“Often one person in an ordinary relationship will take advantage of another’s love to his or her own benefit: ‘If you love me you will give me what I want’.This is the ploy many people use to make the other person satisfy their selfish demands. This is not what Jesus said when He made love the focal point of His disciples’ relationship with Him. He said that love, and not obedience to laws and rules, should be their motivation to obey Him gladly and joyfully. Julian of Norwich wrote: ‘The great honor we can give to Almighty God, greater than our sacrifices and modifications, is to live gladly, joyfully, because of the knowledge of His love.’ Wouldn’t it be glorious if we could do that? Jesus would like us to. Walk close to Jesus in your daily tasks and duties, even if you are under severe pressure, set aside at least a few minutes for fellowship with Him. Find ways to show your love for him, both in what you say and in what you do. Reflect on His Love and let your love for him thrive and grow in obedience that follows readily and joyfully. Thank you, Holy Jesus, that I obey you because I love you.” —-An excerpt from “366 Devotionals – Trusting in God”, Christian Art Publishers