Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
I hope most of you were able to see the new moon last night... looked like an Arabian nights moon in the clear sky!
This morning when I stepped outside, the moon was not visible, but Venus was shining brightly still in the East (reminds me we are getting close to Christmas).
A big black, shiny gator was sunning himself on the concrete on the weir yesterday, as I drove into the Park. He has been there twice in the past week. Yesterday he had a leg hanging down very casually and looked totally comfortable taking his sunbath. Two ibises were pecking along very unconcerned about him, just a few feet away. God is good!
From the Promise Bible:
Colossians 1:11-14
"We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father, who has enabled you to share the inheritance that belongs to God's holy people, who live in the light. For he has rescued us from the one who rules in the kingdom of darkness, and he has brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son. God has purchased our freedom with his blood and has forgiven all our sins."
Our encouragement comes from what God has done for us. He has given us the power to be patient and persistent and to keep our minds set on the great hope that awaits us. When we remember that we are already free, the problems of this world lose much of their power over us.
What good can my struggles produce?
2 Corinthians 1:5
"You can be sure that the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ."
Just as food tastes better when we are hungry, God's comfort is most vivid when we are struggling.
1 Peter 5:10:11
"In his kindness God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. All power is his forever and ever. Amen."
Suffering lasts for a brief time, but God's blessing is forever. He not only restores what was lost, but brings new support, strength, and stability to our lives.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, and Happy Birthday, Sue!
Amaryllis
