What a penetrating question! Our Lord’s words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, “Do you also want to go away?” We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk.“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus; not into sin, but away from Him. Many people today are pouring their lives out and working for Jesus Christ, but are not really walking with Him. One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. When God gives you a clear determination of His will for you, all your striving to maintain that relationship by some particular method is completely unnecessary. All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. Never try to live your life with God in any other way than His way. And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.

Peter saw in Jesus only someone who could minister salvation to him and to the world. But our Lord wants us to be fellow laborers with Him.

In John 6:70 Jesus lovingly reminded Peter that he was chosen to go with Him. And each of us must answer this question for ourselves and no one else: “Do you also want to go away?”

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March 9 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I get it. I understand that the road of life can be hard, however, in my experience; the road without Jesus is even more difficult. But is this devotional about becoming and living as a disciple or it is about simply living connected to Jesus? Are they different? I know that Chambers was writing to his students, future missionaries and disciples. Is he writing to us as normal everyday humans just seeking an abundant way of living that is relevant?

And God says…”Many humans have (or will have) experienced the disappointment of life that comes from expectations that are not based on Jesus. Many believe “if I only had a new job, healthy body, a new home, a life partner, or….then life would be complete and satisfying. When they do manage to achieve or reach these goals, they find that those expectations, when met, do not help them realize true peace or happiness. And your experiences have taught you the same lessons.”

“I have been teaching you that you can live in happiness, peace and abundance when you depend on Me and Me alone. Read and believe My promises. You can be connected to Me and allow Me to provide all you need, or you can continue to strive and struggle. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I shall provide everything else you need.  Delight yourself in Me and I will give you the desires of your heart. It does not have to make sense to you, I am God and My ways will not make sense to your ways. But you already know that the way the world works has and does not work for you. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own ways and understanding and I will make your paths straight”.