Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. We are having rain and it is suppose to clear up for the rest of the weekend. Let’s hope! We are leaving tomorrow morning for the lake and visiting a friend along with way. We plan to stay overnight and go to The Lighthouse on Sunday, have a picnic, swimming, sauna, etc. This morning I cleaned and made a pot of stew and another peach crisp and soon need to do some packing. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Now is a time of preparation! As we see things changing so quickly in our culture, and all around us, we need to be ready for what is to come. I think of our grandson who is going into the Marines in another week; he has been preparing for some time by working out, jogging and getting physically ready. My cousin is also upping the number of miles she walks a day in order to join her daughter and son-in-law on the final lap in their walk across America. She is getting in shape now and not waiting until she gets to California and then walks about 20 miles a day.
We also are in a battle as the enemy knows his time is short and bringing so much evil and destruction upon our lives and land.  We can’t just lay back and fearfully watch but rather we need to be preparing for whatever is ahead.
Joshua told the people, before crossing the Jordon River to prepare by purifying themselves as he says in Joshua 3:5, “Purify yourselves, for tomorrow God will do great wonders among you.” We need to get rid of all those things in our lives that hinder us from a close relationship with God. Those little sins, those habits, those, distractions will only weigh us down in the battle. We have to be ready to move forward in faith when the battle intensifies.
We also need an arsenal of weapons. Reading and memorizing scriptures will be like fiery darts against the enemy. When he comes at us with fear and worry and tries to knock us out, we can shoot those scriptures in strength and boldness to hit the target. Prayer and intercession will be vital and we must make time to spend alone with the Lord, carefully listening to his battle plan and being strengthened.
It is necessary to go out in full armor that He provides…the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith and our feet shod with gospel the of peace.
Finally let us go forth in faith and be filled with love and move in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Unless we are ready, we won’t be able to stand in the dark days ahead.
Challenge for today: Spend time getting spiritually protected so you are ready!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy