December 9, 2020

Dear Ones,

The sun is shining and it is a gorgeous day for MN wintertime. We love our afternoon walk! This morning I did food prep, studied and began to work in my closet to pass on things I don’t wear. This afternoon we are going to Culvers for ice cream! 

Devotions from Judy’s heart

Are we good receivers or is it easier to be givers? Some find it harder to receive and may feel beholding to someone who gives them something big. Others may receive an unexpected gift but feel unworthy and undeserving. Recently a friend stopped in with a gift of candy and a card for Al and me in appreciation for helping her when she was in need. When I opened the card, I didn’t realize until after she left that a $50 bill slipped out and fell to the floor. We were not expecting anything in return and she so wisely wrote that we could use it to pay ahead for someone else who may be in need. But with the Lord, He desires that we be good receivers of His love, regardless of how we feel. None of us are worthy or have performed so well that we are deserving, but the important thing is what He wants to do in us. We read in Rom.8:32 (ESV), ”He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” The Lord desires to give us Himself and fill us with His love. The most important thing is being there with Him to receive. There isn’t anything we can bring Him except ourselves, which reminds me of the words from the hymn, Rock of Age…”Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the cross I cling. Naked come to Thee for dress. Helpless look to Thee for grace.” God loved us in our nakedness, our nothingness; He loved us into existence and He wants to share Himself with us. It’s good to realize we have to come as empty vessels, knowing we have nothing to offer Him, so that He can fill us. We have only to think of Mary at this Christmas time, who was just a young girl and had nothing to give…only she offered herself. She said yes and so willingly carried Jesus. We have to also come to Him empty of ourselves and freely receive what He has to give us and respond in love. Let us be good receivers!