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 thought today was going to be calmer in the wind dept. but now it has picked up and is blowing hard again. Since Isaac is so slow moving, perhaps this will be our weather until it moves away. I feel much concern for New Orleans and the people there who did not evacuate when told, since the water has already come over one levee. Just keep praying for them...
Well, lots going on in Tampa, with the RNC events taking place, and the Ron Paul protesters making a fuss. As the old saying goes, "Politics makes strange bedfellows", or words to that effect. Anyway, I am glad I am no closer to the crowd.
Yesterday, I finally went to the Publix. where the shopping was a pleasure, but the carry out man was not such a pleasure. He apparently did not understand much English, and when I told him where to put the groceries, he did not understand and put them in, stacking them up in a strange way. I usually do not have carry out, but he insisted, so I let him. Oh, well, it just meant extra stretching for me , which was probably a good thing. I went to the park later on after school was out. and noticed the high tide in Turner's Creek between 77th and 78th streets. The hurricane must have been pushing the water in, because it was above the culvert tops. When I got to the park, I saw that the water in the canal was up a little, but not much, so I think it must have been draining off rapidly. There were quite a few people there, enjoying the heat and humidity. The grounds crew was there and had mowed a lot that usually is not mowed. It looked good and clean, so they did a good job. I just saw squirrels and ibis, but have not seen the gopher tortoises for a while. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Where do I find protection from the threat of evil?
Ephesians 6:10-18 Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world' against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms. Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared. In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.
This is perhaps the Bible's most comprehensive teaching about the resources believers have to overcome evil. Spiritual forces lurk behind many of our conflicts. Therefore, we should not attack the people manipulated by evil , but focus directly on the evil itself. We rely on truth, faith, the power of our testimony, the wisdom of God's word, and the power of prayer. When these are mobilized, evil succumbs, God wins, and we win.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
