Canaan's Rest

Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

Page 149 of 371

March 3, 2022

March 3, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying the day. We are getting more energy. PTL! I also seem to be getting a cold, and am hoping to shoo it away! I haven’t been outside our apt. so seems impossible. We will enjoy soup today left by our door last night by kind friends! A perfect treat! 
Devotins from Judy’s heart
Perhaps we all have had moments when we have a sense of the supernatural and can actually feel the prayers of others holding us up. It’s like we are going through the actions with much grace but absolutely knowing it is not our power but it is the Lord!
Let us never underestimate the power of prayer for we cannot fully comprehend what a difference it is making in the spiritual realm.
Recently a friend sent me a text message she had received from her sister that was written by a Ukrainian brother who fights for Ukraine. Hopefully it will help us persist in prayer for those suffering and giving their lives for their country.  His words: “I want to inspire those who pray for us with the words of our soldiers and ordinary people from different parts of Ukraine, where the battle takes place. Soldiers of Ukraine testify, ‘We feel your prayerful support. Sometimes something really incomprehensible happens, as if someone’s invisible hand is actually making bullets fly past us. We win in very difficult situations as if someone is helping us. We are invisible to the enemy, while we ourselves become able to see in the dark, and we know what to do and how to do it. It inspires us and gives us strength. We believe that the Jesus Christ Himself is for Ukraine. We ask you not to stop, support us and continue to pray.  We really need you.’”
Sometimes we apologetically say to another, “I can’t do much all I can do is pray.” That is the most important thing we can do as we put it all into God’s hands. It touched my heart to see the picture of rows and rows of soldiers on their knees, many of them lifting their hands heavenward, all praying for God’s help. The future is unknown to them, but humbly asking for God’s help.
As it says in Psalm 107:28-29 (NIV), “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought the out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided the to their desired haven.”
Only the Lord can hush this horrible storm and may we all stand together with the people of Ukraine and pray as never before.
Challenge for today: Gather with other Christians and pray for the people of Ukraine.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

 

March 2, 2022

March 2, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
May you have a blessed Ash Wednesday! As we begin this Lenten season, may this be an especially meaningful time for us all. We are still in the healing process and hoping our energy level will rise some more. We are content to stay in our snug apt for now but also longing to get outside on the trail again. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Blessings on this Ash Wednesday! Lent is here and we begin the 40 day period until Easter. The paraments at church are changed to the color purple which stands for penance, preparation and sacrifice, as well as royalty. During this time, we think of Jesus 40 days in the desert as he was tempted by the devil and how He overcame him. We remember His tremendous sacrifice on the cross for us.
Although Al and I would like to be at the Ash Wednesday service, we are going to skip this year to be sure we are completely well and not going to pass anything on to others. Our pastor will be putting ashes in the sign of the cross on the foreheads of all, as with many churches. Ashes represent repentance and it is a time of humbling ourselves before the Lord and asking Him to cleanse us from all our sin. It’s also a reminder that we were dust and one day we will return to dust. (Gen 3:19)
Now many people give up something during lent to make more room for the Lord.  But whatever it is, we don’t need to put it on Facebook for all to read and to appear pious before others. It is rather something hidden that we do out of love for the Lord and is between Him and us. I find it helps me to be reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for me, as I give up something that is sacrificial for me.
The Lord is after our hearts and not that we keep certain rules, or do outward displays. He wants to have a close relationship with us built on love and humility and gratitude.
We all know what it is like to give something of value to another and yet we may not even get a thank you or an acknowledgement that they received it. I wonder if that is how the Lord feels when we take things for granted, when He suffered and gave everything for us. It is not something to pass over quickly but to ponder, to appreciate, to be full of gratitude, and to be changed because of it.
Let us enter the Lenten season with humble, repentant hearts that are aware of our own sinful ways but also full of gratitude for what Jesus did for us.
Challenge for today: Spend some time in confession of your sins and then time thanking the Lord for His pardoning grace.
Blessings on your Lenten journey and prayers and love, Judy

March 1, 2022

March 1, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you wake with anticipation for what the Lord has for you today. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Our lives are in God’s hand and we don’t know the number of our days but He does. During this Covid time, many of us have lost friends and family that are no longer with us but in their eternal home. Some were old and some were young but none of them knew the exact moment they would leave this world. But for all of us each day is one day less we have remaining on this earth, and one day closer to what awaits us.
Those of us who know the Lord, what we wait for is more glorious than we can imagine. Like the simple childhood song we may have sung, “Heaven is a wonderful place/ filled with glory and grace/ I want to see my Savior’s face/ Heaven is a wonderful place!”
One day we will be with the Lord and have new bodies but in the meantime, Paul says in Romans 8:23, “Not only so but we ourselves who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.” Everything will be made new!
Where we live in Senior independent living, we see what it is like getting older and earthly bodies wearing out. Ambulances pull up now and then, and we have been to funerals for those friends who have died, since coming here 3 years ago. Death seems more real but none of us know how many days we have left, even if we are young.
It is good to imagine what will take place when our time comes, whenever that is, for we will be with the Lord forever. No more sadness, no more pain. Whatever we go through in this life will be worth it all, when we see Him. Like the song goes:
“It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Chrst;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.”
Challenge for today: Live this day as if it was your last day on earth
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

February 28, 2022

February 28, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Ours was very low-key as we are doing what we can to get well. We studied some but also took frequent naps. Today we both feel better but not a powerhouse of energy yet. Thankful though that each day is better and healing is happening.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
All eyes seem to be on Ukraine today as we see the struggle of the people there. It stirs my heart as I see the Christians in the Metro Station of Kyer singing songs of forgiveness and love. We must not forget them but pray much for them.
As we tuck our kids into warm beds at night, let us remember those that are hiding in the cold underground to protect their children. Many of them have already lost homes, loved ones and livelihoods.
Let us pray for Vladimir Putin’s heart to be changed and that he would no longer continue in his wicked ways.A prayer I read recently by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell Is one we can all pray:
“A prayer for Ukraine:
God of peace and justice,
we pray for the people of Ukraine today.
We pray for peace and the laying down of weapons.
We pray for all those who fear tomorrow,
that your spirit of comfort would draw near to them.
We pray for those with power over war and peace.
for wisdom, discernment and compassion.
to guide their decisions.
Above all we pray for all of your precious children, at risk and in fear,
that you would hold and protect them.
We pray in the name of Jesus, the Prince of peace. Amen.”
Challenge for today: Take some time to lift in prayer those suffering in Ukraine and for courage to be given them.
Blessings on your week and prayers and love, Judy

 

Deconstruction of Men

February 28, 2022 / / 0 Comments

Recently I came across an address given by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley.  I do not intend this blog to be a partisan plug for the Senator. But I must say I was thrilled and energized by what he had to say about young men. When I find a “truth-teller” cutting through all the distorted fog of our time, I rejoice. All truth is God’s truth when it lines up with the truths of scripture. I praise God for the courage of this one senator to stand up for the young men in our culture.  His focus was “the deconstruction of men.” 

He asked, “How are we going to raise up good men today?”  His reply, “We can start by repudiating the lie that America is a systemically oppressive nation and that men are systemically responsible.” He challenged his audience to consider virtues that men have traditionally embraced.  “To keep a republic, you have to be willing to fight for it,” observes the Senator, while adding, “To preserve liberty, you have to discipline your passions and sacrifice in the service of others.”  “Assertiveness and independence,” he maintains, “are strengths when used to protect and empower others.”

Hawley declared, “…We must seek a revival of strong and healthy manhood in America.  We need men who will shoulder responsibility, men who will start and provide for families, men who will enter the covenant of marriage and then honor it… We need men to raise up sons and daughters after them, to pass on the great truths of our culture and history, to defend liberty, to share in the work of self-government.”

He gave a challenge to the men present: “You are a tremendous force for good. Your nation needs you. The world needs you.” He gave this encouragement: “Your strength can liberate others. Your power can serve those in need. Your creativity can light new paths. Your courage can defend the weak. Your faithfulness can raise up sons and daughters after you and make their way straight. You can make this a more perfect nation.” 

Wow! I felt like one of guys on the team, before the big game, being exhorted by the coach to believe we can actually go out and win.  The coach (senator) believes in me.  He believes as a team we can make a difference.  I need to hear that kind of message from someone in public office.  For me, it reaches into my male soul (at 80 years), motivating me to want to still make a difference.

So, I exhort you as a voice crying out in the wilderness: God is not through with you yet. Rise up as a man.  Don’t believe the voices telling you that you are the problem because you are a man. There are manly virtues such as courage, truth, orientation, assertiveness, independence, direction, and responsibility that have traditionally been considered male virtues.

Maybe God is speaking right now to some men out there. You are at a crossroads. You feel beaten down by the message of “toxic masculinity.” You don’t see a way out.  But trust me.  God is putting his hand on men who have been crying out for direction.  Jesus is calling men who want to make a difference – men who know there is more.  They are willing to pay the price in an anti-Christian climate.

I like the way the Message puts it: “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat: I am.  Don’t run from suffering: embrace it.  Follow me and I’ll show you how” (Matt. 16:24). 

February 26, 2022

February 26, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are having an enjoyable weekend. Al is better now but it is going to take longer for me as I didn’t get sick right away like he did. I’m not doing a lot of work so am getting lazy! 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
What is the first thing we do upon waking from a long night’s sleep? Is it to groan and quickly fill our mind with all the things we need to accomplish during the day; or is it to greet the Lord and thank Him for a night of rest and a new day before us, full of promise and of course, His presence.
I smiled when I read what my cousin e-mailed me about their dog Buddy who is a Golden Doddle and looks just like our grand-dog, Cali! Both of them are so friendly and like to greet everyone. Buddy recently returned from a month-long trip with my cousin and her husband who traveled with another couple and pulled their Teardrop camper, Every morning, right after they got up, Buddy wanted to go to their friends’ camper to greet them; he wouldn’t do anything until he had done that. When a yellow bandanna was put in their window, it meant they were ready for Buddy to come and say good morning; afterwards he came back all set for the day.
I was immediately reminded of how it pleases the Lord when our first thoughts of the day are on Him and we have his promise in Ex. 33:14 (ESV), “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Perhaps children find it easier to just trust that the Lord is with them and  not to worry about what the day holds.
We just returned from visiting our grandsons in North Carolina and our hearts were so blessed by how they are growing in the Lord. One night I had prepared slips of paper with instructions and put them inside plastic eggs. We went around the table and each one of us had to do whatever was written on the slip of paper in our egg. Lots of laughter as compliments were given to someone on their right, or a song sung by someone on their left etc. When we finished our grandsons, asked if they could write the instructions and went away to do so. I though oh boy, we are going to be running around the house or doing strenuous feats but we were so pleasantly surprised. John Mark is only 12 and one of his slips he wrote said to give 3 Bible verses by heart and tell how they impact your life. He happened to get that one and proceeded to share the importance of following the Lord etc. Tears came to my eyes to see one so young who is so wise in the ways of the Lord. A.J who is only 8 rattled off all the books of the Bible as his brother and mom did push-ups. Both have so many scriptures stored up in their hearts.
How wonderful to start the day with the Lord and then to rehearse His promises throughout the day when we need them.
Challenge for today: Before you step out of bed, greet the Lord and give your day to Him.
Blessings on your weekend and prayers and love, Judy

 

February 25, 2022

February 25, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
It’s a sunny day and looks lovely  but was -15 this morning. I put away the Valentine decorations and made choc covered raspberries, did food prep, and  washed linens down to our mattress. Al doesn’t have much energy yet so studied a bit and is napping.We will miss our monthly birthday party today but don’t want to expose people here to any kind of a bug. So glad there are willing volunteers to take over. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
I don’t think we realize how often we forget what God has done for us. We take for granted His daily blessings, His sacrifice for us, and even the miraculous things He has done for us in the past. Maybe we have been healed of cancer but fail to remember to give thanks for our present health, or God showed His love for us by providing in supernatural ways that we now take for granted. I read today from Psalm 106 where it says in verse 7, “They gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses.’ And also in verse 21, “They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt.”
How sad that is to just forget God’s mighty hand on our lives. These things we should be sharing with our children and grandchildren and friends who also may have the same struggles that the Lord took us through and often miraculously.
I have been so encouraged as I have been reading J.P. Moorland’s book Experience Miracles. I have shared a couple miracles already but I would like to include another unusual one that was verified. Tim Newell went to church one night to hear Sister Petri, a guest evangelist, speak. He had many doubts that God still performed miracles today and went with a skeptical attitude. Sister Petri started her sermon and then suddenly stopped and pointed to a section of the sanctuary and said that someone came that night questioning that God does divine healing today, and He is going to answer your question once and for all. She went on to say that this person was going to feel a drilling sensation in his mouth and teeth and God was going to remove a cavity and give a new filling in its place. When that happens the person was to go to the bathroom and look in the mirror to see the new filling and come back and share what God had done. She went on to speak and Tim thought that it was quite a joke…. that is, until he felt the drilling sensation in his mouth. He couldn’t believe it and went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. He not only one but he had two new filling on his back molars. He was overwhelmed and went back to the sanctuary to testify of what God had done. He never doubted that God still performed miracles today after that. About 15 years later a tooth in his mouth cracked and the dentist took full-mouth x-rays of his teeth. He was a teaching dentist and said whoever had done the work on those back teeth did an amazing job. He wanted to use the x-ray in a textbook he was writing!
Does God still do miracles today?! Yes! Yes! They happen to ordinary people by an extraordinary God.
Challenge for today: Ask the Lord to open your spiritual eyes to what He is doing around you and in you today. 
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

February 24, 2022

February 24, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you are enjoying this sunny day! Lots more snow out our window now than when we left a couple weeks ago for N.C. God’s timing is so good as we got home just about the time, Al started not feeling so well. After we unpacked he went to bed and slept and slept, some coughing, etc. His covid test was negative so we are thankful for that. So this morning, I went back to Aldi’s and got chicken to make lots of soup for him etc. To be safe though we won’t go to Bible study today or the party tomorrow but isolate ourselves as we don’t want to pass anything on. We are grateful we are not at a hotel but home!
Devotions from Judy’s heart
There is a marriage crisis is our country today and the family unit has broken down. Children are left as victims, as well as parents. So many no longer believe in marriage and we have the lowest marriage rates since recording marriages in 1867. Ericka Anderson writes how devastating this crisis is to our culture with less marriages has come a higher rate of crime and poverty and less emotional and physical wellbeing for families. We also see more drop outs, and more domestic violence as the cost of the family breakdown is enormous.
I wonder if communities and schools realize the benefits of the family unit. The Heritage Foundation found having married parents reduces child poverty by 80%.
God created the union of marriage and it is important for His kingdom and also holds society together in a way the government can’t. Sadly, the government is seeking more control of the family and resents the parent’s influence. But Government can’t love a child but a parent can! Millennials are asking today of what makes a lasting marriage when so many end in divorce. Studies show that those who cohabit before marriage are 15% more likely to end in divorce; but faith-based marriages are most likely able to increase the odds with a long and good marriage. Marriage is symbolic of Christ’s relationship to the church. When we stray from God’s plan, society falls apart.  But if we instill Christ centered values in our children like humility, love sacrifice and service, chances for a lasting marriage increase. For Christians it is not just signing a marriage license but it is a binding contract that is symbol of Christ’s love for us.
As Christians let us not live according to the worlds’ view of marriage but as Ericka says, “It is a binding spiritual contract with God at the center as each man and woman surrenders his or herself daily to the other. In the hardship of surrender come unconditional love and acceptance.”
Jesus said in Matt. 19:4-6 (NIV), “Haven’t you read,” He replied, “that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. So, they are no longer two, but one. Therefore, what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
Let us do all we can to preserve marriage and the family!
Challenge for today: Be an example and also encourage others to have a godly marriage and family.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

February 23, 2022

February 23, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you have been having a good day. We just got home and are unpacking and soon I will go to the store to restock the frig. Thank you so much for the prayers as we had good roads and weather all the way home. We left at 5:30 a.m. and so glad to be home again after a wonderful time with family.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
There is a family crisis today in our country as we see how the family unit is being devalued. Many are choosing not to get married and settle for lives without responsibilities. There is a trend especially of men dropping out of the labor force, not going to college, and living simply for pleasure.
But when the man is out of the picture there have been many consequences that are evident today. We particularly see how crime has increased, especially by males from fatherless homes. One in ten men are experiencing depression and anxiety, and the suicide rate has spiked. There is a 35% increase in deaths from drug related causes as well.
The father problem seems to be escalating as both white and black men fail to interact with the younger generation. The highest incarceration rate is from youths that never had a father living with them. Children miss their daddies.
Fathers are meant rather to be protectors, providers and disciplinarians. They help a child feel secure and are to be an affirming influence as they impart values.  But because of absent fathers, mothers are having to take on a dual role and fill in that place.
Statistics reveal that the more opportunities a child has to interact with his or her father, the less likely they are to commit a crime.  I recently read that when a father attends church there is a 93% chance the whole household will go too. A father’s place is so important.
But many men sense the church has become feminized and they feel out of place. The Promise Keepers movement some years ago, however, emphasized the father’s role and masculinity. That is surely needed today.
Wise King Solomon said in Prov. 1:8 (NIV), “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” The apostle Paul exhorts fathers to bring up children in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph 6:4)
Fathers, know how important the role is that God has given you and take your rightful place.
Challenge for today: Encourage dads who may be floundering and be willing to help mentor those who are fatherless.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy

 

February 22, 2022

February 22, 2022 / / 0 Comments
Dear Ones,
Hope you had a good day. We just arrived at the Holiday Express in LeRoy, IL. It is very windy out so we are going to exercise in the weight room tonight. We left N.C. at 5 am. this morning and drove in light rain much of the way. Thank you for your prayers as we had a wonderful time at Mark’s and a safe trip through the traffic today. 
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We were created to have a close relationship with the Lord and to live in fellowship with our Creator. But sometimes we ignore that longing of our hearts and go our own way and seek to fill that void with accumulating earthly treasures, going on one adventure after another etc. But it will never work. Only Jesus can fill that hole in our hearts that is meant only for Him.
Today I woke with the words of a hymn going through my mind, and maybe you know it:                                                    
“Nearer, still nearer close to thy heart
Draw me, my Savior, so precious thou art
Fold me, O fold me close to thy breast
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest
 Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.”
The closer we draw to the Lord, the more joy we have in Him. When He is our focus, we find we are strengthened for whatever comes into our lives. He will take care of us for we are His beloved. David said in Psalm 31:23-24 (Message), “Love God all you saints: God takes care of all who stay close to Him. But He pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.”
All of our needs are met in Him when we are in close relationship with the Lord and as David also says in verse 19, “What a stack of blessing you have piled up for those who worship you. Ready and waiting for all who run to you.”
God will never force us to choose Him but He will use many different ways to draw our attention to Him. Things may happen in our lives as a wake-up call for us to get us back on track of what He has for us. When we say yes to Him and listen to Him as He leads us each day, we will come to enjoy close fellowship with Him.
Let us not settle for things that don’t satisfy but find joy and contentment in knowing the Lord and saying yes to Him!
Challenge for today: Tell the Lord you are done going your own way, and seek Him with an open heart. 
Blessings on your evening and prayers and love, Judy

 

 

« Older posts Newer posts »
Email Subscription

Lists*

© 2026 Canaan's Rest

Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑