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! As I was having my prayer time, it suddenly grew dark, and I thought for sure, there was rain coming, but after while the cloud moved away. But it is still overcast, which is nice for a change from all the sunshine.
I spent most of yesterday doing little chores around the house, but still have lots to do. I did get to the park, however, and walked out on the bridge, watching the fast moving current flow underneath and then moved to the far end, and spied the little gator hanging among the lily pads. He seems to like to be at the entrance bridge. There was a turtle sitting on the dead log very near the gator, but they were co-existing peacefully. Then I walked to the butterfly garden and lots of colorful ones were flitting about enjoying the flowers. Such a peaceful place. God is good!
From the devotion book Quiet Moments with God:
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, Your heavenly father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
Unforgiveness is a destructive and insidious force, having more effect of the one who is unforgiving than on the unforgiven. A great example of this was an experience of one of the outstanding intellects of all history, Leonardo da Vinci.
Just before he commenced work on his depiction of the Last Supper, he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. Leonardo was so enraged and bitter, he determined to use the face of his enemy as the face of Judas, thus taking his revenge by handing the man down to succeeding generations in infamy and scorn.
The face of Judas was, therefore, one of the first that he finished, and everyone readily recognized it as the face of the painter with whom he had quarreled.
However, when he attempted to paint the face of Jesus Christ, Leonardo could make no progress. Something seemed to be baffling him--holding him back and frustrating his efforts. At length, he came to the conclusion that what was hindering and frustrating him was that he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas.
When he painted over the face of his enemy in the portrait of Judas, he commenced anew on the face of Jesus. This depiction became a success that has been acclaimed through the ages.
You cannot be painting the features of Jesus Christ into your own life and at the same time be painting another face with the colors of enmity and hatred.
If you are harboring unforgiveness and bitterness, forgive your offender, and put the situation in God's hands. Ask Him to cleanse you of those negative feelings and to release you from their bondage. As you forgive, you will be forgiven and set free to live your life with inner peace.
Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement.
Horace Bushnell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Live on Purpose
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! It's another overcast morning, which is good, and last night just before I went to bed after watching the Rays and Gators lose, I heard rain showering down. I didn't get up to look out, but it sounded pretty hard for a short time. God is making up for the dry May and half of June!
I had a tiring workout of walking in Target yesterday. I hardly ever shop at Target, so am not quite familiar with their lay-out. What I was looking for was paper goods, and a certain hand lotion, which they apparently do not carry. Anyway, I walked from front to back, sideways, and up and down, and finally found a Khaki and red shirt clad employee who directed me back to the front left. Sheesh! I should have gone to familiar Walmart! As I checked out, a big clap of thunder sounded and when I walked out lightning was flashing! I thought I would have to drive home in a big rainstorm, but nothing happened. All sound and fury, but no rain drops.
I saw a beautiful white egret at the park, fishing, and on the way out, a park worker had stopped his truck just at the intersection, to get out and rescue a large soft-shelled turtle, who was way out of his territory in the middle of the street. Some construction workers were just standing, looking at it, Probably not willing to touch its algae covered back, but the worker had gloves which he pulled on so he could pick it up and not get snapped at. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Ephesians 4:1 NCV
Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you welcome God into your heart and establish a genuine relationship with Him, He will begin, in time, to make His purposes known.
Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you; other times, God's plan will seem uncertain at best. But even on those difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason; He has important work for you to do; and He's waiting patiently for you to do it.
And the next step is up to you.
In the very place where God has put us, whatever its limitations, whatever kind of work it may be, we may indeed serve the Lord Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a tiring workout of walking in Target yesterday. I hardly ever shop at Target, so am not quite familiar with their lay-out. What I was looking for was paper goods, and a certain hand lotion, which they apparently do not carry. Anyway, I walked from front to back, sideways, and up and down, and finally found a Khaki and red shirt clad employee who directed me back to the front left. Sheesh! I should have gone to familiar Walmart! As I checked out, a big clap of thunder sounded and when I walked out lightning was flashing! I thought I would have to drive home in a big rainstorm, but nothing happened. All sound and fury, but no rain drops.
I saw a beautiful white egret at the park, fishing, and on the way out, a park worker had stopped his truck just at the intersection, to get out and rescue a large soft-shelled turtle, who was way out of his territory in the middle of the street. Some construction workers were just standing, looking at it, Probably not willing to touch its algae covered back, but the worker had gloves which he pulled on so he could pick it up and not get snapped at. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Ephesians 4:1 NCV
Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you welcome God into your heart and establish a genuine relationship with Him, He will begin, in time, to make His purposes known.
Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you; other times, God's plan will seem uncertain at best. But even on those difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason; He has important work for you to do; and He's waiting patiently for you to do it.
And the next step is up to you.
In the very place where God has put us, whatever its limitations, whatever kind of work it may be, we may indeed serve the Lord Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 27, 2011
Protection
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! We certainly had some good soaking rain yesterday and Saturday! Just what we needed! God always supplies our needs in His time. I was escorted to my van after church by Andrew Logue, covering me with a large umbrella, since I left mine in the car , hoping that it would not rain before I came out. A much appreciated kindness!
I drove through the park in the rain, not expecting to see anyone there, but to my surprise, about five cars were parked and empty, so I assumed some people were walking and enjoying the rain. Unfortunately, lots more trash has washed down from the canal in back of the houses, and is piled up against the weir. The water was almost running over the weir when I was there. One lone anhinga was huddled on a board sticking up from the water.
Friday, when I was coming home from shopping, I saw that the workers on the school had quit on account of the rain, so I circled around because the gates were open and looked at all the work they have done. Much has been done and the buildings are up and roofed, but so much more needs doing, that I doubt it will be finished by fall. It will be huge when done. When we first moved into this area, the school was just finished and there were no paved roads leading up to it..just shell. But that was about 50 years ago! Wow! What a lot of changes!
I also saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill pecking along in the lake, ignoring the rain. How beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121: 2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
How does the Lord protect me?
Exodus 14: 13-14 Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
2 Chronicles 20:12,15,17,20 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help"...He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says; do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. God out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"...Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said,
"Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord. We are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I drove through the park in the rain, not expecting to see anyone there, but to my surprise, about five cars were parked and empty, so I assumed some people were walking and enjoying the rain. Unfortunately, lots more trash has washed down from the canal in back of the houses, and is piled up against the weir. The water was almost running over the weir when I was there. One lone anhinga was huddled on a board sticking up from the water.
Friday, when I was coming home from shopping, I saw that the workers on the school had quit on account of the rain, so I circled around because the gates were open and looked at all the work they have done. Much has been done and the buildings are up and roofed, but so much more needs doing, that I doubt it will be finished by fall. It will be huge when done. When we first moved into this area, the school was just finished and there were no paved roads leading up to it..just shell. But that was about 50 years ago! Wow! What a lot of changes!
I also saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill pecking along in the lake, ignoring the rain. How beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121: 2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
How does the Lord protect me?
Exodus 14: 13-14 Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
2 Chronicles 20:12,15,17,20 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help"...He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says; do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. God out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"...Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said,
"Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord. We are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, June 24, 2011
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! The promise of rain this afternoon sounds good to me for this afternoon. We will see if it really happens. Also, the prediction of temps of 92 today is one I really believe! Thank God for A/C! I count this as one of my blessings!
We had a cloudy, afternoon yesterday and later in the day, I decided maybe it was a good time to go to the park and take a short walk. So I did, and there was the young gator in the same spot at the shelter at the entrance bridge. I stood and watched him lazily swim a short distance and a family came with a little girl who was very shrill in her excitement at seeing him. From watching large Mama gators through the years, I have come to the conclusion that the gators don't like the noise of loud voices, just from their reactions. I don't really know if they can hear or even if they have ears, but they just appear uneasy to me. But then, I'm no expert, just an observer.
I also enjoyed the beauty of seeing a few egrets along the canal and a small flock of ibis, busily pecking. There was an egret with neck stretched as far as it could go, under the willow tree right by the canal. Maybe looking for a lizard...It all looked like a calendar photo of Florida! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
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
We had a cloudy, afternoon yesterday and later in the day, I decided maybe it was a good time to go to the park and take a short walk. So I did, and there was the young gator in the same spot at the shelter at the entrance bridge. I stood and watched him lazily swim a short distance and a family came with a little girl who was very shrill in her excitement at seeing him. From watching large Mama gators through the years, I have come to the conclusion that the gators don't like the noise of loud voices, just from their reactions. I don't really know if they can hear or even if they have ears, but they just appear uneasy to me. But then, I'm no expert, just an observer.
I also enjoyed the beauty of seeing a few egrets along the canal and a small flock of ibis, busily pecking. There was an egret with neck stretched as far as it could go, under the willow tree right by the canal. Maybe looking for a lizard...It all looked like a calendar photo of Florida! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Jeremiah 17:7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.
We are tempted to base our hope and confidence on worldly circumstances such as a good job or financial security. But these cannot compare to the promises that we have in God, the creator of heaven and earth. Put your hope where it cannot and will not be shaken.
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
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Make the most of whatever comes
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 am a little late this morning, because Dave came early to mow as I was in the middle of my prayer list.
I was telling him that I saw a young gator just off the bridge yesterday, and he said that Mama was back in her original hole and that people were already bothering her by breaking off branches and trying to poke her. Dave said they will probably have to gate it off if that keeps up. Trouble is..there is no one around all the time, now, to keep watch. The rangers, like Dave, have several parks to patrol during the day, and can't always be where they are needed. As long as the economy is what it is, the situation won't be remedied any time soon.
But, today the breeze is blowing and it is a beautiful day. A mockingbird was perched on the edge of the roof while we were talking and looked like she was asking us where her babies were. Of course, they were the ones that fell or were pushed out of the nest over the past two weeks.
The birds have really been enjoying the bowl of water I have on the porch. They get in it and splash it all over taking baths. They are really looking for water since we have not had rain for a long while. But God is good!
From the little book of devotions; Knowing God:
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 HCSB
Sometimes, we must accept life on its terms, not our own. When events transpire that are beyond our control, we have a choice: we can either learn the art of acceptance, or we can make ourselves miserable as we struggle to change the unchangeable.
We must entrust the things we cannot change to God. Once we have done so, we can prayerfully and faithfully tackle the important work that He has placed before us: doing something about the things we can change... and doing it sooner rather later.
So if you've encountered unfortunate circumstances that are beyond your power to control, accept those circumstances... and trust God. When you do, you can be comforted in the knowledge that your Creator is both loving and wise, and that He understands His plans perfectly, even when you do not.
-Great Thoughts-
Acceptance is taking from God's hand absolutely anything He gives, looking into His face in trust and thanksgiving, knowing that the confinement of the situation we're in is good and for His glory.
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, let me live in the present, not the past. Let me focus on my blessings, not my sorrows. Give me the wisdom to be thankful for the gifts that I do have, and not bitter about the things that I don't have. Let me accept what was, let me give thanks for what is, and let me have faith in what most surely will be: the promise of eternal life with You.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I was telling him that I saw a young gator just off the bridge yesterday, and he said that Mama was back in her original hole and that people were already bothering her by breaking off branches and trying to poke her. Dave said they will probably have to gate it off if that keeps up. Trouble is..there is no one around all the time, now, to keep watch. The rangers, like Dave, have several parks to patrol during the day, and can't always be where they are needed. As long as the economy is what it is, the situation won't be remedied any time soon.
But, today the breeze is blowing and it is a beautiful day. A mockingbird was perched on the edge of the roof while we were talking and looked like she was asking us where her babies were. Of course, they were the ones that fell or were pushed out of the nest over the past two weeks.
The birds have really been enjoying the bowl of water I have on the porch. They get in it and splash it all over taking baths. They are really looking for water since we have not had rain for a long while. But God is good!
From the little book of devotions; Knowing God:
A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 HCSB
Sometimes, we must accept life on its terms, not our own. When events transpire that are beyond our control, we have a choice: we can either learn the art of acceptance, or we can make ourselves miserable as we struggle to change the unchangeable.
We must entrust the things we cannot change to God. Once we have done so, we can prayerfully and faithfully tackle the important work that He has placed before us: doing something about the things we can change... and doing it sooner rather later.
So if you've encountered unfortunate circumstances that are beyond your power to control, accept those circumstances... and trust God. When you do, you can be comforted in the knowledge that your Creator is both loving and wise, and that He understands His plans perfectly, even when you do not.
-Great Thoughts-
Acceptance is taking from God's hand absolutely anything He gives, looking into His face in trust and thanksgiving, knowing that the confinement of the situation we're in is good and for His glory.
Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, let me live in the present, not the past. Let me focus on my blessings, not my sorrows. Give me the wisdom to be thankful for the gifts that I do have, and not bitter about the things that I don't have. Let me accept what was, let me give thanks for what is, and let me have faith in what most surely will be: the promise of eternal life with You.
Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Decisions
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! Happy first day of summer! Ha. As is we haven't been having summer weather for a good while! Well, now it's official. Ho, hum. another very warm day in paradise!
We had a fun meeting last night with our Faith Group, with eating, fellowship and ending with prayers. It's nice to have monthly meetings and see and hear what is going on in others lives. Some difficulties, some joys, and some glimpses of God working in our lives to prepare us for eternity.
I went shopping at Publix yesterday to get some groceries I needed and took some coupons which the cashiers always ask me for, unlike some other stores. I couldn't find a particular brand of cracker and told the cashier when she asked, and she sent one of the stock men to get it for me. Sometimes I look and look and just can't see...Also, I saw four or five soldiers come in and met one as I was leaving. He was picking up a basket because his hands were full, so I smiled at him and thanked him for what he was doing. He was very young and he thanked me and we went our separate ways. I have often wanted to do that, but that time God prompted me to do it. I am not usually that bold, but I felt good afterward.
Then I went to the Park, and almost stopped for a squirrely squirrel that dashed in front of me. They get so bold in their racing across the road! There were quite a few people out, considering the heat and one young woman was skating pretty fast on her inline skates. More power to her! I only saw one anhinga, and no other animals or birds. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
Proverbs 3:5-7 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. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to provide the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
We had a fun meeting last night with our Faith Group, with eating, fellowship and ending with prayers. It's nice to have monthly meetings and see and hear what is going on in others lives. Some difficulties, some joys, and some glimpses of God working in our lives to prepare us for eternity.
I went shopping at Publix yesterday to get some groceries I needed and took some coupons which the cashiers always ask me for, unlike some other stores. I couldn't find a particular brand of cracker and told the cashier when she asked, and she sent one of the stock men to get it for me. Sometimes I look and look and just can't see...Also, I saw four or five soldiers come in and met one as I was leaving. He was picking up a basket because his hands were full, so I smiled at him and thanked him for what he was doing. He was very young and he thanked me and we went our separate ways. I have often wanted to do that, but that time God prompted me to do it. I am not usually that bold, but I felt good afterward.
Then I went to the Park, and almost stopped for a squirrely squirrel that dashed in front of me. They get so bold in their racing across the road! There were quite a few people out, considering the heat and one young woman was skating pretty fast on her inline skates. More power to her! I only saw one anhinga, and no other animals or birds. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What do we do when we don't know what to do?
Proverbs 3:5-7 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. Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
Trust the Lord to direct your steps, even when the way is confusing. God will guide you.
If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.
Some people fear that they are bothering God with their problems. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is looking for ways to help us because he loves us. Our commitment to him releases his resources for us.
When we are overwhelmed, confused, or uncertain, we should not hesitate to pray. In fact, these are the best times to pray because the Holy Spirit can then help us the most. We describe our situation and trust God to provide the solution.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 20, 2011
1 Thessalonians 5
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! Another sunshiny day is in store for us, and as I swept off the porch, I was thinking that it is a good day for VBS which starts today at church. I just imagine lots of children and helpers are filling the church right now...
As I came by Lynch lake yesterday I saw a hawk perched on the wire looking over the water with his sharp eyes on anything that moves, especially small ducks, I'm thinking. I went to the park later last evening and lots of people were there, with children and just those out for an after dinner stroll. Lots of people were looking over the bridge, where the canal is choking with hydrilla. Don't know if it was a turtle or gator they were looking at.
I am looking forward to tonight's get-together with our Faith Group cook-out after a month's layoff. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5 : 12-24
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brother and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful, he will do this.
Dear Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters in Christian love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
As I came by Lynch lake yesterday I saw a hawk perched on the wire looking over the water with his sharp eyes on anything that moves, especially small ducks, I'm thinking. I went to the park later last evening and lots of people were there, with children and just those out for an after dinner stroll. Lots of people were looking over the bridge, where the canal is choking with hydrilla. Don't know if it was a turtle or gator they were looking at.
I am looking forward to tonight's get-together with our Faith Group cook-out after a month's layoff. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
1 Thessalonians 5 : 12-24
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord's work. They work hard among you and warn you against all that is wrong. Think highly of them and give them your wholehearted love because of their work. And remember to live peaceably with each other.
Brother and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to everyone else.
Always be joyful. Keep on praying. No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until that day when our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God, who calls you, is faithful, he will do this.
Dear Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
Greet all the brothers and sisters in Christian love.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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