Good cold morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the sunny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside before daybreak, the shining, crescent moon was brilliant in the clear darkness, and stars were twinkling in the cold, dark sky. Then, later, as I took the dumpster down to the curb, the world had turned white and frosty! All the yards and rooftops were covered with frost...it was very pretty, but COLD! The temps have warmed up in the forties, now and it will be a bright, lovely day. God is good!
Yesterday I stopped in the park to take Mike and Francia some lemon cake, and when I walked into the office, it was so cold, you could hang meat in there! Francia said she had told the people in charge that the heat didn't work, so when she wanted to warm up, she would walk to the classroom! Mike came in and was happy to see the cake, (one of his favorites) and we had a chat about the state of the county's finances.
Patrons walking dogs and just walking, were totally bundled up and not many were there. But, next week, we should be back to normal and I am sure some of the strawberry crop will be saved. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do we find confidence for every day?
Psalm 27:1 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?
Psalm 121:8 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
John 16:33 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.
Many of the greatest athletes say that their real contest is a mental, not a physical one. It's the same way in our spiritual life. Our confidence comes not from looking around at our physical circumstances, but from looking to God.
How can we have conficence in the face of life's greatest hardships?
Proverbs 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding; Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
When we rely on God, he will not let us down. Our limited understanding is no match for his limitless love and grace.
Romans 8:38-39 I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and the demons can't. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Philippians 4:11-13 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our happiness rises and falls, but our steady confidence comes from the consistency of Christ. We depend on Christ-not on circumstances.
Is there anything I can do to cultivate greater confidence?
Psalm 112:5-6 All goes well for those who are generous, who lend freely and conduct their business fairly. Such people will not be overcome by evil circumstances. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly.
Following God's principles give us the confidence of a clear conscience.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
