Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! Hard to believe summer is almost over and some of our grandkids are back in school already. Many of you have prayed for Taylor and she had a baby girl yesterday afternoon. She and Ethan are thrilled and she had a very short labor. PTL!  This morning we are going to pick up our Santa Fe car that we bought after Bible study yesterday!  This afternoon we have a party here at Northern Lakes.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We have several people we know and love that are sick right now: one in the hospital, others with chronic conditions etc. We would love for each of them to be healed quickly and fully, but we pray for each of  them that healing will come in whatever way God chooses for them. Our part is to love them and hold them up before the Lord as we pray for His healing power over them and then leave the results up to Him. Jesus leads and we follow His lead and let them know we love them and pray.

Sometimes healing involves revisiting painful memories, admitting failures, grieving losses, forgiving someone who has caused hurt, etc. We try to help go with them to the Lord where their heart can be mended, strongholds broken and relationships mended. Healing flows out from God’s love and compassion. Many times in scripture it says that Jesus was moved with compassion and He went on to heal many. (Matt. 9:36) Healings were an expression of His love and He loves us that much today as well. Whether the person is completely healed of their disease or deformity, the most important thing is that they have a deeper experience of His love for them. As we pray for others, we also should stay focused on God’s love for the person rather than wondering if we are doing everything just right. We should not force people into getting prayer, but simply extend an invitation.

Our heart must also be filled with His love, giving Him our agendas, fears, and resentments, with patience to wait for how God would lead. One thing is that however God chooses to answer our prayers, we know that nothing can separate us from His love. Jesus may answer by a healing miracle, or He heals through doctors and medicine. Sometimes the body heals itself as God has designed it, and other times God gives grace to the person to endure their suffering. Of course, the ultimate healing is to die and go to be with the Lord.

Challenge for today: Be open to all the ways God brings healing to others and to yourself and pray as led by the Spirit!
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy