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! When I stepped outside early this morning, the clouds were thick and the air was a little cool, but now the clouds have mostly gone and the sun is shining! Another beautiful day in Paradise!
We enjoyed a quiet day yesterday after church. I finished a book I had started, and then watered the staghorn fern, which was looking droopy. We haven't had much rain for a couple weeks, so I also watered the azaleas, which have a few blooms on them. Afterward, we took a drive to beautiful downtown St. Petersburg, and admired the lovely waterfront... saw lots of people walking, sitting at outside tables in front of restaurants, biking, running, and lots of dogs in the dog park near the water.
We also visited Sawgrass and noticed the Vietnamese society was having their yearly gathering under the large covered shelter. Lots of people there! On the way in we saw two peacocks looking at themselves in a window, and a big, fat gator sunning on the bank of the lake on the right. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How can I face challenging, sometimes intimidating, opportunities?
Philippians 4:13 I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.
Our ability to face challenges is rooted in Christ, not in ourselves. With Christ's help, we can make the most of every opportunity.
Revelation 3:6 I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.
We can trust that nothing will prevent us from fulfilling the opportunity God has for us.
How do I know if an opportunity is from the Lord?
Joshua 1:7:9 Be strong and very courageous. Obey all the laws Moses gave you. Do not turn away from them, and you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Bood of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written in it. Only then will you succeed. I command you-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Ephesians 5:15-20 Be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. Don't act thoughtlessly, but try to understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don't be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, let the Holy Spirit fill and control you. Then you will sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts. And you will always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God's opportunities conform to his word. Anything that contradicts God's word is not an opportunity from God.
What does God promise to those who make the most of his opportunities?
Matthew 25:29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who are unfaithful, even what little they have will be taken away.
God honors faithfulness in little things with the privilege of responsibility for greater things.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
