“And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ ” (John 21:19). Three years earlier Jesus had said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), and Peter followed with no hesitation. The irresistible attraction of Jesus was upon him and he did not need the Holy Spirit to help him do it. Later he came to the place where he denied Jesus, and his heart broke. Then he received the Holy Spirit and Jesus said again, “Follow Me” (John 21:19). Now no one is in front of Peter except the Lord Jesus Christ. The first “Follow Me” was nothing mysterious; it was an external following. Jesus is now asking for an internal sacrifice and yielding (see John 21:18).Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. “…He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’ ” (John 20:22). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.

All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to “receive the Holy Spirit.” “Receive the Holy Spirit” — the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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January 5 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, on my own I have no power or desire to follow You. On my own I make resolutions and chase visions, hopes and desires that hold no lasting value. Even when I am wildly successful, the victories seem hallow and fleeting. But connected to You I feel a sense of purpose and design.

When you surrender you own notions of life, who you are and what you are to do and are connected to Me, you are connected to My love and a sense of purpose and power that provides a peace that passes all understanding.

Lord I get that, but like Peter when I see the storm waves all around me, my senses overload on what can or could happen. When I sense the impending dangers or risks, and I cannot see or feel You, I get frightened and worried.

There is a simple remedy for that; do not face your days, full of dangers and risks, without Me. Do not step out onto the waters of your days until and unless you are connected and communing with Me. Seek first the kingdom of God and I will provide everything else you require. Acknowledge Me in all you ways and I will make your paths straight. Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.