If in preaching the gospel you substitute your knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the gospel, you hinder people from getting to reality. Take care to see while you proclaim your knowledge of the way of salvation, that you yourself are rooted and grounded by faith in God. Never rely on the clearness of your presentation, but as you give your explanation make sure that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God’s redemptive power, and He will create His own life in people.

Once you are rooted in reality, nothing can shake you. If your faith is in experiences, anything that happens is likely to upset that faith. But nothing can ever change God or the reality of redemption. Base your faith on that, and you are as eternally secure as God Himself. Once you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will never be moved again. That is the meaning of sanctification.

God disapproves of our human efforts to cling to the concept that sanctification is merely an experience, while forgetting that even our sanctification must also be sanctified (see John 17:19). I must deliberately give my sanctified life to God for His service, so that He can use me as His hands and His feet.

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Journal Entry for Today-JDV

December 3 2014

Good morning God and thank You for this devotional and music reminding me once again that evidence of being connected to You is the way You changed and are changing my heart. I no longer feel compelled to “do something for God”.  You are teaching me that I am not to ever feel compelled to “do something for God” I am simply to be in relationship with You. Everything else will flow from that; how or if to be Your hands and feet, how and if to reflect You when I reach out to others and or simply resting in You, waiting on Your confirmation and direction.

And God says…”In the Garden Peter and John wanted to build three tents; one for Jesus, Moses and Elijah. Peter, James and John want to “do something” for God, for Jesus. And Jesus just wanted to be in connection; there was no reason to be about doing anything except resting in the power of God and experience the transformation (transfiguration) of Jesus. That is how you miss our relationship. You seem to want to be ”doing something” for Me instead of just being “in relationship” with Me. Abide in Me and allow me to abide in you. Acknowledge Me in all our way and I will make your paths straight. Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything else you need will be provided; including the positive and direct communication from Me about how and when you are to put your faith into action.”