Dear Ones,
Hope you have a joy filled day. We had a fun Octoberfest party last night and a nice turnout.  My day is beginning with a 7:30 dental appointment, which is not my favorite way to start the day. I hope to get some baking and some shopping in before Women’s Bible study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How do we put what we believe into practice? Would others know that we are Christians by our attitudes and actions? We are meant to live out what we believe, for we are new creations in Christ. (II Cor. 5:17). It’s more than just practicing spiritual techniques and disciplines, although they are good, it is that what we do flows out of who we are in Christ.

One of my favorite verses is I John 1:7, “If we walk in the light as He is in the light we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin.” Jesus is our source and His light illuminates us, enlightens us and gives us a passion for Him and for others. If we try to go out on our own, we will fail miserably because our own selfish love will run dry and we need His love flowing through us to touch others.

It’s important that we all take time to be nourished, so that what we do in our day flows out of love for God and not for the purpose of pleasing others. We are to do things for His sake and not for our own. We may do spiritual practices but if they don’t affect our attitude and how we treat others, they are empty. Instead they should help us to do our work with love and purpose, and infuse us with His love for others. Haven’t we all at times done things for others because we feel we have to and not because we get to share His love with them. What a difference it is when our hearts are full of His love and we can hardly refrain from doing something for someone else.

We each have our own calling from the Lord and it is important that we discover what that is and do it no matter the cost. He has given us the exact gifts we need to accomplish His work, so let us live for Him each day of our life and live it with purpose.

Challenge for today: Ask a friend to share with you specific gifts he or she sees in you that you may or may not be using at this time in your life.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy