Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying a beautiful day. The sun is shining and everything is fresh after our rain. This morning I am going to Aldi’s and to my exercise class and then plan to do some cooking this afternoon to take to the Lake this weekend. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Haven’t we all experienced times in our walk with the Lord when we lacked compassion, and felt rather apathetic?  We notice our zeal for the Lord and others is lacking and we don’t feel very compassionate for others. I read about Acedia today from a pastor who said many others, including pastors, may go through a time of spiritual apathy or Acedia and some call it Compassion Fatigue. But it can happen to any of us. I paid special attention as Acedia or sloth is the chief sin of someone with my particular personality type.         
   It may begin when we seem to grow cold to the things of the Lord, and we just go through the motions, but our heart is not in what we are doing. Our prayer life may also suffer, and we are not as responsive to the Holy Spirit and feel almost numb. Pastor Harold Senkbeil describes it as a demonic attack for the enemy loves to attack those walking in the light. If he can’t get us to fall, he will try to snag our loved ones. But we need to recognize that it is a spiritual battle and call on the Lord to fight for us. It goes beyond our own will power and we must use our spiritual armor and put ourselves in His power and not let the enemy win.  We need God’s Word, prayer, truth, righteousness, peace, faith and salvation. It is also helpful to share what we are going through with another Christian soldier so we can have prayer protection also. As we humble ourselves and receive help, the enemy of our soul can get defeated.                                                     
 Today I read from James 4:7-8 in the Message and he said, “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and He’ll be there in no time. Quite dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life.”                                                                           
Let us be alert to the enemy’s tactic and quick to call on the Lord!
Challenge for today: When you notice yourself getting apathetic and uncaring, cry out to the Lord and put on your armor!  
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy