the words this morning.
Larry we still have no rain the sun is shining i love that
but we need rain. In Holland  also have died more as 300 people when we had the heat wave.
Kathy were are you you have said to me i in America would go to a chiropractor and to a psycotherapeut
that was 0n august 11. On august 12 i have had in 1994 psycotherapeut. Now i will write about that time
In 1994 i have had a nervous breakdown. That was in the time that my first husband was very ill. He have died in 1999. A long time i was going to a psycotherapeut . Also in that time i have read a lot in the Bibble that also give me power. Also now. But after a long time my psycotherapeut has say to me you have not a strong nervous system and you are very depressive.  But in autumm and winter sometimes i also am depressive. My own doctor he is very good have say to me you have cronicle depressions. Sometimes in autumm and in winter i get
medicines. Prozac 1 capsule for the night. And that is helping me.  My doctor have say that is a very good
medicine it is coming from America and a lot of people
use that. I don't know. I am not talking about this problem with people. I am afraid that people are thinking that woman is an madman or crazy. I hope not that you are thinking that. PLEASE TAKE ME SO AS I AM
I am not a madman or crazy. I only have not a strong nervous system.
Have Jesus not say  LOVE EACH OTHER
HE IS OUR SAVIOUR. I am praying a lot that God will give me power. But i also thank God that i have meet you.
But where is Kathy i will that she also read this.
How must i do that if she is not coming on line?
CAN ANYOWN ME GIVE ANSWER?

L LOVE YOY ALL MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS
GOD BLESS YOU.
HAVE A NICE DAY              RIA

I HAVE NOT MUCH PAIN IN MY BACK THIS MORNING
THANKS GOD.

But i must do my exercisis every day from my chiropracter and i do that.
Thanks again Iaian for your words. They have given me power. I pray for you
           RIA

11.15 a.m.

"That which I would I do not"  says St. Paul.....and so says me...Jennifer....especially this morning.

Your devotional is absolutely how I feel at this rime Iain. I do thank God that I am not alone.....

I am beyond tired.....and so very weak in the physical that I too fear for the spiritual side of myself.  I told my son this morning that had I been in the Garden Of Gethsemane I would have joined the others and slept while Jesus underwent His agony........Everything seems too much...

Please Lord Jesus give us all Your peace and the Knowledge in our deepest thoughts. that You are with us.  You promised you would be with us Always...even unto the end of the world. Amen!

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the Glory that shall be revealed in us.....For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.....

In all these things we are more than conquerers through Him that loved us"
                                                     Romans 8:18,22,37.

God bless everyone who pops in today.
I 'specially send love to Ria (Well done) and to Ruth Ann.

Jenny.

Iain:  thank you for this mornings devotions and all of the questions you have written.  There are so many questions and they will all be answered some glorious day.  

Judy B:  Yes, we live in interesting times with all of the legislation being thrown at us.  Canada and U.S. are so mixed-up.  We can  only hang on to our faith.  Carol

Iain, so many good questions to ponder on today!  Thank you, my brother, for YOUR patience with US!  It must require a good deal of time to write all those wonderful devotionals for us.  (And I still think you should do a book of them!)

Ria, God bless you today, and we DO love you just as you are!  I doubt there is one among us who has not suffered at one time or another with depression, so we can truly empathize and understand what you are suffering.  Keep looking to Jesus, He is the One who can bring you through to the light!

Jenny, I am so sorry you are having tough times, too.  I know your faith is strong, and you are looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.  When you are tried, you shall come forth as gold.  God bless you today.

Carol, we surely do have plenty to pray about concerning our countries, don't we?  But "Where sin doth abound, grace doth much more abound!"  WE just have to keep on praying and trusting---and witnessing!  Once we get our job done, and the gospel is preached to every nation, then we're outa here!

I had a lovely early morning walk and watched the sunrise this morning.  It does one good to be out in God's creation and meditate on His goodness.

Hurry home, Pat!  We miss you!  Etta Sue, too---we need updates on Jerry, as well!

We had strong winds last night, and maybe a little twister, too.  It wrecked a mobile home we have been taking apart.  I will take a couple of photos---what a mess!

See y'all later!

Hello everyone, just a quick update.

Pat called last night and left a message, they are in Wawa, Ontario.  So by the sounds of it they will be home tonight!  I'm sure her dog and cat will be soooo happy to see her!  It sounds like they had a great time.  God bless you all.  Jen.

Jen, thanks for the report on Pat, Judy and Norm!  It will be great having all of them back with us!

WELCOME, TURBOTECH!!  It's great to have you with us, come on in and post!  Really, we don't bite!  And we want to know all about you that you want to tell us.

Hi everyone.  We had more rain during the night, but not a lot and more is predicted for today and tomorrow.  One of my friends said this morning that he didn't think he had ever mowed his lawn when the grass was completely dry this year.  However, we are not complaining as we have known drought in previous years.

Iain, you must have put on your "question hat" when you wrote your devotional as there were certainly a lot of questions posed.  Certainly causes one to think and then be very grateful to God that we have Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Ria, I believe that depression is like any other illness and we are fortunate in this day and age that there are medicines that help us control it.  When physical pain is added in then that is really a tough situation.  Glad to hear that your back pain was less this morning.

Welcome Turotech.  Please feel free to post and join in our discussions.

Jenny, always good to read your postings and your Bible quotations.  Hope your son is feeling better today.

Janet, it sounds like the storm helped you with your job of taking apart the mobile home.  These storms can be very severe.

Carol and Jen, good to see you both here this morning and am happy to hear that Pat may be back home by this evening.  I am sure they will be happy to get out of the car.  I will also be glad to know that Etta Sue and her sister are safely home and to get a report on Jerry.

Jane, I tried to find the music for the hymn you posted yesterday but had no luck.  A search indicated it is a new hymn in the last couple of years so wouldn't expect to find a midi of it as it would be copyrighted.  We will just enjoy the words.

I have a lot I want to do on the computer today so better get busy.  Will check back later.  

Let's listen to a wonderful old and reassuring hymn.  

Ah Amazing Grace. Thank you Larry for posting that wonderful old Hymn. Another of my favorites.

Iain, your questions this morning are so thought provoking, give me much to ponder on today.

Ria, you have read my testimony, I pray for you dear sister depression is something one cannot really describe. I have been there too only without medication. God has given wisdom and knowledge to the doctors to be able to treat depression.

It is good to hear that Pat, Judy, Norm and Etta Sue and her sister are almost home. It will be good to hear how Jerry is doing.

Well I am off to work this morning in the forest. My patient lives in a log cabin in the forest. I will take my camera also so I can take some photos.

Be Back Later

Good morning to all! It is sunny, hot and humid here in Illinois; not my favorite at all! Iain, your devotional made me cry; so many of those questions are in my mind, also. I do hope and pray that your pain is less today. Ria, I love reading your posts! I imagine that alot of us have had depression, so we can know what you are going through. You are doing the right thing in keeping your faith strong in Jesus; He is our only light in this dark world! Jenny, your posts are an inspiration to me; your faith is so strong through all your trials, and I admire you for that! Janet, I'm glad that wind didn't do any damage closer to you, and was a help in your work! I hope that God blesses each and every one of you today!
Love in Him,
Cami

Without Jesus life would not be worth living.

Iain your message gives me thoughts to ponder over and yes Praise the Lord we have Jesus.

Mia when I am most depressed the world and all that is in it is the blackest.  I to have been able to move on with God's help.

It is another warm one here today with rain coming tomorrow I do think.

Ruth

I didn't go to work after all. She called and asked me to come tomorrow instead. So I made a poster and took it to the Senior center advertising my help with light housework, transportation, errands, etc. What ever they might need. I really enjoy helping others especially the Seniors.

I have a big pot of stew  on the stove cooking and will be freezing part of it. There is no way I can eat it all. Hey any one want to join me for a bowl of hot beef stew? Come on over. But you have to agree to some bible study too.

Later
Marilyn

8.30 p.m.

Marilyn...

Yes please I love stew and Bible Study.....

Great...Put the kettle on...a nice cup of tea please!

I am on my way.......

Jenny.

Count me in, too, Marilyn!  I'd love "stew and study!"

I just took Mom to the eye doctor and he says her eyes are not noticably worse than the last time he checked them, so that was good news.  She has glaucoma, macular degeneration, and also early cataracts, so it's a blessing she can see at all!  She has decided to move into the care home soon, which is a big relief to all of us.  She fell again Sunday, cut her head, it isn't bad, but it sure is colorful!  The whole right side of her face is red and purple!

"The wages of sin is death.  Repent before payday."

Hi again,

I was getting so upset because I could not get in(the worm virus) and then the blackout

We were out for over 12 hrs. --then I still couldn't get on.

Now I am doing one of Marilyn's dances.

It feels so good to be here.

I am going to make this short because I have just read Iian messages and I am still so overwhelmed with love for my friend, Jesus.

I just want to sit and meditate and listen to HIS words ...

Yes, Iian, you can post away your thoughts because they are reaching this little Jersey girl in a most delightful way!!!

Love in Christ,
Joyce

I just posted a photo, if you want to have a look!

10.50p.m.

I am at the dentist first thing tomorrow morning....and I suddenly remembered.....
Someone is having a birthday tomorrow...



                       H A P P Y

                    B I R T H D A Y

                       C A R O L



Speak to you all tomorrow.....

God bless,
Jenny.

Hello all...dear friends.  I have been away for awhile.  Enjoyed reading what everybody's written today... Thanks Larry for the song - Amazing Grace.  This was the first time I've been able to click on it and have it play as it should.  Looks like my player problems are over!  Hurrah!  
Jenny, you are so cute...stew, bible study, and a cup of tea!  Why not?!  
I hope everybody has been able to avoid the new virus threat.  I almost opened one up, but McAfee said it was infected and I deleted it immediately.  They are all around 100 kb - come with exe attachments and have subject lines like:  Re: approved, Re: thank you, Re: your details - etc.  My mailbox has been bombarded with them.  I've probably had about 50 of them come in.
I went to a workshop today to re-do my Resume.  Still trying to find work.  I've been unemployed for 4 months now.  I'm growing where I'm planted, but I'm enjoying my time at home for a season.  
Welcome TURBOTECH!!It's still hot, hot, hot in TEXAS.  We are under a Heat Advisory...with heat indexes up to 108 and it never gets cooler than 75 at night.
Well, that's all from me for this time...Got to get ready for church.
Shalom.

Marilyn your invite is for tea, stew & Bible study, I'm on my way caring my Bible.



Ruth

P.S.  Is hubby welcome as well???

Let's see Marilyn; you are in Canada, I think, and I'm in Illinois, so I think I should have started day before yesterday to get there for the stew and Bible study!
God Bless,
Cami

Actually, Marilyn is in California!  But still quite a drive!

Ruth, of course hubby's are welcome.

Cami Janet is right I am in Northern California on the Redwood coast.

Where is Papa John? Are you ok Papa John.?

well I am off to Bible study shortly so I will be back later.

Congrats Trish  Don'[t rush it take your time and do all that you want todo before you marry.  You have your whole lives ahead of you.

Ruth can we drive together?  I know the route, and we can be there in about 54 hours.  Marilyn better make sure it is Hot tea! we in Canada have British roots!

John called a few minutes ago.  Just worked out his recap on his log book.  He has had 3 zero days in the past 30.  It is no wonder he is tired.  Please uphold him in prayer.  He is taking time off on the weekend, one day of which he will be teaching a safety course.  Then bringing his mom for a visit for a few weeks.  

With his mom here it will be nice, but could be difficult as I homeschool the girls.  Sometimes their noise and volume is taxing to her.

Megan is coming for the day tomorrow to help paper and prepare the room she will be sleeping in. I have been postponing this job for some time and figure it is time to get it done.

Well I expect to see par on line any time tonight or tomorrow.  Geordie and the cat will be really happy to see her.  We all will be glad to hear all the stories.

Bye for now, Good Night, sleep well.
JudyB

Marilyn, I am here, just lurking mostly.  I am doing pretty well.  I have been doing a lot of printing the last few days.  I did 40 birthday greetings yesterday.

We had a great Bible study tonight.  Our class started a new study of 1st Peter.  It is going to be a good class.

My printer broke down today and I am going to see about getting a new one tomorrow.

Good to see everyone.  

- - - Papa John

Hello everyone!!  Sorry I didn't post earlier today, from work.  I was slammed busy.  Went in, got started, looked up and it was 3:30 (I get off at 4).  I did read through a couple of times today, though .  Glad to see everyone on, and hope that you have a good rest of the week.

bernard, travis and I are going away to Gatlinburg, TN for a couple of days.  Sort of a mini vacation.  Everything else this summer has had "stuff" that dictated our schedule.  (Though the trip to Ind. was a lot of fun   just not long enough).  This trip, we will decide what our schedule is.  WooHOo.

I got a call tonight from a homeschooling parent.  wanted me to test her 8 yr old, and tell her how to make learning fun for her 7 yo.  She said, "He doesn't want to learn, he just wants ot play all the time."  I guess if I can convince her that finding ways to teach him so that he thinks he is playing would be the way to go.  

Have a good evening.  I may post tomorrow before we leave, but if not, I will "see" you Saturday night.  Take care, and I want to see lots and lots and lots of back to school pics when i get back.

Welcome Turbotech!  I almost wrote TurboTax    It is nice to have you join us.

Jenny:  Well, thank you so much!  I appreciate your greeting.

pinkie:  I am sorry that you have to go through the waiting for a job.  It is difficult and we had the same problem several times in our life.  From your posts, I can tell that you have a sunny attitude and are doing the very right thing in trusting God to show you the way.  

Carol