Dear Ones,
Blessings on your weekend! Today we have two celebrations as we celebrate the birthdays of several friends here at Northern Lakes but also the celebration of life of one who was here since the beginning when Northern Lakes was built. We will miss him but comforted that he is celebrating in glory.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Isn’t it a wonderful feeling when we have received forgiveness and given a new slate which is sparkling clean with no marks against us. It reminds me of the song by James Nicholson in 1872, “Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole/ I want Thee forever to live in my soul;/ Break down every idol, cast out every foe-/ Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. /Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow/ Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” When we repent and ask forgiveness of the wrongs we have done, it is a wonderful feeling to be totally forgiven and washed clean. It is the best gift ever, and we can daily seek forgiveness because if you are like me, we sin every day; not necessarily seen in outwards actions, but in our attitudes and matters of the heart.

Recently we had our kitchen floor replaced and in the process the workers had to remove our stove, frig, washer/dryer and dish washer out while working on the floor. We were to be gone while this took place and when we came back it was all beautifully done. But I was surprised at some items they put on the counter like dryer balls, masks, dusting cloths that must have dropped behind the dryer and even a broiling pan that was stuck between the stove and frig. When I saw them, it was if the Lord was saying that we have many hidden sins that don’t show for most people to see but He knows they are there. Sometimes it is willful sins of which we are aware and want to remain hidden to the eyes of others, but other times it may be sins of omission when we have neglected to do something He has spoken to our hearts to do.

We daily need to confess our sins for as it says in I John 1:9, “If we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—He won’t let us down; he’ll be true to Himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.“ May He wrap us in His white robe of righteousness!

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to show you your hidden sins and to deal with them, and then to cleanse you and clothe you in His righteousness.

Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy