OBEDIENCE -- THE VERY BEST WAY

Yesterday, I was convicted...God had spoken to my heart about something and I was still hemming and hawing about whether I would do it and if I did, how I should do it.

Then, unexpectedly to me (but I see this as the working of the Holy Spirit), I had this little song that I learned at Dorion Bible Camp ringing through my mind...

                                  Obedience is the very best way 
                                  To show that you believe: 
                                  Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
                                  Doing it happily. 
                                  Action is the key--do it immediately, 
                                  The joy you will receive! 
                                  Obedience is the very best way 
                                  To show that you believe. 

It didn't take long! I knew what I needed to do, and as I bowed my heart in obedience and then took the action that God had been nudging me to do, I realized that the issue was not the exact details of the action, but rather my willingness to obey.

And yes, as soon as I obeyed, I received three joys -- the joy of release from my internal struggle, the joy of giving freely, and the joy of knowing I had pleased my Father.

Obedience is the very best way to live -- and to show that you believe God's Word to be true and His working for good in your life.

                                  When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
                                  What a glory He sheds on our way;
                                  While we do His good will, He abides with us still, 
                                  And with all who will trust and obey.
                                  Trust and obey, for there's no other way 
                                  To be happy in Jesus, 
                                  But to trust and obey. 

THE GIFT OF TODAY

I think all of us are familiar with the phrase: Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, and today is a gift, that's why we call it "the present."

And for all of us, each day literally IS a gift from God. Psalm 139 says that every day of our lives was ordained and written in God's book before we were conceived or took our first breath...I cannot fathom that really; "such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."

Not only that, but James tells us that "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

I had a moment today when I allowed myself to become so frustrated with the difficult circumstances around me that I lost sight of the gift of today. Then I read a blog from a friend and was reminded of how much God has been changing me and giving me new sight and perspective as I have been learning to recognize and name the blessings all around me every day.

Here's a glimpse of some of the gifts I experienced today and I hope this encourages you too.

• Sunlight on my face, basking in its warmth
• Pickle-and-tuna sandwich
• Computer programs that don't work properly (and yes, this is a gift, because it reminded me of the fact nothing is perfect in this world, and that through the difficulties I can learn and grow)
• Being able to walk uphill all the way home
• A complimentary word from my boss
• Wonderful friends and family that I can wish a "Happy Valentine's Day"
• Hot bubble bath to soak my tired muscles
• Glasses that help me to see
• Uplifting gospel songs ringing in my heart all day long

                In the words of Bill and Gloria Gaither...

We have this moment to hold in our hands,

And to touch, as it slips through our fingers like sand;

Yesterday's gone and tomorrow may never come,

But we have this moment today.