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! What a brief storm we had last night! Just as I climbed into bed, I thought a prayer for rain and five minutes later, I thought I heard thunder in the distance. then it got louder and along came the lightning, so brilliant through the drapes that I covered my eyes with the sheet. I didn't hear any rain, though, even though the crashes sounded right over the house. So, when I got up this morning I looked out and could see a small patch of moisture on the porch and my poinsettia plant was blown over, with some large twigs in the yard. So the storm was pretty fierce, but not much rain with it. Well, God did answer prayer, so He is still in control of the elements!
I returned some things yesterday that I had shopped for Tuesday, and then came home and vacuumed and tried to drink lots of water and stay cool. The heat index was 102 and that is hot!! When I went to the park later on, I saw a man, who must be living in his car, which looks like a fairly late model nice vehicle,unloading a lot of bags onto a picnic table under a pine tree. I have seen him there before and wondered about him. The car is packed full front and back with bags, that's why I think he is living in it...makes me thankful for God's provision. There weren't a lot of people out, I think because of the heat, but it is always peaceful in the park .God is good!
1 Corinthians 3:5... NLT
Who is Apollos and who is Paul, that we should be the cause of such quarrels? Why, we're only servants . Through us God caused you to believe. Each of us did the work the Lord gave us. My job was to plant the seed in your hearts and Apollos watered it, but it was God, not we, who made it grow. The ones who do the planting or watering aren't important, but God is important because he is the one who makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work as a team with the same purpose. Yet they will be rewarded individually, according to their own hard work. We work together as partners who belong to God. You are God's field, God's building, not ours ....But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgement day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames....
So don't take pride in following a particular leader. Everything belongs to you. Paul and Apollos and Peter; the whole world and life and death; the present and the future. Everything belongs to you, and you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to God.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wisdom
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 hazy morning, but warm and probably sunshine before long. The wind is blowing, so at least, there is air stirring. The A/C just keeps pumping out the cool air, and that is fine with me!
I did a little shopping yesterday, and was glad for the exercise. Then I went to the park and saw a few more people than I expected, but it was later in the day. Babies in strollers with Mom getting exercise pushing, and more people walking dogs. I had to wait for a flock of ibis to cross the street, and, of course, the squirrels were busy racing back and forth. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I did a little shopping yesterday, and was glad for the exercise. Then I went to the park and saw a few more people than I expected, but it was later in the day. Babies in strollers with Mom getting exercise pushing, and more people walking dogs. I had to wait for a flock of ibis to cross the street, and, of course, the squirrels were busy racing back and forth. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all powerful, all-knowing God has designed a moral universe with consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what we know, but who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
The Stranger's Voice
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 beautiful day much like yesterday, except the sky is rather hazy today and there is a good, warm breeze blowing.
Yesterday, as I rounded Lynch Lake, I saw a roseate spoonbill, (my favorite), a woodstork, and moorhens and a couple other water fowl. I am always so excited when I see a spoonbill...their colors are so beautiful, and they are not even aware of it! The peacock may strut his colors and flaunt them with a spread tail, but I think the pink is just beautiful!
I stopped at the weir gate as I was driving out of the park later on, just to watch a huge hawk, sitting on the ground. I looked at him and he cocked his head and looked at me, turning his head and just watching. Don't you know, I totally forgot I had my camera in the van so I didn't get a photo of him! He had fuzzy legs, so when I got home I looked up hawks in the Peterson guidebook, but I am still puzzzled as to what kind of hawk he was. He took off for a nearby tree so I could see a tremendous wingspan. He wasn't very pretty, but he was big! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: But the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4 KJV
Some years ago at a resort area along the East Coast, a small community was having an open town meeting about some financial problems they were facing. Among the two dozen or more in attendance was one man no one recognized--a visitor who had apparently dropped in for the meeting. The discussion focused on the desperate state of the town's coffers and on possible ways to raise funds.
During the discussion, the stranger attempted several times to make a comment about various projects being considered, but each time he was interrupted. Eventually, he quit trying and left the hall.
Just as the unknown visitor exited, someone arriving late came into the hall. Out of breath from hurrying, the latecomer asked," What was he doing here? Is he going to help us?"
The rest asked, "Who are you talking about?"
He said, "You mean you don't know? That was John D. Rockefeller who just left the hall. His yacht is in our harbor. Didn't you get his help?"
In despair someone replied, "No, we didn't get his help. We didn't know who he was."
This true story illustrates two key points:
1. Good manners will always have their rewards and rudeness its price.
2. We may become so busy trying to find the solution to a problem that we drown out the voice of the Master who has all solutions among His vast resources.
When you are faced with a difficult problem, listen first to what Jesus says to you. No other opinion or solutiion can ever yield more positive results than His!
A problem is an opportunity to prove God.
Bertha Munro
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Yesterday, as I rounded Lynch Lake, I saw a roseate spoonbill, (my favorite), a woodstork, and moorhens and a couple other water fowl. I am always so excited when I see a spoonbill...their colors are so beautiful, and they are not even aware of it! The peacock may strut his colors and flaunt them with a spread tail, but I think the pink is just beautiful!
I stopped at the weir gate as I was driving out of the park later on, just to watch a huge hawk, sitting on the ground. I looked at him and he cocked his head and looked at me, turning his head and just watching. Don't you know, I totally forgot I had my camera in the van so I didn't get a photo of him! He had fuzzy legs, so when I got home I looked up hawks in the Peterson guidebook, but I am still puzzzled as to what kind of hawk he was. He took off for a nearby tree so I could see a tremendous wingspan. He wasn't very pretty, but he was big! God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
When the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: But the disciples knew not that it was Jesus.
John 21:4 KJV
Some years ago at a resort area along the East Coast, a small community was having an open town meeting about some financial problems they were facing. Among the two dozen or more in attendance was one man no one recognized--a visitor who had apparently dropped in for the meeting. The discussion focused on the desperate state of the town's coffers and on possible ways to raise funds.
During the discussion, the stranger attempted several times to make a comment about various projects being considered, but each time he was interrupted. Eventually, he quit trying and left the hall.
Just as the unknown visitor exited, someone arriving late came into the hall. Out of breath from hurrying, the latecomer asked," What was he doing here? Is he going to help us?"
The rest asked, "Who are you talking about?"
He said, "You mean you don't know? That was John D. Rockefeller who just left the hall. His yacht is in our harbor. Didn't you get his help?"
In despair someone replied, "No, we didn't get his help. We didn't know who he was."
This true story illustrates two key points:
1. Good manners will always have their rewards and rudeness its price.
2. We may become so busy trying to find the solution to a problem that we drown out the voice of the Master who has all solutions among His vast resources.
When you are faced with a difficult problem, listen first to what Jesus says to you. No other opinion or solutiion can ever yield more positive results than His!
A problem is an opportunity to prove God.
Bertha Munro
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Monday, June 13, 2011
Landscapes
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 went out to rescue the dumpster and pull it back up the driveway, it was very warm and humid already. I have a feeling it will not get better as the day goes on, but this is my city and I think of the days when I was growing up and no one had A/C. We used to go to the movies to get cool. For a dime admission, we got a double feature, a cliff hanger, cartoon, and newsreel. Those were the days!
I accomplished some goals over the weekend...Brian came over and took down some sheers, so I could wash them, and then came back so they could be hung back up. Nice to have clean curtains! I also did some more closet cleaning out. Next to tackle all the drawers that are overcrowded with keepsakes and stuff. Maybe in my lifetime that is left, I will get that done!
The subject today is "Landscapes" and I have been admiring the lawns in my neighborhood that always have flowers, and are well groomed. Obviously, the owners love working outside and cultivating beauty, and it pays off! I used to do that, but am not able to do that any more.
I noticed the gnarly, twisted limbs of the oak trees at the park and the gray, hanging moss swaying in the breeze yesterday. Not much is blooming this time of year, except the butterfly bushes. Speaking of that. my beauty berry bush is just about to have lots of purple berries on it. The birds love that! That's how it started; from a seed a bird dropped, and now it is really big. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB
The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common. Their work is so admired that friends and neighbors drive by, take pictures, and try to copy what these talented landscape artists create.
Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. They express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all the effort to create.
Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, invest in the necessary materials, feed and water the garden plants, and battle the weeds, you can expect a lovely garden. It takes preparation and commitment--and a lot of hard work.
The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
I accomplished some goals over the weekend...Brian came over and took down some sheers, so I could wash them, and then came back so they could be hung back up. Nice to have clean curtains! I also did some more closet cleaning out. Next to tackle all the drawers that are overcrowded with keepsakes and stuff. Maybe in my lifetime that is left, I will get that done!
The subject today is "Landscapes" and I have been admiring the lawns in my neighborhood that always have flowers, and are well groomed. Obviously, the owners love working outside and cultivating beauty, and it pays off! I used to do that, but am not able to do that any more.
I noticed the gnarly, twisted limbs of the oak trees at the park and the gray, hanging moss swaying in the breeze yesterday. Not much is blooming this time of year, except the butterfly bushes. Speaking of that. my beauty berry bush is just about to have lots of purple berries on it. The birds love that! That's how it started; from a seed a bird dropped, and now it is really big. God is good!
From Quiet Moments with God:
My beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB
The landscapes around a home are usually very personal and reflect the individual taste of the homeowners. Making the outside reflect the owner is a unique talent landscape architects and novice gardeners have in common. Their work is so admired that friends and neighbors drive by, take pictures, and try to copy what these talented landscape artists create.
Landscaping is indeed an art, but it is also much more. These eye-catching scenes say something about the owner. They express the preferences of the owner, giving insight into what is appreciated and worth all the effort to create.
Most gardeners will tell you that even though they love gardening, it's still work. It involves investing money, time, and hard work to create the desired results. For the first year or two, a well-landscaped yard requires just about as much work as a new baby does. But, if you are willing to follow the directions, invest in the necessary materials, feed and water the garden plants, and battle the weeds, you can expect a lovely garden. It takes preparation and commitment--and a lot of hard work.
The way we live our physical lives also expresses who we are and what we appreciate. It takes preparation, the nourishment of the Word, and constant attention to the weeds in our daily lives in order to create a beautiful and satisfying spiritual landscape.
One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.
James Russell Lowell
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Discouraged?
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 heard thunder close by last night, but while it rained enough to rain out the SPHS graduation, we did not get any around here. Although I did pray for rain, I did not tell God where to direct it. Guess I had better be more specific!
Dave, my yard man, was over yesterday morning, and got the rest of the podocarpus trimmed, so that's done for another year. Now, he will start on the fence which is falling down in a section in the back yard. There is always something to do around the house. I guess painting room by room is next!
After Dave left, I did some more cleaning out of my closet. Got half done, now on to the other end. I read that if you want something new, go shopping in your closet. This is true, as I find things I had not worn in years! So the old becomes new. But I still have not found my Deal's Gap shirt that I bought last Oct. when I was in TN. It has to be someplace!
When I tired of cleaning out, I took a drive to the park, and was surprised to see so many patrons visiting, even though it was hot. The usual anhingas were drying out and a great white egret was fishing intently, but otherwise, all was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Even the most devout Christians can become discouraged, and you are no exception. After all, you live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher.
If you find yourself enduring difficult circumstances, don't lose hope. If you face uncertainties about the future, don't become anxious. And if you become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, don't despair. Instead, lift your thoughts and prayers to your Heavenly Father. He is a God of possiblility, not negativity. You can be sure that He will guide you through your difficulties and beyond them...far beyond.
So here's the moral to the story: God is always with you. He's going to protect you, and because He is always faithful, you can live courageously today and every day of your life.
-Great Thoughts-
The most profane word we use is "hopeless". When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.
Kathy Trocccoli
It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, when I am discouraged, give me perspective and faith. When I am weak, give me strength. When I am fearful, give me courage for the day ahead. I will trust in Your promises, Father, and I will live with the assurance that You are with me not only for this day, but also throughoiut all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Dave, my yard man, was over yesterday morning, and got the rest of the podocarpus trimmed, so that's done for another year. Now, he will start on the fence which is falling down in a section in the back yard. There is always something to do around the house. I guess painting room by room is next!
After Dave left, I did some more cleaning out of my closet. Got half done, now on to the other end. I read that if you want something new, go shopping in your closet. This is true, as I find things I had not worn in years! So the old becomes new. But I still have not found my Deal's Gap shirt that I bought last Oct. when I was in TN. It has to be someplace!
When I tired of cleaning out, I took a drive to the park, and was surprised to see so many patrons visiting, even though it was hot. The usual anhingas were drying out and a great white egret was fishing intently, but otherwise, all was quiet and peaceful. God is good!
From the little devotional book, Knowing God
Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
Even the most devout Christians can become discouraged, and you are no exception. After all, you live in a world where expectations can be high and demands can be even higher.
If you find yourself enduring difficult circumstances, don't lose hope. If you face uncertainties about the future, don't become anxious. And if you become discouraged with the direction of your day or your life, don't despair. Instead, lift your thoughts and prayers to your Heavenly Father. He is a God of possiblility, not negativity. You can be sure that He will guide you through your difficulties and beyond them...far beyond.
So here's the moral to the story: God is always with you. He's going to protect you, and because He is always faithful, you can live courageously today and every day of your life.
-Great Thoughts-
The most profane word we use is "hopeless". When you say a situation or person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.
Kathy Trocccoli
It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his helper is omnipotent.
Jeremy Taylor
-Today's Prayer-
Dear Lord, when I am discouraged, give me perspective and faith. When I am weak, give me strength. When I am fearful, give me courage for the day ahead. I will trust in Your promises, Father, and I will live with the assurance that You are with me not only for this day, but also throughoiut all eternity. Amen
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wisdom from Proverbs
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 sunny, dry day, so I am praying for rain, since my pump is worn out, so I can't sprinkle with well water, and I will not use city water. Well, God always takes care of my needs, so I wait and depend on Him.
I took the van in for an oil change yesterday morning, reading a little more of my Jan Karon book while I waited and then went to Walmart for gas. I was pleased to see that it had gone down again. Still too high, but every little downward spiral helps. I drove into the park on the way back and saw several anhingas drying out around the weir and a great, gray heron standing in the canal. No sign of the moorhen family... Squirrels can be so cute, pesky sometimes, but curious. One of them was almost sitting on a wheelchair ramp that was on the pavement in back of a car. He was standing up and looking very much like he wanted to ask someone what that thing was. They climb under cars and up on the tires, checking out everything.
I started typing my devotional after I got home, but as I was in the middle of the scripture, something happened and it all disappeared! I must have hit a wrong key, but by that time, it was later in the morning, so I gave up, even though I was writing about "persistence". :o) So much for paying attention to what I write.. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2:1-11
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
I took the van in for an oil change yesterday morning, reading a little more of my Jan Karon book while I waited and then went to Walmart for gas. I was pleased to see that it had gone down again. Still too high, but every little downward spiral helps. I drove into the park on the way back and saw several anhingas drying out around the weir and a great, gray heron standing in the canal. No sign of the moorhen family... Squirrels can be so cute, pesky sometimes, but curious. One of them was almost sitting on a wheelchair ramp that was on the pavement in back of a car. He was standing up and looking very much like he wanted to ask someone what that thing was. They climb under cars and up on the tires, checking out everything.
I started typing my devotional after I got home, but as I was in the middle of the scripture, something happened and it all disappeared! I must have hit a wrong key, but by that time, it was later in the morning, so I gave up, even though I was writing about "persistence". :o) So much for paying attention to what I write.. But God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Proverbs 2:1-11
My child, listen to me and treasure my instructions. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs, Amaryllis
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Humility
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 warm, sunshiny day but maybe some rain soon, I hope. Yesterday I did not get out much, but tackled a project that has been neglected for too long. I cleaned out my t-shirt drawer and found shirts that had been in there since 1997..souvenirs from CHIC '97 and trips to Nantahala in NC, CO, and WA. I had a shirt from Sequim, WA, the irrigation festival. Their rainfall is so scarce they have a festival each year to celebrate irrigating! We had visited there when nephew, Russ, was Police Chief of the town. While there, we took a trip on the ferry to British Columbia, and enjoyed a day touring the city, and then going to Butchart Gardens! Unforgettable! It was a good time!
Souvenirs are nice, but I have my memories that don't take up so much space...just in my brain!
This morning when I looked out the window, I saw the ibis already working for their food in the yard. The mockingbirds have also been busy, singing very loudly most of the day. I watched a squirrel taking a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall, and since his head was stuck in so far, I knew the water was low, so later, after something else knocked it over, I filled it up again. Even the animals get thirsty these days!
I saw a great grey heron in the park almost disguised so he was very hard to see against the mud, and a anhinga drying out, and sitting very still. Some people were hanging over the bridge looking down, so there may have been a gator going underneath, or just resting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does humility help me confront sin and evil?
James 4:6-10 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
Pride gives the devil a key to our lives. Humility changes the lock and gives God the key. Humility comes from a godly sorrow for sin. We openly admit that we need God and seek his forgiveness. No proud person can do this.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves undeer the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all yur worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Souvenirs are nice, but I have my memories that don't take up so much space...just in my brain!
This morning when I looked out the window, I saw the ibis already working for their food in the yard. The mockingbirds have also been busy, singing very loudly most of the day. I watched a squirrel taking a drink from the bowl I keep on the porch wall, and since his head was stuck in so far, I knew the water was low, so later, after something else knocked it over, I filled it up again. Even the animals get thirsty these days!
I saw a great grey heron in the park almost disguised so he was very hard to see against the mud, and a anhinga drying out, and sitting very still. Some people were hanging over the bridge looking down, so there may have been a gator going underneath, or just resting. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
How does humility help me confront sin and evil?
James 4:6-10 He gives us more and more strength to stand against such evil desires. As the Scriptures say, "God sets himself against the proud, but he shows favor to the humble." So humble yourselves before God, resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, you hypocrites. Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor.
Pride gives the devil a key to our lives. Humility changes the lock and gives God the key. Humility comes from a godly sorrow for sin. We openly admit that we need God and seek his forgiveness. No proud person can do this.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourselves undeer the mighty power of God, and in his good time he will honor you. Give all yur worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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