June 29, 2022

Dear Ones,

  Hope you are enjoying this beautiful sunny day. This morning I made cherry cheese cake and did food prep, and went to Aldi’s and my exercise class. Craft class is canceled for the summer but love our walk each afternoon, and tonight we  have Bible study at church. 

Devotions from Judy’s heart

  Do we truly know that we are forgiven, no matter what we have done in our past? Or do we let our sinful past drag us down and rob us of our joy in the Lord in the present. We are told over and over again that when we repent and confess our sins we are truly forgiven and set free.  It says in I John 1:9 NRSV), “If we confess our sins, He who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” There is nothing too big for God to forgive That includes forgiveness for an abortion, for robbing, for dealing drugs, for adultery and anything else. All means everything if we are willing to repent and confess our sins.

   May our pride not stand in the way of truly seeing how sinful we are but be willing to confess our sins and ask for power to overcome.

We heard a good sermon from a layman at our church who shared the story about the Pharisee and tax collector who went to the temple to pray. The tax collector wouldn’t even look up for he knew he was sinful and pleaded for God’s mercy. The Pharisee, on the other hand, stood by himself and was prideful, thanking God he wasn’t like others, especially the tax collector. Only the tax collector went home justified that day.

  Have we ever compared ourselves to others, thinking, “I would never do that! I am not as sinful as so and so!” Sounds like the Pharisee, doesn’t it? We need to daily humble ourselves before the Lord and deal with our own sinfulness. When He shows us our sin, let us agree with Him and seek His forgiveness. 

  But even though we are forgiven we may have to suffer natural consequences at the time. Let us remember that the Lord is there to help us walk that out in humility and we will be given His grace and strength.

  Challenge for today: Thank the Lord that He has forgiven you every sin from the past and humbly confess any sin that comes to your awareness throughout the day.