Dear Ones, Hope you have an encouraging day. We enjoyed a visit from Kurt on his way to the cabin yesterday and today is Donut Day here and Bible Study. I am grateful for your prayers for healing and early tomorrow morning I get to see a wound specialist.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Our dependency is to be totally on the Lord, and anything other than God is idolatry. It seems like when we refrain from focusing on self and care for those that God puts in our lives, He will meet our needs as well. There is so much division in our country and also in the church. But if we are to live freely, we must submit ourselves to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit and test whether something is of the Lord. It may not be what we are used to, but God works through all His body, including those not like us.

Of course, we will not agree with everyone around us but we are to love, hear one another, and take down our barriers. We are to leave the judging up to the Lord. Jude says it well in verses 20-23, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh” Let us focus on building others up and treating them with respect and love, rather than trying to straighten them out to think more like we do.

It is so important to stay connected with others, becoming like coals piled together that make a strong fire. We are to encourage one another, bear each other’s burdens and work together for His kingdom. It is growth when we can learn to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (James 1:19). When we are in close relationships with other believers, we are more able to discern what God is doing within us. But always we need to be humble and open!

God wants to use each of us to first of all love Him, but then to touch the lives of others with His love. We are all significant in God’s sight and have a role to play. Let us not hold back.

Challenge for today: Reach out to others in new ways and share God’s love with them every chance you get!
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy