Canaan's Rest

Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

June 17, 2026

June 17, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones, Hope you have a blessed day. Today I have an appointment with the wound specialist as I think my progress is being checked. Then Al and I have haircuts and crafts and later go to Mark and Andrea’s for pie, games, and family fun!
Devotions from Judy’s heart,
Today’s devotional is rather personal, but I am trying to be real with you as to all I am learning during this time of transition. The Lord is teaching me lessons, and one that is rather hard for me is to receive and let myself be waited on. It has been frustrating, especially for Al, when I try to do things myself that he offered to do for me. But it goes deeper.

When I was having my devotions reading in Ephesians, I came to a familiar portion that I have even taught on many times in chapter five. “Wives submit to your own husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is head of the church, His body and is Himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.” My heart was convicted, for I can see where I have not been submissive and as anyone knows, you can’t have two heads. Normally in our married life, Al takes care of the outdoor things of lawn and trees, etc. and I do the indoor cooking, cleaning, etc. Only now he doesn’t have outdoor work and until my leg heals, it is harder to be on it very long to do the indoor tasks. So Al offers to do things he has never done before and I tell him, I will do it. You can see the scenario, I’m sure. But in my heart, I was not submitting to him and letting him be in the place God has put him. When I was reading in Ephesians, it really hit me and I made my confession to the Lord, but then to Al and asked forgiveness. I was not in my rightful place and did not leave room for Al to be in his place.

It also says in the chapter, “However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see she respects her husband.” When each of us is doing our part and what God is asking of us, life is full and rich and wonderful. But when we fail to be in the place God has put us, it makes life complicated and frustrating. I am relearning what I learned years ago, and there is forgiveness. I woke with the song playing in my mind: “Change my heart, O Lord make it ever true, change my heart O Lord may I be like you.”

Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to show you any area in your life that needs attention and then surrender to Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

June 16, 2026

June 16, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a great day. Al is meeting with Mark and going out for an early breakfast and Andrea is coming here for our time together.Emoji My wound is beginning to heal and looking so much better so thank you all for your prayers.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How much time do we waste every day? Do we live aimlessly and lose track of time as we scroll on our devices and play endless games? There is a better way! We can live with purpose, make good choices, and live a fruitful life. I read from Ephesians 5 today where Paul says to figure out what will please God and do it. He goes on to say, “Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people).”

Why do we waste time on useless things that leave us empty when we can do things that have purpose or meaningful things for others? Maybe we have areas in our lives that we need to renounce, and the Holy Spirit is only too willing to reveal these areas so we might ask the Lord to cleanse us. Strongholds may need to be broken, so we don’t keep repeating sinful behavior. In John Eldredge’s book, The Utter Relief of Holiness, he shares prayers that you may want to pray if you are battling things in your life and want to get set free.

“Lord, forgive me for giving place in my heart to resentment, to lust, to alcohol…..(whatever it is for you) Forgive me for giving place in my life to resignation and self-reproach and shame, to fear and doubt and control. I renounce it now. Come, Jesus Christ, and take your rightful place in my heart and in my life here. Come and set me free here, in these very places. I plead your blood over these sins and I break every hold I gave my enemy here, in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Then comes the healing. Jesus can heal any wound we have, restore our soul and even heal the memory of what has happened in the past. Invite the Lord to come heal you and comfort you, as you open up your heart to His love. He will give you “beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Challenge for today: Make Psalm 143:10 your prayer, “Teach me how to live to please you, because you are my God. Lead me by your blessed Spirit into cleared and level pastureland.”
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

Coming Home

June 15, 2026 / / 0 Comments

During a recent Adult Sunday School class at my church we were studying the parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15.  An usual lively discussion happened rather quickly.  Our study guide noted, “It is a familiar old story.  We see an estranged family.  Poor choices are made by different family members, behavior is bad, hearts are unforgiving, and old grudges get in the way.  One family member has to hit rock bottom before he changes.  What is this?  Just another tragic story? The latest TV miniseries? No, it is a parable told by Jesus that helps us understand more about ourselves and our faith.  Strained family relationships are all too common in our society.  What advice would you give a friend who was estranged from his family?” 

The lively response in our class, was a reflection on family relationships portrayed in the parable.  The younger son receives his inheritance, leaves home, goes and wastes “all his money in wild living,” comes to his senses,” decides to come home, his father “embraces” him at his return, prompting his father to have a celebration, saying,  “this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life.  He was lost, but now he is found.”

But when church people look at the response of the elder son, it can be rather sobering. The parable can easily be viewed as the story of the elder son.  As I reflected on the parable I can identify with both the younger and older son.  I remember the deep impact Henri Nouwen’s book, “The return of the prodigal son” had on my life.  Nouwen observed, “One of the greatest challenges of the spiritual life is to receive God’s forgiveness.”  

When I finally understood in my heart that the waiting father was really my heavenly father waiting for me, it changed how I related to my heavenly father.  “And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” I was like the long lost prodigal son, having often rehearsed my confession, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.  Please take me on as a hired servant.”  It was hard for me to accept my heavenly father wants to celebrate my return. But it is true! “I have a Father in heaven, who delights in me.” I have wandered away often and then returned home to my heavenly Father’s embrace.

But I still have sentiments of the elder son in my heart, even after years of gratefully integrating the experience of the returning younger son being welcome home.  The older brother had no use for celebrating  the return of his younger brother.  Coming in from work in the field, he hears “music and dancing.”  This was  unusual for this time of day.  He asks one of the servant, to fill him in on what was happening. “Your brother has come,” replies the servant, “and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.” His reply is deeply convicting to me as older, seasoned follower of Jesus.  “Look how many years I’ve stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief,  but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends” (MSG).

This reply is like an arrow of conviction continually in my heart.  My prayer – “God purify my judgmental heart and critical spirit.”  Give me a grateful heart for all you have shown me on my journey home.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 15, 2026

June 15, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful week! We enjoyed the weekend as our son’s family came from N.C and so wonderful to catch up. Yesterday we went to their bnb and played games, sat down by the water just enjoyed time together. More planned for this week.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Have you ever had something given to you that didn’t seem useful at the time, but later it was necessary? In the spiritual realm, I also suspect there are things we go through that we wonder, “What is the purpose of this?” Later, we discover it is pivotal to our present situation and very useful!

I will tell you a humorous story on myself, as I remember back when we were moving into Northern Lakes almost eight years ago. In the process of moving out of our former house, we left some furniture for our daughter’s family and bought some for our much smaller apartment. Al’s sister, Ann Marie came from Michigan and helped us shop to find furniture, and she spotted the perfect desk for me that I love and where I usually write. We bought a sofa, and then Al spotted a big greenish colored chair that can be put in many positions, heats up, massages and reclines. I thought it was a monster for our house and said to Al, “You’re kidding!” But he was not. He wanted that chair and I couldn’t imagine where we were going to put it. Ann Marie assured me there was room, and we found the one and only possible place to put it. I have never liked that chair,  and have thought at times we should give it away to someone with a bigger house. But after almost eight years, it is the answer to my prayers. Since I fell at the lake, I must recline often during the day to give my leg a rest and guess what? That ugly chair is the answer, and Al calls it my “Sweet Spot.” When my leg gets tired and needs a rest, I go to that chair, elevate it and thank the Lord. It is perfect!

Let us learn our valuable lessons even if when we’re not sure we need the lesson now, for maybe they are meant to help us in the future. Our part is to trust the Lord with all our hearts and not lean to our own understanding, but let Him direct our path. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Challenge for today: Trust God even when you don’t understand the reason for what He is doing in your life.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

June 13, 2026

June 13, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones, Hope you are having a great weekend! This is a special time as Mark’s family is coming today from N.C. for 10 days! The table is set and we are having Finnish Pasty for lunch!
Devotions from Judy’s heart,
Some time ago Al gave me one of his books to read called The Hour of Testing, which has to do with uniting ourselves to the God more closely in His passion. I put it aside as I was reading another book, and now as I get to this book, it has much to say to me in the present. God’s timing is perfect, as when Al gave it to me, I had no idea I would be dealing with pain. I know many of you have been suffering with pain for sometime and may wonder what good can be reaped from it.

I am seeing how the Lord uses suffering in our lives as St. John of the Cross’ said, “Suffering is the means of her penetrating further, deep into the thicket of the delectable wisdom of God. The purest suffering brings with it the purest and most intimate knowing, and consequently the purest and highest joy, because it is a knowing from further within.” It seems to me when life moves along smoothly, we may leave the Lord out of the center and even become distant from the Lord; but in our suffering, we grab hold of Him and have more of a passion for Him. A quote that stood out to me, “Painful experiences of love have been stone-laden steps on their path to greater love, much of it in interior suffering, mysteriously leading to more intense love.” When I read it, I thought of my fall, for it was actually on a granite stone step. My desire is that this experience would lead me to greater love for the Lord as I offer it to Him.

Maybe we need to think of the link between love and many kinds of suffering in a new and different way. Let us first ask ourselves if we love Him only when things are going well, but turn from the Lord when we suffer. It doesn’t mean we should pray to suffer, but that we are willing to offer our suffering to the Lord to experience greater love for Him. Is it not better to be become more holy than healed? Let us commit to love the Lord and offer even our suffering as a gift.

Challenge for today: Give yourself to the Lord in daily surrender to His ways, even when you may not comprehend why you are suffering.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

June 12, 2026

June 12, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones, Happy weekend to you!! We are excited as we are going to get ready for Mark’s family coming tomorrow from N.C.. Sadly, I won’t be able to participate in everything but we look forward to 10 days with them!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I’m sure we can all think of people we know who we wish would change and be more something…perhaps more thoughtful, more loving, humble, or less angry…you fill in the blank. But the biggest thing we have to really know is that we can’t change people. Only the Lord can do that, and our part is to simply pray for God to work in their lives and to love. If we can’t even change ourselves, since it is a work of the Spirit with our cooperation, how can we think we will change someone else?

This is where prayer gets so important, and we don’t need to rehearse with the Lord how He should change others. We can simply pray they will become all God wants them to be, and that healing and wholeness would happen in His timing and His way. We are in the book of Philippians in our Bible study here at Northern Lakes, where Paul tells the Philippians, “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.” The Amplified Bible says, “(Not in your own strength) for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you, (energizing and creating in you the power and desire), both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight.” (Phil. 2:13) We all need to will and to work at what is His pleasure.

We have to also show patience and grace to ourselves, for we know we also need to make many changes and it doesn’t happen over night, even though we may want to be on a fast track. He loves us right where we are now, but has more for us as we cooperate with the Spirit. In my own life, I know that is going to be a continuous process until He takes me home to glory. There will always be more changes needed in all of us, but let us accept others and ourselves as we take the journey of becoming more like Him.

Challenge for today: Thank the Lord that He love you were you are at right now, but take the risk of asking Him to change you where needed.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

Junne 11, 2026

June 11, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones, Hope you have a wonderful teachable day!  We have Bible study and I missed it the last couple weeks so am eager to get back. It’s also Donut Day!!
Devotions from Judys heart
Haven’t we all been in life situations that we didn’t ask for and would rather not be in at all? We may wonder what God is trying to teach us. Are we open and teachable to not only hear, but to respond rightly? At this present time, I have been laid up from a fall on Memorial Day that changed my life quickly. Gone was my exercise class, shopping, the daily walk on the Paul Bunyan Trail, etc. I don’t want this experience wasted, so I am asking the Lord to please show me all that I am to learn from this. When Al and I pray in the morning, my vision is directed to the crucifix on the wall and the pain evident in Jesus’ expression. Now that I have pain, my thoughts run deeper of the pain Jesus endured, and I am left with such a great sense of gratitude for what He went through for me. My pain is nothing compared to what He went through. Just the beating before He was nailed to the cross must have been so excruciating, and yet He endured all for us.

I am quickly learning that I must accept that I am no longer in the care-giving role, but in the care-receiving position. I am one who needs help, and that puts me in the humble position of being a bother for others, especially Al. But the truth is we talk together more than ever, pray, and enjoy each other, even though there is more work for him.

A big thing is that I am learning to slow down and enjoy each day, and not trying to rush through and accomplish a lot. I believe I am finally learning to just enjoy the moment!!! I live a day at a time and can’t plan far ahead, as I don’t even know yet what I will be able to do by then. But of course, none of us really know!

I also am seeing the power of prayer, as so many of you prayed along with us as Al was expected to do my wound care after two times of observing the wound specialists. He was willing, but was really something for experienced nurses. After prayer, the idea came to call our family doctor, and he and his nurses were God’s answer.

I think I am also seeing how poor in faith I really am. Like Paul said in Phil 4:6, we aren’t to be anxious about anything, but to pray with thanksgiving and let Him know our concerns. That means to pray about anything and everything. Our concerns for the day might be different, but nothing is too hard for the Lord.

Challenge for today: When you go through a tough situation, ask the Lord to remind you to give it all to Him with thanksgiving.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

June 10, 2026

June 10, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a blessed day. Al is going to Men’s group and then preaching next door. I have the Paramedic coming at 9 and hoping to get to Crafts this afternoon and it will be my first non-medical “outing”!!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
God can use all things in our lives to bring glory to Him if we are willing to give all to Him. The Lord doesn’t just want pieces of our lives, He wants everything! We don’t offer ourselves just once, but again and again until we go home to be with the Lord for all eternity. I can remember as if it was yesterday, giving my life to the Lord as a young girl. Then again as a senior in high school, I recommitted my life to the Lord, but the longer I live, I find it is a daily thing. Every day we need to give our all. Whatever we hold back keeps us from living an abundant life. The Lord gave His all for us that we are mindful of every time we have communion. He couldn’t give more!
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is one we are to make daily. “Not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) Many things that happen are not what we would choose, but we can pray, “Your will be done in all of this.” It doesn’t necessarily change the outcome of the circumstance, but we are open to receive His strength as we go through it and resting in the fact that He has got this. We don’t know how it will turn out, but it is in His hands. We read of many saints who went through much pain and agony, but as they did, they identified with Christ’s suffering in a deep way and experienced His love.

Surrender also leads to love for others and serving them. It might be in selfless acts towards the poor, praying and interceding for those sick and hurting. One day we may wake to the fact we are dying more to self and have more room for the Lord. Less of us and more of Him!!! Have you noticed how those who selflessly serve others have so much joy? Two missionaries we help support are such examples to Al and me, as they are continually giving to others and bubble over with joy. Let us not hold back but let us give our all.

Challenge for today: Think of a time in your life that was difficult, but later you thanked Him for the good that it produced in your life.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

June 9, 2026

June 9, 2026 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a connecting day! I wrote the following devotional before I fell and ended up spending most of the time in our apt or going for wound care. But tomorrow I hope to get downstairs and mix with friends while we do crafts. I have missed seeing others!
Devotions from Judys heart
How well do we connect with others? I am an introvert by nature and love quiet time at my desk, but I also need time to be in community. I don’t have to go far, for there are fifty-nine other apartments in our building. All we have to do is open our door to go get our mail and mix with others as much or as little as we desire. The need to connect is within each of us and we are healthier when we do, and statistics show we live longer.

God’s desire for each of us is to have deep, rich relationships with others. That means loving real people (not just texting them), sharing with others, and bringing encouragement to one another. Some people try to escape relationships, turning instead to alcohol, endless scrolling on the internet, drugs, etc., but we need communion with others. Paul says in Romans 1:11-12 (Amplified), “For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you; that is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

If we want abundant life, we will need close connections. Community is a place of being lifted out of our negative mindset or times of discouragement; it will strengthen our spirits and bring hope. We can share with one another, pray for one another and stand together through thick and thin. The enemy however wants us to be isolated so we are easier to pick off.  Our son’s family has been in a small group for some time and they meet regularly together. It is strengthening to all, as they can share honestly and openly and also know it will be held in confidence.  Let us seek close relationships, that we may grow closer to the Lord and one another.

Challenge for today: Pray, asking the Lord for good connections with others, that you may grow together in Him.

Distant Thunder

June 8, 2026 / / 0 Comments

I grew up near Lake Superior.  It was always both a spectacular and foreboding experience, to watch a thunderstorm coming off the lake. The clouds rolled in, the water churned and the lightening flashed, but most of all the rumble of the thunder was rather foreboding.  The closer the storm came, the louder the thunder.  We know that we needed to “get off” the lake before it was to late.  

In Scripture the mighty voice of God is depicted in the thunder.  His voice is all powerful.  “For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm” (Ps.33:9).  Psalm 29:3-4 describe the awesome power and might of God’s voice.  “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.  The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic” (Ps 29:3-4).  The Palmist pictures the voice coming from heaven.  “The Lord thundered from heaven; the voice of the Most High resounded” (Ps. 18:13)

The prophets use the image of mighty thunder, to warn their listeners of coming judgment.  Joel is clear in his message. “The Lord thunders at the head of his army; his forces are beyond number, and mighty is the army that obeys his command. The day of the Lord is great; it is dreadful.  Who can endure it? (Joel 2:11)  But  God will also protect his people when he roars. “The Lord’s voice will roar from Zion and thunder from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth will shake.  But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a strong fortress for the people of Israel” (Joel 3: 15-16). 

The prophet Jeremiah was called to prophecy to Judah.  God gave him significant authority. “See, today I appointed you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant” (Jer. 1:10).  But God warned him of the people not listening.  “But they will not listen or pay attention: instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts.  They went backward and not forward” (Jer. 7:24). 

Jeremiah warned the people of their response to God’s Word.  “The Lord will roar from on high; he will thunder from his holy dwelling and roar mightily against his land.  He will shout like those who tread the grapes, shout against all who live on the earth.  The tumult will resound to the ends of the earth, for the Lord will bring charges against the nations; he will bring judgment on all mankind and put the wicked to the sword” (Jer. 25:30-31).  

I wonder if we are not hearing a “distant thunder” during the tumult of our time.  We seem to be going backward rather than forward.  Many “people watchers” can see greater conflict in the days to come.   Instead of pessimism regarding the human condition, we should be praying for the Lord’s intervention in our affairs.  Could there be the sound of God’s thunder in the background?  I wonder!  I certainly am not making a prediction of the coming days.  But I know who hold the future.  The Lord  could be once again shaking to our world.

What would this mean for men?  Here are some of my advice.  First, keep your focus on Jesus and His kingdom.  Secondly, keep praying the way Jesus taught us to pray: “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10), Thirdly, ask the Lord for discernment regarding our times. Fourthly, find fellowship with like minded believers and fifthly,  determine with other believers to live as “overcomers” knowing that Jesus has already won and is Lord of history.   

 

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