Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the hazy, dry day that the Lord has made and we will be glad and rejoice in it!
I took my morning walk in the evening last night, and enjoyed the cool wind on my face. It was really windy at the tower from the lake and I noticed on my way out, how beautiful the lacy white elderberry blossoms are. It looks like a good crop, in spite of the rain. The raccoons love to eat them and when they are close enough to the boardwalk, I help myself to a few.!
On my way back, "what to my wondering eyes did appear,
but a red-shouldered hawk, swooping ever so near.."
He looked huge and I was excited to see him. I also was just in time to see Mr. Gator glide in to the covered shelter and look at me before sinking to cover his back and most of his face. God is Awesome!
From the Promise Bible:
Shouldn't those who believe in Jesus Christ be free from conflict?
Psalm 27:1-3 "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger-so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if they attack me, I remain confident."
Evil is inevitable. Because we live in a fallen world filled with broken people, we will find ourselves in many types of conflict. Our focus should not be on the dark forces that attack us but on the Lord who defends us.
Psalm 55:18 "He rescues me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, even though many still oppose me."
While God doesn't keep us out of all conflict, he is present with us in it.
How can I find strength to respond to conflict in God's way?
Matthew 5:9 "God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God."
Romans 12:19-21 "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written,"I will take vengeance. I will repay those who deserve it," says the Lord. Instead, do what the Scriptures say,"If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink and they will be ashamed of what they have done to you. Don't let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good."
1 Peter 3:9-12 Don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you. Instead , pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it. For the Scriptures say, "If you want a happy life and good days, keep your tongue from speaking evil, and keep your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Work hard at living in peace with others. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and he ears are open to their prayers, But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil."
Peace lies in the power of love, not the love of power. If we trust in God, he promises to protect and vindicate us. Followers of Christ know better than to take revenge into their own hands They know that fighting according to the world's way brings even greater problems. We are to practice "the principle of paradox"; bless when cursed, give when threatened, and feed those who would take our food. This principle unleashes God's power into the situation.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
