Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Protection scriptures

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! Whooee! My fingers are so cold, it is hard to warm them up to type! I saw a frosty landscape across the street this morning and on the roof of the house which has no trees. While my oak trees are really messy, they give protection to the plants underneath the overhanging branches. The staghorn doesn't seem to be suffering, except from lack of rain, so I water it once in a while.

I went to the park yesterday and was impressed by how red the maple trees are now. It looks almost like NC or TN did when I visited there a few weeks ago. I never thought to take a picture, but I will today. The water is way down with lots of mud. I remember one year the lake was dried up. so it was all mud. A sad, sorry sight. Hopefully, God will send rain again soon, so that won't happen again.But God is good!

I am including some scriptures that I pray every day for friends including pastors-all from the NIV. translation:

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, Eph. 1:16

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
For your struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God , so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand . In addition to the armor, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Eph. 6:10-13

You, dear friends, are from God, and have overcome, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

"No weapon forged against you all will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of you all, servants of the Lord, and this is your vindication from me", declares the Lord. Isa. 54:17

The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble. He cares for you, who trusts in Him. Nahum 1:7

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work in us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!
Eph. 3:20,21

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Habbakuk's prayer

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! The wind has died down and my indoor-outdoor thermometer says it's 40 outside, and if I don't keep moving, it feels like 40 inside, but, of course, it's much warmer than that! I will be able to sweep off the porch today which is covered with leaves, twigs, and acorns.

But I hope some of you saw the brilliant half moon last night. with Jupiter a short distance away at the bottom! It was gorgeous! I saw it while getting in the car after Faith Group. God creates some beautiful skies for us to enjoy. Since I did not leave the house yesterday, I have not been to the park to see how trashy it is, but if my porch is any indication, the park is probably just as bad, but I am thankful that it will warm up this weekend and be good weather for travel...at least in Florida! God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Habakkuk 3 ( excerpts)

This prayer was sung by the prophet Habakkuk;
I have heard all about you, Lord, and I am filled with awe by the amazing things you have done. In this time of our deep need, begin again to help us, as you did in years gone by. Show us your power to save us. And in your anger, remember your mercy.

...Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vine, even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren, even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation. The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He will make me as surefooted as a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, December 13, 2010

Blessings

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, actually, it is hard for me to rejoice in this blustery, cold weather today. I went out a few minutes ago to walk to the dumpster and picked up branches and sticks on the way. the yard is a big mess with leaves, twigs and trimmings from the trees all over. The trees are really getting a beating! The porch is full of leaves and twigs, also, but no use even thinking of cleaning up until the Arctic wind Quits blowing.

We are in for a freeze tonight, so the weatherman says. I am thankful for a warm house and a fireplace, which hasn't been used for a couple years. Good day for staying in and making soup or chili and lots of hot tea!

I escaped the hard rain yesterday which lasted only a few minutes, but was much needed. By the time my after church meeting was finished, it was just raining lightly. I don't know where the birds and squirrels go in this kind of weather, but the squirrels would most likely get seasick hanging on the a swaying branch today! But we needed rain, so God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

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.

How does the promise of blessing affect us when we are weary or discouraged?

1 Corinthians 15:57-58 How we thank God, who gives us victory over sin and death through Jesus Christ our Lord! So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

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

Friday, December 10, 2010

The Humanity of Jesus

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! A few clouds are scooting in ,but the sun is shining, in preparation of the little warmer weather expected for a couple days. Then more cold, but we don't have to shovel it or blow white stuff off our driveways! So that's a blessing.

Thanks fo David C. my friend and yard man, I have more decorations up inside the house, and the lights are up and working outside. So, gradually, it is looking more festive around here. I have to wait this morning for the wind mitigation man to come and inspect so I can get insurance on the house, since State Farm canceled. But I have plenty to do while I wait.

Yesterday after I got finished with what I could do indoors, I left for the bank and took a ride through the park and saw the chubby gator curled up on the mud enjoying the sun. There were more people in the park than usual, because the weather was so nice. And, also, I watched hundreds of birds flying around before landing on the telephone wires. Just hundreds, every day. There must be lots of food for them to eat around here! I was saddened to see one of the squirrels lying in the street after not making it across the street from my house to the neighbor's. Poor little guy! But they do take chances all the time in their dashes in front of cars! Sigh. But I am looking forward to attending the Annie Moses Band concert tonight with Brian. God is good!

This is a Peter Marshall Prayer from Hymns from the Family of God;

May our prayer, O Christ, awaken all Thy human reminiscences, that we may feel in our hearts the sympathizing Jesus.
Thou has walked this earthly vale and hast not forgotten what it is to be tired , what it is to know aching muscles, as Thou didst work long hours at the carpenter's bench.
Thou has not forgotten what it is to feel the sharp stabs of pain, or hunger, or thirst.
Thou knowest what it is to be forgotten, to be lonely.
Thou dost remember the feel of hot and scalding tears running down Thy cheeks.
O we thank thee that thou wert willing to come to earth ansd share with us the weakness of the flesh, for now we know that dost understand all that we are ever called upon to hear.
We know that Thou, our God, art still able to do more than we ask or expect. So bless us, each one, not according to our deserving, but according to the riches in glory of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Unity

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! Not so long ago, I was complaining that it was too hot. Not any more! I forgot to turn up the heat before going to bed last night and so the house was a little chilly this morning...66, but to me that's chilly! It's still only 48 outside and we apparently had a little rain during the night. Every little bit helps, but we still need more. I am sure God will send it in his time.

I had more running around to do yesterday, including filling the gas tank at Walmart. Yikes! Gas is really going up, and I was very cold putting it in, because the wind is always blowing at the pumps. I really don't mind parking in the sun these days, when I shop. There were a few more people in the park yesterday when I visited, because the sun was shining brightly and the wind had died down. But I notices the water is very low, so I'm thinking they must have opened the gates at the water control near the interstate. But God is good and will send rain in his time!

From my old daily devotional calendar and also the Promise Bible NLT:

"A gathering of two or more brings Christ into the midst. The prayer of agreement, if any two pray and agree, looses the answer.
Being in accord brings forth the power of God."

Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Assurance

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! The roof across the street was white with frost an hour ago and so was the grass. There are no trees protecting that property like the others, but It is still cold! In the forties again. For some reason, maybe age, I just have a hard time warming myself up. I like wearing winter clothes, but not the reason I have to wear them.

I had a good time at the Mari's salon yesterday afternoon, getting beautified and watching her decorate the tree. She has great talent for decorating with lots of interesting objects, angels, Beautiful white Santa . etc. I took her the last of the pie from the Faith group and she was happy because she had no lunch. We always have a fun time together. Thank you, God, for friends to laugh with! Coming back from Mari's I noticed the huge construction site for the new Walmart now has their sign up. That will probably take a year to finish, but at least people are working!
Then I spent time with the insurance agent since my homeowner's ins. was canceled, and that was not so fun. But I will have a lower rate on the new policy and that is a good thing.

I also saw lots of ducks, seagulls and the usual gloomy woodstorks huddled around the lake, and went to the park and very few people were out even though the sun was shining. But as always, God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

How can I be assured of God's love in difficult times?

Isaiah 43:1-2 Now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says, "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble. I will be with you. When you go through deep waters and great trouble. I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty you will not let me drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
You are mine. You are precious in my sight.

Life's circumstances don't come between God and his people. They don't get in God's way. Hard times are often when God reveals his infinite love and care for us.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Seek Strength From 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! , W ell, I left the quilt on the bed last night and was warm and cozy, even though the covers were heavy. It is cold! My temp read 48 this morning on the outside and 66 on the inside. The furnace is working overtime, and I may even have to build a fire in the fireplace! Speaking of that, I saw a couple of carts in Publix yesterday with packages of firewood, so looks like other people are using their fireplaces. Problem is, while I like the fire, I don't enjoy cleaning out the ashes!

I enjoyed looking at the Christmas lights on my way home from Faith Group last night. On one street nearly every house has lights, but the other side of the street has none...hmmm, a divided neighborhood!

Well, I have decided, since I am so far behind, that the most important thing is to remember what Christmas is all about. Celebrating Jesus' birth is the reason for the season, not whether or not the house is decorated, with garlands strung. Having family home and enjoying hearing the Christmas Carols sung and just enjoying each other is the best way to celebrate.

I did get to the Park yesterday and there was the fat gator in the usual spot, sunning and an anhinga and a couple turtles on the other side. I counted only five cars there , because it was cold with the wind blowing! Not even the tourists were walking! Winter in Florida, but God is good!

From the little devotional book Knowing God:

The Lord is my strength and my song: he has become my victory.
He is my God, and I will praise him.
Exodus 15:2 NLT

Where do you go to find strength? The gym? The health food store? the espresso bar? There's a better source of strength, of course, and that source is God. He is a neverending source of strength and courage if you call upon Him.
Have you "tapped in" to the power of God? Have you turned your life and your heart over to Him, or are you muddling along under your own power? The answer to the question will determine the quality of your life here on earth and the destiny of your life throughout all eternity. So start tapping in--and remember that when it comes to strength, God is the Ultimate source.

Great Thoughts;
All the power of God--the same power that hung the stars in place and put the planets in their courses and transformed Earth--now resides in you to energize and strengthen you to become the person God created you to be
Anne Graham Lotz

- Today's Prayer-

Dear Heavenly Father, You are my strength and my protector. When I am troubled, You comfort me. When I am discouraged, You lift me up. When I am afraid, You deliver me. Let me turn to You, Lord, when I am weak. In times of adversity, let me trust your plan, Lord and whatever my circumstances, let me look to you for any strength and my salvation. Amen

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis