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! Another sunshiny morning with the promise of rain again this afternoon. We had a good rain about 4:30 yesterday afternoon, and once again the gutters are running with water. The grass is growing and everything else, including some more peculiar looking toadstools in my yard. This morning I stepped outside and saw a big one right by the sidewalk and smaller ones near it. They are reddish in color and are really strange looking. I will be interested to see how long they last, since the ones that were down front did not last over a day.
Yesterday, I walked out on the bridge at the park, after two bicyclists had ridden over it and on to the lookout, I suppose. Since there is no one there to stop them, they just ignore the sign and ride on...oh, well. I was looking at the mass of hydrilla and heard a rustling and it was a very wet, small turtle turning around on a branch. Then I heard a "ribbit" but could not find the owner of the croak. It was probably a little tree frog with a very big voice!
There is a very large anole that likes to hang out on the front porch wall and is pretty fearless. I reached down right beside him, warning him not to jump on me, and he didn't even move. He has been there a couple days now. I also saw a hawk perched on the line at Lynch Lake as I was coming home from the library. God's creation is everywhere! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Colossians 3:12-15
Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Col:3:23
Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ/
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Pray
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! The sun is shining and the wind is blowing and it is a beautiful day! Yesterday started out beautiful and hot and then, later, the dark clouds rolled in and the thunder boomed and we had a good rain again. Our rainy season must be here for sure. Nothing stopped the local fire crackers from going off until eleven,
I watched the Capitol Fourth with lots of music, some honoring our wounded troops, who were there in wheelchairs with friends and family. It was a wonderful presentation and a good fireworks display all around the Washington monument. It brought back memories of when Louis and I visited D.C., and went to the top of the monument for a beautiful view of the city. We visited all the Memorials and Arlington National Cemetery and John Kennedy's eternal light. We even got to tour the White House. This was before all the security. Good memories!
Driving through the park yesterday, I was surprised at so few people. I thought maybe it would be full of picnickers, but since there is not playground for kids, perhaps the beaches and other parks were better choices. I did see flocks of ibis, and an egret and anhinga. I had mentioned all the toadstools..well, they were gone, but I had three clusters of dark ones pop up in my front yard. They were there one day but yesterday, I did not see them. Maybe the squirrels decided they were tasty! God is good!
From the devotional Knowing God:
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time;
thank God no matter what happens.
This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
If you genuinely desire to know God, then you must pray....a lot. Is prayer an integral part of your daily life, or is it a hit-or-miss habit? Do you "pray without ceasing." or is your prayer life an afterthought? Do you regularly pray in the quiet moments of the early morning, or do you bow your head only when others are watching? If your prayers have become more a matter of habit than a matter of passion, you're robbing yourself of a deeper relationship with God. And how can you rectify this situation? By praying more frequently and more fervently. God is always near, and He's always ready to hear from you. Do don't worry about things; pray about them. God is waiting....and listening!
God makes prayer as easy as possible for us. He's completely approachable and available, and He'll never mock or upbraid us for bringing our needs before him.
Lord, we pray because You desire it and because we need it. Prayer not only changes things, it also changes us. Help us, Lord, never to face the demands of the day without first spending time with You, and help us make prayer a part of everything that we do and everything that we are. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I watched the Capitol Fourth with lots of music, some honoring our wounded troops, who were there in wheelchairs with friends and family. It was a wonderful presentation and a good fireworks display all around the Washington monument. It brought back memories of when Louis and I visited D.C., and went to the top of the monument for a beautiful view of the city. We visited all the Memorials and Arlington National Cemetery and John Kennedy's eternal light. We even got to tour the White House. This was before all the security. Good memories!
Driving through the park yesterday, I was surprised at so few people. I thought maybe it would be full of picnickers, but since there is not playground for kids, perhaps the beaches and other parks were better choices. I did see flocks of ibis, and an egret and anhinga. I had mentioned all the toadstools..well, they were gone, but I had three clusters of dark ones pop up in my front yard. They were there one day but yesterday, I did not see them. Maybe the squirrels decided they were tasty! God is good!
From the devotional Knowing God:
Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time;
thank God no matter what happens.
This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
If you genuinely desire to know God, then you must pray....a lot. Is prayer an integral part of your daily life, or is it a hit-or-miss habit? Do you "pray without ceasing." or is your prayer life an afterthought? Do you regularly pray in the quiet moments of the early morning, or do you bow your head only when others are watching? If your prayers have become more a matter of habit than a matter of passion, you're robbing yourself of a deeper relationship with God. And how can you rectify this situation? By praying more frequently and more fervently. God is always near, and He's always ready to hear from you. Do don't worry about things; pray about them. God is waiting....and listening!
God makes prayer as easy as possible for us. He's completely approachable and available, and He'll never mock or upbraid us for bringing our needs before him.
Lord, we pray because You desire it and because we need it. Prayer not only changes things, it also changes us. Help us, Lord, never to face the demands of the day without first spending time with You, and help us make prayer a part of everything that we do and everything that we are. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Friday, July 1, 2011
Isaiah 40 :28-31
Good Morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! Happy July First! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! I rolled out of bed to see the rain quietly falling and then a bit of sunshine and now the sound of distant thunder, with the promise of more rain. But I prayed for rain for a long time and God has answered, so be careful what you pray for! God hears and answers in His own time...
The yard got mowed yesterday after I had tried three times to call Dave, and tell him not to come because it was pouring, but when he finally answered, he said he had already done two lawns and neither rain, nor snow, or rain could keep him from mowing. I think he took that from the mailmen (and women). But no rain the whole time he worked, so that was good. He was still soaked because of the high humidity and just plain sweat. But he did a good job, as usual.
I had an appointment with my audiologist just for a cleaning and check up on my hearing aid, and he always asks me if I have been on any more motorcycle rides. I told him not since April. That one didn't turn out too well, through no fault of David's.
After that, I went on to church with some old eyeglasses that they are asking for to send to Congo. After I dropped them off, I came back home and found a couple more pairs which I will take to church. Amazing how they accumulate!
I also drove to the park, which didn't have many people, and all at once, clusters of toadstools have popped up in different places. Sometimes squirrels like to nibble on those in my yard, but those at the park weren't touched, so maybe the little critters know when they should not be eaten! God is good!
From the Amplified Bible:
Have you not known? Have you not heard? the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength--causing it to multiply and making it abound. {2 Cor. 12:9}
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and the selected young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
But those who wait for the Lord--who expect, look for and hope in Him--shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up {close to God} as eagles {mount up to the sun}; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint or become tired. {Hebrews 12:1-3}
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Have a happy Fourth of July!!
The yard got mowed yesterday after I had tried three times to call Dave, and tell him not to come because it was pouring, but when he finally answered, he said he had already done two lawns and neither rain, nor snow, or rain could keep him from mowing. I think he took that from the mailmen (and women). But no rain the whole time he worked, so that was good. He was still soaked because of the high humidity and just plain sweat. But he did a good job, as usual.
I had an appointment with my audiologist just for a cleaning and check up on my hearing aid, and he always asks me if I have been on any more motorcycle rides. I told him not since April. That one didn't turn out too well, through no fault of David's.
After that, I went on to church with some old eyeglasses that they are asking for to send to Congo. After I dropped them off, I came back home and found a couple more pairs which I will take to church. Amazing how they accumulate!
I also drove to the park, which didn't have many people, and all at once, clusters of toadstools have popped up in different places. Sometimes squirrels like to nibble on those in my yard, but those at the park weren't touched, so maybe the little critters know when they should not be eaten! God is good!
From the Amplified Bible:
Have you not known? Have you not heard? the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching of His understanding.
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases strength--causing it to multiply and making it abound. {2 Cor. 12:9}
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and the selected young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted;
But those who wait for the Lord--who expect, look for and hope in Him--shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up {close to God} as eagles {mount up to the sun}; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint or become tired. {Hebrews 12:1-3}
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Have a happy Fourth of July!!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Make Your Actions Conform to Your Beliefs
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! Another overcast morning with the promise of rain sometime today, but it is a little cooler as a result. I had forgotten to take my dumpster down to the curb last night, so I took it down this morning, because the pick-up had already gone down the other side of the street. So, by the time I hauled it down and came back, I was a little dewy on my forehead. It may be a little cooler, but it's still very humid!
I get a lot of joy out of watching the mockingbirds attack the berries on the podacarpus hedge next door. It's right outside my window, and they are the only birds that seem to like the berries. They land on the tips of the branches and sway back and forth, and then do all kinds of acrobatics to pull and twist the coveted berries off. They can even go through the thick branches and come out the other side. Seems like it would be a good place for a nest, with food all around.
Speaking of food, I made biscuits from the Red Lobster cheesy biscuit recipe that I have been meaning to make for a long time. They turned out really good. I don't usually make too many things like that because it's too much for just me. So I invited Brian over to get some, when he called later and he seemed happy to take fresh biscuits home.
I drove through the park after shopping, and my, how the weeds are growing from all the rain! But the ibis were dotting the sides of the canal with their whiteness and and a turtle and anhinga were drying out on the weir. I thought I had hit a squirrel once again...the silly things dash across the street so fast, it's no wonder they don't make it sometimes! But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:20 NKJV
English clergyman Thomas Fuller observed, "He does not believe who does not live according to his beliefs." These words are most certainly true. We may proclaim our beliefs to our hearts' content, but our proclamations will mean nothing-to others or to ourselves-unless we accompany our words with deeds that match. The sermons that we live are far more compelling than the ones we preach.
Like it or not, your life is an accurate reflection of your creed. If this fact gives you some cause for concern, don't bother talking about the changes that you intend to make-make them. And then, when your good deeds speak for themselves-as they most certainly will-don't interrupt.
What you do reveals what you believe about God, regardless of what you say. When God reveals what He has purposed to do, you face a crisis-a decision time. God and the world can tell from your response what you really believe about God.
Henry Blackaby
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I get a lot of joy out of watching the mockingbirds attack the berries on the podacarpus hedge next door. It's right outside my window, and they are the only birds that seem to like the berries. They land on the tips of the branches and sway back and forth, and then do all kinds of acrobatics to pull and twist the coveted berries off. They can even go through the thick branches and come out the other side. Seems like it would be a good place for a nest, with food all around.
Speaking of food, I made biscuits from the Red Lobster cheesy biscuit recipe that I have been meaning to make for a long time. They turned out really good. I don't usually make too many things like that because it's too much for just me. So I invited Brian over to get some, when he called later and he seemed happy to take fresh biscuits home.
I drove through the park after shopping, and my, how the weeds are growing from all the rain! But the ibis were dotting the sides of the canal with their whiteness and and a turtle and anhinga were drying out on the weir. I thought I had hit a squirrel once again...the silly things dash across the street so fast, it's no wonder they don't make it sometimes! But God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
Therefore by their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7:20 NKJV
English clergyman Thomas Fuller observed, "He does not believe who does not live according to his beliefs." These words are most certainly true. We may proclaim our beliefs to our hearts' content, but our proclamations will mean nothing-to others or to ourselves-unless we accompany our words with deeds that match. The sermons that we live are far more compelling than the ones we preach.
Like it or not, your life is an accurate reflection of your creed. If this fact gives you some cause for concern, don't bother talking about the changes that you intend to make-make them. And then, when your good deeds speak for themselves-as they most certainly will-don't interrupt.
What you do reveals what you believe about God, regardless of what you say. When God reveals what He has purposed to do, you face a crisis-a decision time. God and the world can tell from your response what you really believe about God.
Henry Blackaby
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The Power of Forgiveness
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! As I was having my prayer time, it suddenly grew dark, and I thought for sure, there was rain coming, but after while the cloud moved away. But it is still overcast, which is nice for a change from all the sunshine.
I spent most of yesterday doing little chores around the house, but still have lots to do. I did get to the park, however, and walked out on the bridge, watching the fast moving current flow underneath and then moved to the far end, and spied the little gator hanging among the lily pads. He seems to like to be at the entrance bridge. There was a turtle sitting on the dead log very near the gator, but they were co-existing peacefully. Then I walked to the butterfly garden and lots of colorful ones were flitting about enjoying the flowers. Such a peaceful place. God is good!
From the devotion book Quiet Moments with God:
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, Your heavenly father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
Unforgiveness is a destructive and insidious force, having more effect of the one who is unforgiving than on the unforgiven. A great example of this was an experience of one of the outstanding intellects of all history, Leonardo da Vinci.
Just before he commenced work on his depiction of the Last Supper, he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. Leonardo was so enraged and bitter, he determined to use the face of his enemy as the face of Judas, thus taking his revenge by handing the man down to succeeding generations in infamy and scorn.
The face of Judas was, therefore, one of the first that he finished, and everyone readily recognized it as the face of the painter with whom he had quarreled.
However, when he attempted to paint the face of Jesus Christ, Leonardo could make no progress. Something seemed to be baffling him--holding him back and frustrating his efforts. At length, he came to the conclusion that what was hindering and frustrating him was that he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas.
When he painted over the face of his enemy in the portrait of Judas, he commenced anew on the face of Jesus. This depiction became a success that has been acclaimed through the ages.
You cannot be painting the features of Jesus Christ into your own life and at the same time be painting another face with the colors of enmity and hatred.
If you are harboring unforgiveness and bitterness, forgive your offender, and put the situation in God's hands. Ask Him to cleanse you of those negative feelings and to release you from their bondage. As you forgive, you will be forgiven and set free to live your life with inner peace.
Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement.
Horace Bushnell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
I spent most of yesterday doing little chores around the house, but still have lots to do. I did get to the park, however, and walked out on the bridge, watching the fast moving current flow underneath and then moved to the far end, and spied the little gator hanging among the lily pads. He seems to like to be at the entrance bridge. There was a turtle sitting on the dead log very near the gator, but they were co-existing peacefully. Then I walked to the butterfly garden and lots of colorful ones were flitting about enjoying the flowers. Such a peaceful place. God is good!
From the devotion book Quiet Moments with God:
"If you forgive men when they sin against you, Your heavenly father will also forgive you." Matthew 6:14
Unforgiveness is a destructive and insidious force, having more effect of the one who is unforgiving than on the unforgiven. A great example of this was an experience of one of the outstanding intellects of all history, Leonardo da Vinci.
Just before he commenced work on his depiction of the Last Supper, he had a violent quarrel with a fellow painter. Leonardo was so enraged and bitter, he determined to use the face of his enemy as the face of Judas, thus taking his revenge by handing the man down to succeeding generations in infamy and scorn.
The face of Judas was, therefore, one of the first that he finished, and everyone readily recognized it as the face of the painter with whom he had quarreled.
However, when he attempted to paint the face of Jesus Christ, Leonardo could make no progress. Something seemed to be baffling him--holding him back and frustrating his efforts. At length, he came to the conclusion that what was hindering and frustrating him was that he had painted his enemy into the face of Judas.
When he painted over the face of his enemy in the portrait of Judas, he commenced anew on the face of Jesus. This depiction became a success that has been acclaimed through the ages.
You cannot be painting the features of Jesus Christ into your own life and at the same time be painting another face with the colors of enmity and hatred.
If you are harboring unforgiveness and bitterness, forgive your offender, and put the situation in God's hands. Ask Him to cleanse you of those negative feelings and to release you from their bondage. As you forgive, you will be forgiven and set free to live your life with inner peace.
Forgiveness is man's deepest need and highest achievement.
Horace Bushnell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Live on Purpose
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! It's another overcast morning, which is good, and last night just before I went to bed after watching the Rays and Gators lose, I heard rain showering down. I didn't get up to look out, but it sounded pretty hard for a short time. God is making up for the dry May and half of June!
I had a tiring workout of walking in Target yesterday. I hardly ever shop at Target, so am not quite familiar with their lay-out. What I was looking for was paper goods, and a certain hand lotion, which they apparently do not carry. Anyway, I walked from front to back, sideways, and up and down, and finally found a Khaki and red shirt clad employee who directed me back to the front left. Sheesh! I should have gone to familiar Walmart! As I checked out, a big clap of thunder sounded and when I walked out lightning was flashing! I thought I would have to drive home in a big rainstorm, but nothing happened. All sound and fury, but no rain drops.
I saw a beautiful white egret at the park, fishing, and on the way out, a park worker had stopped his truck just at the intersection, to get out and rescue a large soft-shelled turtle, who was way out of his territory in the middle of the street. Some construction workers were just standing, looking at it, Probably not willing to touch its algae covered back, but the worker had gloves which he pulled on so he could pick it up and not get snapped at. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Ephesians 4:1 NCV
Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you welcome God into your heart and establish a genuine relationship with Him, He will begin, in time, to make His purposes known.
Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you; other times, God's plan will seem uncertain at best. But even on those difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason; He has important work for you to do; and He's waiting patiently for you to do it.
And the next step is up to you.
In the very place where God has put us, whatever its limitations, whatever kind of work it may be, we may indeed serve the Lord Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I had a tiring workout of walking in Target yesterday. I hardly ever shop at Target, so am not quite familiar with their lay-out. What I was looking for was paper goods, and a certain hand lotion, which they apparently do not carry. Anyway, I walked from front to back, sideways, and up and down, and finally found a Khaki and red shirt clad employee who directed me back to the front left. Sheesh! I should have gone to familiar Walmart! As I checked out, a big clap of thunder sounded and when I walked out lightning was flashing! I thought I would have to drive home in a big rainstorm, but nothing happened. All sound and fury, but no rain drops.
I saw a beautiful white egret at the park, fishing, and on the way out, a park worker had stopped his truck just at the intersection, to get out and rescue a large soft-shelled turtle, who was way out of his territory in the middle of the street. Some construction workers were just standing, looking at it, Probably not willing to touch its algae covered back, but the worker had gloves which he pulled on so he could pick it up and not get snapped at. God is good!
From the little devotional book Knowing God:
God chose you to be his people, so I urge you now to live the life to which God called you. Ephesians 4:1 NCV
Life is best lived on purpose. And purpose, like everything else in the universe, begins with God. Whether you realize it or not, God has a plan for your life, a divine calling, a direction in which He is leading you. When you welcome God into your heart and establish a genuine relationship with Him, He will begin, in time, to make His purposes known.
Sometimes, God's intentions will be clear to you; other times, God's plan will seem uncertain at best. But even on those difficult days when you are unsure which way to turn, you must never lose sight of these overriding facts: God created you for a reason; He has important work for you to do; and He's waiting patiently for you to do it.
And the next step is up to you.
In the very place where God has put us, whatever its limitations, whatever kind of work it may be, we may indeed serve the Lord Christ.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, June 27, 2011
Protection
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 certainly had some good soaking rain yesterday and Saturday! Just what we needed! God always supplies our needs in His time. I was escorted to my van after church by Andrew Logue, covering me with a large umbrella, since I left mine in the car , hoping that it would not rain before I came out. A much appreciated kindness!
I drove through the park in the rain, not expecting to see anyone there, but to my surprise, about five cars were parked and empty, so I assumed some people were walking and enjoying the rain. Unfortunately, lots more trash has washed down from the canal in back of the houses, and is piled up against the weir. The water was almost running over the weir when I was there. One lone anhinga was huddled on a board sticking up from the water.
Friday, when I was coming home from shopping, I saw that the workers on the school had quit on account of the rain, so I circled around because the gates were open and looked at all the work they have done. Much has been done and the buildings are up and roofed, but so much more needs doing, that I doubt it will be finished by fall. It will be huge when done. When we first moved into this area, the school was just finished and there were no paved roads leading up to it..just shell. But that was about 50 years ago! Wow! What a lot of changes!
I also saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill pecking along in the lake, ignoring the rain. How beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121: 2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
How does the Lord protect me?
Exodus 14: 13-14 Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
2 Chronicles 20:12,15,17,20 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help"...He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says; do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. God out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"...Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said,
"Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord. We are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I drove through the park in the rain, not expecting to see anyone there, but to my surprise, about five cars were parked and empty, so I assumed some people were walking and enjoying the rain. Unfortunately, lots more trash has washed down from the canal in back of the houses, and is piled up against the weir. The water was almost running over the weir when I was there. One lone anhinga was huddled on a board sticking up from the water.
Friday, when I was coming home from shopping, I saw that the workers on the school had quit on account of the rain, so I circled around because the gates were open and looked at all the work they have done. Much has been done and the buildings are up and roofed, but so much more needs doing, that I doubt it will be finished by fall. It will be huge when done. When we first moved into this area, the school was just finished and there were no paved roads leading up to it..just shell. But that was about 50 years ago! Wow! What a lot of changes!
I also saw my favorite, the roseate spoonbill pecking along in the lake, ignoring the rain. How beautiful! God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 121: 2-8 My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth! He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.Our protection is directly related to the character, competence, and capability of our protector. The Lord is unsurpassed in all areas. The Maker of heaven and earth is our personal protector. He never sleeps and never turns his attention from us. We walk securely because he guards our every step.
How does the Lord protect me?
Exodus 14: 13-14 Moses told the people, "Don't be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch the Lord rescue you. The Egyptians that you see today will never be seen again. The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense!"
2 Chronicles 20:12,15,17,20 "O our God, won't you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help"...He said, "Listen, King Jehoshaphat! Listen all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says; do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord's victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. God out there tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!"...Early the next morning the army of Judah went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. On the way Jehoshaphat stopped and said,
"Listen to me, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in his prophets, and you will succeed."
When enemies come against us, they really come against the Lord. We are continually reminded that victory is assured when we let the Lord fight our battles. He can turn our enemies against each other so that they destroy themselves while we walk away unscathed.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
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