Woke up this morning listening to another great sermon, called Lessons from my grandfather by Charles Stanley. It's really cool to learn stuff from older people, especially those who've been walking steadfastly with Jesus for a long time in their lives. "Trust and obey, there is no other way." Reading Watchman Nee's book "The Spiritual Man," I think the one thing that by far stood out the most is this - the surest route to spiritual maturity is to say yes to God ... forget the excuses, rationalizations, pussyfootin, delayed obedience stuff. Just, "I might not agree or understand, or it really hurts .. but you're God, and you're trustworthy, so YES, I will." God doesn't lose anything from us not responding in obedience. He simply waits until we're ready, and will slowly apply the pressure via circumstances of life until that test is passed. And this has consistently been a principle and attitude that allows people to continue growing closer to God, instead of hitting a roadblock and then going on circles and not progressing. And this is never without benefit -- the blessings of obedience, though seemingly painful at the time, are sweet and pleasant and awesome. Man, what a great, valuable reminder all of this has been for me. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."