Dear Ones,
Hope you have a day full of the Lord’s surprises. Today is very misty out and still waiting to see the sun. This morning I made bars and took downstairs for coffee time and then cleaned the apartment. Our dear friends called as we were not here for Al’s birthday, and what a blessing to catch up with them.  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We never know what a day will bring. So much destruction is happening in our country and throughout the world, and as we watch the news our hearts can grow weak. But we need to stay steady even when we are forced to make major changes in our lives as things seem to be spinning out of control. In fact, we are being made very aware that we are not in control. God is! This is a time of our faith being tested and a time to trust the Lord in deeper ways as never before. I was reading from II Chron. 15 where the prophet Azariah spoke to King Asa at a turbulent time; a time it says when, “no one could come and go in peace, because everyone living in the land had a lot of turmoil. One nation crushed another nation; one city crushed another.” Sound familiar? But it says in verse 4 and 7, “But when they were in trouble, they turned to the Lord God of Israel. When they searched for Him, He let them find Him…..But you must remain strong and not become discouraged. Your actions will be rewarded.” King Asa was encouraged by the prophet’s words and gathered the people to make sacrifices, got rid of the idols, and they made an agreement with one another to serve the Lord with all their hearts.  After they did this the Lord surrounded them with peace. We are in need of peace and God is after our hearts as well. This is a time for us to get rid of our idols which have taken the place of loving and serving God with all of our hearts. We need to acknowledge that we squeezed Him out by going after things of the world and leaving no place for Him in the affairs of our families, schools, government etc. May we humbly repent and seek Him while He can be found.
Challenge for today: Ask God for courage and strength to stand no matter what the day brings.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy