Dear Ones,
Hope you are having a good day. The sun is shining but it is cold. Burr! Al had men’s group this morning. It is Donut day here and  I made Al’s cookies and a veggie stir fry. We have Bible study this afternoon and errands to run after that.  
Devotions from Judy’s heart
  Are we seeking the most comfortable way to live or are we willing to go God’s way that we can grow in faith and trust?  We have a choice to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and know the Lord in a deeper way or to insist on our own easier way and miss out on so much.
   I read from I Peter 4:1-2 (Message) today: “Since Jesus went through everything you’re going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you’ll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want.”  Peter goes on to say that they have already put in time partying and living their own sinful ways and it is time to get on to God’s ways instead. If things get difficult, they are to think of themselves as fortunate as they are experiencing what Jesus did, for He suffered so much. He wants to use those situations to refine them and to trust as He takes them through it.
   Isn’t that also what Jesus is saying to us today. Things are getting darker in our world and it is costing more to be a follower of the Lord. In many countries Christians are losing their lives for His sake. We will all have to decide if we will keep on, even if we have to suffer and not quit but to let Him do a work in us. In the process we will gain patience, endurance, character and hope. The Lord wants us to enjoy our time with him and walk with Him, to run with Him. He will take us to places we have never been before. For example, maybe you have read about what is happening at Asbury University in Kentucky. A spontaneous revival has broken out that has been going on now for a week. After a scheduled chapel service, people did not want to leave but wanted to stay and worship as there was such a presence of the Lord. The altar is filled most of the time, and some people are being healed physically, emotionally and spiritually. When opportunity is given, there is a long line of those who want to share their testimony. God is moving and so many are taking a stand for the Lord.
  Let each of us also be open to the Lord and follow, no matter what the cost and never quit.
Challenge for today: Don’t complain when going through hard times, but pursue the Lord and rejoice that He refining you and making you more like Him. 
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy