Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the cloudy, overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Storms are predicted for tonight, so I didn't set out the sprinklers this morning. The Lord usually provides.
Have you noticed pollen on your cars from the oak trees? Sunday I noticed it after church from the oak trees in the parking lot. Be forewarned all those with allergies! I haven't washed off the pollen from last spring from the windowsills!
When I walked in the park yesterday, I noticed the maples that have lost their leaves, are now covered with seeds and many seeds were on the boardwalk. Lots of people were out, enjoying the bright sun and a little breeze which cooled things off. A crowd was gathered at the first shelter looking at an alligator, of course. I forget how common it is for me to see them, and how exciting it is for a tourist to see one in the wild. I still, after all these years, enjoy watching them. God is Great!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What does the Lord promise to those who work hard?
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "This should be your ambition: to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we commanded you before. As a result, people who are not Christians will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others to meet your financial needs."
Work is God's plan for our lives. Those who work diligently experience many benefits in their own lives and bring benefits to others. God promises two basic rewards for faithful work.
(1)having a more credible witness to nonbelievers and
(2) having our needs met without having to financially depend on others.
Proverbs 13:11 "Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears, wealth from hard work grows".
Honest hard work is much better than get-rich-quick schemes. Money quickly gotten is often quickly wasted.
Romans 12:8 "If your gift is to encourage others, do it! If you have money, share it generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly."
God blesses us when we do work that is in keeping with our gifts and abilities.
Colossians 3:23-24 "Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."
God promises a reward to those who work hard. That reward can include-but is not limited to-financial prosperity. It may be the rewards of respect and personal satisfaction or the joy of contributing to the welfare of another.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
