Canaan's Rest

Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

Category: Sister Judy (Page 103 of 270)

August 5, 2022

August 5, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Happy Weekend! Hope you have time for some rest and renewal. This morning I made some s.f. cinnamon raisen bread and cleaned the apartment. This afternoon I have an idea that we will be going to Culver’s for ice cream! EmojiTomorrow morning our son’s family from North Carolina is coming and we can hardly wait.  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   If we are honest with ourselves, we probably all realize that there are things in our lives that need to go…get cut away! They may have been okay when we were baby Christians but now the Lord is seeking to mature us. The Holy Spirit will show us, in His timing, what we may not have been able to see before.
  Recently we were with a friend who had just had cataract surgery the day before. He looked different that day as he no longer needed glasses. But he said that everything seemed so bright that he at times had to wear sunglasses in the house. That was a change from prior times of having to click on more lights when he spent time reading. Because he underwent surgery, he had a different outlook. I’m quite sure he now saw more clearly our wrinkles and imperfections, as well as his own, since he had sharper sight that he lacked before.
   That’s how it is when the Holy Spirit touches our hearts and shows us our need to have sinful things removed from our lives. When we agree and give permission, the Great Physician removes those sinful reactions, prideful attitudes, etc. out of us, so they no longer hold any power over us. It results that we see things in a new way, and truth has such clarity that it is like a bright light.
   In this day when everything around us is getting darker, the Lord is purifying His Bride. Paul says in Eph. 5:27 (KJV), “That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Since He is coming for a bride without spot and wrinkle, that means we all need to undergo the transformation process. Just as our friend, was willing to have the surgery, are we willing to let go of anything that stands between us and God?
  Let us be quick to agree with the Spirit of truth when He shines His light in those hidden areas of our hearts, and let Him do the necessary surgery.
  Challenge for today: Allow the Holy Spirit free reign to expose those things that need to come into the light and remove them.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

 

August 4, 2022

August 4, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying your day. This morning I went downstairs for donuts, made parfaits and took a friend to the Dollar store. This afternoon we have Bible Study and a walk and then a birthday celebration.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   It’s what is inside that counts not what is simply visible to our eyes! Our spirit within us is most important for it is through the Spirit that we are connect with the Lord, much like a branch is attached to the vine. 
   We love the couple we walk the trail with each day, but Vicky is gradually declining since she has Alzheimer’s. She was a wonderful Doctor but can no longer practice and is not able to carry on conversations. But she has a beautiful soul and continues to exude love with a radiant smile. Now it is hard to say good bye to our loved ones when they die, but it is also very difficult to lose them gradually as in the case of Alzheimer’s. Tomorrow is Vicky’s 67th birthday but today we are going to have a simple celebration in our courtyard with chocolate parfaits and chocolate chip cookies on a stick with coffee.
   While shopping one day I came upon a figurine of a tall lovely woman dressed in blue and looking very regal.  I was impressed to buy it as I thought of Vicky’s beautiful blue eyes, and her sweet smile.  It was symbolic to me of what Vicky once was outwardly as dignified and queenly with a warm smile. We are to always remember her that way even on the days in the future when she may not be able to remember her name or can no longer dress herself. The true person seems hidden but she is there deep inside where only a few will find her.
   I outwardly lost my mom the same way but I kept going back in my heart and mind to who she really was. We would visit her each week and pray for her and remember the person we loved was still there inside.    
  Some of us may be dealing with loved ones who are sick and not able to function as they use to. May we see the real person inside of them just as Jesus does and give them the love and respect and honor that they are so worthy of. Paul said in Rom 5:5, “For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.” Let us receive His self-giving love so that we can freely love others for who they are.
   Challenge for today: Show love in a tangible way to someone who others may overlook.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

August 3, 2022

August 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
  Hope you are enjoying this lovely summer day! I just finished making 2 spaghetti pies and soon going to my exercise class; this evening we have Bible Studay.  We PTL that our son Mark’s family made it from N.C to Kansas yesterday and are with Kurt’s family now. We look forward to their coming here on Monday! Emoji 
 Devotions from Judy’s heart
   we say we are growing in our life with the Lord like seeds that have been planted in the ground and taken root? In Mark 4, we find the parable that Jesus shared about the Sower and the seeds that fell on the path, the rocky soil, the thorny soil and the good soil.  We can ask ourselves if we are firmly planted in the good soil and growing in our spiritual lives and producing a good crop.
   Outside my window as I write, there are many trees, the courtyard, and also two fire lanes with lovely colorful flowers planted between by volunteers. Next door to us is the Assisted Living complex, where there are no flowers planted in the space between the lanes; but one elderly woman has a determined mission. Amongst all the weeds and grass, she has cleared out two small spaces to plant cucumber seeds. This was no small task for her frail body, as one morning at 5 a.m. Al had to go help her up as she was sitting on the pavement by her plants and could not get up. Another day we came upon her as we were going for our walk and helped her as she had fallen and had gotten a goose egg on her forehead. That however, has not deterred her for she is faithful to water her two plants and tend them. One kind elderly man also helped her by cutting around the cucumber plants with a trimmer. These seeds have been well cared for and can you imagine the joy this woman is going to experience when she sees the first fruit of her labors and tastes the cucumbers!
  How well do we tend the seeds that the Lord has planted in our hearts? Do we respond by spending time in the Word for our nurturance, and drink in the water of the Holy Spirit? Do we sit quietly in the sunshine of His presence and just bask in His love? Without tending and care we won’t grow, and the fruit the Lord would want to produce through us will be thwarted. How sad that is. I know I have missed opportunities to respond to the Holy Spirit and am regretful afterwards. Just recently I was asked to do something that I didn’t really want to do, but later confessed it to the Lord and did it…but the joy wasn’t the same if I had done it gladly the first time.  Let us be mindful of the seed the Lord has planted in our hearts and as it says in Mark 4:20 may He say of us, “They hear the Word, accept it, and produce crops-thirty, sixty or one hundred times as much as was planted.”
   Challenge for today: Tend the seed that is within you and let your roots go down deep into His love.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

August 2. 2022

August 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
  Hope you wake to a glorious day! I plan to go downstairs this morning for choc covered raspberries and then to friends this afternoon for fellowship and prayer. The question this week is: What prayer answer are you especially grateful for? 
Devotions from Judy’/s heart
   A few days ago, I read from Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Always, about how we need to remain for a while in an attitude of grateful joy after the Lord has blessed us in a special way or maybe granted us our request. Too often we move on so quickly to what is next rather than savoring and remembering what He has done for us.
  That thought stayed with me and I feel I am guilty of that and need to recall and maybe even write down those prayer answers and surprising things He does when I just know it is Him. I may tell all of you about those special times when I write a devotion but then,  I too quickly go on rather than lingering in gratitude?
  I wondered about the Children of Israel who crossed the Red Sea on dry land when the Egyptians were breathing down on them; how long was it before they forgot that wondrous miracle? We read of their complaining about their same old, same old diet of manna or grumbling about their leadership. Did they quickly forget His miraculous intervention for them?
   Something good happens deep inside of us when we remember and live in gratitude; we have a positive outlook on our day and expectation for whatever the Lord has for us in the now. It says in I Chron 16:12 (NKJV), “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth.”
  As we live in remembrance, even though hard things may hit us during the day, we will be able to endure and become stronger.  We can pause and rehearse times of when God cared for us in supernatural ways and carried us through. That is especially good to do each night as we turn out the light and remember how He was present and involved in our day. May it cause us to give thanks with a grateful heart.
Challenge for today: Before going to sleep tonight, think of specific blessings that God has poured out on you today.
Bleesings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
 

August 1, 2022

August 1, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend. This morning I made Al’s favorite cookies and am soon going to Aldi’s and my exercise class. It’s another beautiful summer day and already August! Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart
   We’ve all had disappointments in our lives  and when things didn’t turn out as we hoped, may have left us discouraged. Or maybe we didn’t get the desired promotion; or could be we were counting on someone and they didn’t treat us fair and left us defenseless. But if we are to move on in our lives, we have to let go of our past regrets and disappointments and not get resentful.
  I am reading a book by Juliet Ann Canha, a pastor, counselor, speaker and writer, who shares how important it is to let go of those disappointing things of our past that we are holding on to; otherwise, we have limited space for the Lord and also caring for others. She names a few disappointments, some of which we may identify with.
    Are we disappointed with God when He didn’t answer in the way we were hoping for? David and others express their displeasure quite explicitly in the Psalms of such disappointing times; but we also read how they went on to put their trust in the Lord.
    We could be disappointed with ourself for things we have done or wish we would not have done. The enemy will be sure to remind us of those things and bring them up again and again, but we need to resist his tactics
  Disappointment could come from those in leadership over us. Juliet names governmental leaders, parents, church leaders, bosses, or people we are leading. Instead of complaining and criticizing them, we need to pray for them.
   We may be disappointed with life itself and have a broken heart. Bitterness can also take root. The Lord wants to heal that in us and restore us which will also then enable us to reach out to others.
    Juliet gives the key of what we should do with all our disappointments and she actually suggests we respond with joy. Really!  We can only do this if we focus on the end result. James says that we should consider it joy when these kinds of challenges come at us and in James 1:3-4 (NRSV) says, “because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.”
   Let us not delay but let go of our disappointments and give them all to the Lord. He will bring on the new and will take us on to maturity.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to give you joy and strength the next time you face a disappointment in your life. 
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

July 30, 2022

July 30, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a wonderful weekend with time to get refreshed. It is another beautiful sunny day. This morning I cleaned the apt, made egg dishes, veggie stir-fry… and shortly am going to dip yogurt covered raspberries in hot chocolate. Emoji
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Technology has changed us, perhaps all of us, and robs us of our time and attention. We get so distracted that we find it hard to even give space and time to feed our souls. People don’t feel more connected but rather isolated as a result of digital media. I hear young people talk about a good friend, and yet they have never met the person and had any face- to- face interaction. Even adults can be with family in a restaurant and no one is talking but everyone is on their phone and maybe texting to a casual acquaintance or gaming. This all leaves our interior life wanting and affects how we think and what we do and how we view ourselves.
   Many people who loved to read and write now surf the web instead and makes for more shallow thinking. Some have even checked into rehab for digital addiction, and gone through withdrawal. 
   If we become hooked on modern technology, we have no time or space left for our souls as we become so distracted in numerous ways. Maybe instead we need to go for a walk out in nature or read a book, or exercise self-awareness and learn to feed our souls. Instead of digital stimuli to shape what we do, we ask the Holy spirit to guide and direct us. Or we may carve out space for times of quiet and silence and make room for the Lord to direct our hearts. We also join with other believers in face-to-face fellowship and absorb biblical teaching that feeds our souls.
  Let us not give modern technology control over us, but rather be open to let the Holy Spirit direct and feed our souls. May our focus be on the Lord without distractions that rob us of a rich life.As it says in Psalm 39:7, “And now, Lord, what do I expectantly wait: My hope (my confident expectation) is in You.”
  Challenge for today: For part of the day, put your phone aside and instead listen for the Lord to speak.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

 

July 29, 2022

July 29, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
  Hope you are enjoying this lovely sunny day! Today is party day again for all the Birthdays here in July and we are going to get the cake from Costco when it opens; I hope to make a big pot of chicken soup between setting up. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Decisions aren’t always easy to make and we can vacillate back and forth and find ourselves getting stressed. Our soul needs to be centered in Jesus so that when decisions need to be made, we choose to do however it is that the Lord directs. We are in such a situation right now as we have invitations to  two special occasions that happen to fall on the same weekend and in different parts of the country. We have to choose one! Of course this decision is nothing compared to life altering decisions like a deciding on a life mate or medical treatment that can prolong our days etc.
  Juliet Canha, minister and counselor, writes about how important it is to not be double-minded but that our soul is centered in the Lord. James warns us in James 4:7-8 to “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and He will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” If our soul lacks a center, we are like the wave of the sea that goes back and forth.  We are vulnerable and try to do what we think others want us to do and so we waver back and forth. Rather than being dependent on God, we try to be in control of our own lives and so we find our identity in externals; we end up defining ourselves by our accomplishments, appearance and titles etc. which can be quickly lost.
  But our souls need to be centered on God with singleness of heart that our one desire is for Him.  Then it doesn’t matter if others agree with our decisions or not for our desire is only to please the Lord. He is the one to whom we will have to give account some day and it is His pleasure that we desire.
  Challenge for today: Decide this day that the Lord be the center of your life and live in dependency on Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

July 28, 2022

July 28, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this beautiful day. We had an fun time yesterday at the lake and saw some relatives and friends that we hadn’t seen for a long while. Today I made cookies as I was all out of them, and went down for donuts and this afternoon we have Bible Study here. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  I came back from working at Share and Care yesterday and told Al what an amazing fun morning I had. Both my daughter and I worked downstairs of the thrift store, opening bags full of surprises, never knowing what we will find. We could find something brand new with the price tags still on or it could be so old that it has to be discarded. Each bag Is a mystery and I love it. Most things are used but have some wear left In them. On this particular day a friend working there found a dress and said it looked just like me, and I went home with it and the cost was only $1. Another friend took me upstairs to the 3rd floor and helped me find just the item I needed for an upcoming wedding. She wanted me to try on several dresses but none of them were my size or my particular style. However, I came home with just what I needed and also a very thankful heart.
  I compared it to my spiritual life as the I go to the Word each day for the Lord to give me what I need. Sometimes it is a particular scripture that I have read before but I discover it is just what I need for the circumstances I will encounter, much like the used clothes. Other times I go to the Word and there’s a verse that jumps out and speaks to me in a brand-new way; I never thought of it quite like that before and reminds me of the new lace top with the price still on it. Sometimes the Lord has someone give me a verse that is fitting for a situation I am in, just like the blue dress…it’s perfect. Other times people may take a verse out of context to fit their preference or point of view, reminding me of the friend who thought I should try on dresses that were not my size or style. But the Lord is the One who knows exactly what we need and when we need it and will supply it according to His riches. As it says in Phil. 4:19 (God’s Word), “My God will richly fill your every need in a glorious way through Christ Jesus.”
   He tells us we don’t need to stress about what we will eat or drink or wear, for He knows and will provide.
Challenge for today: Give the Lord your needs each day and ask Him to provide in His way and in His timing for He knows!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

     

July 27, 2022

July 27, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you awake to an amazing day! We are going to the cabin early this morning  and stopping on the way to see a friend. I plan to work a bit at Share and Care and then spend some time by the water to clean up the beach. Hope to have some hot games of scrabble with the grandsons too. Joe and Paul will be moving into their apt in Richfield so won’t see them for a while.
    Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Don’t we wish others viewed us as the Lord sees us? When we receive Jesus into our lives and ask forgiveness for all our sins and failures, He sees us as perfect, beautiful, radiant and a reflector of His glory. Can we truly believe it?
   Too often we believe what man says about us which isn’t always complimentary to say the least. Man may tell us we are a disgrace, a failure, and will never amount to anything. It’s true that we may fail at some things we try, but God sees us differently when our hearts are open to Him. We are not worthless, and any hopeless words from the enemy are not a match for God’s words of promise. We must decide whose perspective we want to believe…the negative words others may say about us or the positive, praise worthy words the God of the universe says about us.
  I was reading today from Sarah Young’s book, Jesus Always, and she writes of the Lord’s delight in us and His love for us as if we were already perfect. He rejoices with us as it says in Zephaniah 3:17 (Amplified), “The Lord your God is in your midst of you, a mighty Savior (Who saves)! He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest (in silent satisfaction) and in His love He will be silent and make no mention (of past sins, or even recall them); He will exult over you with singing.”
   When we know God is for us, we don’t need to listen and fume over the negative words others may say. Even when we feel fearful in challenging situations, we can have confidence that God is cheering us on, giving us the power to do what is needed and go in His strength.
    Let us see ourselves through the lens of His love and grace, and not through the microscope of others that may have given up on us. As Sarah Young says, God sees us as we are now and as we will be in heaven. He knows where we need to change and will help us work on those things now; but He also sees us from the heavenly perspective as He loves us as if we were already perfect. That is the best news and may we celebrate His love for us and be reflectors of His glory, even as we are in the midst of being transformed.
   Challenge for today: Spend some time meditating on Zephaniah 3:17
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy          

July 26, 2022

July 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you wake to awareness of the Lord’s presence. The question today is have you had a time when you were suddenly aware that the Lord was so present in your circumstance and trying to teach you something? Hopefully we have all had those times and they are not forgotten. Today is Chocolate Raspberry day and baking cookies etc.; then later this afternoon Ann and Lars are coming for an early supper and we will be having the fresh peach pie for dessert!  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  How alert are we to recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives? Do we know His voice when He speaks to us in so many varied ways and are we able to see how He at work in our daily lives; or like so many, do we just chalk it up to coincidence?
   I was reading the story of the two disciples on their way to Emmaus today and how they didn’t recognize Jesus on the road. It wasn’t until Jesus broke the bread that their eyes were opened to know it was Him. Then they remembered and said to each other,” Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures?”
  I have paid attention to this story all through my growing up years as I went to Bible Camp called Emmaus. It was my favorite time of the year and I wouldn’t have missed it for anything. It was at that camp that I committed my life to the Lord and began a life long journey wanting to know Him more intimately.
  But do we always recognize His presence in our lives? Probably not. Sometimes we are unsure of His voice and follow the advice of others that seem to have louder voices. Or maybe we are in a difficult situation and we wonder where God is, even though He is in the midst of it and trying to teach us and get our attention.
  Maybe we are a lot like the disciples on the road who couldn’t see the obvious and failed to recognize Jesus in their grief. We might want to pray daily to see Jesus in our present circumstances and listen for His voice as we read the Word and also hear Him as He speaks through others or what we may be studying at the time. God has so many ways to let us know He is right there with us, walking on the road together.
  Challenge for the day: Enjoy Jesus’ presence in your day and listen to what He is saying to you.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
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