May 8, 2023

Dear Ones,

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. The youth at our church had a spaghetti dinner after the service yesterday to help fund their week at camp.  I am going to my Exercise class soon and then this afternoon we have friends coming over for coffee. 

Devotions from Judy’s heart

  How does God see us? Do we picture Him as somewhat harsh and ever watching to see if we are going to mess up? Or do we see Him as a loving Father who is proud of us and wants to encourage us and tell us we can do all things with His strength? I suspect we all might have both of those responses at certain times in our lives.

   I read in two places today of what Moses told Aaron in how God was to bless the people. We often receive this benediction from our own pastors but I wonder if we let the meaning sink deep into our hearts. In Numbers 6:24-26 (God’s Word) says, “The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you: The Lord lift up His (approving countenance upon you) and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).” Can’t you almost picture the Lord’s smile and approving glance upon you as you read this. When I grew up, I remember exactly my mom’s disapproving look as she didn’t have to say a word; I got what she was wanting to get across to me. But just think if we picture the Lord’s favor on us each day of His approving glance, that loving look; I’m quite sure our day would go a lot better and we would have a song in our hearts.

   It is good for all of us to see ourselves through His eyes of love and not through condemning thoughts that we might have of ourselves. We are the apple of His eye, and we have His favor. Let us go forth into our day, with the knowledge that He is for us, He loves us and there isn’t anything we do that would cause him to change.

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to give you the inner awareness that you are precious to Him.