Category: Sister Judy (Page 4 of 270)

Michael Cusick, counselor and spiritual director, warns us against unhealthy self-soothing that tries to fill the void in our lives. Many turn to drugs and alcohol to try to find relief and fill the emptiness within. Others may hide their pain and vulnerability behind masks. Maybe we suddenly get a terrible illness or we are betrayed by a friend and we feel like we are spinning in place, for life doesn’t seem to work as before. Something has happened that shakes us, humiliates us, and redefines us. We may try to meet our own needs, but we must open our hearts instead to the Lord.

The evil one quickly tries to step in, suggesting we try alternatives that sound close to the truth rather than letting our deep needs be met by the Lord. In Matthew 4 we read how Jesus was tempted three times by the devil, and Satan used even the word of God to try to get Jesus to meet his own needs like turning stones into bread. Jesus didn’t take the devil’s bait, but instead relied on His Father and spoke the Word back to the devil.

There is only one place we need to go when feel empty and the bottom drops out of our lives, and that is to the Lord. He waits for us to come, and it says in Ps. 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go: I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” We are not alone, but the Lord waits for us to come to Him. He will reorder our life and give us love and purpose.

Perhaps we have been going merrily along in our life and everything is good, and suddenly we hit a wall. It could be a circumstance that will change everything, or it could be hurtful words that pierced our heart, but whatever it is, we feel helpless and needy. God specializes in using those circumstances to draw us to Himself and it is a time He displays His power, for it says that “His power is perfected in our weakness.” (II Cor. 12:9). We come to realize in a deep way that our need for the Lord is great!

There are secondary benefits, for our pride gets crushed. Such times drive us to the Word where we hungrily read scripture to claim verses that sustain us.  We also may become more sympathetic to others and slower to judge them, for we know what it is like to feel like being in the pit. Hopefully we come to realize that life is very brief and discover what is really important and can come to rest in Him.

When we are delivered from our circumstance and pain, we may be filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise. Hopefully we see that God was producing fruit in our lives and now we have become more patient, understanding and loving toward others… more like Jesus. May our hurting times produce growth in each of us, for we need the Lord all the time.

The Message translation says, “Keep your eyes open for God, watch for His works be alert for signs of His presence.” If we were seeking His presence continually throughout our day, our lives would be transformed and we would see all the things around us as a work of His hands. The Amplified translation says, “Seek, inquire of and for the Lord, and crave Him and His strength (His might and inflexibility to temptation): seek and require His face and His presence (continually) evermore.” Then we are told to also to move on to think about His miracles and wonders and faithfulness. Let us all enjoy the Lord and seek Him throughout our day.

Challenge for today: Memorize and practice Psalm 105:4.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

I was reminded of that when I went to visit a Christian friend who shared how she had been berated and hollered at by a care giver, simply because she put her light on for help. The person had done this before and my friend had answered her back, only this time she had just kept quiet, knowing that saying anything would only escalate things. We talked about the situation and I told her that she would need to forgive her, even though the other person wasn’t sorry. When we forgive, then God will deal with the person and we are set free. It helped that we talked about how Jesus knew exactly how she was feeling for He forgave those who mocked Him, spit on Him and there were times He simply kept silent. Her heart softened and she replied, “Yes, I can forgive her! I will forgive her.” We ended up praying for the gal who makes life hard for her, and my friend had peace in forgiveness.

Some of the characteristics that should be indicative of a Jesus’ follower would be: being a person of integrity, one who refrains from lying (even little lies), cheating, adultery, etc. Also, he or she doesn’t make excuses and keeps commitments and promises. Daniel of the Bible was like an open book and such a person of integrity that his enemies could find no fault in him. It says in Daniel 6:4 “He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy.” No matter how hard they searched there was nothing to criticize in him. Wouldn’t that be great if that could be said of each of us?

Jesus’ followers are to work hard and faithfully because of what He has already done for us. Our work should be a joy when we do it for Him and He has promised to give us a reward for whatever we do in His name. Whether we are cleaning restrooms or work as a CEO or a cashier, we are to do it for His glory. We also need to ask for forgiveness when our work is done only half-heartedly or pridefully, for we are to serve Him with all our being.

We are to be hospitable to others, not to make a big impression, but to express God’s love to them. Our homes are to be used as resources as we express love to others and bring them encouragement over coffee or perhaps a hot meal. We are to be genuine in our love and do it as unto the Lord. Paul says in Romans 12:9, “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good.”

Out of the blue one day recently I heard the words, “I don’t want to be a bother!” I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit telling me what I have held in my heart since I was a small child. I came into the world with my mom having a 3-year-old and a 1 ½ year old son and then surprisingly me, another baby in her already busy life. I grew up wanting to be more hidden rather than in the limelight and was surprised if attention was given to me for something I did. I just sort of passed compliments off and didn’t believe the words others said. My husband would also tell you that I just let things roll right on by and do not take them in. As a pastor’s wife, I did not like the spotlight on me and especially did not welcome public speaking engagements. But lately I think the Lord has been getting my attention that I am not a bother, for He welcomes me and loves me. Of course, my mind has always known that, but a deep place in my heart has not fully received the message. In case I don’t fully get this now, He has brought people into my life lately to share what God has said to them through something of my life or these devotions, etc…people out of the blue and even those I have not known personally. Yes Lord, I get it! You love me, you welcome me just as I am and I praise you.

I believe God wants each of us to rejoice in who He created us to be! We are loved beyond anything we can imagine. A friend shared how her grandson that lives 175 miles away, saw her in a large restaurant and ran the entire length of it as fast as his little legs could go, yelling “Grandma, Grandma!” and then fell into her arms. Let us picture Jesus that way, welcoming us into His arms of love, not for what we do, but for who we are. Now back to my dancing!!!!