We make it our aim. . . .” It requires a conscious decision and effort to keep our primary goal constantly in front of us. It means holding ourselves to the highest priority year in and year out; not making our first priority to win souls, or to establish churches, or to have revivals, but seeking only “to be well pleasing to Him.” It is not a lack of spiritual experience that leads to failure, but a lack of working to keep our eyes focused and on the right goal. At least once a week examine yourself before God to see if your life is measuring up to the standard He has for you. Paul was like a musician who gives no thought to audience approval, if he can only catch a look of approval from his Conductor.Any goal we have that diverts us even to the slightest degree from the central goal of being “approved to God” (2 Timothy 2:15) may result in our rejection from further service for Him. When you discern where the goal leads, you will understand why it is so necessary to keep “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2). Paul spoke of the importance of controlling his own body so that it would not take him in the wrong direction. He said, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest . . . I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).I must learn to relate everything to the primary goal, maintaining it without interruption. My worth to God publicly is measured by what I really am in my private life. Is my primary goal in life to please Him and to be acceptable to Him, or is it something less, no matter how lofty it may sound?____________________________________________________________

 

March 17, 2014

Journal entry for today-JDV

Lord, it seems that this is too easy and too difficult a path; too easy to say I want to be focused on You and allow my focus on You to transform me, and too hard to stay on track without the rules and regulations of religion.  I like the thought of the freedom and spirituality of simply being focused on You, but sometimes it seems too easy to slip back into my old ways and means. How can I solve this dilemma?

And God says…”It is not a dilemma to be solved any more than it is a religion to be followed; it is your life to be lived and you are being transformed as you live it and are connected. Jesus has done the work that needs to be done; the work for you is complete. The work in you is being completed as you are connected to Jesus.  You are not to be concerned with the “how” of it, just the goal of being connected to Jesus.  Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything else you need, including how to live the life of a believer, will be provided. There is no “your part, My part.”  You have no part in your transformation except to trust and obey, and live by faith connected to Me.  And when you cannot or do not trust and obey, know that the sacrifice of Jesus has provided for that as well.  Grace provides the bridge.”