Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Blessings

Good windy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the transitional day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!

I enjoyed a walk out to the tower yesterday, with a brisk breeze blowing and making waves on the lake. I stopped at the first shelter to look at two gators, one looked like Mama gator and the other was younger. They were attracting a crowd. Many of our visitors have never had the opportunity to see gators in their natural habitat, so it was a treat for them and me, too!

On my way back, I heard a persistent "mew, chirp" and didn't realize at first that it was my favorite catbird. So I stood and peered into the shrubs looking for it, and saw a fleeting glimpse of black. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How has God promised to bless His people?

Numbers 6:24-26
"May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace."

God's blessing encompasses all of life. We live in his protection, his presence, and his peace. Nothing this world offers can compare in scope or duration with the blessing of God.

Can we do things that affect how much God blesses us?

Psalm 84:11
"The Lord God is our light and protector He gives us grace and glory. No good thing will the Lord withhold from those who do what is right."

God promises to bless those who do what is right; he doesn't extend the same promise to those who don't do what is right.

Proverbs 19:17
"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord-and he will repay you!"

God promises to bless those who help the poor.

Galatians 6:9 "Don't get tired of doing what is good. Don't get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time."

When we are tempted to give up, new resolve comes from remembering that God promises to bring a harvest in his perfect time.

I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis (Then came Sunday)