Scripture Reading: Isaiah 58:11, John 10:1-15, John 14:15-26, Acts 16:6-10, Galatians 5:25, James 1:5-6
In my early years with Jesus, the idea of obedience felt restrictive, like a wool sweater that feels too scratchy to wear. My will won out, and I let fear of unknown outcomes stop me from saying yes to God. As I’ve continued to walk with Jesus, He’s shown me that by asking for my obedience, He isn’t trying to hold me back from the good life but guide me straight into the heart of it.
Jesus said the one who keeps His commands loves Him (John 14:21). When we look at Scripture, we find general instructions for how to keep these commands, but it can take guidance to apply these to individual situations. And so God does not leave us to ourselves; He gives us the Holy Spirit as a trustworthy guide (v.26) and a community of believers to walk alongside us.
One habit I’ve formed in my own practice of obedience is journaling. Some days, the path of obedience is clear: Forgive her. Confess this sin. But when I find myself on the verge of a decision that doesn’t seem to have a clear direction given in Scripture, I write about it to seek the Lord’s will. You could call it a glorified pros-and-cons list. But there’s something powerful about the process of naming things, of getting them outside the confines of your head, that God uses to bring clarity and conviction.
First, I pray over whatever I’ve written and then call up one to two people whose counsel has proven trustworthy. This might be a lifelong friend or mentor, maybe a leader in my church community. Whoever it is, they know me and live their own lives open-heartedly before the Lord. Then I seek to hold it before the Lord, discerning in His wisdom what should come next. Every now and then, the situation kicks me in the pants and requires me to act before I know for certain where God is leading. The good news? When our heart is to obey, He’s faithful to redirect our steps if needed.
If I’m honest, saying yes to God can be hard. Even though I love Him and want to keep His commands, there are days when I don’t follow Him well; I walk the other way when sin looks more enticing than the familiar, scratchy-sweater feeling of shedding my sin and becoming new in Christ. (I’m sure you know what I’m talking about.) Galatians says, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). This doesn’t mean obedience gets easier with time, but it does get harder to ignore the voice of our trusted friend and Savior, Jesus.
Obedience sets us free. It brings peace. Our reward is the satisfaction of knowing we are walking in God’s will. As you practice obedience, pray for the Spirit of the Lord to guide you. To echo the prophet Isaiah’s words, “The LORD will always lead you, satisfy you in a parched land, and strengthen your bones” (Isaiah 58:11).
Written by Bailey Gillespie
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101 thoughts on "Obedience"
Amen
Obey the lord and he will cherish you.
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God used Isaiah 58.11 to help me when my family needed to move, where to go. I was struggling with where we needed to move..was it staying in NJ or going out of state? If out, what state? It started to seem like He wanted us in Florida..but i didnt want to move there. Too hot, my in laws moved there in June (this was yrs ago). But finally, with no seeming answer, I prayed, I’m sorry, Lord, I’ll go wherever You want me to go…but i wont go if You’re not there, if You’re not in it. He showed me in multiple ways, its Florida.
Isaiah 58.11 talked about a sun scorched land…it was a humorous way of God showing me we needed to come here.. and He worked it out so well. There has definitely been difficulties and twists and turns but He has been so faithful!!!
And the lord will guide you continuously. Enough said such a great reminder as always.
Amen
The key takeaways I took from this devotional is that obedience sets us free and brings us peace in knowing that we are walking in the will of God and not our will, because our will is not worth being walked in its God’s will that is worth waking in. God has given us the Holy Spirit to equip us and guide us through this life and He will walk with us through the hard and good times no matter what. Another take away that I took from this devotion is when we truly love God we will keep His commands and His teachings.
Obedience sets us free. It brings peace. Our reward is the satisfaction of knowing we are walking in God’s will.
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This devotional is so good. God has equipped us through the Holy Spirit. Why do we resist? Fear? Insecurities? God will walk with us through all these emotions. I need to trust Him. He held my through so many difficult times. I want to follow Him. To be obedient.
I have no idea where God is leading me. I have been unemployed since May 2025 and I have run to the bottom of my savings. I jave applied to over 300 jobs… I don’t know why this is happening. I need to ask God, what is next for me bc I don’t know what to do… and now with a new chronic condition, it limits the types of jobs I can do.
I just need to trust that God will guide me where I need to be.
Praying, T.F., for both guidance and provision as you seek His will.
Praying for you TF! Our Jesus says He will never leave us or forsake us. It just can be so hard in the waiting!
Praying for you, T.F. ❤️
So sorry that you have been going through this, T.F.! God has got a plan for you in all of this. TRUST HIM! Praying for you, sweet sister! ❤️
Thank you, Lynn! I’ll keep trying to find out what His plan is. ♡♡
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I recently thought that God was leading me to homeschool my daughters. I have never been open to this idea, so when I started getting excited about the homeschool curriculum and spending more time with them, I thought it must be God speaking to me. I never actually prayed about it and was wondering why I felt so much anxiety. I was having so many sleepless night worrying about it all. Then I felt the Lord leading me to a close Christian school. I prayed about the decision and have felt so much peace. We tour the school this coming Wednesday for both of our daughters. I’m just praying the Lord would open the door for our girls to attend this school. It would be such a blessing to our family. I have learned through thei, how important it is to listen to God.
Amen, Jennifer! I’ve made decisions that felt right to me, but later realized they weren’t where God was leading me. I definitely need to pray and listen to God before making decisions! I’m praying for His guidance as you make this decision regarding your daughters’ education.
I was struck today by John 14:21: “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” Kind of the reverse of the other places it says if you love me, you will keep my commands. I guess basically the same, but yet different.
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The Isaiah verse also spoke to me. I decided to pray that one and the other verses back to God. Sometimes I think my prayers all sound similar so am trying to learn to pray the scriptures. I do use some pre printed prayers to pray over my husband, etc. so hoping that is pleasing and acceptable to God. And I guess I often then go off the rails adding to it as I go….lol
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As I mentioned the other day it is listening I need to learn. My mind wanders so easily. :/ Teresa Cooper Donley’s reply to Tricia C yesterday was good and I will copy and paste. Difficult to discern what is God’s voice, my voice, and even the voice of the deceiver (yikes!)
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Have a beautiful weekend!❤️
My mind wanders also. It frustrates me when I finish reading a paragraph and realize I have no clue what it says. Same with praying. My mind jumps to any number things.
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Good morning, sisters! Would you all pray for me this afternoon? I am stepping WAY outside of my comfort zone and will be leading sessions with our first-year incoming college students on human values/skills in this ever automated world, and when I first was asked about this I thought they would be in groups of 30-40 – turns out it is in groups of 120! I have never led any thing liks this before, and am just nervous. Please pray that the Lord would grant me wisdom, articulation, and clarity as I speak, that their hearts and minds would be open to what I share, and that I would have peace in the time leading up to these sessions. Thank you in advance!
Have prayed❤️
Prayed for you! I know how nervous I get leading/speaking!! Praying peace and wisdom! If they asked you though, that means they think you can do it/should do it!! You got this!!
Praying Kira!
Thank you all for your prayers! I am truly grateful for them, and am happy to report back that the sessions went better than I ever anticipated. As ever, there were some logistical and technological snafus, but none that were overwhelming. And as nervous as I was before the sessions started, I prayed right up to the start, and the Lord met me where I was. The nerves dissipated, and I think that I was able to clearly share the content with all three sessions.
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In the gospel of Mark, we hear the word IMMEDIATELY a lot. I need to be more immediate. I tend to drag my feet. (Tina… that story… you relate. Yes? Hahahahaha!)
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Today’s readings/topic go well with yesterday’s readings/topic.
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Many sisters yesterday mentioned how they could stand to listen more and better. I know that if I were to listen more, I would be more obedient. I don’t think I’m a rebel, really, but I seem to want my own way a lot! (Prideful, I know. I am trying to work on that!)
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We are nowhere near perfect now, but we will be someday! (Which, of course, means we never stop trying… but we are sinful humans, living in a sinful world. Ugh!)
Questions from the book for today.
How is the discipline of obedience taught or modeled by Jesus?
How does today’s scripture readings change your understanding of obedience? How have you seen obedience modeled in a healthy way? How have you seen it misused or distorted?
What fruit could come from practicing this discipline?
What could it look like to incorporate the practice of obedience into your life?
Thank you!
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When I look at the obedience of Jesus, I see a setting aside of His own needs and wishes. He does His Father’s will ALWAYS, and He always thinks of others as more highly than Himself. (See Philippians 2:3 & 4.)
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Not me. Ugh!
I don’t have the book so this is great thanks Caroline❤️
Someone said it once, “our brains are little sin factories”. Indeed! It helps me like Bailey Gillespie suggests to write “it”: the doubt, the dilemma, the deceit: down. To work through the “glorified pros & cons” on paper or on screen. To ask for the wisdom I lack & God so “generously & ungrudgingly” gives. I sit with this intention this very morning. Obedience frees the captive mind.
“Little sin factories”! Indeed!!
I am reading a Christian novel that mentions a sermon about Jonah and why he was disobedient to God. It got me to thinking about biblical examples of disobedience and obedience. There are SO MANY, but what came to mind first is that the FIRST ACT of disobedience -Adam and Eve – led to the MOST PERFECT act of OBEDIENCE- Jesus laying down His life for all.
What’s the name of the book..I love that you pointed me to these fiction books that give us a different look at some of the stories!! I am reading the second book of Zachariah going back to Judah and rebuilding the temple! I love them! Makes me see how obedience is really hard and trusting what God tells you to do even then…would have been a momentous task and going against family choices as well. Many stayed in Babylon. It points out the consequences as well! (70 years in captivity being the main one!!)
Sorry Rhonda, just seeing your question- busy day! Where the Tide Returns by Dawn Haynes. First book by her that I’ve read; I’m only 5 chapters in, but it’s promising. ☺
Thank you for the book recommendation. Wondering if we all could give book recommendations on our FB page. I read often on my kindle.
Same here,Leanna! That’s how I found this book- Kindle Unlimited! Great idea for the FB page!
Wow thank you for the example of Jonah. It shows us how disobedience can have complexity. What a great example to just obey.
Welcome, Mercy! God’s timing- perfect! ❤
Sometimes obedience may feel like walking through a valley. As the songs below share, He guides us when our knees may be shaking and He gives us HOPE! Praise God for that!
May the LORD truly strengthen our bones and our DESIRE for obedience!
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
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SONG SHARE:
1) Lead On Good Shepherd by Patrick Mayberry
2) Matthew West – Here And Heaven (Lyric Video)
Lead on good Shepherd!! Such a good anthem!
MAYBE you should partner with SRT to share a playlist with every study!! lol I always think of songs with every day subject!!
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Lead On Good Shepherd has been my anthem this week, with a difficult transition with my daughter starting Kindergarten. The song is in right now! ❤️
Ah, Kindergarten! She will love it! And you get a little break! :)
Those are hard days, Nicole! Prayers for your adjustment- and hers! ❤❤❤
I decided to try something new today and put all the Bible references into ChatGPT. This is what came up.
Ask God for wisdom >Listen for His voice >Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you>Follow where He leads>Trust Him even when a door closes>Keep walking with Him.
YES Amen!! That does say it perfectly!
Happy Friday Sweeties!! YES Friday! Made through the weeks learning, growing, taking DEEP BREATHS as I learn the personalities of these new little munchkins! Oh…..they are SO cute, at least most of them, haha.
Taking a deep breath here as many many times I can “hear” the Holy Spirit speak to me and say do this, don’t do that, go here, not there, hold your tongue (ouch). I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit to guide me in obedience as I could never do this on my own. Andy yes there have been many times, I wish I would of held my tongue, OUCH!
We should be obedient to our Father!
This one really spoke to me, especially because “obedience” has been such a significant word for me this year. I loved the reminder that obedience isn’t God holding us back, but Him leading us toward what He has for us. Sometimes I want to know exactly where He’s leading before I take the first step, but I’m learning that obedience often means trusting Him before I have all the answers. I love the reminder that when our heart is truly to follow Him, He is faithful to guide and even redirect our steps along the way.
Yes, that’s what stood out today with the selected scriptures!!
I’ve been going through a season I can only describe as rediscovering myself backwards. I’ve felt pulled by a lot of little temptations—things that might seem insignificant, but that the Spirit keeps bringing to my attention and convicting me about.
I haven’t opened the app or done a study in months, but something prompted me to open it today, and this study on spiritual practices was waiting for me. The timing couldn’t feel more appropriate.
I love God deeply, but lately I’ve felt disconnected and I’m not entirely sure why. I’m grateful that even when I resist or get distracted, the Spirit continues to nudge me back. My prayer is that this study helps me listen, understand what He’s showing me, and come out of this season with a renewed connection to God. ❤️
I am so glad to see you! Praying that being back in community here will be a ‘vitamin’ for you! ❤
yes, agree!! I have missed you Maria B!
Praying for you, Maria.
You’ll have to go back and read the other four days that we’ve read so far. I only missed yesterday because I forgot.
Welcome back Maria!
“Obedience sets us free. It brings peace. Our reward is the satisfaction of knowing we are walking in God’s will. As you practice obedience, pray for the Spirit of the Lord to guide you.”
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I recently found myself in a place of conflict. I am a post-partum doula. I trained for it, I love doing it, I feel God called me to it.
For months I have been trying to get new clients and fervently praying for God’s help and guidance, but to no avail. I kept hitting dead ends and no clients. Then…I was approached by someone who new of an opportunity, only not as a doula but as a companion of an elderly woman. It was not what I was looking for and it was not what I wanted to be doing. Yet, I felt I could not say no, and that if I did – I would not be obeying God. So I took the job, it’s two weeks in. The woman is lovely, she and her two adult children are believers and it’s an easy job. Even though it’s not what I want to be doing, I am at perfect peace about it because I know that’s where God wants me for now. Taking this job will give mean the means to start a website for my doula business and to renew my liability insurance.
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I don’t know God’s plan but I believe if I seek Him and obey Him, it will lead eventually lead to getting doula clients and getting my business off the ground.
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Tonight is closing program for our VBS. It has been a blessed and spiritually rewarding week – thank you all for your prayers!!
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Happy Friday Sweet She’s! ❤️
Sharon, only God knows what doirs this job may open by word of mouth. This family will likely tell others of your skills and compassionate care. ❤
Praying for your new venture Sharon and in the creating of a website. AND this last night of VBS!!! Made their hearts stay aflame for Jesus!!
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Obedience! It would seem a no brainer to actually trust and follow the Lord, our God and Creator, right? ESPECIALLY if you CLAIM him! Yet..we have fallen away even on the most basic commandments. We are contrite (stiff-necked Israelites) and think our way is okay, even knowingly being disobedience. Truth is not only does it grieve the Father’s heart, but it leads to consequences. And heartache and struggle.
But God- He is such a loving father, that he loves us enough to keep convicting us, and correcting us. He gives us Him himself to live inside us to be a compass, balm, wisdom, discernment. But we can push it away and then we don’t even recognize Him anymore.
We all have choices everyday, many, and some are small and some big. But when we walk in the Spirit, we are aligning with the heart of God. He directs our paths, going beside us, ahead and behind. It doesn’t mean everything will be Perfect of course, but it is well with our soul!
We have joy and peace walking with God. Filling out mind, heart and soul with his precepts! Not conforming to this world, but testing what is his will, his perfect, acceptable and good direction! (Romans 12:2- my fav!)
Not only is it because we should that we should! It’s FUN! It’s exciting! It brings Joy and Blessings!! I love to recommend the book study my class did recently “What Happens when Women Say “YES” to God” by Lysa Turkyarst. It’s stepping out in prayer and faith to tap in to more!! Saying yes to action and obedience! It’s scary to say yes to those things but it has bumpped my fellowship up with the Lord in such a great impactful way! Praying for strangers, sharing the gospel, serving in areas I wouldn’t before! God gives us fullness if we are willing to follow him in our Yeses!
Another good book study is “Free of Me” by Sharon Hoode Miller! Taking the me out of it and following him! Also “Put Your Warrior Boots On” Lisa Whittle— Standing firm in your faith!!! All these books are so helpful, by yourself or with your groups! (remember you could do these with your own group of friends!)
Main take away though, God gives us boundaries for our good and to make us more holy. And we trust and obey..Just like the old hymn says..for there is no other way, to be happy in Jesus , but to trust and obey.! Amen!
Thank you for the book study recommendations. I’m going to look them over and pick one to start with. They all sound so good.
Yes Trust and Obey! I liked that one growing up in church. And Standing on the Promises!
Now, to DO it….
Lord, please help me(us).
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I read your response to me last night too late to reply. You probably know this, but thought I’d share that I often listen to Dr Jeremiah on his website David Jeremiah dot org. I guess there is also an app. Seems like I’m rarely listening when it is being broadcast. :/
I LOVE “Standing on the Promises!!” I love all the hymn from growing up!!
Yes, everything is on all the apps and websites, but I keep the radio on all day, and many programs, with music too! I never go to the direct places to hear! lol
Amen
Isaiah 55:11 ❤️
Isaiah 58:11** haha ❤️
they talked about the book a long obedience in the same direction on the podcast. just ordered it! interested to see what I can learn or better yet unlearn about obedience!
I think I’ll get this book too. I could use some help in obedience even when I’m fearful of failing.
My friend Liz is breathing on her own and no longer has the breathing tube. Her first words were in Spanish. She said, ” Estoy bien.” Which means, ” I am okay.”
She will be in ICU for at least week but this was a turn-around.
Her sister has a an appointment Tuesday at the USA consulate in their country to apply for the humanitarian visa.
Rita who has been in a coma for a weeks opened her eyes 2 days ago and is breathing on her own!
God is worthy of all the praise! The doctors are wonderful agents of healing but God gets the glory
Praise God!
What amazing praise reports! To God be the glory, indeed.
Love these praise reports! Praying for favor with the visa and for continued healing for Liz and Rita! ❤
Such great news! PTL!
Praise God!
Thank you Lord for answered prayers.❤️
Rita’s progress made my eyes watery! Continued prayers for both of these women and their families. ❤️
Hallelujah! Answered prayers!
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Oh how many times this has been true for me too, “I let fear of unknown outcomes stop me from saying yes to God. As I’ve continued to walk with Jesus, He’s shown me that by asking for my obedience, He isn’t trying to hold me back from the good life but guide me straight into the heart of it.”
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Lord, help me to trust you more and obey Your dorection.
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Update: My young mama left the hospital and went immediately to the ER of another hospital that is in the same system that has the program/rehab facility she has been trying to get into for treatment of her leg paralysis. The doctors seem optimistic about her recovery. There is still the insurance issue to overcome. Please continue to pray for her healing and for doctors who will advocate for her. I’m praying for God’s guidance in being a support while not getting in His way…
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Praying for your requests. Thankful for y’all.
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Praying with you on advocacy! That has been my heart prayer for her and I am glad to hear about the chance for rehab. Couple of years ago the hospital was planning to release my husband who didn’t have the strength to slide from the bed to a wheelchair. I advocated for him and they set up at-home PT and weekly monitoring of vitals by a nurse. There was no way I could have handled him physically on my own.
Thanks for the update and details! ❤
Praying for healing and Godly health care providers who will support her.
Praying for the intervention for your young mama to have the advocacy, medical treatment, and future resources that she needs to heal and be back with her baby. ❤️
Praying for speedy favor over insurance and great recovery ahead.
Praying for young mama’s healing.
Amen!
Amen!
Obedience sets us free. It brings peace. Our reward is the satisfaction of knowing we are walking in God’s will..
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These lines so reminded me of my dog story.. you guys know the one.. angry at another dog owner for their dog being off the lead and being a nuisance in a public place, shouting choice words at the owners and having to apologise to my young grandson who has witnessed this..
Then comes the conviction, GOD says to go back and apologise, I refuse, digging my heels in, I kept refusing for a week! Because I knew better, right? NO, I didn’t! But I’m stubborn!
Eventually, I said okay to GOD, half heartedly, all the while telling GOD, yep, I am telling GOD He had better be with me when I do!
Oh man, the audacity..
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BUT GOD..
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Oh, the grace of GOD, truly.
All the way to where I had to go to apologise, I was moaning and whinging, and STILL telling GOD, He had better be there.
‘We’ get to the place, and I am met by someone I don’t recognise, so I ask to speak to the people from the week before.., I am told they were on holiday!
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WHAT!
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The penny drops, as I realise, the plan all along was not necessarily me to go and apologise, it was, you guessed it, me being obedient to Father GOD!
I look up to the heavens and smile and within that heart that had so stubbornly refused to be obedient to GOD, I felt a peace, a love that said, I’ve got you, a wrapping of grace that had me skipping home, and a faithfulness that I knew was a forever promise..
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I am smiling now, as I recall this story, not because I am proud of that stubborn me,
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BUT GOD,
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He already knew the outcome, He had gone ahead of that situation, He needed to know my heart, my heart, and what a let down!
That same heart continues to let Him down, not as spectacularly, and not too often, but I think, the lesson has been that, when I feel convicted, absolutely pray on it, and know that, and lets face it, if GOD is telling you to do something, He is behind you 100% ALL the way..
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‘..if GOD is for you , who can be against you..’ Romans 8:35.
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AMEN.
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Sending you, my loves, much, much love and hugs wrapped in prayers..❤️
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Thanks for (re)sharing this example. We all learn more about God when we testify of His work in our lives.
Amen, Tina! If I could just get it through my self-willed heart that God’s ways are always for my good, I might do a better job of being obedient the first time!!
such a great illustration, sometimes it’s just a yes. a heart change.
Amen.
Have a wonderful weekend across the pond, Dear Tina. ❤️
I’m smiling, too, sister at the image of you literally skipping! ☺ Nowadays, my heart skips more than I do! .
Great illustration of obedience and worthy of repeating! Thank you! Happy weekend! ❤
Tina, I love the vision of you skipping and so lighthearted. I have a granddaughter who skips most everywhere she does. She was learning to play basketball last year and would skip down the floor. One day she fell and bit her tongue. She tried to be brave and keep going, but her mouth was bleeding. She had to cry. Her daddy told her not to skip while playing ball. She went back into the game and you guessed it, she started skipping again.
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Beautiful story, Tina! I’m so glad you listened to God. ❤️