Canaan's Rest

Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

June 12, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have a prayer-filled day. Al and I had a wonderful day yesterday as we celebrated our 60th Anniversary. I am going to bake this morning and we have Bible Study this afternoon.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Perhaps we all have had times when we ask the Lord if He is listening to us, if He hears us and understands our dire situation. Of course it is wonderful if He answers right away, but that is not always the case for our answer can sometimes come at the very last minute. We know from His Word that He always hears us, His ear is open to our cry and He answers according to His perfect will.
Recently I was reading David’s prayer written when he is on the run from King Saul who is out to kill him. He says in Psalm 54:1-2, “O God, Save me by your name, and vindicate me by your might. O God, hear my prayer: give ear to the words of my mouth.” He ends his prayer with thanking God for delivering him from previous trouble and knowing he will triumph again over his enemies.
Prayer is powerful and the best way to start our day. It is good to pray before we even get out of bed and invite the Lord into our day. Maybe we have an urgent request for the day and it is good to pray about it; then each time it comes to mind, just thank the Lord that He is at work and answering it, even though you don’t know the exact answer at that moment. Like David, it is also good to remember how He has answered previous prayers of ours and give thanks as it inspires more faith and confidence in the Lord. There are times when I am going about my work, and a memory comes to mind of a specific answer the Lord gave me, and I like to just praise Him again.
What a privilege prayer is! We can pray anywhere at any time and be heard, even when it is inaudible to others. One day I was praying about an upcoming situation and wondered why I wasn’t hearing back from the Lord. Little did I know then that there would be a cancelation and the concern would no longer be there. He answered even though I was unaware at the time. He always hears and answers.
Challenge for today: Start your day with prayer and pray throughout your day.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

June 11, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have a faith-filled day. Today is a special day for Al and I as we celebrate our wedding anniversary and thank the Lord for the 60 years He has given us together. We plan to go out to eat but our real celebration is next weekend with all our immediate family together.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We may not think our words matter, but they are important. We are to live and walk in faith, so our words should not carry doubts or unbelief. As John said in I John 5:4, “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Faith isn’t a feeling, but the most important thing is that we express our faith through love. (Gal. 5:6) The enemy wants to deceive us and get us to put our faith in anything but God and His hope-filled and love-filled words that bring encouragement to us and to others.
It is powerful when we speak our faith aloud and confess with our mouths what scripture says. What would happen if all of us who know the Lord spoke faith-filled words rather than idle words that we will one day have to give an account for? It is better to be quiet than to speak biting and gossiping words, or any words that don’t line up with scripture. Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”  (I John 6:63)
When I was a young girl, my mom had teenage girls over for missionary sewing, rolling bandages, etc., working on the ping pong table in our basement. Once, I put a recorder under the table and then later played it back and we all got a taste of what we sounded like and talked about. It was very revealing and would have been even more revealing if my mom had not been at the table with us.
There are so many scriptures about our tongues; we need to guard our mouths and not speak fearful words. We can fight fear with God’s word and cast all our cares on the Lord. I try to memorize scriptures on fear so that when I am in a difficult situation,  those words will be in my heart and I can boldly speak them out.  It’s not just what we say, but how we say it and when we say it. Our words should be life-giving and give others hope.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to guide your tongue that you would speak words of faith and love in the power of the Spirit.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

June 10, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have peaceful day. It is supposed to warm up and we hope so as it has been cool and windy since our son’s family got here from N.C.  This morning I am going to make meat loaf and do food prep and this afternoon Ann is stopping by.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How humble are we? I have been reading of saintly people who love even their weaknesses without an attempt to hide them or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, they accept humiliations as necessary for their growth in humility. As I first read of this, I wondered how do we come to love our weaknesses and face our difficult circumstances with rejoicing, and know that grace is on its way. We know that God resists the proud and gives His grace to the humble (James 4:6) and so when he sends us humiliations, we hopefully respond and embrace them with a humble spirit.
What if someone lies about us and damages our reputation? We may speak a word of truth in response, but then have to leave it and not continue to try to defend ourselves but trust the Lord. He is the one who judges us and His judgment is just.
What about our health? We like to be strong and healthy, but if we have chronic illnesses, grow old and weak, then what is our response? Do we get angry and wonder why it is happening to us, or do we accept it with meekness and develop a deeper trust in God? Sometimes God brings us healing, but other times our health crisis continues because He has a good purpose in store for us to better serve Him. Our part is to offer our suffering up to the Lord and praise Him however He answers. Teresa of Avila used to challenge the nuns to learn to suffer for the love of God and to “come to die for Christ, not to live comfortably for Him.”
When I began writing this, I got a phone call that Jack, the 85-year-old doctor for whom I asked you to pray in the past and who had recovered from many serious things, is now being put in hospice. They estimate he has only six months or less to live and he wants to go home from assisted living to prepare for his homecoming. He knows the Lord and is not holding on to his earthly life, but is preparing for his death. Al also prays for us that we may have a good death. Let us offer our pain and weaknesses to the Lord and prepare for our eternal glory.
Challenge for today: When you are sick, embrace your suffering and ask for God’s good purpose to serve Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

The Four Last Things

Ralph Martin is president of Renewal Ministries, a movement among conservative Catholics.  I have followed Ralph since the early days of the Charismatic Movement in the early 70’s.  I call Ralph a “prophetic straight shooter.”  He is a catholic theologian, who is a faithful orthodox author.  He dares to say things that many evangelical authors would not dare say and with conviction.  He wrote an article recently entitled “The Four Last Things.”  I want to summarize his article because of its blunt clarity.

He begins by quoting Pope John Paul II.  “The Church cannot omit, without serious mutilation of her essential message, a constant catechesis of man’s Four Last Things: death, judgment, hell and heaven.  Knowing what comes after this earthly life can guide us in it.  Beyond the mysterious gates of death and eternity, we will arrive at either joy and communion with God or separation from Him.  Only by understanding these Last Things can one realize the nature of sin and move toward penance and reconciliation.”

First, Death – Why do we die?  Death is the result of the fall in the Garden.  The fruit was forbidden because it was harmful; it meant death.  The lie told in the garden is being offered today. “You shall be like God.  Create yourself, choose your own identity, declare your independence from Him.”  But the gospel  invites people to be saved, forgiven and transformed.  This implies believing in the Word of God and turning from sin.  Martin declares, “Jesus is the antidote to death.  He paid a price for our sins. He perfectly obeyed and loved the Father as we never could.  By dying and rising again, He established freedom, immortality, and eternal life.  And he gives it freely to whoever wants it.

Second, Judgment.    Hebrews 9:27 declares, “Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”  Jesus will return in the fullness of his glory to judge the living and the dead.   Martin boldly points out, “We scarcely hear about God’s severity, holiness, justice, and judgment.  There should be a constant catechesis on these things.  Christianity isn’t a game; everyone doesn’t get a trophy.  Being a disciple is hard.”

Third, Hell.  Those who won’t be welcomed into God’s kingdom face “the second death.”  This is eternal separation from God. We are given what we’ve chosen, awful isolation, rebellion, anger, hatred, lust and greed.   Martin says “This is not a game, this is life and death.  The Son of God wants to save us, but we need to pay attention to what He is saying.”  Then, even more bluntly, “Do whatever you need to do to get free of serious sin, because it will kill you.  Serious sin will send you to hell unless you repent.”

Fourth , Heaven.  Those who have their names written in the book of life, will hear, “Behold, the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them. and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:2-4).  Relationships in heaven will far surpass our earthly relationships.  In heaven, there is perfect love and union 

I was struck by the candid manner of Martin, who I respect greatly.  It makes me ponder how candid my witness has been.  Reality for all who live here below, involve these last four things.  For me, I have been reluctant  to speak of hell.  Yet hell is a reality for all who have not been  saved by Jesus.    

 

June 9, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you had a great weekend. Yesterday the youth had a fund raiser and meal following the service, including the dunk tank where Pastor and others got very wet! We also had a wonderful surprise as Ethan and Taylor (who many of you have prayed for in the past) came for a visit. She is now 7 months pregnant!!
Today I am going to Aldi’s and my exercise class and then having a DEXA scan, hoping my bones have gotten stronger.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Each one or you who is reading this devotional today has either come to the Lord through a conversion experience that might have been sudden and dramatic, or one that one that happened more gradually over time. Or perhaps you are one that has not yet accepted Christ. Coming to receive the Lord is the most important decision any one of us will ever make and effects how we will spend eternity.
Professor Zittser, in his book Water From a Deep Well, writes that conversion means a change of direction, a new way of life. It involves repentance and a change of heart, mind and direction. It is like a new birth! It happens in many ways and we can tell if it is true and authentic by the results that follow. If it is real, we will draw closer to the Lord and we become more like Him. Some may listen to a charismatic evangelist and go forward at a crusade to receive the Lord, but there is no evidence of a change of life that follows. One such girl in our youth group had an emotional experience, but it didn’t last long as she later returned to her former life.
Jonathan Edwards preached to many in the 1700’s and saw great awakening in the church. He observed the pattern that conversions seem to follow: “a conviction of sin, commitment to live a better life, repeated failures, feelings of utter helplessness and guilt, and finally an experience of grace, which overwhelmed the converts with confidence, rapture and love.”  Edwards recognized and believed people coming to the Lord was the result of God’s initiative and work! If we try to live it out on our own we will fail, but when we experience His grace we are left with gratitude and great joy. Yes, conversion is far more than just an ecstatic experience. When we experience God’s grace in a deep way, we may then respond with love for God and for our neighbor.
We may not have an exact date when we came to believe but the big question is, have we surrendered to God and does it affect our marriages, schedules, relationships, jobs, finances, etc. If we know Him, it will impact on how we love and serve, for we will be known by our fruits. (Matt. 7:16) If you have never received Him, the Lord waits for you to open your heart to Him.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to help you live a life of love and service and share Him with others.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

June 7, 2025

Dear Ones,
 Hope you are enjoying the weekend! We are excited as Andrea and our grandsons have made the big road trip to MN. and John Mark got to do part of the driving as well. Mark flies in this afternoon and we hope to see them soon. This morning I plan to clean the apartment and get things ready.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We are all made up of three dimensions: body, mind, and spirit, and it is good when there is compatibility between psychology and faith. There are times we may need to go to counseling and as things get uncovered in our lives, we see the need for the spiritual dimension as well. Other times we may go to our pastor or priest for prayer and healing, and he or she sees a psychological disorder that could be helped by a psychologist. Both should work together, because like priest/therapist, Martin Padovani writes in his book Healing Emotions, “There can be no spiritual healing without being in touch with the emotional, and no fullness of emotional healing without the spiritual.” They should complement each other.
Jesus gave us His example, for he blends the human and the spiritual in His life and said, “Follow Me. I am the way, the truth and the life.” He is also the Light. We are to follow Him not only spiritually but emotionally. I had never thought of that before. He wants us to get in touch with our problems, deal with them, and follow through to go on with life.  When we deal with our problems, we can grow through them to maturity. But if we run from our problems and fail to use the trained pastors and counselors around us, our problems often intensify. God’s desire is to lead us through our problems, for He always loves us, forgives us and is present with us to give us hope.
When we think about it, Jesus is the master psychologist who understands people, relating to our human needs as well as our spiritual needs. I think of Mary Magdalene who had seven demons cast out of her by Jesus and whose life was forever changed by Him. Being around Him and helping provide for the needs of Him and his followers must have taught her healthy behavior and how to get in touch with herself and bring deep healing.
If you are reading this and have unresolved problems, know that the Lord is ready and waiting to help you face the things that seem so huge, and also give meaning to your life. May we all come to know and love ourselves and experience healing.
Challenge for today: Don’t hide from your problems but address them with God’s help and grow through them.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

June 6, 2025

Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you!! We had a rain shower yesterday and everything looks fresh and green. Today I am going to
make an enchilada casserole and do some food prep and writing.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Have you thought much about how you live in the world matters to God? We can observe the lives of missionaries, monks, pastors, etc. who serve God full-time, but what about ordinary people like you and me? Shouldn’t we also serve the Lord in our everyday lives and commune with Him as we go about our various mundane activities? How can we change our lives to praise God and connect with Him as we do our chores?
Professor Gerald Sittser writes about some extraordinary people that did many wonderful, courageous and sacrificial things for God. But he also asks the question, “Is it possible for ordinary people to be true disciples, too?” Of course! When Paul was writing to the Colossians, he said in Col. 3:17, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” I think that could include all of us that are ordinary believers who want to serve the Lord, as well as the saints we read about.
During the Medieval times, the laity was considered the lowest position because they would be doing secular activities.  Next was the clergy, who filled the middle position and served the church as they lived in the world. Thirdly, the monks and nuns were held in the highest position because they lived apart from the world and spent their time in worship and prayer. Lay people depended on monks for their salvation. Things gradually changed in the Middle Ages as laypeople began to experience a more spiritual life themselves and were active participants in the Chrisitan faith. Many lived like monks and nuns, practicing prayer, fasting, poverty, service to the poor, etc. while at the same time, remaining in the world and serving the people.
Calvin encouraged lay people to use their gifts to serve God in the world and said that all work has dignity and purpose, no matter how lowly. God uses ordinary people like you and me, empowering us through the Holy Spirit to live in the world and claim it for God’s kingdom. Even our mundane tasks can have divine purpose to them and become holy activities. Let us pray as we work, serve others, love all those God puts around us and share the Good News with all.
Challenge for today: Begin the day by visualizing the presence of God in your ordinary life and ask Him what He wants to do through you.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

June 5, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have an awesome day. Al is going to Men’s group and I plan to make cookies on a stick and later we have Bible Study. We are excited as Mark’s family is leaving this morning from N.C. to come back to MN for nearly 3 weeks. Please pray for a safe trip for them.
Praying for safe travels.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Prayer is so important on our spiritual journey and we can all become more prayerful as we walk out our daily Christian life. We might first of all think of the many techniques of prayer and wonder if we are doing it right but it is much more than that, for it is all about relationship. It is not about saying the proper words, but rather paying attention to God. It doesn’t matter if prayers are memorized, said aloud or whispered, but rather that we realize to whom we are speaking and what we are really saying to Him. It is all about speaking from our hearts.
My prayer partner and I meet together every other week or so and we always have a subject or a question to write about. This time it just happens that she chose that we are to write a love letter to the Lord and will share together when we meet again. I find it as I write it helps me say what is in my heart and to think more about my words that I express to Him, which is really prayer.
Before Al and I were married, we were separated most of the summer and wrote to each other most every day. The words seem to just flow out as we missed one another and expressed what was in our hearts. (It was handwriting then as we didn’t have cell phones.) If we want to grow closer to the Lord, we also will want to spend time expressing our love for Him and our gratitude for His gifts to us each day. As it says in Lamentations 3:20, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Every day we can draw closer to Him in intimacy and there are new things to thank Him for.
We must remember we are speaking to God and our focus is on Him. Can we picture Him right with us when we wake, beside us when we go to work? He is with us in the midst of activities, so we can just talk with Him as we go about our day. In I Thess. 5:16-18, we are told to “pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Let us make our day more prayerful and at times just pray the name of Jesus.
Challenge for today: Set aside time for prayer early in the day, also lifting your thoughts and prayers to the Lord throughout your day.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

June 4, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day! We had a big group of women show up last night for Bible Study. Today I have exercise class, Craft time and another Bible study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I love to eat, and one of the first things I do in the morning after my devotions is begin to think about what I am going to serve for our main meal and start making preparations. I love the aroma of baked goods in the oven or soup on the stove top, and even while I am at exercise class I think of how nice it will be to get home to eat our big meal. There are so many recipes online with details of how to prepare them and it’s good to be present to our bodies, emotions and others as we eat and drink.

June 3, 2025

Dear Ones,
Hope you have a joy-filled day! I plan to make Finnish Pasty and go to an appointment with Al and tonight we start a new Women’s Bible study at church.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Joy is a wonderful and beautiful gift from the Lord and when He lives within us, joy seems to bubble over. Joy comes from a deep place for it is not dependent on our circumstances but rather the knowing that the Lord is with us in everything that touches our life. He never leaves us to struggle on our own, but promises to walk with us through whatever may come.
A verse that is on many plaques that you may have seen is found in Nehemiah 8:10, “The joy of the Lord is our strength.” Before Jesus left this earth, He told his loved ones that He loved them the way the Father loved Him and wanted them to be at home in His love. He said in John 15:11, “I’ve told you these things for a purpose: that my joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature.”  The enemy wants to steal our joy, so we must guard against discouragement, finding our joy in the Lord even when problems come our way. Jesus, however, wants us to live in His love and to be completely joyful as He is.
Our Bible study group here at Northern Lakes is growing, not just in numbers but in depth with one another. After a recent Bible study, I got a text from a member who remarked how much joy is in the group. We had just studied the crippled man who was healed and went “walking and leaping and praising God.” The person woke up singing the song with those words flowing through her mind. She has been in other prayer groups before, but has never experienced this much joy and said that others will recognize us by our joy and love for one another.
We can be examples to others when we can remain peaceful and joyful even as we go through hard times. They see firsthand that Jesus is present in our lives and walking with us, giving us strength to overcome. Let us be joyful in Him!
Challenge for today: Go about your day with a joyful heart and sing a song of praise to Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
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