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 later than I wanted to be, due to a balky computer). We are so thankful that Gustav turned out not to be as devastating as first thought! God is good!
I went for a walk in the park yesterday, a little early for a change, and saw lots of twigs and branches on the boardwalk from the wind and rain, and a young tree down across Mama gators hole. I didn't see her when I first walked by, but went on to the tower, and came back and there she was.
Still waiting for activity from the nest. More people started coming as I was finishing up the walk, so I was glad I started early.
After I got home, while I was still very warm and damp, I started cleaning up our yard, which was trashy from the fallout from the oak trees. I was drenched with sweat after about an hour, but picked up most everything, so the yard looks better! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What can I do when I am overcome with fear? How do I find the strength to go on?
Psalm 46:1-2 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
John 14:27 I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubles or afraid.
God is greater than the most severe threats in life. We will not be surprised or overcome by trouble if we continually turn to the Lord.
2 Timothy 1:7 God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Debilitating fear is not from the Lord. We can call upon God's Spirit to give us the power to face our foes, the love to overcome evil with good, and the discipline to persevere through our trials. We have been given the power to turn from fear to faith.
How can I confront the sources of my fear?
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.
Romans 8:31,32 What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't God who gave us Christ, also give us everything else?
Fear can come from human intimidation, fueled by irrational anxiety. Both the psalmist and Paul remind us to look not at the mortal creatures who threaten us, but at the Lord God Almighty who loves us. God is for us. Instead of fearing others we can face them with courage and confidence because we know their limitations. We also know our enemies will ultimately answer to God.
Isaiah 41:10 Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.
God's presence calms our panic. God's care is the antidote to our despair. God's power resolves our problems.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
