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Morning Devotional...


Are You Ready?

By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Just like the disciples, most of us would like to know the exact day and time of Christ's return. Jesus, however, said that no one, not even He, knew this information. He did, however, tell us how we should live up until that point of His return. We are to abide in Him and trust Him for the future. We are not to worry or become fearful. God is sovereign and even when it seems as though our world is falling apart, He is still in control.

We can look at the signs of our age and know His return is drawing near:

• The political unrest in the Middle East continues to be front-page news. Each day we hear and read of growing strife in the region.

• The economic future of the modern world is tied up in the Middle East. The unrest there will not end until Jesus returns and until God has established His throne.

• There is an alarming increase of interest in atheism, secularism, and even Satanism around the world.

• Many believers turn a deaf ear to this subject and no longer pray against the enemy's power on earth.

• The entertainment industry is including more and more occult language and anti-God situations in movies and television programs. Our minds are being bombarded with material that is in direct opposition to God's Truth and principles.

Are you ready for Christ's return? Many of us would answer yes! But have you taken time to tell someone else about God's saving grace? Jesus told His disciples to take what they had learned from Him and teach it to the entire world. God is preparing a place for us, but He also is continuing to draw men and women to Himself. Your life is a testimony to His eternal love and forgiveness. Let your prayer be to share His love with as many as possible before His return.

Prayer: Lord, give me an eternal perspective so that my life on earth will bring You much glory. Help me make use of every opportunity to share the Good News of Christ. May Your will be done! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb" (Revelation 7:10).



© 2014 Leading The Way

Thanks for the devotional Jeanne.  It was very good!

I am not entirely pleased with the way my song came out, I was having a problem with my  voice in places, and using the wrong mike, one of the guitar players was wrong the mike I was supposed to use,. Anyway here it is.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/io59trdzur8apmi/20150125_104842.mp4?dl=0

Hi, friends,

Thank you for the good devotional, Jeanne.

Larry, it's so good to see you back in action again. Will be supporting you and your son and your families with our prayers.

Thank you for sharing your song, Marilyn. I had never heard Amazing Grace sung with that tune before. It was interesting.

I was up to going to church today, but still not feeling great. So, after eating with friends and running an errand for my sister in law, I returned to the apartment where I've taken a nap.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  It is a bright, sunny Monday morning as I sit in my new office and look at the two windows to my right.  Our son was over yesterday to get us set up on the wi-fi and it turned out to be quite a job.  Think I will have to contact Comcast again as the signal shouldn't come and go on the wi-fi portion of the gateway.  My desktop is connected via an Ethernet cable so not having the dropout problem.  I got a couple of boxes unloaded yesterday and we will work on another box or two today.  I have plenty of other details to work on during rest periods.  We did go shopping yesterday for a new recliner for Pat but didn't find what she wanted but did learn they have powered recliners that raise or lower the foot rest, which will be very helpful to her. 

Jeanne, thanks for the new devotional thoughts for today.  It is very concerning to see so many books and tv programs dealing with the occult. 

Marilyn, sorry that you were not pleased with your solo.  Hope you have the opportunity to sing again with the correect mike.  However, I am sure it was appreciated by the congregation and we sing for God's glory and you were sharing your faith via your son. 

Ruth Ann, sorry you didn't feel up to attending church yesterday and hope you are feeling better today.

Marilyn, boo hoo!  I couldn't get it to play!  I'll try again later, but I suspect it's due to what I do or don't have installed on my computer.

The Blizzard of 2015 is on the way and as usual it's anybody's guess how it's going to affect us here.  Maybe only about 4 inches or anywhere up to 12 inches or more.  When it stops, I'll know how much.   

Our oldest son and wife were here for a brief visit and now they are home back to work as usual.  We had such a wonderful visit - so gratifying.  I baked and froze chocolate chip muffins with walnuts to keep handy.  Don attended another  lecture - this one on the history of Christianity. 

Larry:  Once you each have your personal chairs, that will be the moment everything changes to be your new home.  Enjoy.  and

Hi everyone.  It has been a busy morning doing some paperwork related to the sale of our former home and buying a stair lift for this home.  We haven't gotten anything unpacked today but will focus on that later this afternoon. 

Hi, friends,

I've been quiet today, but I'm feeling better. I took a disabled lady to the doctor yesterday, and it ended up being an expedition. She also wanted to go to Cracker Barrel and then to Walmart. So, a busy day like that calls for a recuperation day the next day.  I guess I must admit to slowing down a bit.

It's good to hear from each one of you. You make my life much more interesting with comments about goings on in your lives.

Y'all have a great rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann:  You are far too kind in aiding your friends.  Perhaps you might suggest that you only have a certain amount of time to come to their aid.  Otherwise, you may be wearing yourself out - I hope they have others to turn to for help as well as you (the visiting angel for them).  Cracker Barrel has nice biscuits.

Today was the battle of the bees.  A huge amount of bees came and surrounded the hummingbird feeders - I sprayed them with water to no avail so the feeders are indoors and cleaned, new nectar is cooling and we shall  see how this works out.  Bees have probably outsmarted me already. 

Two more days until daughter arrives.  She is waiting for a job offer - it would be nice to cinch it so she can relax when she gets here.  A niece in Texas lost her job and then her house - she is a good/great worker on accounts receivable and other office work but nothing for her.  Bless her heart - we just found out that she has taken a job with a trucking company part-time and has been washing trucks and trailers and has time to job hunt.  Gotta give her credit for going after the tough job - her sister & BIL have taken her in meantime. 

Don is working on his sugar level - it apparently goes up when he uses a steroid nose spray - that is what we think is the culprit. 

We were supposed to get lots of snow.  Then we were not supposed to get any snow.  We got about 5 inches.      Not anything to complain about, though, with reports of Worcester, Mass. getting 38 inches!  I'm warm and dry and there are so many homeless people who are suffering.  When I am tempted to complain, the Lord brings them to mind, with a reminder to pray for them.  Several towns in this area have instituted a "code blue" program that provides special temporary shelter when the temperature gets below a certain level or storms are predicted.

Hi everyone on a bright sunny but cool South Carolina morning.  We went to the Dollar General store this morning for a few items and then located the drug store we will need to use for any prescriptions we cannot get at Kroger.  Both Pat and I seem to be out of steam today so will ease up on the unpacking for today.  Our son did see the doctor yesterday and had x-rays that showed no damage to his knee, so that was good news.  He will just have to let time do some healing of the soreness.  Am a happy camper as found my speakers for my desktop yesterday and got them plugged in and now enjoying some nice music as I write. 

Ruth Ann, do you use the electric carts at Walmart?  Without them I wouldn't even try to shop there unless it is an item or two all in one place and close to the front of the store.  I even found the Dollar General store too much this morning and had to return to the car while Pat checked out.  I am sure your friend appreciates your willingness to help her get about but hope she isn't taking advantage of you.

Carol, so sorry to learn of the niece with the job problems.  To listen to the newscasters you would think everyone wanting to work would be able to have a job.  Glad her sister has given her a place to live so that she isn't in a shelter or living in her car. 

Jeanne, glad you didn't get snowed under.  The weathercasters certainly missed calling this last big snow but better the way it turned out than the other way.  The "code blue" program sounds like a very valuable program as we aid our fellow man. 

An electrician/handyman is helping here today.  There is no way we could put in a new medicine cabinet and lift it even as Don's shoulder really never totally heals.  Life is different now and we must adjust - so be it. 

Larry:  Yes, good idea to walk out of the store when it becomes a strain.  Shopping isn't easy.  You have made great gains very quickly.  Thanks for the remark about this one niece of ours - she is now showing some grit - her older sister has always been the leader in taking charge of things and not giving up but now Wendy is doing what she needs to do at this moment in time.  I know you don't believe everything you hear on the news.  Have you met any of the neighbors? 

Jeanne:  Nice that you are thinking of the homeless as they are mostly invisible.  Gas may be less expensive for everyone but rent and so forth has skyrocketed - food keeps going up as well. 

Hi, friends,

Well, it's about time for me to get out to do a few things for myself, but it sure feels good to be a little bit lazy.

As for the homeless, Nashville has a Room in the Inn program whereby churches feed and house the homeless on rotating nights, which really helps them out. And, last year, the people in another caring organization worked hard to get 100 people who were homeless into their own places in 100 days. Now, the government has given a large grant to Nashville to further the process. I worry about these individuals either when it's extremely hot or extremely cold. I'm so thankful there are those who make it their life's work to help.

As for taking too long with this particular lady, what happened was that she is almost past being able to walk at all. So, lifting her legs into and out of the car, going to get electric carts for both of us, etc., was what wore me out. She needs prayer that an infection gets healed so she can go ahead and have the hip replacement.

Yes, Larry, with the muscles in my legs not being able to communicate to the nerves, it's too dangerous for me to try to walk in stores, so shopping is limited to places that provide the electric carts. When the muscles get tired, there's no notice - I simply pitch face forward without warning. So, since 2000, I have ridden electric carts when I shop. This was discovered by my neurologist who was investigating a lot of falls I had that year. He did the electric shock type tests twice, to ascertain such was the case. He thought his first machine was malfunctioning.

I hope y'all bested those bees, Carol. And, about the steroid nose sprays, we diabetics can expect blood sugar highs when we use any type of steroids, even the shots for pain in the knee or other joints will affect blood sugars.

Well, I must go for now. Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Hi everyone on a very nice Thursday afternoon.  This has been a very busy day.  This morning we went shopping and got Pat a new recliner for our great room at Haverty's Furniture Store.  Then we continued to unpack boxes.  There is one more kitchen box and that contains the fine china and crystal.  We are making progress but still a lot to do.  Our son twisted his bad knee again today, just what he needed. 

The inspection was been done on our home that we are selling and the only thing that was brought up was some of the shingles seemed to be.  The company that put the shingles on apparently went out of business shortly after doing our job so I didn't save the folder from them.  I guess it just shows we should never through anything away!!  I have traced down the claim and am waiting for the adjuster or call to see if there is anyway to claim on my warranty for the roof, which I think was 10 years.

Carol, yes we have met three of the neighbors.  The next door neighbor brought over a cake the first evening we were here and I have talked with the man across the street several times. He is the homeowner assoc. president. He and his wife brought over a casserole the second day.  I was resting and didn't meet his wife but my wife did.  I think this is going to be a very friendly neighborhood.  We are finding the prices here in South Caroline are higher than Georgia, except for gas. 

Ruth Ann, Pat and I are sure looking forward to being able to be a little bit lazy but know that day will soon be here.  If it weren't for the electric carts I don't think I would really be able to shop anymore and so I am limited to the big stores that have the carts. 

Hi, friends,

Well, my sister in law and I went on a little shopping expedition today. We had a wonderfully warm, sunny day to go.

Now, I'm ready to "rest on my laurels."

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Larry, I was thinking of you the day before yesterday when I passed the Maryville turnoff as I dropped into Missouri.  Seems like every move we've made has taken forever to reach the point you've made so quickly!  I am glad things have gone so smoothly getting into your new place.  And I hope that getting the shingle issue on your old place gets taken care of as smoothly.  I actually spent the night in Maryville a few months ago when I was working with a client just north of the border at Braddyville, IA.  I hadn't read you story/testimony as of that time, otherwise I might have taken a few pictures of your old stomping grounds to share with you!

Ruth Ann, I am betting that it will be a well-deserved rest!

Jeanne Lee, I wanted to comment on the devotion you posted earlier in the week, but my travel and work schedule delayed that response.  In answer to Dr. Youssef's question, yes, I am ready!  As we witness the terrible things happening in the world around us and hear reports of the persecution of Christians across the globe, it makes me so very eager to leave this earth and enter His kingdom!  In the meanwhile I endeavor to minister to the lost and live in obedience to Christ - and anxiously wait in the hope of His glory   Thanks for sharing that devotion with us!

Hi everyone on a bright and sunny South Carolina morning.  Just stopping in this morning to say hi and that all is well.  There is lots to do today and I wrote yesterday so will read the postings since I posted.

Ken, I spent the first 21 years of my life living about six miles north of Maryville and I went to college there.  I no longer have any close relatives living there.  I also know where Braaddyville, Ia is. I have been able to trace down my single replacement claim and expect a call from the insurance adjuster later today.  I won't worry about this situation if and until it actually becomes a problem.

Hello ....     I have arrived back home, safe and sound, on the beautiful, peaceful southern Oregon coast.  Bryan and I pulled into the driveway at about 6:30 this morning, after leaving Twain Harte, California, and a stop in Sacramento .... Bryan will be driving on to his home in Spokane, Washington, just as soon as he wakes from the nap he so desperately needed.

I will return later to try and update you on the happenings of the past several weeks.  Much has happened, and much for which to be thankful.  Our Lord is great and greatly to be praised!

Hi, friends,

It's good to hear from y'all again. I'm taking another "day off," with severe headache problems. Tomorrow's another day, and with the Lord's help, it will be a good one.

May the Lord bless y'all throughout this day with Him.

Love to all,
Ruth Ann

Jane, it is good news that you are home and when you're rested we'll be waiting for your news about the latest developments. 

Ruth Ann, I'm sorry to hear that you have such a severe headache.  Get some rest and know that prayers are being said.

I have just returned from an extended time away from home ... and the internet.  I will try to explain, but please be patient with me while I stumble through this saga.

Early in December, my daughter Joy was admitted into the hospital with a great deal of abdominal discomfort.  She endured a week of tests and opinions that led to nothing except possibly gall stones ... which proved to be non-existant ... and she was scheduled to be released to return in 6 weeks.  That was unacceptable to her, and another opinion determined she needed pancreatic surgery.

A search for a qualified surgeon produced a highly qualified and prestigious surgeon at one of the nation's top hospitals: Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, California.   She was transported there by ambulance, and the Whipple procedure was done on Decembefr 23rd.  This surgeon has preformed more than 1000 such procedures, and has taught the only other doctors who are qualified.

Half the stomach, half the pancreas, the gall bladder and duodenum were removed, as was a rather sizeable malignant tumor. Because of complications, Joy remained at UC Stanford hospital for another four weeks, with drains and IV tubes her new fashion accessories.  At last, on January 24, she returned home, but still sporting two drainage tubes.  There seems to be an abscess that is still causing leakage from the remaining portion of the pancreas.  She returned for a follow-up appointment a week later, with the anticipation that the tubes would be removed.  However, that seems not to have happened.  Today her husband reported the following:

Well, 6 hours after appt started the results are in: replaced one tube with a fresh one and did nothing with the other. "Come back in 2 weeks." There is still a hole in the system and the abscess has not healed up yet.

Joy's sister Jean suffered with pancreatic cancer exactly 15 years ago, passing away December 31,1999.  There have been great advances in medical technology since then and we are grateful for the expertise shown on Joy's behalf.  She is cancer free, but needs to continue recovery from this very major surgery.  Her spirits are high, and she is a strong person, but one can't help but feel discouraged at times when weakness prevails and these "follow-up" appointments don't seem to yeild much relief.

We continue to hold to the fact that the surgeon says he got all the cancer and "the margins are clear."

Hi everyone on another sunny, but cool Saturday morning here in North Augusta, SC.  We got a lot done yesterday and today our plan is to go upstairs and do some work in Pat's sewing studio.  We have only a couple of cartons still to be unpacked here on the main level and a few boxes to deal with in the garage.  So I think we are beginning to see the end of the unpacking and we are more than ready.  Haverty's called yesterday saying Pat's new recliner will be delivered around noon today rather than on Wednesday.  So we are looking forward to another busy but good day. Today would have been Stacey's 50th birthday and she loved these special days. 

Jane, what an ordeal your daughter has experienced.  I know you must be very happy to be safely home once again and end that hospital vigil. 

My prayers are with you and Pat today, Larry, as you recall the life and memories of Stacey.

Jane, what an ordeal you and Joy, and all the family, have been going though - and continue to go through.  I pray the Heavenly Father will hold you all in his arms and give you strength and peace.

Larry, congratulations on the progress you and Pat are making in getting settled in the new house.  The satisfaction you feel, I'm sure, is tempered by the memories and thoughts of Stacey.

Hi everyone.  I work up fairly early this morning and read my email, daily devotional thoughts and the message boards before I got up.  In fact, I fell back asleep for a few minutes but now up and ready for a busy day.  Pat did get her new recliner yesterday around noon and it looks very nice in our great room.  She even took her first nap in it late yesterday afternoon.  I think I am going to have to redo her laptop as we can't get it to see any network so can't get it online.  We did get a start on her sewing room upstairs. 

Ken and Jeanne, thanks for your thoughts and prayers.  We try to recall only good memories of Stacey. 

Hi Folks. Been a while since last posting so here it goes. We are having a few colds days up here at the moment. Woke up today to minus 26C or minus 15F. That was a bit chilly to say the least. But it is a sunny day, so we should be thankful for what we have. Because this is the day that the Lord has made. Pastor John this morning was teaching that we should be blessing each other and shared the following acronym.  B=begin with prayer, L=listen and be aware of the needs around you. He pointed out that we tend to be need blind. E=eat with neighbours, friends and co-workers. Develop a contact or fellowship, make a connection. S=serve, look for ways to service. S=tell your STORY. Share your faith after you have prayed, listened, had a meal and have served. Develop a relationship to be more effective in your ministry. Numbers 6; 24-26 is a good blessing to use daily with our family as well as our friends and co-workers or anyone else we come into contact with. These are good verses to incorporate into our prayer life. Just thought I would share this with you folks.  Blessing to all of you. Hope you have a great day in the Lord.   

Hi, friends,

Larry, thanks for your good reports. I'm thankful y'all are progressing with getting settled.

Ken, thank you for initiating that photo challenge. All the photos were good, and brought about some good thoughts for me.

Marilyn, it's good to see you peeking in the door.

Jane, it's good to have you home. I trust that Joy will be able to reach a great place in her recovery.

John, thank you for reporting the good points in your pastor's sermon. I enjoyed reading and thinking about them. Brrr - your weather something I would endure, but might find difficulties being able to be out and about on such days.

Jeanne, thank you for your prayers. As usual, when I have these severe headaches, I was left with a sore scalp, and went about very gingerly for a few hours the next day.

Y'all have a good rest of the day with our Lord.

Ruth Ann

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