DO YOU NOT REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT “OBEDIENCE” IS? We hear that word bantered around with frequency in evangelical circles, but we treat “obedience” as if it has nothing to do with our relationship with God or our rest in Him...kind of an optional response in our Christian lives. We know (or should know if we'd study our Bibles) what God demands, but we rationalize, bury, or pass on them because we want to do what we want, when we want, how we want, and then wonder why we are not growing in Christ...not experiencing the blessing promised in God's word. I'm reminded of that poignant passage in Hebrews 3:18; 4:2-3 -
18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who were disobedient?... 2 For indeed we have had good news proclaimed to us, just as they also; but the word [a]that was heard did not profit those [b]who were not united with faith among those who heard. 3 For we who have believed enter that rest, just as He has said,“As I swore in My wrath,They shall not enter My rest,”

How many Christians I know who want to live as close to the edge of worldliness in language, desires, pursuits, entertainment as they want and then wonder why Jesus seems to distant to them. If one really wants to know the joy and blessing of being in Christ it begins with being obedient...there is no other way. My prayer for you and me this day is this: Lord, how foolish we are to think we can experience the joy of being Yours without obedience. We will obey because we love You and because we desire the rest that can only be found in You. Amen

Reminds me another familiar hymn:

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

Walk with the King today and be a blessing.