Dear Ones, Hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day as we remember those who gave everything for our country. We plan to leave early this morning and go to the Lake where many relatives are gathered. Lots of lightning and thunder in the night but weather is supposed to be gorgeous today although I don’t plan to swim. Burr! The cabin hasn’t been opened yet, but we love to sit on the deck with a good book and a cup of coffee.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
It is getting quite rare today to know people of conviction, as so many have doubts and a blurring of morals. Some people are afraid they will be thought of as being arrogant if they have strong beliefs and convictions, so they give in to the culture and become wishy-washy. But how can we grow in the Lord if we are afraid to take a stand? More than ever today it costs us to share our beliefs, but Jesus warned us of the cost and to expect it, for He suffered for firmly speaking the truth. He tells us not to doubt, just as he told Thomas who said he needed to put his hand in the Lord’s side before he would believe. Jesus told him in John 20:27, “Stop doubting and believe.”

There are many times the Lord shows us our sinful behavior, and it is meant to lead us to repentance. This is not condemnation, but really an invitation to change. In II Cor. 7:10 it says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” God convicts us of sin so that we can cry to Him for help to change us, and we are set free by His grace. It is hard to comprehend that though we sin, there is total forgiveness when we come to the Lord and ask. All is forgiven! But here is the thing: we need to face our sin, admit it and not excuse our behavior. It is the blood of Jesus, His Son, that purifies us from all sin. (I John 1:7)

It’s important that we still make choices daily to resist the sin nature within us. We can ask the Lord for His help, for His holiness. We must cooperate with the Lord as it says in Phil 2:13, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose.” The choice is ours of what we let into our hearts, and if we are to be people of conviction, we must guard our hearts and reject anything that goes against His holiness. Yes, we will blow it at times, but we are to repent quickly, renounce our sin, and ask the Lord to cleanse us.

Challenge for today: When you sin, quickly repent and ask the Lord to forgive you and cleanse you and renew you. Don’t waste even a moment!
Blessings on this Memorial Day and prayers and love, Judy