Thu, Oct 27th - 11:58PM

Frustration

FRUSTRATION!

All evening tonight I've been working with a young fellow who helps me with the Christian Photographers website.  A file had become corrupted and the site wasn't available all evening.  How frustrating!  With members from all over the globe, it's important that our site is available at all times.

It's back now though and that's wonderful.  If you'd like to visit, here's the website:

  http://www.christianphotographers.com/community

and our photo galleries are at

 http://www.christianphotographers.com/gallery .

How often we seem to get frustrated in life.  Do you find this?  This is when we must draw close to our Saviour and know that He has everything under control.  This is when we must claim the promise too in James 4:8, "Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you."

Sometimes at times like this, I find it so relaxing just to look back over old photos.  Here are a couple taken over in Mid-Wales in 1992 when my husband, Jack, and I were hiking one year.

Another hill to climb in Mid-Wales

Just a scanned photo out of the old photo albums I like.   Hiking around Pont-ryd-y-groes south of Devil's Bridge

See this photo larger by going to this URL:

http://www.photography-cafe.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-16153

And yet Another hill to climb in Mid-Wales

Even in the rain we had to get over that distant hill to where the car was parked. But first a coffee in the warm pub!

http://www.photography-cafe.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-16154

(Click to see larger)

Two Hikers in Wales

Jack and I somewhere near the Ystwyth Valley in Mid Wales

http://www.photography-cafe.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-16165

Wed, Oct 26th - 9:41AM

The Shepherd Psalm--Part (ii)

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16

The Shepherd Psalm--Part (ii)

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He restores my soul;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

In Part (i) of our studies on the wonderful Shepherd Psalm, we looked a little at the character and saving work of the One to whom David referred as "My Shepherd". Before we proceed to examine some of the amazing benefits of being one of His sheep, we shall consider the marks which the sheep carry upon them.

Phillip Kellar, writing in his book, "A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23", tells how upon purchasing his first little flock of thirty-five ewes, the former owner handed him a large sharp killing knife and remarked, "Well, Phillip, they’re yours. Now you’ll have to put your mark upon them." This would be a painful experience for each sheep, for it meant parting with a chunk of its ear, cut with Kellar’s own chosen design. This peculiar cut would thereafter mark each individual member of the flock out as the shepherd’s own property.

The person who hears the voice of the Good Shepherd and trustingly follows Him must forever bear the Master’s Mark. This mark is described for us in Romans 6. We really should read the whole chapter, but for the sake of space, we will quote only a few verses.

"Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now, if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all: but the life that He lives, He lives to God. Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:6-12)

Death to self is demanded and can be a very painful process but it is very necessary. You see the Devil has his own flock, which bares his mark of rebellion and sin. When Christ redeems us He expects to mark us out with His own characteristics of love, obedience and holiness. As we read in II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new." As someone has said, "We are not saved by our works, but if we are truly saved our works will declare our new relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ."

We must realize the kind of sheep we once were and remember the flock to which we belonged; "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." (Isaiah 53:6.). If we also understand the tremendous price He paid for us, then we will not wonder that he demands that we bare his likeness.

Despite what we were, guilty and lost, wandering on the desolate crags of Satan’s domain, He redeemed us, called, us, and made us the sheep of His pasture if we are His by faith. In all His own he takes delight and tends them with loving care. Even in the midst of their trials and difficulties, the Good Shepherd leads His lambs with gentleness and grace. We may sometimes feel that He no longer watches over us, but if we wait upon Him the dark clouds of doubt will dissipate to reveal the sunshine of His tender love.

Before we begin looking at the blessings of Psalm 23, let us emphasize the Shepherd’s mark upon us. In Ephesians 2:8 & 9, we learn that salvation is by grace (unmerited favour) accepted by faith. It is God’s gift to us and it is "Not of works lest any man should boast". But that is not the end of the saga, because in verse 10, we read, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

As James tells us in James 2:26, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

What kind of faith do I have? What kind of faith do you have? If nothing has changed since we first professed faith in Christ, a thorough self examination is called for. There are those who believe, or at least appear to believe, that we can trust in the Saviour and continue to live unrepentant lives. The Word of God emphatically teaches otherwise.

Friend, do you and I have the Shepherd’s mark engraved on our hearts? If we can honestly say, "Yes, I have trusted Him and I love Him and seek to follow Him", then we can also truly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and from our hearts we can sing:

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never;
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And, where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home rejoicing brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

And so through all the length of day
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house for ever.

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want" (Psalm 23:1). "I shall not want". Reassuring words but what do they mean? David had known poverty, heartache and rebellion in his own family. He had been a fugitive and a refugee. Warfare was fairly constant throughout his reign. Friends and loved ones had been unfaithful on more than one occasion. Few if any of us have experienced more difficulty and more troublesome times than David the sweet singer of Israel. Yet he could confidently declare, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want".

If David’s eyes had focused only on the things of time, he could have found no solace, no place of rest, no shady green pastures for his soul. David had found that place, where none but the redeemed of God can enter. The place of His presence, the place of peace. "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress. My God; in Him will I trust." (Psalm 91:1, 2).

If we are dwelling in the secret place of His presence, then we can experience the comforting words of the Psalmist "I shall not want." Perhaps one who is experiencing a difficult situation is asking, "Where is this place of His presence and how can I find it?"

The answer is not tedious or difficult , "that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height--to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." (Ephesians 3:17-19).

If we, by faith, are conscious of the presence of Christ abiding within our hearts we will soon begin to realize the immensity and the immutability of His love for us. Spiritually we need nothing more, and since Christ in us is our hope of glory (See Colossians 1:27), we can truly say, "I shall not want."

I shall not want peace and joy if I realize His inward presence. If I lose my peace and joy, even in the midst of tribulations it is because, for the moment I have ceased to abide in Him and forgotten His abiding presence in me.

Although the blessings of the Psalm are relevant to our spiritual state and our spiritual pilgrimage, it is also true that He meets our physical needs as well.

Our daily provision for food, health and shelter are from His bountiful hand. He may not always give us what we desire, but in grace He meets our needs.

What a gracious Shepherd He is!

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20,21).

---

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

 

 

 

The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want
(Click to hear music)

Psalm 23


The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.


My soul he doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E'en for his own name's sake.


Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill:
For thou art with me, and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.


My table thou hast furnished
In prsence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint
And my cup overflows.


Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God's house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.

 

 

Thu, Oct 20th - 11:41PM

The Shepherd's Psalm~1

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16

The Shepherd Psalm--Part (i)

What do you think is the most loved portion of Holy Scripture? It may well be that great Gospel verse "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16). Thousands of children over the centuries have learned it at their mother’s knee. I know I did and so did my children. What a wonderful statement it is. Many people down through the ages, since the Lord Jesus spoke these words, have received the peace and joy of eternal life through realizing their truth.

Perhaps one day I shall write an article on this grand old theme. But not today. Instead I want us to focus our attention on another great passage of scripture, almost as well loved, and dear to many since David, the shepherd king, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write its lovely words. The portion of the scripture to which I refer is, as you will probably have guessed from my title, the twenty-third Psalm:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

A jewel is best appreciated in all its sparkling beauty when it is viewed against the setting chosen for it by a skilled artisan. This brilliant gem is no different in this respect although more precious than all the world’s lovely stones. What then is the setting chosen for this rare and beautiful rock of divine comfort? Well on the one side we have a prophetic picture of the Shepherd on the cross. See for example, Psalm 22:16-18. This is indeed an example of crucifixion written long before the awful death of crucifixion was invented by wicked minds. On the other side in Psalm 24, we are given a view of our Lord Jesus Christ Our Great Shepherd in His present glory and coming kingdom.

An old Irish preacher, James Irvine of Newcastle, Co. Down, used to explain it this way... "In Psalm 22, we see the Shepherd on the cross dying for His sheep. In Psalm 23, we have the Shepherd with His crook in his hand defending His sheep while in Psalm 24 we have the Shepherd with the crown on His head ruling His kingdom."

There is one who died for His people and now lives to reign eternally on the throne of the universe and I can call Him "My Shepherd". Is there anything more lovely, more comforting, more reassuring than this? If we bear this in mind as we study the depths and delights of the "beloved Psalm", its intrinsic value will be appreciated more and more.

Let us first look at the Person of the Shepherd.
Who is He, what is His character and what are His attributes? This world and the universe of which it forms a part had a beginning somewhere in the ancient past. This Shepherd of whom the Psalm speaks, entered this world of beginnings, yet He had no beginning. John’s gospel, chapter 1 tells us that in the beginning was the Word. That is, when everything that had a beginning, began, He already existed. He goes on to inform us that the Word was God and was with God and then, Oh glorious truth, we learn that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us." (John 1:14).

Mary was given the inestimable privilege of becoming the virgin mother of the humanity of our Lord, but in His eternal being as deity, He had no mother, no birth, no beginning. He always was and is the second person of the Godhead. He is also "My Shepherd." He is and always has been absolute in holiness, unlimited in knowledge, power and glory. Yet if we are of His flock, we can say with full confidence, "The Lord is My Shepherd."

When our Lord walked upon the green hills of Israel in the days of His flesh, He said, "I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth His life for the sheep." (John 10:14). This is why it is so appropriate that the Shepherd Psalm is placed directly after a Psalm which prophesied the awful events of Mount Calvary.

You see, my dear friends, we cannot claim the wonderful blessings of the Shepherd Psalm unless, we have trusted Him in His life-giving death and are thereby counted among His sheep. The words of the Lord Jesus Christ as recorded in John’s Gospel, 10:26-30 are very important.

"But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one."

Have you believed in Him as your personal Saviour and Lord? He does not call on us to place our faith in anyone other than Himself. He does not tell us to hope in the apostles or any other persons, no matter how holy, blessed and exalted they may be. It is He who has loved us unto death. It is He who has borne our sins and carried our sorrows. It is only He who saves us from sin and to such as trust the good Shepherd, He gives eternal life, and they shall never perish.

Even if there were no other blessing to be found in Christ, this by itself would be wonderful news for sinners. Yet there are a multitude of blessings in store for all who come to Him for salvation from the penalty and the power of sin.

Many years ago, Thomas Kelly wrote a fine hymn which very nicely expresses the wonderful work that the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished in His role as "The Good Shepherd."

We’ll sing of the Shepherd that died,
That died for the sake of the flock;
His love to the utmost was tried,
But firmly endured as a rock.

When blood from a victim must flow,
This Shepherd, by pity, was led
To stand between us and the foe,
And willingly die in our stead.

Our song then for ever should be
Of the Shepherd who gave Himself thus;
No subject’s so glorious as He,
No theme’s so affecting to us.

We’ll sing of such subjects alone,
None other our tongues shall employ,
Till fully His love becomes known
In yonder bright regions of joy.

Can you honestly say, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want" for time and for eternity?

God willing we will continue our study in Psalm 23 next week as we examine some of the blessings we can experience in Him on life’s path.

If you are not sure of your eternal future, please feel free to email me your surface mail address and I shall send you a helpful booklet without charge or obligation of any kind.

---

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

 

 

 

The Lord's My Shepherd, I'll Not Want
(Click to hear music)

Psalm 23


The Lord's my shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; he leadeth me
The quiet waters by.


My soul he doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E'en for his own name's sake.


Yea, though I walk in death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill:
For thou art with me, and thy rod
And staff me comfort still.


My table thou hast furnished
In prsence of my foes;
My head thou dost with oil anoint
And my cup overflows.


Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me;
And in God's house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.

 

 

Sheep on the Mountainside in North Wales

 

Tue, Oct 18th - 10:31PM

Rose of Sharon

This beautiful rose reminded me of the verse that says, "I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1

Tue, Oct 18th - 12:34AM

A Fact of History

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS
Jeremiah 6:16

A Fact of History

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

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

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

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

Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Saviour!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord.

Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives for ever with His saints to reign!
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesus, my Saviour!
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus, my Lord!

Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus, my Saviour,
He tore the bars away,
Jesus, my Lord.

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

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

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

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

This is the very keystone of our Faith.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

 

 

CHRIST AROSE
(Click to hear music)


Author:  Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
Musician:  Robert Lowry, 1826-1899


Low in the grave He lay,
Jesus, my Savior!
Waiting the coming day,
Jesus, my Lord!


Chorus:
Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o'er His foes;
He arose a victor
From the dark domain,
And He lives forever
With His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!


Vainly they watch His bed,
Jesu, my Savior!
Vainly they seal the dead,
Jesus my Lord!


Chorus:


Death cannot keep his prey,
Jesus, my Savior!
He tore the bars away,
Jesus my Lord!


Chorus: 

 

Sat, Oct 15th - 11:19AM

Amazing Love

From the top of the

 Forest Rangers' Tower

Dorset, Ontario

To see the photo above much larger, go to this URL:  http://pat.photography-cafe.com/displayimage.php?pos=-60 and click on the photo there to see it larger.  If you wish, you can even leave a comment!  ;)
 

Thu, Oct 13th - 10:20PM

Walking in the Footsteps of the Master

After the Sunset in Snowdonia, North Wales

We walked miles in the UK over the years that we were married. 

Oh that we make sure that we walk in the Footsteps of the Master in our life.  It's all very well going our own way but if we are out of step with our Saviour, we'll have nothing but trouble and pitfalls.

Point Lynas Lighthouse

Point Lynas lighthouse near to Amlwch Port on Anglesey, North Wales. Taken in 1992.  Jack and I hiked out to that lighthouse and then along the coast to where I was when I took this photo. It was a lovely day!

Tue, Oct 11th - 9:22PM

I'm Never Alone

Without fail, each holiday or special day of the year, I miss Jack.  And as time goes on, it seems to be a little worse than the year before.  Yesterday was Thanksgiving and there was my son standing carving the turkey.  This was always the little job that Jack loved to do at Thanksgiving or Christmas--carve the turkey!

We had such a lovely time yesterday!

In the lonely times, I must always remember that the Lord has promised to be a Friend that is closer than any brother (husband).  Oh, how I pray that I will feel His gentle arms carressing me more and more each day. 

Oh that I will live for Him more and more each day. 

What a wonderful Saviour we have!

Never Alone
(Click to hear music)

I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:1



Words: Ludie D. Pickett, 1897.
Music: Arranged by Fred Jackey


   

I’ve seen the lightning flashing, I’ve heard the thunder roll.
I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, which almost conquered my soul.
I’ve heard the voice of my Savior, bidding me still to fight on.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

No, never alone, no never alone,
He promised never to leave me,
He’ll claim me for His own;
No, never alone, no never alone.
He promised never to leave me,
Never to leave me alone.

The world’s fierce winds are blowing, temptation sharp and keen.
I have a peace in knowing my Savior stands between—
He stands to shield me from danger when my friends are all gone.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

When in affliction’s valley I tread the road of care,
My Savior helps me carry the cross so heavy to bear;
Though all around me is darkness, earthly joys all flown;
My Savior whispers His promise, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

He died on Calvary’s mountain, for me they pierced His side.
For me He opened that fountain, the crimson, cleansing tide.
For me He waiteth in glory, seated upon His throne.
He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone!

Refrain

I'm not the only one missing Jack. 

Each time we go to Jack's grave, this is where Geordie spends some time, just gazing at the grave.

Then he spots a squirrel and takes off but this short time seems to be special for him when first arriving.

Missing His Master

Sun, Oct 9th - 10:38PM

Thanksgiving in Canada

"...with thanksgiving,
let your requests
be made known to God..."
Eph. 4:6

It's Thanksgiving Day in Canada!

As Christians, we have so much to be thankful for.  I'm so thankful that the Lord Jesus Christ called me by name and after repenting of my sins, by His precious blood I have been washed whiter than the snow and now I am one of His.  How much I have to be thankful for!  To be one of His children is so very special and I'll never understand why He chose me but the Bible says it's true and I believe it.

Praise His holy name!

Sunrise in Guelph

Beside a lake in Algonquin Park

Fri, Oct 7th - 10:50PM

The Old Guide Book

WALKING IN THE OLD PATHS Jeremiah 6:16 The Old Guide Book In the years of long ago when I was a child, I often heard my mother sing a hymn that somehow I understood was very dear to her. Sometimes I would find her sitting alone singing it with tears on her cheeks. As the years rolled by its importance to her seemed to increase. Some would have thought it a very strange choice had they heard her quietly sing it. Most people who knew her would have been surprised to hear her sing at all, for she never sang in public. Not even with the congregation. While others sang, she would follow in her hymn book intently with her eyes and I suspect with her heart. Her lips would not move, nor her tongue utter a single syllable. Those who knew our circumstances (although they were probably few in number) would have been astonished at the words: When upon life's billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings-- Name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done. Over the years we had accumulated few of this world’s goods and it was a constant struggle for her to feed and clothe the family. What then were the blessings that a very poor Irish woman could sing about? They certainly had no value on the stock market and could not be accumulated in the local branch of the Belfast Savings Bank. The "passbook" in which the blessings she sang about were listed was an old black leather covered Guide Book. On the spine in faded gold letters were two words which made up the title, "Holy Bible". The pages were more worn than the cover. Once white, they had long since yellowed with wear and age and tear drops. My mother probably never heard of John Locke, philosopher and writer, but she would have agreed with the truth of his statement when he said, "It has God for its Author, salvation for its end, without any mixture of error, for its matter: it is all pure, sincere, nothing too much and nothing wanting." Theologians refer to the Bible as God’s Special Revelation to Man. The wonders of creation testify to us of God’s unsurpassed wisdom and power, but the Holy Scriptures tell us so much more about God, and it helps us to understand ourselves if only we are willing to accept its teachings. In it we see that God is holy, just and righteous and at the same time, gracious, loving and merciful. Woodrow Wilson, twenty-eighth president of the United States, spoke truly when he said, "The Bible is the one supreme source of revelation of the meaning of life." Paul, the apostle, reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16 and 17 that: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." It is true that ungodly men have attacked the word of God and tried to destroy it down through the ages. Many have used or attempted to use "facts" of science to disprove its truth. In 1861 the French Academy of Science published a booklet listing over fifty supposed "facts" to contradict the Bible. Atheists of the day rubbed their hands in glee as they ridiculed the Christian faith. Today all of the claimed "facts" are rejected by men of science. In the early and mid-nineteenth century, archeologists said that they were confident that their findings would discredit the accuracy of the Bible. A few years ago, I heard a lecture by a professor of the Department of Archeology at the University of Toronto in which he said that the Bible is now considered by many archeologists to be the most reliable guidebook to finding remains of old cities etc. in the middle-east. Yes, the Bible is an old guide book. In fact it is the only truly reliable guide book on the path of life. An ancient writer said: "Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105 NKJV) Despite the attacks of Satan and puny men, "We rest upon the impregnable rock of Scripture". (Winston Churchill) THE BIBLE STANDS (Click to hear music)   The Bible stands like a rock undaunted ‘Mid the raging storms of time; Its pages burn with the truth eternal, And they glow with a light sublime.   Chorus: The Bible stands tho the hills may tumble, It will firmly stand when the earth shall crumble, I will plant my feet on its firm foundation, For the bible stands.   The Bible stands like a mountain tow’ring Far above the works of men; Its truth by none ever was refuted, And destroy it they never can.   The Bible stands, and it will forever When the world has passed away; By inspiration it has been given; All its precepts I will obey.   The Bible stands ev’ry test we give it For its Author is divine; By grace alone I expect to live it And to prove it and make it mine. There are many "great and exceeding precious promises" (2 Peter 1:4) found in the Old Guide Book we call the Bible. There are countless multitudes of blessings in this grand old book. One outshines all the others and accepting it is the condition for receiving and enjoying all the other blessings. It is described many times over. We shall look at only a few instances where it is mentioned. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." (John 3:16, 37) What love God expressed to us in the coming of His Eternal Son in the body of human flesh! True God and true Man to suffer the penalty of sin upon the cross. What a blessing to know that those who repent of their rebellion and sin and trust Him as Lord and Saviour possess eternal life. Paul in his Epistle to the Ephesians 2:4-10 gives us a great summary of this wonderful blessing. "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." You can enter into this the greatest blessing that can ever be known to mankind. Why not do so now by faith in Jesus Christ? "Behold, now is the accepted time; behold now is the day of Salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2b). Jack Scott loved his Lord! He passed away on January 10, 2001 after a lengthy illness. He is missed greatly by his family.

Wed, Oct 5th - 8:30PM

Living For Jesus

Felt "under the weather" since I fell on the hike on Saturday.  This old body isn't what it used to be.  Oh, how wonderful it will be to get to Heaven and have such a perfect body with nothing wrong with it.

Sun, Oct 2nd - 7:38PM

Jack Scott Memorial Hike

Jack Scott Memorial Hike

For several years, Jack was the President of our local hiking club, "Guelph Hiking Trail Club" and when he passed away, the executive of the club decided that it might be nice to have a hike each year in Jack's memory.  Of course, the family were thrilled and so this was the fourth hike--yesterday, October 1.

Many friends came and enjoyed the walk and so did I--until I tumbled down a hill--camera going one way and my rucksack going the other and me landing at the bottom of the hill!  All I could do--after I checked that I could move my limbs, etc. was sit and laugh.  I knew that there were more folks behind me so I wasn't concerned at being alone at the bottom of that hill covered in muck and mud!    All's well today and it was a terrific time that we all enjoyed remembering a lover, a Dad, a Granddad and a close friend..

Today, Sunday, it was a time to remember too.  We remembered and meditated on a far greater love today--the love of our Saviour who died for us and who washed us with His precious blood when we repented of our sins.

And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.

After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.  1 Corinthians 11:24,25