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! I hope some of you saw the gorgeous pink sunrise this morning, that matched the sunset last night, God has really excelled in painting the sky these days!
Another family of ducks has come to the neighborhood. Mama duck has about a dozen babies (hard to make a running count), but the other family remains at three young'uns . They are now pin-feather size and not nearly so cute as fuzzy, yellow babies. Strangely, the Muscovys do not come to the park. Maybe because there are too many predators there. They wouldn't last long with the hawks and the eagles flying around. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Conflict
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.
Romans 12:19-21 "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, "I will take vengeance: I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say: "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink, and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you. " Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands. They know that fighting according to the world's ways brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
