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: Whispers (Page 12 of 161)

May 26, 2025

May 26, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday weekend. We enjoyed our time at the cabin and wonderful to wake up in the morning to the sunrise over the lake.  I had many games with family but also quiet times by the water.  It was also great to see old friends again at our former church.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
In the midst of our culture with so much evil, who do we let influence us? Hopefully we are not sucked in by all the things we read or hear on the media, but go to the Lord. He is truth, He is the One who should influence all we do, say and think.
Recently I was reading from Paul’s letter to Timothy, and he starts right out by saying he, Paul, is on special assignment for Christ and under God’s command. He was not taken in by all the teachings of counterfeit faith and warns Timothy to also guard against it, as some went around as experts but were full of hot air. There is a lot being said today that is also misleading, directly contradicting what the Bible says, and we can know it is not truth. Paul warns in I Tim 1:19, “Some have refused to let their faith guide their conscience and their faith has been destroyed like a wrecked ship.”  We may start out gradually accepting things that are only partly true but contain a little bit of error. Before long we have been sucked in by the whole lie and no longer stand for truth.
Some people are motivated by the desire for power and control, teaching things that are false, or at best half-truths. But we need to be alert, to recognize what is false and call it for what it is. That means we must know what the Word says, spending time letting it speak to us and guide us in our everyday life. We need to walk steadily and with perseverance, motivated by faith and love. May we stop looking like the world and spend time with the Lord and feed on the good things that are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, etc. (Phil. 4: 8-9)
Challenge for today: Walk the walk and talk the talk of one who knows Jesus, not one who lives half for Him and half for the world.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

May 24, 2025

May 24, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. We hope to see the sun and have some warm rays as we go to the lake this morning. A family picnic is planned for this evening and tomorrow we plan to go to the Lighthouse and see old friends that we haven’t seen for some time.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
There is one game that is not good to play and that is the comparison game. It often shows up in wanting what others have, envy towards those that seem to be one notch above us, and dissatisfaction with who God made us to be.  Those who feel overlooked, unnoticed and have low self-esteem are especially vulnerable. They often envy those who seem to be winners in the status game, causing a feeling of emptiness.
We are to be in communion with one another and valued, but not in competition to prove we are worthy and approved. Each one of us is uniquely made in God’s image and remarkable, but not better than others. We all matter and are equal, special and loved by the very One who created us. It is not wise to compare ourselves with anyone else for we are not to be grounded by the opinion of others, but our sense of self is to rest in the Lord. In Him we are free to be who He created us to be and have value.
So much emphasis today is on our appearance, our titles and accomplishments, but approval can fluctuate greatly and cause us to live on edge, wondering when it may change. Just think of our bodies and how as we naturally age, wrinkles begin appearing and maybe pounds increase on the scale. If our worth is in our appearance, we are in trouble. We are formed by what has our attention, so let it be on the Lord and not on things that will change and pass away. If we seek our worth in others or in accumulating wealth and fame, it is idolatry. The Lord wants to be in first place in our lives; our acceptance and approval come from Him. We don’t have to be constantly wondering if we measure up for in the Lord; we are enough and can then rest and turn our attention outward to others.
Let us be in communion with one another and not competition!
Challenge for today: Thank the Lord that you are His beloved and seen. Do not be unwise by comparing yourself with others. (II Cor. 10:12)
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

May 23, 2025

May 23, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Happy Weekend! Hope you have a great Memorial Day weekend. Today I plan to clean and pack and make food for going to the lake. We plan to leave tomorrow morning to visit a friend at Assisted Living and then on the cabin to stay overnight.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Isn’t it amazing how connected we are to others by just a click on our smart phones or a quick message from our e-mail? I used to communicate with friends in other states and countries by snail mail and it took ages for them to get my letter and then a long while for a response. But today it is strange that although we can have instant connection with others, our nation is facing an epidemic of loneliness with half of U.S. adults experiencing significant levels of loneliness according to our surgeon general. Though we have the latest technologies, we have fewer face-to-face interactions and so many feel isolated. Virtual friendships are not the same as ones in the real world. Many don’t communicate even when they are able to be together, as each one is on their phone and not conversing with those present.
But there is no need to be lonely when we have a Heavenly Father who desires friendship and fellowship with us. He loves us more than any person can and gave His very life for us. He wants to have a deep relationship with us and communicate with us all throughout our day. He is meant to be our Best Friend and will never leave us, for we are the apple of His eye, the crown of His creation. He wants to be our confidant and lover of our soul. We can walk with Him, talk with Him any time, anywhere and tell Him the secrets of our heart. When we read the Word, we find that we are drawn closer to Him and are better able to hear Him.
The Lord has also given us a spiritual family with other believers where we can come together to worship, share our hearts and be connected in a deep sense. When we feel lonely, we can reach out to others in the Body of Christ to receive prayer, hugs and words of encouragement.
I am reminded of the song that I sing often in the car, “Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come? Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and home. When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”
Let us not settle for loneliness when our Father is waiting for us to come to Him and wants to have an intimate relationship with us!
Challenge for today: Don’t wait for eternity to enjoy the Lord’s friendship. Make Him your best friend and confidant each day.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

May 21, 2025

May 22, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a restful day! Al is going to be off to men’s group and I will have coffee and donuts waiting when he comes home. Hoping we see the sun’s face soon! This afternoon we have Bible study and our group is becoming close knit. Your question this week is, which aspect of your life do you struggle most to keep in balance… your body, mind or soul? How can you correct that?
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I think we have all heard others say how busy they are and the many extra hours they work a week. We wonder if they have time to even sleep! But our work does not justify our existence or significance. We were made for the Lord and we need balance in our lives between body, mind and soul. If we neglect one of them it throws us off balance.
It is good when we have time in the day for work, study and prayer, rest, and eating. Our physical needs are related to our spirit’s health, so we need a holistic life style. We all know what happens to us if we go overboard on eating, but we don’t always see the consequences of working without rest right away and may end up estranged from our family. When we don’t take time to rest, it stresses our body and emotions; we can get sick and irritable. We need to always leave time for prayer and it should not be hindered by our work. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said to his underground seminary during the Nazi years, “Without the burden and labor of the day, prayer is not prayer, and without prayer work is not work.” All of us need balance between work and prayer.
Just work won’t satisfy us or give us significance in life if we don’t have the God component. We are more than our jobs and we need to find what God’s calling on our life is. That is our vocation. Pope Benedict said that what we do is not as important as how, for whom, and to what end we do it. When our work is our vocation, it can become a means which God uses to cause us to love Him more and draw closer.  So many today evaluate a job opportunity based only on the salary or recognition and not on God’s calling. Let us pray that we find our calling and don’t neglect our body, mind or spirit.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to show you anywhere in your life you are out of balance and correct that.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day. We got a lot of rain yesterday so things are really greening up again. I am going to do food prep and go to exercise class, crafts and Bible study today.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Have you ever noticed how some people think that rules don’t apply to them as they are the exception? Somehow they feel they are a little superior to others and have not yet come to the realization that they are like everyone else with sinful thoughts, weaknesses and pride. But none of us are without sin and it is humbling to let others see us as we really are without our masks; the road to humility is long.
I think we all have seen the scenario online of the gal who looks beautiful all dressed up and made up. But when she starts taking off her false eye lashes, wig and special enhancements, the guy is shocked realizing she is not who she pretends to be and proceeds to ditch her. Maybe we don’t hide our real self from others to that degree, but we may think in our hearts that we are not as bad off as someone else and perhaps a little more put together. But we won’t taste real freedom until we know our true state of heart.
Pride puts up barriers between us and the Lord. I was reading from Psalm 119 today and verse 71 says, “It is good for me that I was humbled, so that I might learn your statutes:” It is a good thing when we recognize our true state and in humility are open to the Lord to learn from Him, ready to take His words to heart. By nature, we are all self-centered, spending so much time thinking about ourselves and perhaps even having a false sense of humility. Maybe we have a role we play, but we need to live in truth and know we need God’s grace just like others.
Let us remember we are all sinful and need God’s grace while also extending that grace to others. None of us are perfect so let us not be boastful, but grateful for the Lord’s unconditional love that accepts us as we are while transforming us more and more into His image.
Challenge for today: Be humble, live in truth, and receive God’s love and grace even when you exhibit unlovely behavior.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have a sunny day! We are hoping for warmer weather and to see the sun today. I am going to bake and do food prep and go to Women’s Bible Study this morning.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How do we deal with troubles and losses in our lives? Do we immediately respond by putting blame on others and God, or maybe get down and depressed? Hopefully we turn to the Lord and pray about the circumstance we may be in and ask for His help. I have been reading about Job and marvel at his response to losing his sons and daughters, cattle, and servants in one day and yet he didn’t blame God. Instead, he worshiped and said to the Lord, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21) Wow!
We may wonder what we would do under such hard circumstances. Would we fold under the stress and give up, or would we listen to the Lord and ask Him what he is saying to us through the trying time and seek to grow through it? Recently a friend was sharing about her life and although I have known her for a long time, I did not know her hard beginnings. When she was only 4 years old her mom took her and her sister to her grandma’s house, told her she didn’t want her daughters anymore and she could have the brats! The two girls never heard from their mom after that. Later in life, my friend’s own daughter all of a sudden cut her off with no explanation, never to see her again or to let her know her grandkids. Rejection again! You would think that she might deal with depression and wonder why God allowed these things to happen to her. But that is not her response. She shares how the Lord has been with her all throughout her life, her surgeries and everyday happenings, and has been so faithful. Not a hint of self-pity but praise to the Lord. I told her I marvel at her attitude, but she responded with words of how the Lord has always been faithful to her.
It reminds me of a. song from Hillsong:
”Lord of all the earth/ How You care for me/ You have made me/ You will save and carry me always
You are faithful/ You are faithful/ You are faithful/ Your joy is my strength
Lord you are my God/ I rely on You/ I put my hope in things not seen/ Your promises all true/ Always you’re with me/ Your hand will lift me/ My trust is in your hands/ Always you’re with me/ Your hand will lift me/ My trust is in your hands.”
Challenge for today: Thank the Lord for when He has carried you through times of trouble and give Him praise.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and stayed warm. It was only 36 degrees yesterday morning when I got up and I decided to wear something warm to church rather than a sundress! Today I plan to go to Aldi’s and my exercise class and do some writing.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Today we live in a society where change is rampant and occurs every day. It seems as if a group doesn’t meet our expectations, we move on to another group. If our job gets difficult and we aren’t treated just right, it’s move on to something else. Church hopping is at an all-time high, for if we don’t like how the pastor is handling a situation or we disagree with a view presented we find another church. Somehow, I don’t think that is what God intends, for if we run away when things get tense, we won’t grow in new ways through our circumstances.
I read recently that the Benedictine monks take a vow of stability and make a commitment to stay with the same community for the rest of their lives. I’m sure each monk takes his time before he makes the decision and is received into a community. We could also say in marriage we are making a commitment to our mate to stay together until death, but many give up on their marriage if they become tired or bored rather than stay in their marriage and work at it.
It’s important we all are content and faithful in the situations God puts us and with the people that He has placed in our lives. These are very ones He has chosen to help us and He will use to speak truth to us so we grow in new ways. We should not rush out the first exit door and go to a new situation where anything goes and we are not accountable. Paul said in Eph.4:15-16 that “God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. His very breath and blood flow through us, nourishing us so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.”
We grow as we remain in the place where God puts us, for as long as He determines. We need to be humble, attentive and learn what He is teaching us. We might think of it as God’s school for us and He will let us know when we are ready to move on.
Challenge for today: Don’t run away from the place God has put you, but be an eager and humble learner that you may grow up healthy in the Lord.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

May 17, 2025

May 17, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! Hope the weather warms up soon! Hard to believe it is in the 80’s one day and then drops to 40’s. I was perfectly content to stay in yesterday and bake etc.  I plan to clean the apartment and do some food prep etc. today
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I love to see those who have the gift of hospitality and are so eager and quick to welcome others, looking to meet their needs. Sometimes it is so obvious to Al and I and we can nod at one another recognizing the person serving us has that gift. They tend to anticipate the needs of others and are quick to provide. When we stay overnight, those with hospitality usually have a basket in our room with guest amenities, snacks, etc. and we are made to feel welcome and not an imposition.
The monks readily welcome visitors, for they look at each guest as they if they are welcoming Christ. For as we do it for a stranger, we are welcoming the Lord. It says in Matt. 25 that what we do for someone hungry or thirsty or sick or naked, etc., we are doing it for Him. Monks may greet a stranger at the door with joy and humbly bow for they feel they are welcoming the Lord. They don’t base their greetings on whether the person is important in the eyes of the world, for each one is important and made it God’s image.
Many churches have programs for the poor. In Des Moines, we had a clothes closet at our church where any needy person could come and receive all the clothes they needed without price. It was so exciting to see when some of their exact needs were met, often by someone who had just brought a carload of clothes in the exact size. Some churches provide meals for those who are hungry or provide beds for the night. But we all need to examine our lives to know how hospitable we are. It can start on Sunday morning when we welcome the newcomers and offer to have coffee with them after the service rather than with our close friends.
There are times we are tested on how hospitable we are, for not everyone comes at a convenient time and we must make adjustments. Let us not let those opportunities slip by, but welcome the stranger, open our hands to the poor and do it as unto Him.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to make you aware of those He would have you serve and do it with joy and grace as unto Him.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

May 16, 2025

May 16, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Happy weekend! We are blessed that we didn’t get hit hard by the storm yesterday afternoon as we were under a tornado watch. We got some good rain though which is much needed. Lars came for supper last night on his way to the lake.
 Today I plan to make Mexican pie and cookies bake and listen to a good seminar.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Sometimes we can surely mess things up if we get involved when we should keep out of something. It is best to be still and to let God work. I was reading what Ann Voskamp wrote about what it means to stand still as it says in Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This word came at a very pivotal time when the Israelites were facing the Red Sea, the Egyptians were behind them and they had nowhere to go. But these words were given them and we know they went over on dry land while their enemy was drowned. The Lord did the fighting and they only had to let go and let God do it.

When we are still, we let go of our fears and trust that God will hold us. The more we truly know God, the deeper our trust goes. It’s like letting whatever concerns us to slip out of our hands into God’s hands. VosKamp said the literal translation of be still means to drop, sink down, to let go. We all have situations that could cause us fear, but it is in those times that we need to hush, be still and let go of our worries. As we do, we will come to a greater knowing of the Lord and see His power at work.

We all need stillness in our lives if we want to really know God in a deep way. We have the promise in Isaiah 26:3 that He will keep us in peace if our mind is stayed on Him as we trust. No matter what is happening in our lives, we can live in peace in the midst of the turmoil and not be shaken. We need to hold our peace and not strive and strain as we wonder what will happen. Instead, let us quiet our soul, put our trust in God’s capable hands and watch what He will do. Voskamp’s words, “When you take time to be still, you aren’t falling behind; you are letting everything else fall away, and letting God alone be your way.”

 Challenge for today: The next time you feel stressed, be still and let go, giving it all into the Lord’s hands and watch Him work.

Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

 

May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have great day. Rain is expected and we surely need it. It is Donut Day here and later Bible Study. I plan to make egg dishes and listen to a seminar etc.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Many of us may agree we should talk less and listen more, for it is hard to hear the Lord or others when we are interrupting or thinking of what we will say next. There are many places in Scripture that tell us to listen carefully, so we need to pay attention. Eccl. 5:2 says, “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore, let your words be few.”
We live in a very noisy world, and to really listen we need quiet not only without but within. Years ago, Al and I went to a silent retreat at a Cistercian monastery. They practice silence and even at meal time no word was spoken. It was a new experience and I have to say I took more thought in what I was eating and was conscious of each bite. The silence was quite a change from our noisy world and times like that help us deal with ourselves. So much our lives are lived by reacting to outward things, and even the dings from our cell phones tell us someone wants our attention. But silence helps us to act from within ourselves and we begin to see our real needs and those of others.
When the weather is nice, it is restoring to just sit outside and listen to the sounds of nature, the singing of the birds and the breeze through the trees. We become more aware of the Lord and take pleasure in even the little things.
If we are honest with ourselves, there are probably times for most of us when we realize we have talked too much and should have remained quiet. Some time ago we had a couple over for dinner and we asked about their family and their lives and they shared and shared but never once did they ever address a question to us. I said to Al that they never found out anything more than what they came with as they only talked about their lives but nothing more. Let us all weigh our words and speak as the Lord directs us and talk less and listen more.
Challenge for today: Take time to be quiet and live more in God’s reality!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy
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