I walked a short ways in the park yesterday and saw lots of leaves still on the ground and a large group of people gathered at the picnic shelter, having a lecture from someone. They were all sitting outdoors, because the weather was so beautiful. The peacock was in his usual place in front of a garage door, to show off his finery, on our way in to the park and two beautiful white herons were fishing in the lake.
"All creatures great and small, the Lord God loves them all!"
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I be assured of God's love in difficult times?
Isiah 43:1-2 "Now, O Israel, the Lord who created you says: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name, you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you."
Romans 8:35, 38-39 "Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity or are persecuted or are are hungry or cold or in danger or threatened with death? ...I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't , and life can't. The angels can't and the demons can't . Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can't keep God's love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Life's circumstances don't come between God and his people. They don't get in God's way. Hard times are often when God reveals his infinite love and care for us.
What does this assurance do for me when I confront everyday problems?
Hebrews 4:14-16 "We have a great high Priest who has gone to heaven. Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it."
Ephesians 3:12 "Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come fearlessly into God's presence, assured of his glad welcome."
The assurance of God's love gives us courage to come to him with any problem, struggle, or concern. Our prayers are never interruptions to the Lord. When we knock, the door is always open to us.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
