When we first begin to form a habit, we are fully aware of it. There are times when we are aware of becoming virtuous and godly, but this awareness should only be a stage we quickly pass through as we grow spiritually. If we stop at this stage, we will develop a sense of spiritual pride. The right thing to do with godly habits is to immerse them in the life of the Lord until they become such a spontaneous expression of our lives that we are no longer aware of them. Our spiritual life continually causes us to focus our attention inwardly for the determined purpose of self-examination, because each of us has some qualities we have not yet added to our lives.Your god may be your little Christian habit— the habit of prayer or Bible reading at certain times of your day. Watch how your Father will upset your schedule if you begin to worship your habit instead of what the habit symbolizes. We say, “I can’t do that right now; this is my time alone with God.” No, this is your time alone with your habit. There is a quality that is still lacking in you. Identify your shortcoming and then look for opportunities to work into your life that missing quality.Love means that there are no visible habits— that your habits are so immersed in the Lord that you practice them without realizing it. If you are consciously aware of your own holiness, you place limitations on yourself from doing certain things— things God is not restricting you from at all. This means there is a missing quality that needs to be added to your life. The only supernatural life is the life the Lord Jesus lived, and He was at home with God anywhere. Is there someplace where you are not at home with God? Then allow God to work through whatever that particular circumstance may be until you increase in Him, adding His qualities. Your life will then become the simple life of a child.

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May 12 2015Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I do not want to “sleepwalk” through any part of our relationship. I want to be aware and conscious of our connection. How can I do this? How can I be in the moment, in the Spirit, surrendered, connected, curious, expectant and obedient?

And God says…”Have you ever noticed that we are the most intimate and connected when you are in the most need? Your needs and circumstances drive you to Me. We have the most raw and engaging conversations when you are at your weakest; often your quiet and worship times become rudimentary places in your schedule when you are healthy, wealthy and wise in your own mind.  But when your peace meter is pegged out in the red, when you do not have the resources to face the challenges of the day, and when you feel adrift in the sea of humanity, historically that is when you and most of humanity, often seek a tighter, more connected relationship with Me. And that is just fine.” 

“The world is filled with trials and troubles, and consequently will remind you to be surrendered and connected to Me.  Do not try to get out of your troubles too early, let them have their perfect result. And remember to seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will give you everything else you require, including the desire to be surrendered and connected. Delight yourself in the Lord,  that is be surrendered, connected and curious and I will give you the desires of your heart. ”