Dear Ones,
Hope you had a great weekend! The sun is out and it is a beautiful day.  I baked S.F. Choc chip cookies this morning and went to Aldi’s and my exercise class. Soon we are going to Fleet Farm before our walk.  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Our lives are in God’s hands and they are precious in His sight. I was reading today some statistics from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University. They found that only 39% of Americans believe today that human life is sacred and has intrinsic worth. 12% claim that we are simply “material substance-biological machines”. Seven out of 10 believe that human beings are basically good which is not according to the teaching of the Bible. The truth is that we are born in sin and in need of redemption. We are not innately good, for it says in Romans 3:23(ESV), “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That includes everyone!  If by chance, we were all good, then it would make sense to defund the police but we have seen what happens when man is left to his sinful self. Or if we think that violence happens simply because of poverty, discrimination and external forces, we must admit that rich people commit crimes as well as poor people; and others that may be poor and come from broken homes can have godly character and make good choices. I read Dr. George Barna’s words (CRC Director of Research) as he said the answer won’t be more legislation, more laws and compliance, but rather we need a heart change. Our real problem is not bad parenting, poverty, and lack of education but rebellion against God, for in ourselves we are selfish rebellious human beings. Our problem is spiritual and we are all in need of a Savior.  The bottom line is that each person is a precious human being but in need of forgiveness. Jesus paid the ultimate price by his life on the cross for us.  It is by grace we are saved through faith and it is not something we earn but a gift of God. (Eph 2:8-9) Our part is to humbly confess our need of Him and accept this wonderful gift of forgiveness. Then He changes us on the inside and we become more like Him with compassion and willingness to help us others and share His love. Dr. Barna said, “Given the cultural challenges we are facing today, our best strategy is to collectively turn to God, humble ourselves before Him, earnestly seek His love and forgiveness, and follow His wisdom and guidance.”
Challenge for today: Pray for opportunities to share with others how valuable each life is, and how they can know the Lord.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy