Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the October day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I know some of you are off work on Columbus day, but others have to face the Monday chores as usual, so count your blessings that you have work to do!
When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I saw no moon, so I guess it has left us for awhile, but the strong breeze was still blowing. This is a very warm October, so far. Wonder what God has in mind?
We had our huge oak trees trimmed Friday and more sun is shining on the front yard. What a difference it makes in the light!
I didn't walk Friday because of the trimmers expected, so didn't get to check on the baby. We did ride through the Park, and the sidewalk is all finished and the grass is newly mowed. It looked so neat and peaceful. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?
John 16:32 "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world".
Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.
Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam, Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"
Nothing in this world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be."
Psalm 50:15 "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."
God promises to rescue us for our own welfare and for his glory.
What happens to us through times of crisis?
Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."
God's transforming power often touches the most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.
2 Corinthians 12:10 "Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Spiritual strength can grow from physical weakness.Being physically weak teaches us that we cannot rely on our own strength to see us through-we need God's strength.
1 Peter 1:6-7 "Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that is is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire test and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."
Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look for the joy that waits on the other side of the trial.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
