Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside earlier, the clouds were more evident than the stars, I only saw two stars, but the clouds brought a little rain last night. It only lasted a few minutes, but we will take every drop that God sends!
I talked to my uncle in Alabama, last night and he said the drought is so bad there that his winter garden may not grow. They may have to go on water restrictions. He is 91, takes no medicines and plants his garden spring and fall. He made muscadine preserves and has frozen blueberries and is still getting tomatoes from his vines! He said if he had known he was going to live this long, he would have taken better care of himself! :D!
We drove through Weedon Island park yesterday and then Sawgrass and couldn't help noticing the contrasts... One has no shade and is wild for the most part in its natural state, the other has lots of shady trees and sidewalks, a canal running through and is a cooler place to walk. No animals are allowed at one, and lots of dogs are walked in the other. Each one has its own special charm for nature lovers! God has something for everyone!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does God respond to my commitment to integrity?
Psalm 18:20-25 "The Lord rewarded me for doing right; he compensated me because of my innocence. For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have never abandoned his principles. I am blameless before God. I have kept myself from sin. The Lord rewarded me for doing right, because of the innocence of my hands in his sight. To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to those with integrity you show integrity."
The Psalmist claims a high level of personal integrity that makes some of us uncomfortable. It makes sense, however, when we realize that he isn't boasting in his accomplishment but thanking God for giving him the power and direction to live according to God's ways. This passage offers the same promise to us. God will empower our obedience.
1Peter 2:12 "Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world."
Our integrity may not bring immediate rewards, but we are certain that it will one day be recognized.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
