Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Hopping thru Hebrews

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 sky was clear and all the stars were twinkling in the darkness. Venus is still in the same spot in the east, shining almost as brightly as the moon was. God created a lot of beauty for us to see and wonder at.

I took a breezy solitary walk yesterday, which I really enjoy. A few regulars are all right, but I really prefer the solitude of walking and listening. I could hear a woodpecker, but couldn't find him. Looking up helps me to see all the spider webs and sometimes what the catch of the day, (or night) is!

I didn't see the baby gator or Mama, which may mean they are all gone, one way or another, but I did spy a little green heron, intently looking at the water for an unwary fish to come along. Green herons always have their heads down, gazing fiercely into the water.The anhingas are always airing their feathers and wings out on some branch over the water. God is good!

Excerpts from Hebrews 13 NLT:

"Continue to love each other with true Christian love. Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies.

Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.

Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, "I will never fail you, I will never forsake you."

That is why we can say with confidence,
"The Lord is my helper,
so I will not be afraid.
What can mere mortals do to me?"

Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your spiritual strength comes from God's special favor, not from ceremonial rules about food, which don't help those who follow them.

With Jesus' help, let us continually offer our sacrifice of praise to God by proclaiming the glory of his name. "Don't forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God.".

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cooler day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, it seems to be turning cooler!. I stepped outside early this morning and felt the coolish wind blowing , and saw the sky filled with sparkling stars. Venus is still twinkling brightly in the east and I think the big dipper, (I am not sure of my astronomy), but, anyway, it was a glorious sky. To quote Gloria Gaither, "He spangled the night with stars."

I enjoyed a cooler walk yesterday, also. I stopped at the first covered shelter and watched as little bubbles and ripples kept appearing. I was hoping to see maybe an otter, but nothing showed up, not even a turtle.

I walked on out to the tower and really enjoyed the wonderful breeze...no baby gators, not even the gallinules were around, but a quiet peaceful place. God is good!

From the NLT:

Psalm 138
I give you thanks, O Lord, with all my heart,
I will sing your praises before the gods,
I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
I will give thanks to your name for
your unfailing love and faithfulness,
because your promises are backed
by all the honor of your name.
When I pray, you answer me;
You encourage me by giving me the
strength I need.

Every king in all the earth will give you thanks, O Lord,
for all of them will hear your words.
Yes, they will sing about the Lord's ways,
for the glory of the Lord is very great.
Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
but he keeps his distance from the proud.

Though I am surrounded by troubles,
you will preserve me against the anger of my enemies.
You will clench your fists against my angry enemies!
Your power will save me.
The Lord will work out his plans for my life-
for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever.
Don't abandon me, for you made me.


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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 8, 2007

Crisis

Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the October day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I know some of you are off work on Columbus day, but others have to face the Monday chores as usual, so count your blessings that you have work to do!

When I stepped outside in the darkness this morning, I saw no moon, so I guess it has left us for awhile, but the strong breeze was still blowing. This is a very warm October, so far. Wonder what God has in mind?

We had our huge oak trees trimmed Friday and more sun is shining on the front yard. What a difference it makes in the light!

I didn't walk Friday because of the trimmers expected, so didn't get to check on the baby. We did ride through the Park, and the sidewalk is all finished and the grass is newly mowed. It looked so neat and peaceful. God is good!

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Shouldn't those who believe in God be free from crisis?

John 16:32 "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".

Crisis should not surprise us. We expect crisis and difficulty because we live in a fallen world. Jesus' warning keeps us from panic, and his promise of victory keeps us from discouragement.

Psalm 46:1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam, Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!"

Nothing in this world is stable or safe. We can find no lasting shelter apart from the Lord. When we rely on him, though everything else is shaken, our faith never will be."

Psalm 50:15 "Trust me in your times of trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory."

God promises to rescue us for our own welfare and for his glory.

What happens to us through times of crisis?

Romans 5:3-4 "We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."

God's transforming power often touches the most deeply in times of crisis. Times of crisis can strengthen our character.

2 Corinthians 12:10 "Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Spiritual strength can grow from physical weakness.Being physically weak teaches us that we cannot rely on our own strength to see us through-we need God's strength.

1 Peter 1:6-7 "Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that is is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire test and purifies gold-and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world."

Times of crisis are like a fire that refines, like a knife that prunes, like a wind that sifts the wheat from the chaff. Ask God for the strength to hold on and for the strength to let go of ungodly things. Look for the joy that waits on the other side of the trial.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Friday, October 5, 2007

Endurance and perseverance

Good morning Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the partially overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! We had a wonderful thunderstorm that poured rain for about an hour last night! We really needed the rain and God supplied!

This morning as I stepped outside where everything was wet, I was struck by the brightness of the crescent moon and Venus, both in the eastern sky! Lovely!

Yesterday, was not so cool for my walk, but better than a month ago. The maple leaves are starting to turn color and fall on the boardwalk and soon the leaves will be falling off the other trees. We do have our seasons in Florida, although not as vividly as the northern states.

I was surprised and pleased to see a baby gator at the edge of the shrubbery, just wriggling and turning around all by itself. That's why Mama has not given up! As long as there is one baby, she will be on guard, although she wasn't visible yesterday. I've learned she could still be under the water.

From the Promise Bible NLT:

Where do I find the strength to keep going when I'm tempted to give up?

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".

Endurance comes from keeping our thoughts on the promise of the harvest, not the problems of the moment.

What purposes do endurance and perseverance serve in my life?

1Peter 1:6-7 "Be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold--and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. "

2 Peter 1:5-9 "Make every effort to apply the benefits of these promises to your life. Then your faith will produce a life of moral excellence. A life of moral excellence leads to knowing God better. Knowing God leads to self-control. Self-control leads to patient endurance, and patient endurance leads to godliness. Godliness leads to love for other Christians, and finally you will grow to have genuine love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more you will become productive and useful in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop these virtues are blind or, at least, very shortsighted. They have already forgotten that God has cleansed them from their old life of sin."

Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. It cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. Living through the trials and tests of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of our faith.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Explanation

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

Since my old computer died, you did not get a devotional from me, but my computer friend, Gil, has me back on line, so beware! You will be hearing from me again!

Surprise! I have an amaryllis blooming! This is rushing the season for them, because they don't usually bloom until sometime before Christmas... must have been all the rain we had last month.

I walked yesterday and noticed the sidewalk seems to be finished, so no dust is in the air. I didn't think Mama gator was at the tower, until I came down from the second level and saw her pop up from under the water. She is still standing guard, even though no babies are visible. Such faithfulness. I could take a lesson.

From the Promise Bible:

Love

What are the benefits of loving others?

Matthew 10:42 "If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him caring for other Christians, as you still do."

The Lord remembers us when we remember others. He rewards us for giving others kindness and practical help.

Galatians 6:8-10 "Those who live to satisfy their own sinful desires harvest the consequences of decay and death. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So 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. Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters."

The Holy Spirit awakens our love for others. We can ask God to make us willing to love others-even those who are difficult-and God will hear our prayer.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Psoaring thru Psalms and Proverbs

Good cloudy morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! What a contrast from yesterday! I stepped outside this morning to see nothing but windblown clouds... no moon, no stars. Well the Lord answers prayers, because I asked for rain, so perhaps we will get it.

My walk yesterday was very pleasant with the cool wind cooling my face. I came across a small tree which had been toppled by the wind and was leaning across the boardwalk. I tried to move it out of the way, but vines were holding it. It was above my head and no problem to a short person. I told Terry about it and I am sure it is cleared away now.

Mama gator was not in sight, but there was lots of movement in the water from various fish and turtles. God is Good!

My Daily Blessings calendar had this yesterday:

God blesses what you set your hand to do as you conduct
your business on a biblical basis and obey the principles of
honesty, fairness and integrity.

BUSINESS
"Do you see any truly competent workers?
They will serve kings rather than ordinary people."

Proverbs 3:21-26 "My child, don't lose sight of good planing and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams . You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap."

Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis

Monday, October 1, 2007

Coping Skills

Good Morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cool day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Yes, I said "cool"! I was so surprised to step outside and feel the change in the weather... a cool breeze was blowing and the sky was clear with all the diamond-like stars twinkling and sparkling in the night sky, competing with the half moon. I wish I knew the names of all the stars, but, that doesn't stop me from admiring their beauty!

God's creation is awesome!

We spent a quiet afternoon yesterday, but my walk Friday was good, because I saw Mama gator back at the tower. She was very close to the shrubs and I imagined, hoping for a baby to show up. I don' t know if gators have feelings, but she looked sad to me.

The sidewalk work is going pretty fast, but still there is dust all over the place. I hope people will take advantage of the sidewalk and not walk in the street any more, but human nature being what it is, I expect we will still have some strollers in the street.

From Quiet Moments:

How we handle delays tells us a lot about ourselves. How do you handle a traffic jam when you left the house already late for work? What do you do when your flight is delayed because of mechanical difficulty or bad weather? How do you respond when the register in your checkout lane runs out of tape just as you get to the head of the line? Can you take a deep breath and enjoy a five minute break at the railroad crossing when the guard rail goes down to allow a train to pass?

Things rarely go as smoothly as we would like, and we don't usually schedule ourselves any extra time just in case something goes wrong.

The ability to accept disappointments, delays, and setbacks with a pleasant, generous spirit is a gift of graciousness that comes from one who has received grace from others in pressured circumstances. Life is a series of choices, and no matter what situation we are in, we always have the freedom to choose how we are going to respond.

Refuse to get out of sorts the next time your schedule gets interrupted or turned upside down. Pray for strength to remain calm, cheerful, relaxed, and refreshed in the midst of the crisis. And always remember: God's plans for you are not thwarted by delays!

Psalm 31:15
"My times are in your hand."

Never become irritable while waiting;
if you are patient,
you'll find that you
can wait much faster.
Unknown

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

Love and hugs,
Amaryllis