Dear Ones, Hope you have a great weekend. Al and I will be going to Urgent Care again today to get my wound cleaned. Next week we hope it can go to every other day and I have been assigned a Paramedic that will be coming to our apartment. Today we have a special treat as a friend is having pizza delivered when we get back home. Again thank you for your prayers and the Lord has provided so wonderfully nurses to give great care.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Some people are super organized and have detailed plans that they feel are under their control. But is that the way that is meant for Christians, or are we to give up control to live as Jesus directed, which is usually full of surprises? The apostle Paul said in II Cor. 5:15 “He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again.” I guess that answers our question, for we are not the ones in control at all for we no longer live for ourselves, and our agenda is set by the Lord.

But rather than our routine and often boring life, when the Lord is in control life becomes exciting. I am a planner and usually do things before the expected date, so not knowing what the Lord has for me stretches my faith. If we are having company, I plan and make the meal in advance and do the necessary prep. But then what if the Lord prompts me to invite someone over on the spur of the moment, am I just as open to that? My mother was a good example to me of dropping everything to invite people over, even when it wasn’t convenient. When she saw a need she was open to fill that need without complaint.

Let us not fight to stay in control, for that is our attempt to replace God’s exciting plans for our own. Dr./Pastor Gary Thomas’ words challenge us: “Dismantle your obsession with control. Learn instead to be astonished by the new things God is calling you to, things you could never plan or execute on your own.” Just think every day to ask God to use us to do spontaneous deeds and see God move through us. If we are housebound, we may be led to a prayer ministry as God puts people on our heart to pray for. We must keep our heart and eyes open so the Lord can lead us wherever He chooses. Let us put nothing else before God, not even our family. God is enough, even when none of our family may join us. Thomas’ words go on to say, “But let us remember that putting faith first helps us love our families best.” May the Lord be first and foremost in our lives, and the One in control.

Challenge for today: Memorize Matt. 6:33 if you don’t already know it. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Blessings on your weekend and healing prayers and love, Judy