Dear Ones, A blessed Easter weekend. Hope you keeping warm and safe with all the snow and some who are reading this who are facing tornadoes further south. We had a wonderful Easter Drama last night at church to help us prepare for Easter. Tomorrow we hope to be going to Hackensack for Easter breakfast and church, and then on to the lake for dinner with Ann’s family. But we will have to see how the roads are and hold everything loosely.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
Most of us who know the Lord would say we want to be led by the Spirit and follow God’s will for our lives, but do we always want that? If we are honest, there are times more often than not, that we want our will foremost. Sometimes we may need to begin praying that the Lord would help us to first be willing to do His will, and then listen carefully.

This week our son and two of his buddies had planned to go to the Silver Chateau (cabin), and were excited as always to stay for several days. Kurt had been checking the weather even last week and all looked good, so plans were laid. But as he was preparing, he happened to listen to John Eldredge talking about God’s will, with a powerful example of why the Lord spoke to him and hindered him from a trip he desired. It was a big disappointment, but later he learned that location experienced wildfires and they would have been in danger. Not long after listening, Kurt checked the weather again and this time it had had radically changed, and lots of snow and sleet were in the picture instead of the nice weather that had been predicted before. He called and asked us to pray, and asked the Lord to show him without a doubt if he and his buddies should continue with the trip. GOD’s will be done! The next day he called and said there was no doubt, as the snow was coming, roads would not be good and he really needed to be home on Saturday night with company coming for Easter. It was his answer and though he was disappointed, I have an idea that when the guys do get together next it will be an extra-meaningful time.

I also prayed when I was asked to speak to our women’s group this week, and hoped He would say NO. But like Kurt, I prayed for God’s will. He led me to do it and was with me, gaving me a scripture as well that became my focus as I prepared.

So when we say, “Lord, I want your will,” we need to mean it from our heart. Jesus prayed the most difficult prayer in Gethsemane, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” If He had disobeyed His Father, we would not be celebrating Easter tomorrow. Lord, we owe you everything, our very lives!

Challenge for today: Spend some time thanking the Lord for the sacrifice He made and for His resurrection power.
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy