Dear Ones,
We have lots and lots of snow! EmojiSo glad our pastor postponed the service last night as it just kept snowing. Today is donut day and I am going to try a new recipe for chicken thighs. This afternoon is Bible Study and tonight is Soup supper and Lenten service.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
No matter what is going on in our lives, we can rest securely, for God is with us. Over and over again in the Word, He reminds us that we do not have to fear but trust Him in every circumstance we may go through. Isaiah 41:9-10 is one of my favorite scriptures that comes to mind when I am afraid and experiencing something difficult. ”Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” Isaiah said this to the Israelites when they were experiencing the threat of the Babylonians. The Message Translation says, “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.” He said they could always count on God’s help and He would not let go of them.

When we respond to the Lord, even that is a work of God that draws us to Him. From the very beginning, God gives us freedom to choose if we will follow Him; He doesn’t force us to believe and obey Him. Adam and Eve began right but chose to disobey God and felt fear and shame, just as we do when we sin. But the Lord seeks to draw us back. We have to decide if we will choose Him or our own way. It’s comforting that the Bible records all the many people who sinned and turned from the Lord, but then later came back and were restored. When we choose the Lord, we are set free from self-effort and earning for we can never measure up. Instead, we simply receive from the Lord even though we may sometimes have to pray, “I believe Lord, help my unbelief.”

Let us not shut ourselves off from the Lord and go our own way but choose to trust the Lord each day. Gradually we will become more like Him and our fears will give way to knowing He is with us and will uphold us with His victorious right hand.
Challenge for today: Ask for grace to trust the Lord in all things and know He is always with you.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy