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! We had such a nice, long rain last night that should last us for a couple days. I was hoping it would still be raining when I went to bed, because I always like to sleep with the rain falling softly outside. But, it had quit just a little while before, but the rain was a blessing, anyway. Today is already cloudy, so maybe we will have a little more rain today!
We had our combined worship service yesterday, which means one service for the rest of the summer. It was good to see people that have been coming to the first service, since I always attend the second.
I was so blessed by the greeting I received yesterday...Michael came out to where I parked to meet me, and as soon as I walked through the door, Dan was there to lend me his elbow and escort me to the seats. I felt so special! I still don't know why the special treatment, but I'll take it any day!
We had brunch afterward, honoring Marilou and Debbie for their 25 and 20 years of service to the church and once again, I was assisted with my plate. There were some amusing videos from the former pastors mentioning different things that happened during their tenures with FCC and the "church ladies". Good singing, good preaching, Holy Communion. and good fellowship! God is good!
From the Devotional Quiet Moments with God:
There was evening and there was morning---the first day.
Genesis 1:5
In the Book of Genesis, each day of creation is concluded with the
phrase, "and there was evening, and there was morning."
From the Hebrew perspective, the day begins at evening, specifically
with the setting of the sun How unlike our Western tradition, where
we start our days at the crack of dawn and consider night to be the end
of a long day!
What does it mean for the day to begin at evening?
For Hebrew people through the centuries, the transition from afternoon
to evening has been marked by prayer. Evening prayer is a Jewish custom.
After prayer, families then gather together for a meal.
The most holy day of the week, the Sabbath, begins with the lighting of
candles and a proclamation of faith, then a more formal family dinner.
After the evening meal, Jewish families traditionally gather together
to read God's Word and discuss how His laws apply to their lives. The
evening ends in rest...
Consider the priorities evidenced by their way of life:
1. They focus on prayer and their relationship with God.
2. The emphasize family life.
3. They study the scripture daily, making God's word the
last thought of the day.
4. They rest and sleep.
It was only after a Hebrew talked with God, enjoyed the love and fellowship
of family, studied the Scriptures, and rested, that work was undertaken!
What would happen in your life if you adopted this strategy for your evening
hours?
Is it possible you would find yourself more renewed and refreshed, more
energetic and healthy, more creative and productive?
might the priorities you desire in your life become a reality?
Why not give it a try? Begin your next day in the evening, and wake up
knowing you're totally refreshed===spirit , soul and body---to have a full and
productive day!
Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday and all is well.
- Unknown
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
