And now I commit you to God and to the word of His grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Our faith here can only be in God, not in our faith (that's presumption). He will never abandon us, but we can abandon Him. That's why we must be vigilant.

We'll stay true to God only if our love becomes a decision.

In other words, God is working out what we have committed to Him. It is the continuing attitude of trust on our part that keeps the channel open through which God is able to intervene in our lives and work out what needs to be done. But if we abandon our trust, we close off the channel and hinder the completion of what God has begun to do for us.

When I took the habit, the Lord immediately showed me how He favours those who do violence to themselves in order to serve Him. No one saw what I endured... At the moment of my entrance into this new state I felt a joy so great that it has never failed me even to this day; and God converted the dryness of my soul into a very great tenderness.

Our 'behavior' will not be changed long with self-discipline, but fall in love and a human will accomplish what he never thought possible. The laziest of men will swim the English channel to win his woman. I think what Rick said is worth repeating that by accepting God's love for us, we fall in love with Him, and only then do we have the fuel we need to obey.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails (Proverbs 19:21). Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed (Proverbs 16:3). In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him" (2 Chron. 16:9).

If you once love Him, you will study to please Him.

Choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

No man gives anything acceptable to God until has has first given himself in love and sacrifice.