It is easier to serve or work for God without a vision and without a call, because then you are not bothered by what He requires. Common sense, covered with a layer of Christian emotion, becomes your guide. You may be more prosperous and successful from the world’s perspective, and will have more leisure time, if you never acknowledge the call of God. But once you receive a commission from Jesus Christ, the memory of what God asks of you will always be there to prod you on to do His will. You will no longer be able to work for Him on the basis of common sense.What do I count in my life as “dear to myself”? If I have not been seized by Jesus Christ and have not surrendered myself to Him, I will consider the time I decide to give God and my own ideas of service as dear. I will also consider my own life as “dear to myself.” But Paul said he considered his life dear so that he might fulfill the ministry he had received, and he refused to use his energy on anything else. This verse shows an almost noble annoyance by Paul at being asked to consider himself. He was absolutely indifferent to any consideration other than that of fulfilling the ministry he had received. Our ordinary and reasonable service to God may actually compete against our total surrender to Him. Our reasonable work is based on the following argument which we say to ourselves, “Remember how useful you are here, and think how much value you would be in that particular type of work.” That attitude chooses our own judgment, instead of Jesus Christ, to be our guide as to where we should go and where we could be used the most. Never consider whether or not you are of use— but always consider that “you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19). You are His.

 

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March 4, 2014

Journal for Today-JDV

Lord, thank You for reminding me with the devotional and music, that we can do anything when we are connected to You. However, every time I face a major trial or threatening circumstance, I freeze up a bit. It is not that I believe You cannot quiet the storm or rescue me from the “edge” of disaster. I believe You are God and can do anything. But I wonder and question my worthiness. Why would You want to lift me up, and save me from disaster or provide for me given my tendency to stray?  I know you can do anything God. But I question your willingness to do anything for me.

And God says…”The enemy wants you to believe that you are not worthy, and of course, on your own you are not worthy. However, Jesus is worthy and as a result of His sacrifice, you become worthy. You are worthy because of Jesus, not because of anything you have done; or will do.

When I look at you, I see Jesus, and His perfection, and I will meet all your needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will meet every need you have. Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart. You are not required to do anything except believe in Jesus. And when you surrender your attempts at “being a better person or better Christian” and simply let Jesus live through you, you discover a victorious and abundant life.”