Dear Ones,
Hope you have a connecting day! I wrote the following devotional before I fell and ended up spending most of the time in our apt or going for wound care. But tomorrow I hope to get downstairs and mix with friends while we do crafts. I have missed seeing others!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
How well do we connect with others? I am an introvert by nature and love quiet time at my desk, but I also need time to be in comDear munity. I don’t have to go far, for there are fifty-nine other apartments in our building. All we have to do is open our door to go get our mail and mix with others as much or as little as we desire. The need to connect is within each of us and we are healthier when we do, and statistics show we live longer.

God’s desire for each of us is to hDave deep, rich relationships with others. That means loving real people (not just texting them), sharing with others, and bringing encouragement to one another. Some people try to escape relationships, turning instead to alcohol, endless scrolling on the internet, drugs, etc., but we need communion with others. Paul says in Romans 1:11-12 (Amplified), “For I am yearning to see you, that I may impart and share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen and establish you; that is, that we may be mutually strengthened and encouraged and comforted by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.”

If we want abundant life, we will need close connections. Community is a place of being lifted out of our negative mindset or times of discouragement; it will strengthen our spirits and bring hope. We can share with one another, pray for one another and stand together through thick and thin. The enemy however wants us to be isolated so we are easier to pick off.  Our son’s family has been in a small group for some time and they meet regularly together. It is strengthening to all, as they can share honestly and openly and also know it will be held in confidence.  Let us seek close relationships, that we may grow closer to the Lord and one another.

Challenge for today: Pray, asking the Lord for good connections with others, that you may grow together in Him.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy