Dear Ones,
Happy weekend to you! Today is Party Day here and we will be going to Costco to pick up the cake and prepare for the celebration this afternoon. We are enjoying warmer days for our walks too and soon the Paul Bunyan trail will be all clear.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Parties are fun and here at Northern Lakes we have lots of parties. Every month we celebrate birthdays as well as special days like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas etc. But have you ever thought of the best celebrations that go on in heaven over even one person who returns to the Lord. Our parties are nothing in comparison to the jubilation that happens in glory.

I was reading yesterday from Luke 15 of what Jesus tells the crowd, including those who were thought sinful and tried to intently listen. Jesus lets them know that they are being sought after for the shepherd will leave 99 sheep just to find one little lost one. That would certainly let them know that no one is unimportant but much loved. He also gives the story of a lost coin that was found, and great celebration takes place with the neighbors. In case, the listeners doubt they can come to be a follower of Jesus, He tells the story of the prodigal son who took his inheritance and went far away from his father to engage in sinful living. When he comes to his senses, he is willing to go home and take the role of a servant. The Father was all the while looking for him and watching for his return. He meets him before he is even close to home and embraces him, kisses him and calls for a celebration. His son is found! He is restored to the father, dressed in new clothes, and great partying began.

 There is great celebration when we repent and come back to the Lord. It says in verse 7 of Luke 15 that ”There’s more joy in heaven over one sinner’s rescued life than over ninety-nine good people in no need of rescue.”  God’s forgiveness is always available to each of us. No, we don’t deserve it, but He paid the price that will set us free, and our part is to repent and ask forgiveness. He does even more for He actually forgets we ever did the sin! Isn’t that awesome?! We may not forget what we have done when the enemy brings up an old sin; but rather than feel guilty again we can start thanking the Lord that He has forgiven us and remember there is partying going on in heaven over us!

Challenge for today: When you have sinned, repent and confess it to the Lord and thank Him; then visualize the joy amongst the angels.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy