Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day. Al and I have an appointment this morning and then I have Women’s Bible study and this afternoon we have friends coming for fellowship and Nova Scotia Cream cake. I hope it is as good as it sounds!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I hope that we will all honor God first in the coming year and will live with purpose. Our life is brief and not to be wasted, and we might ask ourselves what we will leave behind. When our friend Susan died recently, she didn’t have a lot of the world’s goods to leave behind. But she had a profound effect on others as she rejoiced in what she was given, didn’t complain, and wanted to be a light where she lived. She was thankful for God providing for all her needs and reminds me of the verse I read recently from Rom. 11:36, “Everything comes from Him; Everything happens through Him; Everything ends up in Him. Always glory! Always praise! Yes. Yes. Yes.”

We may want to ask the Lord for some specific ways we might put Him first and draw closer to Him. Many of you responded with a specific word for the year such as Quiet, Stillness, Silence, Authenticity, Restoration, Deep, Trust, Reorganization, Gratitude, etc. Each one of us can ask the Lord to show us how we can grow and keep on track. King Solomon says in Proverbs 3 to take to heart what God has told us so we can live a long full life well. Then goes on to say, “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go… Don’t assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!…Honor God with everything you own; give Him the first and the best.”

One of the ways I believe the Lord is prompting me is to fast at certain times. Years ago, Al and I fasted every Tuesday but it’s been a long while since I have done that. Maybe the Lord is suggesting to you to give more, to show hospitality, to memorize scripture, to have a sabbath rest, etc. Let us be open to whatever He shows us so we may live well, with purpose and with eternity in mind!

Challenge for today:  Spend time listening to the Lord and be obedient to His promptings. He doesn’t force His way.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy