Jesus Christ did not say, “Go and save souls” (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, “Go . . . make disciples of all the nations . . . .” Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them. But Jesus said, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful service— the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with Me” (see Luke 10:17-20). The missionary’s great essential is remaining true to the call of God, and realizing that his one and only purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus. Remember that there is a passion for souls that does not come from God, but from our desire to make converts to our point of view.The challenge to the missionary does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the perspective of the missionary’s own personal relationship with Jesus Christ— “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” (Matthew 9:28). Our Lord unwaveringly asks us that question, and it confronts us in every individual situation we encounter. The one great challenge to us is— do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit? Am I wise enough in God’s sight, but foolish enough according to the wisdom of the world, to trust in what Jesus Christ has said? Or am I abandoning the great supernatural position of limitless confidence in Christ Jesus, which is really God’s only call for a missionary? If I follow any other method, I depart altogether from the methods prescribed by our Lord— “All authority has been given to Me . . . . Gotherefore. . .” (Matthew 28:18-19).

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October 27 2014

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

This devotional asks the question….Do I have limitless confidence in Jesus Christ? …Lord the headline I read yesterday  …”If I let Jesus take the wheel am I certain I will not crash?” got my attention. Like this devotional asks, am I willing to totally trust You in every situation? I think I am but then I hold back the urge to step out of the boat onto the crashing waves. I often hold onto the side of the boat afraid to step out and trust You completely. How can I build the trust and faith to take You at your word and surrender totally, all the time?

And God says…”There are times when you have and will continue to surrender totally and trust Me completely. Here in this world, you have found yourself in circumstances and situations you cannot control, and you discovered that must trust Me.  You had no other options. These times have strengthened your faith and trust, and will continue to do so. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own ways and means or understanding and I will make your paths straight. And when you do not feel worthy or “good enough” to receive My blessings or hope, remember that it is Jesus I see when I look at you or hear from you.  Jesus came to give you life and life more abundantly. As you discover and live this abundant life, you demonstrate the life I have given you to others. You can make disciples of the world by simply living out the life I promised and have provided. And when it does not feel “right”, when you do not feel worthy, faithful or sanctified, just recall that even when you do not have the purity,  faith, hope or love needed for your circumstance, I will provide everything you need.  You believe and I will help you in your unbelief. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything else you need will be provided.”