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 this morning, the one lone star was still high in the southwest, but I could not see any others. I don't know if that is Venus or what star it is, but it is a pretty sight and kind of comforting to know it is up there twinkling.
I watched a great blue heron come in for a landing on the canal yesterday at the park. What a majestic sight! His wingspan was about six feet, and he landed at the spot right beside a turtle and an egret. The fishing must have been good! It was so hot yesterday we did not stay out long. I am thankful for air conditioning in the car and at home! God is good!
We have very active squirrels in our trees right now, I clucked at them when I had the garage door open and they stopped and listened, and then I threw a couple peanuts out for them and they immediately grabbed them. They usually look fat, but right now they are kinda skinny. Don't know why;, there are still plenty of acorns on the ground and buried where they put them. Well, they burn lots of energy running across streets and on the lines and hopping from tree to tree!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Are there times when God leaves me?
Joshua 1:9 I command you--be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Matthew 28:20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
God does not come and go depending on his moods or circumstances. Knowing he is always with us can be a comfort in loneliness , a stimulus to obedience, a hedge against temptation, and a source of joy in his companionship.
Psalm 139:1-12 O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my every thought when far away. You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You both precede and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to know! I can never escape from your spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night--but even in darkness I cannot hide from you. To you the night shines as bright as day. Darkness and light are both alike to you.
Even when we feel distant from God he is there. The sooner we break with our denial, the sooner we will be able to deal with the things we are trying to hide and the intimacy that threatens us. The promise of God's presence holds the promise of our freedom.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
