“If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love” (John 15:10). Obeying and abiding go together. Abiding is the result of obedience. It’s a “shall,” a certainty. Rees Howells, intercessor, found that obedience to the Holy Spirit — when he was told what to do, something as simple as not wearing a hat (local custom) — was always followed by abiding in the fellowship of prayer.
I hate to admit that this process has been slow for me. Perhaps I’ll tell you later about the times I’ve said “no,” and it took me a while to get to the “yes.” I can say that over the years the distance between the two has lessened when I find my true place in obedience. The abiding is sweet, a trysting place, like two lovers who meet at a regular place and time for fellowship.
That’s why Quiet Time is first on my day’s agenda. Of course, there are the personal items to take care of — bathroom, making up the bed, preparing breakfast. But I drink coffee and eat my yogurt while I read. Is that double-tasking to an advantage?
Ann Coker 