Dear Ones,
Hope you have a day of blessings. It is Donut Day here and Bible study and I plan to clean and do some food prep. We had a wonderful dinner and time of fellowship yesterday with Missionaries who are from Brazil and then Bible study following at church where they shared. So inspiring!!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
The Lord wants each of us to live a full abundant life, but one of the main hindrances is unforgiveness. If we do not forgive others, we will become bitter. A survey taken of 2,000 adults showed that 69% of them harbored unforgiveness. The result takes its toll on our physical bodies, and as Dr. Colbert wrote it can manifest in depression, cancer, fibromyalgia, arthritis and so much more.

Forgiveness is not a feeling, but an important decision we make to cancel someone else’s debt. If we refuse, we will find that it will waste our energy and time, and quenches the Holy Spirit. We will be left with anger and distain for the person. Then the anger has nowhere to go but to go within us, and it may cause various sicknesses. It is easy to look back with regret, but then we lose our effectiveness in the new thing we are currently involved in. We are told to forget the things that are behind and press on to what is ahead. (Phil. 3:13) Mother Teresa is a powerful example of someone who saw bitterness as a big obstacle to love. She didn’t focus on things done to her, but on the person who caused her hurt. She forgave what they did to her and prayed for them as she felt they must be hurting themselves. She gave them a fresh start.

Memories of old hurts may come to mind and instead of dwelling on them, it is better to thank the Lord that He has forgiven them, forgotten them and remembers them no more. That is sooooo wonderful and we don’t have to bring something up again. Maybe we think we can justify our response, but it is better to simply let it go. Let us release and forgive others who have hurt us and not keep opening up old wounds; instead let us walk in love and forgiveness.

Challenge for today: If someone comes to mind that has hurt you, don’t wait but forgive them and pray for them.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy