Dear Ones,
Hope you have a wonderful day. Our warm weather is holding until this weekend when it drops to 46! Meanwhile we enjoy the gorgeous days! Today Al is preaching next door and I go to my exercise class and then to Crafts and later to Bible Study.
Devotions from Judy’s heart
We often talk about our desire to hear the Lord, but what about following the Lord in obedience? James tells us we are to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. (James 1:22) We are taught obedience in life when we are young, as parents seek to teach us the importance of obeying.  I remember being in the mountains overlooking a canyon hearing parents telling their children to stay close by their side, for it was a very long way down if they decided to bolt away. We don’t always experience the immediate consequences of our disobedience, but ultimately we reap  what we have sown.
Obedience is a sign of love. John 5:3 says, “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments and His commandments are not burdensome.” Jesus calls us His friend if we do as He says (John 15:14). Scriptures are full of verses on obedience and it is up to us to surrender our own way so we can go God’s way, which is far superior. If we obey the truth of His words, we will be set free and no longer a slave to our own desires.
In some ways I think of obedience as a matter of trust. Do I trust the Lord enough to choose His way, even when I don’t understand what He is doing or know the reason why? Do I believe He is all good, all loving, all wise, and able to steer me in the in the way I should go? I remember a verse I learned as a child from Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” It’s so good to know He sees us, knows what is up ahead and has His eye on us. He will teach us, guide us to find His path for our life and we will grow as we obey Him. When we disobey, not only do we suffer, but those around us as well.  We can say we love Him but the sign of our love is obedience.
Challenge for today: Pray or sing the words to the song, “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of His word. What a glory He sheds on our way. When we do His good will. He abides with us still and to all who will trust and obey. Trust and obey for there is not other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy