Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you! The sky is still overcast and we look forward to seeing the sun soon! The house is full of aroma as I made a big pot of stew this morning; also made egg dishes and wrote letters.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Today is my mom’s birthday and she would have been 102, but died at the age of 88. As I think of her life, I praise the Lord that I was blessed to have a godly mother who lived what she believed. I woke up today wondering what she would have to say to me if she were here on earth now. I know that she would be appalled by the lack of respect, the absence of truth spoken and lived out, the depletion of love, and the selfish concern of so many. Mom was giving and not one to complain; she wasn’t focused on herself and always spoke truth even if was not popular to the ears of the hearers. I think if she were here, she would tell me not to compromise and to live out and embrace truth. In II Tim 3:15 (God’s Word) ,the apostle Paul writes to his spiritual son, Timothy, when he thought his life was coming to an end, “Do your best to present yourself to God as a tried-and-true worker who isn’t ashamed to teach the word of truth correctly” In the next chapter Paul also tells him to “continue in what you have learned and found to be true.” In other words, she would tell me to stand firm in my faith and live and speak truth without compromise. If it is in the Bible, it is truth! She was so faithful to read her Bible every day and she would remind me to not neglect the word but to memorize it and hide it in my heart. Mom prayed much and she might tell me how important it is to pray about everything and not to worry whatever is happening in the world. God is in control and to commit everything to Him daily! Mom had a burden for those who didn’t know the Lord, and I think she would tell me to reach out and let my light shine and point others to the Lord. Time is short and to use every opportunity each day. She didn’t hesitate to go to the Work House with a group from church and shared the Lord with women who were incarcerated. I’m sure she would tell me to be generous and to give to the poor, the unsuspecting, the missionaries etc. Most importantly she might tell me how important it is to love all and to love well; also, not to get offended but to forgive quickly. I would be happy if one day my kids could say that their mom would have these same things to say to them and that she tried to live what she believed.
Challenge for today: Live in love and truth that you may be an example to those around you.
Blessings on your weekend. Prayers and love, Judy