Dear Ones,
Happy Fourth of July! May freedom reign in our hearts for when we know the Lord, we can walk each day in grace because we are pardoned and set free. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart 
Are we living our life with purpose and passion for God or are we living our life for ourselves and our own comfort and pleasure? If it is for God, each day will be exciting and meaningful but if it is for ourselves, we will soon get aimless and bored.
  Those who know the Lord and live for Him experience great joy as life has eternal purpose and meaning. One morning as I was reading from scripture, from Crosswalk.com and from a devotional book, they all spoke of a life of grace and how it can transform our lives. But of course, we have to receive grace, for it is a gift and we know that we didn’t earn it, or it wouldn’t be a gift.
   I love the word grace and I love singing about grace for deep down I know how imperfect I am and how needy I am for His grace. Like the song goes, “Grace, Grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; Grace, grace, God’s grace that is greater than all our sin.” Our own efforts are fruitless for we can’t earn forgiveness, but it is only by grace through faith. The apostle Paul was very learned and steeped in the scriptures and the law, but he said in II Tim. 1:9, “He saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” When we receive this gift of grace, the power of the Holy Spirit is given us to change and to do the works that He has purposed for us all along. His plan for our life is exciting and like no other but we must choose if we will live for Him and accept His free gift to us.
  We see people around us striving so hard to live a good life, to earn the respect of others, but none of us can measure up and we are in need His grace. We were meant to live for the Lord, to love Him and to enjoy Him and bring glory to Him. Yes, we fail every day and that is why we need grace.
   Let us live for the Lord and do the works that He has planned for us each day. And for those times we fail, let us receive His grace and forgiveness and ask Him to transform our lives that we might live passionately for Him.
  Challenge for today: When you sense you are striving, thank the Lord for His grace and live in new freedom.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

.