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 stepped outside early this morning, the three quarter moon was beaming brightly in a cloudless sky and all the stars were brilliant. The air is crisp and cool, but promises to warm up nicely as the sun rises. God is Good!
The azaleas are starting to fade in the park and in our front yard, but the trees have all greened up, and once more, spring has come to our part of the world. Seems like there are more herons and ibis around than any other water bird, or maybe I am just noticing them more. The water is higher at the park than I have ever seen it, so maybe that is why the gators are on the move... plus, it's spring and mating season. Anyway, it's time to get out and enjoy!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Will God do anything to change my character, or is it all up to me?
Galatians 5:22-23 "When the Holy Spirit controls our lives, he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Here there is no conflict with the law.
Philippians 2:5, 12,13 "Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had. Dearest friends, you were always so careful to follow my instructions when I was with you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him."
A transformed character reflects God's work within us and our own choices. The Holy Spirit awakens our desire for love, integrity, and responsibility, but we must choose these in every situation.
What does God promise as we mature in godly character?
Matthew 5:8 "God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God."
We will experience an increasing sense of God's presence and his blessing.
James 1;1 "When your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything."
Romans 5:3-5 "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 expectations of salvation. And this expectation will not disappoint us. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."
As we mature in our faith, we will become stronger and stronger people. Character is like a muscle-it gets stronger with exercise. As our character develops our confidence in our salvation increases, and the assurance of God's love fills our hearts.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love.
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
