Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you! Yesterday we spent in the cities at our son-in-law’s mother’s funeral. It was a beautiful service and a powerful sermon by the pastor, who outlined Shirley’s influence on so many people who were touched by her.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  When we gather for Christmas with family, are we united with those who view life just like us or is there quite a variety of opinions. It is not likely we all believe exactly the same and have the same viewpoints on our government, the church, the coming of the Lord again etc.  How good are we at opening our arms and hearts to those who don’t see things exactly like we do. Paul had a lot to say to the early Christians about cultivating good relationships even when we may have strong opinions on things. Back then it was often on what they could eat or not eat, what days should be set aside as holy days etc. But simply put, Paul says “So tend to your own knitting. You’ve got your hands full just taking care of your own life before God. (Rom. 14:12)

   Well, that says it pretty plainly. We don’t have to play Holy Spirit for others, but carefully listen to what the Lord may be speaking to us. Paul says to welcome even those who we don’t agree with and not to refuse our association with them. As in verse 4 he says, “If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help.” (Message translation)

  It is so sad to see families split over differences of opinions, and it is a win for the enemy who loves to see Christians divided. We need to respect one another enough to let each one have their own opinions and not insist they see things the same way we do. One day Paul says, we are going to kneel side by side in the place of judgment, facing God and give account for our critical and condescending ways.
I like to read up on things from sources I trust, and ask the Lord for direction. Of course, the best source is the Word, but we may not always see the exact solution to the situation we are involved in; but we can pray and see that we have the right kind of attitude and respond in love, no matter what. So let us all tend to our own knitting!

  Challenge for today: Read Romans 14 in your favorite translation and then in the Message translation also as you let God speak to your heart.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy