Here’s a quick testimony.

I was walking around TJ MAXX the other day looking for some Christmas gifts for my family. As I was walking I ran over a shirt that was on the floor. The moment I rolled my cart over it I knew I had to turn around and pick it up. So, I did. I wiped the dust off of the sleeves and hung it back on the rack.  I proceeded to walk when I  heard someone saying “thank you.”  I turned around and a lady (worker) was coming toward me with her arms open seeking a hug. She had a big smile on her face!  

She said people don’t usually do that! I replied with a smile and automatically pointed up to reference God. I then asked her what was her name.  She answered, “Chong, made in China.”  We both laughed!  We had a small conversation then she wished me a Merry Christmas.  I walked away with such joy and gratefulness in my heart because I belong to Jesus and His spirit is within me. It’s all HIM, not me!  He’s the One who guides us to be kind, patient, understanding, and gives us the power to love others. And, He sometimes taps us on the shoulder to remind us of the “little obediences” which are always GREAT in His eyes.  

I’ve been told, that partial obedience is disobedience! 

King Saul was told by God to do something, but he decided to do it his way. To this day there is still suffering in the world because of his disobedience. 

“But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.””

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭15:22-23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

God loves mercy, but He demands obedience to His voice. It’s the same as a mother telling a small child to not run in the street!  Why?  Because she loves him and does not want her child to suffer. There is ALWAYS a very good reason for His commands and precepts. They are boundaries set for OUR safety! 

Here’s why I’m telling you this story. The moment I rolled over the shirt is when the most important choice rose up in my heart and mind simultaneously. One of the choices was to just keep going.  It’s amazing how quickly our brain processes information and how quickly we must decide. If I had kept going, I guess I never would have had the pleasure of meeting Chong. And Chong would have had a different view of me too. 

I was able to bring a smile to someone that day.  I believe each time we obey His voice (immediately) we can bring a big smile to His face and receive a hug from Heaven. 

I pray you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Bring a smile to someone today.🙂