Dear Ones,
Hope you are staying warm on these cold days. Burr! I wore my heated vest last night to church
and it kept me toasty warm. Al will be going to the Men’s Group this morning and this afternoon we
have Bible Study here.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
One day, a friend and I went out for coffee at a special place and talked for over three hours. We had been trying to get together for almost four months, ever since my birthday. The time flew by and we were not distracted by the other people around, as we had so much catching-up to do. It was wonderful to share together and I was even showered with birthday gifts. I went away with my heart full of joy at the time spent together.

A short time later I was reading in a book by Francis Chan, Beloved, and he wrote about how the Lord desires to be with us, to be near us and to eat with us. Not just a rushed meal that we gulp down but a lingering time of fellowshipping with Him. As it says in Revelation 3:20, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.” I think it means a lingering meal like I had with my friend that was not rushed, but a time of enjoyable sharing.

Of course, the Lord likes to hear about our needs as well, but just like our times with friends, it good to both be able to be heard and to have fellowship together. I know I am often found guilty of rushing into my day without spending time really listening to the Lord and simply enjoying His presence. Chan tells about a college professor who asked his class to spend seven minutes silently with the Lord each morning, and nearly the whole class couldn’t do it. They were so used to their music and phones and all the distractions. But how are we going to grow in our love for the Lord if we don’t take time to be with Him? My challenge for you and for me in this New Year is to spend time with the Lord each day, and include five minutes of silence to just enjoy and listen to Him.

Challenge for today: Picture the Lord waiting for you each morning, and make it a new rhythm in your life to give Him your time.