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Morning Devotional...




First of all, let's read Psalm 2...



In this majestic song the worshippers were led to consider the very King of Kings and Lord of lords. Both leader and people probably sang very slowly and emphatically, because they were singing of the awesome majesty of the Lord God.

It begins with the foolishness of the "nations" (Gentile unbelievers), who try all their lives to ignore God and His sovereignty over all people and nations. Of course their attempt is rebellion against their rightful King, against Him Who made them and owns them. And of course that rebellion is not only against the King of kings, but also against His anointed earthly king in Jerusalem. But they need to know that they are imagining a "vain thing," that such rebellion is a useless, doomed venture.

The psalmist envisions the Lord of all the earth sitting upon His holy throne - and laughing! He's likened to a man making fun of inept bumblers who haven't the foggiest notion of what they're really doing. They just don't realize what it means to rebel against the sovereign, holy Majesty of the universe. They think they're merely conducting war against another earthly king like themselves, a king against whom their superior manpower and armament will surely be victorious in any battle.

But it's as though suddenly, in the midst of the earthly battle there came a great voice, a voice so powerful as to drown out all the sounds of battle, a voice that was instantly heard, a voice on account of which the battle came to a sudden and complete halt. Suddenly every warrior drops his sword in fear and falls prostrate upon the ground. The Voice says, "Yet I have set My King upon My holy hill of Zion!" Every terrified heart suddenly realizes that it isn't man against whom they've been fighting, but against the holy God Himself!

Then another voice is heard. It's the triumphant voice of God's earthly king on Mt. Zion. He says, "I will declare the decree (the command of the divine King): the Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel!'"

God's earthly representative has spoken. All other earthly kings had best pay careful attention! In fact, this earthly representative of God goes on with heavenly confidence to say, "Now therefore, be wise, O kings, be instructed you judges of the earth: serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son (submit completely to the earthly king), lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little!" The advice is awesome, and the necessity of obeying it is absolute.

It's the same for us. In a much larger sphere, the heavenly King - the Son of God - speaks to all mankind. He "declares the decree" to all peoples of all time. They are all in rebellion against their rightful King. But in fear they must cease their rebellion, lay down their arms, and fall before this awful Voice of GOD. Even now His servants are calling men everywhere to repent.

These servants of Jehovah should declare their message with absolute confidence, because their King reigns upon His holy Throne in heavenly Zion, and all the noise and tumult of earthly rebellion doesn't change that fact.

"Blessed are all those who put their trust in him!"

                                                                                 ~Al Moak~




I love singing the Psalms!  Did you all sing Psalm 1 yesterday morning?

Let's sing Psalm 2 together today...



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I need your prayers.  Zachery is having stomach problems again.  I spoke with his doctor in Denver and he said he needs to go as soon as there is an opening in Denver.  He was layed up on the couch in pain this afternoon.  

We are so broke right now because our whole check this week goes to the mortgage payment.

Please pray that the hospital here will get things moving so we don't have to go to Denver for the infussions.  Thanks

Oh, yes, SONJA, I am praying.  I know God is in control and He does all things well ...  

Regarding tithes and offerings...a couple years ago I was in real financial crisis and nearly dispaired of ever being out of debt.  I heard someone telling of how to get out of debt ... and the first thing he said was TITHE.  I told the Lord I would give $100 a month, and if my finances increased of course there would be more.  Immediately my income was cut $30 a month.  I only receive $700 a month now but He still gets $100... that, to me is tithe and offering!  And, yes, that's the first check I write every month.  

I think of the song "'tis so sweet to trust in Jesus ... Just to take Him at His word."  I have been studying more about my "needs" and "wants" ... Matt. 6:32 tells me that My Father knows what I have need of ... and in the next verse He says if I seek first His kingdom and His righteousness all these things will be added unto me .... I love Him more and more each day and marvel that He even cares about me, let along that He has given me "all things pertaining to life and godliness" ..

Oh, sorry, for getting into the preach mode here.  

Y'all have a good day and let the Lord bless you...real good!

We only sings Psalms in our worship and it is little wonder. They contain every experience that any of us can pass through. They have been such a comfort to me when I need help the most. Each Lord's Day I learned a Psalm in Sunday School. As I grew up I forgot about them, but now they have returned with a freshness and vitality.

Thanks Al for your wonderful thoughts.

Larry - If you carry on your study of the Psalms then you will read these words today - 'Whom have I in the heavens high, but thee O Lord alone. And in the earth whom I desire, besides thee there is none.'

Etta - I was most impressed with the 'Family Assistance' program in your congregation. Sounds very practical indeed.

Sonya - Prayerful thoughts for you and your family this morning. Your God shall supply all that you need sis. Trust Him.

LOL

'The Lord will light my candle so,
that is shall shine full bright;
The Lord my God will also make
my darkness to be light.'

Psalm 18:28

Yet another night gone past when pain has spoiled my sleep. Perhaps I need to increase my pain-killers just to get a full nights sleep. Not something I intend to do as I am not keen on tablets at the best of times.

Rising early though does have its benefits. I really enjoy the peace and quiet of our house in the early hours.

There seems to be a blessing with every hardship that comes my way. I stayed in my bed after waking and meditated for a while. The thought that was much on my mind was this. God works His love in me through denial!

What on earth is he talking about now?

I started to think about the desires that were uppermost in my heart, the things that I have longed for, for many a long year. Things that I truly desired to see in this life. Things that I had prayed earnestly for only hours earlier, before my head hit my pillow, yet things that still seem to elude me.

Why?

After a little while, light dawned in my soul. I laughed to myself when the realisation hit me. If the Lord granted me the things I so desperately want, I would undoubtedly have less time for Him! My mind and my attention and my affections would be taken up with other things.

I truly wish that I could explain this better.

If granted, my desires and dreams would no longer be something to look forward to. I would have them! The yearning I have for them in my soul would be met and I would saturate myself in 'dreams come true!' There would be no further need for fervent prayer. No time for exercising my soul and even less time for God!

I saw clearly that by denying me some legitimate gifts, the Lord was providing for me a greater gift. Himself! I saw His love for me in a totally different light. He made my darkness to be light.  

There are be days in our experiences my Christian friends when it seems that we are walking in complete darkness. We lose for a season the loving presence of God in our lives and we know not which way to turn.

These times can be very perplexing for the child of God. Questions flood through the mind. Where have I gone wrong? What is my sin? How have I offended my God?

Some folk turn in anger to God and ask, 'where are You now? Where were You when I needed You most? Why are You not answering my prayers?

Are they not fervent enough? Are my words not good enough?'

Others will say, - 'I did not deserve His presence anyway and He is just to remove His blessing from me.'

God says He will never leave nor forsake us. Does He really mean that? If so why do I FEEL forsaken?
Let me ask you a question my friend? How do you know that He has left you or forsaken you?

Could is be that you are experiencing difficulties beyond what you are able to bear? Could it be that your body is wracked with such pain that you think that a Heavenly Father would not allow such a thing?
Could it be because all your dreams and hopes are dashed beyond repair and that you are blaming God for it?

Are you happy today? Are you content today? Are you overburdened with burdens! Are you at the end of your tether? Are you sick fed up waiting for God? Is His way too hard for you to follow?

Is there a Christian alive who has not experienced such feelings? Not one that I have met! So, what is the solution?

Perhaps the answer is simple....God is waiting for you!
Are you busy trying to patch the pieces together? Are you doing your utmost to make your own dreams come true? Are you trying to will the impossible to happen and getting frustrated when it does not.

Is the money coming into your house going straight into a bag full of holes? Are you worrying yourself sick over every single thing in your life?

Are you wanting light on your situation? Are you wanting days to return when you will shine for Christ?

Listen to God then! Let Him speak peace to your needy soul today through these wonderful promises:-

'The Lord will light my candle so,
that is shall shine full bright;
The Lord my God will also make
my darkness to be light.' Psalm 18:28

LOL

Your brother in Christ

Iain

My prayers for your son, Sonja. I'm so sorry for the pain he's having to endure.

And, also that you're experiencing such pain, Iain. I've lived with pain from a chronic condition for years. You are exactly correct - God DOES wait for us when we're experiencing extreme difficulties.

At one point, I had been laid off. Winter was coming-it was cold in my home and I was afraid to use limited resources to heat my house. That evening, as I lay on my bed, I simply asked that the comforting warmth of the Spirit minister to me. At that very moment, I felt the warmth begin at the soles of my feet, and slowly wash over my entire body. It was as if the Spirit was saying, "Ask, my child, and you shall receive." What a wonderful experience.

Y'all have a good day in the Lord.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a beautiful day here in Georgia and I don't see a cloud in the sky.  The beauty of God's creation is evident everywhere you look as things are so green and clean looking outside.

Pat, I do hope you don't reach the point of exhaustion with this heavy schedule you are keeping.  Don't envy you your dental appointment today.  This has been a long process for you.

Iain, sorry to hear of your painful night and hope that after daylight you have found some relief from the pain.  Your writing this morning is very powerful.

Sonja, you must be at frantic as to help Zachery.  So sorry to hear of his renewed pain and certainly hope your local hospital gets its act together so he can have the treatment he needs.  

Sonja-I'm so sorry to hear that Zachary is having problems again.  Don't fret, God has promised to provide for His children.  I'll be praying for you.  And for your finances. God will provide.

Iain-I am also sorry to hear of your pain.  It was a blessing to you to have had the time to sit and meditate on God.  But I will pray for relief for you as well.

Pat-you sound like you have a really busy day ahead of you.  I'll be praying for safety on your trips.  Jen.

I have a Praise Report this morning.
Yesterday I called Budget truck Rental to verify my reservation and to find out exactly how much money I would have to draw  out of the bank to pay for it. It seems that the price went up another $100. that made it $200. since I first reserved it at the end of May. Was going to cost close to $1000. As I hung up I was prompted to call Uhaul again. Well Praise the Lord, their price had gone DOWN I am getting a bigger truck the handtruck and the car dolly for just under $600. A savings of $400. Who said God doesn't supply our every need.

I truly believe that when we are faithful in our tithe that we receive blessings in so may different ways. This was one of those blessings He has answeredevery one of my prayers regarding this move from providing the finances, to proving the home I asked for and the job. He has opened the windows of heaven and supplied me with more that I asked for and more than I ever thought of asking for.

TTYL
Marilyn

That is awesome Marilyn!!  That is the mighty work of God!!

Jon and I are hoping to be able to move the things that we have still in storage in North Bay, down here to our home by the end of July.  As it sits right now, it is going to cost $300 plus fuel for the truck.  I am praying that stays the price, because it is already up by $30.  I may just resort to putting a trailer hitch on my car, and renting a trailer from them.  May end up being less expensive, however I would likley have to do two trips to get everything, where with a truck, one trip and everything is here.

I am thrilled that everything is working out for you.

Love
Heather

Iain, what a wonderful devotional you wrote today!  Surely it is one to cause us to stop and think.  I, too, have noticed that at those times in my life when things were the toughest, is when I drew the nearest to God.  Like he told the Israelites, be careful, when you enter the land I am giving you, and you dwell safely in houses you did not build, and your every need is supplied, that you do not forget that it was the Lord your God who gave you all these things.  Turn not away from worshipping Me, to worship strange gods.......  (That's a Janet paraphrase. )

You are so right that when we have more things, and more activities, it is easy to crowd God over into a tiny corner of our lives, always promising "God, I am so busy right now, but as soon as I get thus and so done, I will spend time with you.  Please bless my busyness   today."  How it must grieve His loving heart!

Sonja, I am praying for Zachery.  I am sorry he is in pain, and the only way I can help him is through prayer, but that is the greatest, not the least weapon in our arsenal!  God will provide for you and your family, keep trusting in Him.

Mieka, I remember being at those Mayan temples, and how my heart ached for those who were sacrificed so needleslly and so cruelly!  The only life we can give to God is our own, and He wants us to be LIVING sacrifices, not dead ones.  The dead can no longer work for God here on this earth!

Marilyn, I am doing the Pentecostal Happy Dance for and with you again this morning!!!  Praise God for His provision.  God is just the greatest!!  Hallelujah!!!

I need to get some work done this morning, and then my class will be here this afternoon, so talk to y'all later!

Well, I lost the best post I ever made!

I came home from Hamilton, wrote the post, went and watered my hanging baskets outside and am about to leave for London and my post is not here!  

I don't remember what I said now...  LOL

I do know that I said how very sorry I am, Iain, that you were in such pain.  Please know that on my journey to London, I'll be praying especially for you and for Zachery.  Sonja, PLEASE keep us posted in here.  I'm so sorry for the wee fellow.

I must go now.  I've so enjoyed both Al's Psalm study and Iain's devotional today.  I love the Psalms.

I won't mention everyone as I am now a bit late in leaving but I do pray that you'll all have a wonderful day.

Papa John ~ What great answers you provided for Mieka.  And, Mieka, I have every confidence that someday, too, you will know God's word so that you will be capable of answering other's questions.

Pat ~ I, too, pray that you will not exhaust yourself in helping your neighbor and getting your dental work done.  I know you do an awful lot online, too, that we will never know about.  When you see a day ahead that is not demanding, take it off for Pat!

Al ~ Your Psalm writings are powerful.  I have all of them 'saved'.  I guess I am thinking of some day....when I am old....when I am feeble...when I have time on my hands...then I will read all of them.

Iain ~ I am so sorry for your pain.  If I could take your pain, I would.  And, yes, I think that the Family Assistance is a great fund.  When you wrote that, I was thinking of Sonja.

Sonja ~ And Zachary...if I could take his pain, I would.  God will provide.  He knows what you are going through with Zachary.  Have you thought of going to your church for funds if you need to go to Denver?  I am praying that your local hospital will provide the treatments Zachary needs.  Denver is a long way off.  Not an overnight trip.

Jane ~ You may get into the preach mode anytime.  I was thinking the other day that my finances have been better than normal...then I, too, realized that I have been titihing since the first of the year!  It does work, doesn't it?

Ruth Ann ~ I have been blessed to not have much pain in my life.  My worst was on my way home from an Alabama trip and I went to the emergency room in Franklin, KY.  I had pleuresy.  My brother, SIL and sister, (and dog) drove down there in the wee hours of the morning to drive my car back home.  That was terrible.  At the time, I didn't care if I lived or died.  But I went to church the next morning, thanking God for providing for me.  

Larry ~ Thank God your rain is over.  Isn't it wonderful though when the rains wash everything clean?  

Jen ~ Good morning.  I pray that you have a God-blessed day and he provides the job you have been wishing for.

Marilyn ~ Praise the Lord.  It does seem that he is right beside you with this move.  I am so happy for you.

Heather ~ Things are looking up for you, too.  God is so good!

Jerry is coming over today.  I don't know what is in store.  Maybe looking for colorful things to capture on film.  He said he would refinish my swing so 'stripper' and paint is in store for that.  Might just get that.

?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`°º?ø,¸¸,ø?º°`°º?ø?º°`

"Every family tree has a little sap."

The hosital in Denver just called, they have an opening.  We are leaving right now.  Thank you all for you prayers.  
Sonja

Good morning Marilyn,

        Just read the good news of the reduction in price of the U-Haul trailer. Glad things are,"going your way". God is good. Write when you can. Melvin

Hello Sonja,

         Just read on your post that Zachary was to be hospitalized. Sorry to hear such news. Hope everything goes well in Denver. Melvin

I have just finished reading all of the posts and enjoyed the devotional as well.  My prayer is for all with your special needs.

I was at the dentist for 2 fillings this morning so now I trust that all is well for sometime.  Now I will be headed out for some fresh strawberrys for dinner tonight.

Have a great day.
Ruth

I have done more packing, started in my clothes closet. I still have the 2 dressers, the bathroom and the few things left in the Kitchen. My friend Jan is coming out from Apple Valley to visit with me ths afternoon, if she ever gets here. And on Monday my friend Mona is taking me to lunch in Big Bear for Tacos. I think I would rather eat Mona's enchiladas, she makes them New Mexico style. And are they ever good. I have been trying to condense and git rid of some of the stuff. How do we ever collect so much stuff in a short time? Don't answer that.
The wind is blowing today and here I just washed my car yesterday, now it will be all dusty again. Well I am rambling so I guess I.d better sign out for now. Be back later.
Marilyn

Good afternoon!  

Sorry to hear about Zachary but I pray that everything will be fine and that he returns home pain-free!  

Jerry and I had Chinese food for lunch and then to get some stripper and paint.  We came back and I think all three of us took a nap...Ali included.  

Now it is time for popcorn!!!

Ive just come on., after being away for a few days.  I've missed your posts so much; but after not sleeping at night, I found I've had to rest more during the day.

Posts from Al, Iain and other devotionals have been such a blessing.

Marilyn - I'm so happy to hear your packing is going well., and Sonja, I've been praying that the Denver hospital will call, and I see where they have.

I'm so sorry that Zachary is having more stomach problems.

Well we have had a good day here today.  We were up early, 5:30 which is too early for me.  We went to Lipscomb University and heard a good friend of our speak at 8:00.   We stayed afterwards to hear one other lesson at 9:00 and then we came back home.  I took Cornelia to have her hair done and afterwards we did a little shopping.

This afternoon I have done a little reading and took a good long nap.  

Sonja, we continue to pray for Zachary and hope there will be improvement in his condition soon.

Marilyn, sounds like the Lord is with you.  This move will be here before you know it.

Pat, sorry you lost that post.  I hate it when that happens.  Sometimes when I am going to leave the computer and I am writing on the word processor I save it so it is always there when I get back.

--- Papa John              <)))><<

 

Whew!! - Having been absent for a few days, I really needed to go back and read your posts from June 28th.

Thanks to Pat for posting a link to Sonja's photo.  It sure is a prize winning photo, Sonja!... Congratulations!

Did you say who the young lad was that you photographed?  If so, I missed it... could you tell me again?

Papa John:  Congratulations to you and your beautiful bride of 54 years!!

Quote from: Marilyn on July 03, 2003, 10:19:31 AM
I have a Praise Report

Marilyn...doesn't sound like that "budget" rental truck was such a bargain after all!

Well, I'm very glad to know that so far, I don't have to have surgery on my knee, for which I'm very thankful.  However, I'm supposed to stay off it for three to four weeks, which I just can't do.  I'm also supposed to be taking 6-7 Advil a day, and I don't like that idea.  I haven't been doing either of those things thus far, and it hasn't harmed me.

I've had many opportunities to finish some painting around the house though, which has been great.  The hallway is almost complete.

I was reading a great thing in Jeremiah this week, I'll have to dig up the verses and post them, maybe tomorrow.  Very encouraging though.  Well, I'm off to hit the sack, I'm pretty tired.  God be with you all.  Jen.

That "Budget truck  was not a bargain the way it kept going up. However I do know that God intervened with the Uhal truck, when i first contacted Uhaul in May they wanted $1100. for the same truck I am getting for just under $600. now. If that wasn't God I sure don't know who it was. God is so AWESOME.

Hi Judy, welcome back. Missed you.

Pat have you heard from Sonja yet on Zachery's condition???

Testing------sixth try.  Will it post?

EDIT:  It did!  Wouldn't you just know that one that said nothing would work, and I lost all those others.  What a bummer.  I'm too tired and frustrated to write it all again, so will just say good night!

I have just read through the posts of the last few days.  Our members have been having a rough time.  That is so sad. Yet we, as satisfied customers of The Salvation of Jesus Christ, have an important function during these times.

There are those in the world who are watching us.  Watching how we react to the stresses around us.  

How do we react?  Is it with a negative attitude?  Remember Eore? I just knew it would turn out all bad!  Is that how we react, expecting the worse?  

If we react in faith and with the grace that our Lord gives, we will turn the heads of those around us to the Saviour, they will want to know what makes us tick.

The verse in Phil 4:13  I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,  should be on our heart as we see how God turns the bad in our lives into blessing.

Psalm 84:11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.  So lets keep on keeping on as we shine His light for all to see, and expect a blessing in all that happens.

God Bless you all
Judy

It was quite a day!

I've been dozing off and on since I got home and taking pain medication to take the edge off this pain.

I will read the day's messages tomorrow when I'm feeling a bit better.  

Click here for tomorrow's thread[/b].