Dear Ones,
 Hope you have a good day and get prepared for lots of snow. I plan to bake cookies, go to Exercise class and Crafts and have possible company.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
When we received the Lord into our lives, it is doubtful we really understood the depth of our sin and our rebellious nature. Like little children, we were excited over our new-found joy of knowing the Lord and the fellowship with other believers. But then came the time for weaning: we experienced dryness and emptiness, and may have tried in our own strength to regain the zeal for the Lord we had at first. The problem with that is that we may depend on our own strength apart from the Lord rather than abiding closely in Him. I often say to the Lord, “You are in charge, I depend on you and I need you!!” Sometimes I know that more deeply than other times.

We are not able in our own strength to defeat our sinful responses, even though we may try harder. But the Lord wants us to acknowledge what is going on in our hearts and the struggles we face and call on Him for help, rather than trying to fix ourselves. Often we may pray what we think sounds spiritual and good, but is not what is truly in our hearts. Instead it is freeing to share with the Lord our brokenness, our rebelliousness, our lack of love and tell Him we need Him and His forgiveness. When we tell Him everything and don’t hide anything, we find we open the door to His forgiveness and draw near to Him.

Let us quit trying to change ourselves and failing. Instead, let us be honest with the Lord, face and speak the truth about the dark areas of our hearts, and humbly ask for His forgiveness and grace. We will then come to really know we are accepted by the Lord for what He has already done for us not for what we do. We can go forth to live a life out of gratitude for what Jesus did for us, and not have to prove our worth. We are loved so much that Jesus gave His life for us, and our worth is in Him.

Challenge for today: Thank the Lord that He loves you just as you are and live with gratitude that His grace covers all!!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy