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! Did you early risers see the magnificent full moon this morning? I was so startled when I stepped outside and almost blinded by the huge brightness of the moon over the house! I saw many stars, also, for the first time in many days. God is the Creator of all things beautiful!
I was pleased to see the baby gators were still at the first shelter, but not so pleased on my walk, to see a man feeding Mama gator cracker crumbs. There was a sign right in front of him, warning against feeding or molesting them, but I restrained myself from saying anything. After I walked out to the tower, where he was with his two little boys in a stroller, I walked on back to the building and told Francia about the incident. We were both in a quandary about what to do, or who to call, since there is no one there permanently any more to take care of things like that.
I described him to her and she went out to meet him coming off the bridge and was talking to him when I left. Hopefully, he received an education about why it is so dangerous to feed the animals. I think and she does to, that more and more of this will be happening, as people realize that no one is there to stop them. Sigh.
Anyway, I enjoyed the walk, but the wind blowing and a little cooler. God is Good!
From Quiet Moments with God for Teachers:
Let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season, we shall reap , if we faint not.
Galatians 6:9 KJV
Are you in the midst of a frustrating struggle? Before you throw in the towel, remember this story about the bulldog.
A man once owned two very fine bird dogs, and he had spent many hours training them. One day he looked out his window just in time to see an ugly little bulldog digging his way under the fence into his bird dogs' yard. As the dog wriggled under the fence, the man realized it was too late to stop him.
He thought to himself how uneven the fight would be. The poor little bulldog was surely no match for his animals. Snipping, barking, growling--tails and ears flying--the battle raged. When the little dog had had enough, he trotted back to the hole under the fence and shimmied out.
Amazed that none of the dogs looked any the worse from the fight, he didn't give the incident another thought until the next day, when he saw the little bulldog coming down the sidewalk toward the hole in the fence. To his amazement, a repeat performance of the previous day's battle began. And once again, the little bulldog picked his moment to end the fight, left the bird dogs barking and snarling, and casually slid back under the fence.
Day after day for over a week, the unwelcome visitor returned to harass his bigger canine counterparts. then the man was obliged to leave for a week on business. When he returned, he asked his wife about the ongoing battle.
"Battle?" she replied, "Why there hasn't been a battle in four days."
"He finally gave up?" asked the bird dog owner.
"Not exactly," she said. "That ugly little dog still comes around every day. He even shimmied under the fence until a day or so ago. But now all he has to do is walk past the hole and those bird dogs tuck their tails and head for their doghouse whining all the way."
Sometimes persistence is the key to success. If well thou hast begun, go on foreright; it is the end that crowns us, not the fight.
Robert Herrick
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Psoaring through Psalms
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! When I stepped outside this morning, the cool wind was blowing and clouds were obscuring the stars and the moon which will be full in a day or two. But the sun is trying to shine now, and it will be a beautiful day!
We had a quiet day yesterday, and Saturday we watched the Gators win and the kept switching over to the Rays who also won! Go Rays and Go Gators!
We drove through the Park and I saw some beautiful roseate spoonbills beside the road. Their pinks are so colorful... it makes them stand out. God is good!
Psalm 112
Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands. Their children will be successful everywhere: an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in, they are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes will 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. They give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. they will have influence and honor. The wicked will be infuriated when they see this. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a quiet day yesterday, and Saturday we watched the Gators win and the kept switching over to the Rays who also won! Go Rays and Go Gators!
We drove through the Park and I saw some beautiful roseate spoonbills beside the road. Their pinks are so colorful... it makes them stand out. God is good!
Psalm 112
Praise the Lord!
Happy are those who fear the Lord. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands. Their children will be successful everywhere: an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will never be forgotten. When darkness overtakes the godly, light will come bursting in, they are generous, compassionate, and righteous. All goes will 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. They give generously to those in need. Their good deeds will never be forgotten. they will have influence and honor. The wicked will be infuriated when they see this. They will grind their teeth in anger; they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, October 10, 2008
Rescue Part 2 (again)
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! Well, the power came back on within thirty minutes yesterday and we rushed to get to the Dr. appointment on time, only to sit and wait for an hour and a half because he was running late. That's the way it goes sometimes.
We drove through the park in the afternoon and all was quiet and serene. Very few people were out... just the usual ones walking their dogs. It is a popular place for dog-walking. Some people have two or three, large and small.
I saw a great blue heron on the way in and we saw a very large snapper turtle, which must have come out of the lake, trying to dig under the fence to get to the canal. He would have had to cross the road to get to the canal, but I don't know what would be better there than in the lake. Oh, well, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why can't we depend on our own resources and rescue ourselves?
Psalm 33:16:22 The best equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory--for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
When trouble comes, our first reaction is usually to try and solve the problem using our financial assets, human connections, talents, and abilities. Though these will all fail us in time, God never will. God alone is our greatest defense. God alone has the infinite resources we need.
Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
There are times when we bring problems on ourselves through our own disobedience. Our rescue depends on our faith and obedience. God calls us to humility and repentance to make way for his rescue.
How does God rescue us from the spiritual forces of evil and darkness?
Matthew 6:13 Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Prayer is the primary means by which God rescues us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil, for we are not fighting against people make of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Though we are embroiled in a spiritual war with this world, we stand tall because we have full confidence in Christ's authority. We stand strong in the strength and protection of the Lord. This faith overcomes all fear.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Go Rays! Go Gators!
We drove through the park in the afternoon and all was quiet and serene. Very few people were out... just the usual ones walking their dogs. It is a popular place for dog-walking. Some people have two or three, large and small.
I saw a great blue heron on the way in and we saw a very large snapper turtle, which must have come out of the lake, trying to dig under the fence to get to the canal. He would have had to cross the road to get to the canal, but I don't know what would be better there than in the lake. Oh, well, God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why can't we depend on our own resources and rescue ourselves?
Psalm 33:16:22 The best equipped army cannot save a king, nor is great strength enough to save a warrior. Don't count on your warhorse to give you victory--for all its strength, it cannot save you. But the Lord watches over those who fear him, those who rely on his unfailing love. He rescues them from death and keeps them alive in protecting us like a shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we are trusting in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone.
When trouble comes, our first reaction is usually to try and solve the problem using our financial assets, human connections, talents, and abilities. Though these will all fail us in time, God never will. God alone is our greatest defense. God alone has the infinite resources we need.
Is there anything we can do to rescue ourselves?
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.
There are times when we bring problems on ourselves through our own disobedience. Our rescue depends on our faith and obedience. God calls us to humility and repentance to make way for his rescue.
How does God rescue us from the spiritual forces of evil and darkness?
Matthew 6:13 Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Prayer is the primary means by which God rescues us.
Ephesians 6:10-13 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil, for we are not fighting against people make of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.
Matthew 10:1 Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.
Though we are embroiled in a spiritual war with this world, we stand tall because we have full confidence in Christ's authority. We stand strong in the strength and protection of the Lord. This faith overcomes all fear.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis Go Rays! Go Gators!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Rescue Part 2
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! Although the sky is overcast now, I think the sun will shine later on, and it will be quite warm.
When I opened the side garage door this morning, a tiny frog, no bigger than my thumbnail, hopped from in front of the door. I have no idea how it got in, but I tried to get it out and it just hopped away. Then I heard a loud bird call, and on top of a very tall Norfolk island pine tree was a big black crow.
Well, strange things happen. When we make plans, God smiles. Remember hearing that?
Our power failed this morning as I was typing this, so I had to quickly get ready for a doctor's appointment, and rushed to get there, then had to wait over an hour and a half because the doctor was running late.
Sooo... I will send the today's email tomorrow.
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
When I opened the side garage door this morning, a tiny frog, no bigger than my thumbnail, hopped from in front of the door. I have no idea how it got in, but I tried to get it out and it just hopped away. Then I heard a loud bird call, and on top of a very tall Norfolk island pine tree was a big black crow.
Well, strange things happen. When we make plans, God smiles. Remember hearing that?
Our power failed this morning as I was typing this, so I had to quickly get ready for a doctor's appointment, and rushed to get there, then had to wait over an hour and a half because the doctor was running late.
Sooo... I will send the today's email tomorrow.
Love and hugs,
amaryllis
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Creator God
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 kinda overslept this morning, so I am a little later than usual.
Yesterday I took a walk for the first time in several days, and was glad I did, because I saw Mama gator under the shelter. I looked for the babies, but didn't see any, so I walked on to the tower, noticing all the pretty yellow flowers that bloom in the fall. When I walked back, I stopped at the shelter again, and this time I could not see Mama, but on the other side of the shelter, there were the babies! This time I saw four instead of the usual three. God is good!
Another fascinating bit of God's beauty I noticed and watched for a few minutes... right outside our garage side door: two burnt orange and black small butterflies were dancing a fluttery, circle dance at the base of the flagpole next door. They fluttered very fast up and down, and continued for several minutes, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a third butterfly joined them and they broke off the dance and flew away. Awesome!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Revelation 4:11 NKJV You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.
When we see a beautiful piece of art or hear a stirring symphony, we ask, "Who is the artist? Who is the composer?" When we look at the wonders of nature, we are often inspired in the same way, "How did this get here? Who made all of this?"
W. Phillip Keller writes:
It must be hard for skeptics, atheists, and agnostics to view sunrises and sunsets. The splendor of their glory, the beauty of their colors, the intensity of their inspiration that comes from the Father's loving heart, are to the unbeliever nothing more than mere chemical and physical responses to external stimuli. No wonder their world is so bleak, their despair so deep, there future so forlorn."
The writers of Scripture also saw God in His creation:
The heavens declare the glory of God.
Psalm 19:1NKJV
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:9 NKJV
God...rides through the heavens to your help, and in his majesty through the skies.
Deuteronomy 33:26 RSV
Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen.
Romans 1:20 NKJV
Can you see God in the world around you? How big is He to you?
To Him no high, no low, no great no small; He fills, He bounds, connects, and equals all.
Alexander Pope
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy.
Job 38:7 NKJV
Yesterday I took a walk for the first time in several days, and was glad I did, because I saw Mama gator under the shelter. I looked for the babies, but didn't see any, so I walked on to the tower, noticing all the pretty yellow flowers that bloom in the fall. When I walked back, I stopped at the shelter again, and this time I could not see Mama, but on the other side of the shelter, there were the babies! This time I saw four instead of the usual three. God is good!
Another fascinating bit of God's beauty I noticed and watched for a few minutes... right outside our garage side door: two burnt orange and black small butterflies were dancing a fluttery, circle dance at the base of the flagpole next door. They fluttered very fast up and down, and continued for several minutes, when suddenly, out of nowhere, a third butterfly joined them and they broke off the dance and flew away. Awesome!
From the book Quiet Moments with God:
Revelation 4:11 NKJV You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they exist and were created.
When we see a beautiful piece of art or hear a stirring symphony, we ask, "Who is the artist? Who is the composer?" When we look at the wonders of nature, we are often inspired in the same way, "How did this get here? Who made all of this?"
W. Phillip Keller writes:
It must be hard for skeptics, atheists, and agnostics to view sunrises and sunsets. The splendor of their glory, the beauty of their colors, the intensity of their inspiration that comes from the Father's loving heart, are to the unbeliever nothing more than mere chemical and physical responses to external stimuli. No wonder their world is so bleak, their despair so deep, there future so forlorn."
The writers of Scripture also saw God in His creation:
The heavens declare the glory of God.
Psalm 19:1NKJV
The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.
Isaiah 11:9 NKJV
God...rides through the heavens to your help, and in his majesty through the skies.
Deuteronomy 33:26 RSV
Since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen.
Romans 1:20 NKJV
Can you see God in the world around you? How big is He to you?
To Him no high, no low, no great no small; He fills, He bounds, connects, and equals all.
Alexander Pope
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
The morning stars sang together, And all the sons of God shouted for joy.
Job 38:7 NKJV
Monday, October 6, 2008
Hope
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, everything was wet from the rain last evening, and it was still dark, because the sun doesn't come up early any more. I didn't even hear birds singing, so maybe they were sleeping late this morning, ;o)
Well, I watched the weather report on the news this morning, and beautiful, golden aspens were shown covering the mountains of Colorado. I saw the green aspens for the first time several years ago on a trip to Colorado. However, the trees at the Park are still very green except for the maples and they started turning red and golden a month or so ago.
The squirrels are busy gathering acorns for the winter, but they don't have to worry about storing them, because they are available here year round. I have even seen them dig up black acorns from the ground and eat them! To each his own! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.
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.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isaiah 26:3,4 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you; whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Psalm 130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord, there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation.
Psalm 146:5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. O Jerusalem, your God is King in every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history, The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, everything was wet from the rain last evening, and it was still dark, because the sun doesn't come up early any more. I didn't even hear birds singing, so maybe they were sleeping late this morning, ;o)
Well, I watched the weather report on the news this morning, and beautiful, golden aspens were shown covering the mountains of Colorado. I saw the green aspens for the first time several years ago on a trip to Colorado. However, the trees at the Park are still very green except for the maples and they started turning red and golden a month or so ago.
The squirrels are busy gathering acorns for the winter, but they don't have to worry about storing them, because they are available here year round. I have even seen them dig up black acorns from the ground and eat them! To each his own! God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I have hope when times are tough?
Hebrews 10:23 Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.
Our hope is rooted in God's integrity and faithfulness. When everything else falls apart we can cling to the fact that God keeps his word.
John 14:1 Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me.
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.
Our troubles do not surprise the Lord and should not surprise us. Trouble is rampant in this fallen world. Our focus should be on Jesus who has overcome this world and all its troubles.
Isaiah 26:3,4 You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you; whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Psalm 130:7 O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord, there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation.
Psalm 146:5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever. O Jerusalem, your God is King in every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history, The Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Success
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 was really surprised when I stepped outside early this morning, to feel the wonderful cool air. Fall is definitely here! The oak trees have an abundance of acorns this year, and every time I see a squirrel, it has one in its mouth. They are always ready for a peanut treat, though, and sometimes I put crunchy peanut butter on the tree. It doesn't last long because the blue jays like it, too. They also steal the peanuts from the squirrels.
I have to admit though, even with their raucous screech, the blue jays are clever about opening the peanuts. They just pound the shell until it breaks and then eat the treat. God is Awesome!
When I drove through the Park yesterday, I noticed the mowing crew had been there, so everything looked very nice and trim. Very few people were there in the late afternoon, but due to a very sore foot and leg I did not try to walk. Sometimes getting old is no fun, other times, I really enjoy it! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God promise us success in this life?
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.
1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.
Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
I was really surprised when I stepped outside early this morning, to feel the wonderful cool air. Fall is definitely here! The oak trees have an abundance of acorns this year, and every time I see a squirrel, it has one in its mouth. They are always ready for a peanut treat, though, and sometimes I put crunchy peanut butter on the tree. It doesn't last long because the blue jays like it, too. They also steal the peanuts from the squirrels.
I have to admit though, even with their raucous screech, the blue jays are clever about opening the peanuts. They just pound the shell until it breaks and then eat the treat. God is Awesome!
When I drove through the Park yesterday, I noticed the mowing crew had been there, so everything looked very nice and trim. Very few people were there in the late afternoon, but due to a very sore foot and leg I did not try to walk. Sometimes getting old is no fun, other times, I really enjoy it! :o)
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Does God promise us success in this life?
1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's thoughts and intentions."
God's standards differ greatly from our own. Success is measured by faithfulness and fruitfulness not by results and quantities. We measure success in terms of appearances and externals, but the Lord looks on the heart. God measures success by weighing our devotion and commitment to him.
1 John 2:15-17 Stop loving this evil world and all that it offers you, for when you love the world, you show that you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only the lust for physical pleasure, the lust for everything we see, and pride in our possessions. These are not from the Father. They are from this evil world. And this world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God, you will live forever.
Success in this world can mean failure in God's eyes. While we live in this world, we are not to be controlled by this world's system of values. God promises that if we do his will, we will have true success.
2 Corinthians 3:4-5 We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God.
Jesus followers know that real success comes only from the Lord.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs.
Amaryllis
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