Dear Ones,
Happy New Year! I wonder if you made it to midnight to ring in the New Year. Al and I however were soundly asleep at midnight. Today I plan to make Al his favorite treats while he watches football games, and I am going to my exercise class and Crafts and will be going through cards etc. later.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Happy New Year to you! The old is out the new has come! I wonder as each of us looks back over the past year if there aren’t some regrets of certain things we wish we would have refrained from doing or even missed opportunities for things we could have done. What comes to my mind often lately and is also my prayer, “Lord, I want to finish well! Help me to finish well!”  My desire is to make the most of my time and of course, none of us know how many days we have on earth, but I want to live well and finish well.
Recently I read what Pastor Mark Roberts at Fuller Seminary had to say about paying attention to how we live. We all need to be watchful that we don’t waste our moments on worthless activities and bad choices or mere busywork. He reflects on Eph. 5:15-16, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is.”  It is so important to be wise and not live carelessly or aimlessly but seek to understand what God’s will is for our lives each day. We are to discern what path we are to take and live as one who knows and loves Jesus. I read how after Peter healed a lame man at the temple gate, the church leaders were all upset. Peter then preached to the crowd with great boldness and even the rulers recognized that he had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13) Wouldn’t that be great if others around us notice that we are Christ-followers, and that we live wisely and thoughtfully and express His love to all those around us?

Take some time to think what you could have done better this past year and ask forgiveness where needed. But then ask God to show you how to live more wisely, and to use the time He has given you for His glory.

Challenge for today: Spend 20 minutes quietly seeking the Lord and ask if there are any activities you need to give up so you can live with purpose.
Blessings on your New Year and prayers and love, Judy