Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.” We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.

_______________________________________________________________

January 12 2015

 

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord.  Once again Chambers writes about our spiritual frailties. And I suspect he was (and is) still trying to help us understand that without You we can are unable to see ourselves clearly. And that is certainly true.  When you taught us to get connected to You, stay connected and then live it out, we came to understand that this is the way to be led and shaped by You.  That Your Spirit would lead, guide and direct us in all things, as long as we seek You first.  Is this the case?

And God says…”Yes this is the case. The scriptures are clear about this as well. Seek and you shall find. Knock and the door will be opened. Come near to Me and I will come near to you. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight.  Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything else you want or need will be provided. When you seek Me you will find Me. Try this…..Seek Me first in everything and anything you do this day, and then recall your day and the way it rolled out as you get ready for bed in the evening.  The peace and progress of your life and activities will astound you.”