We have to develop godly habits to express what God’s grace has done in us. It is not just a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved so that “the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.” And it is adversity that makes us exhibit His life in our mortal flesh. Is my life exhibiting the essence of the sweetness of the Son of God, or just the basic irritation of “myself” that I would have apart from Him? The only thing that will enable me to enjoy adversity is the acute sense of eagerness of allowing the life of the Son of God to evidence itself in me. No matter how difficult something may be, I must say, “Lord, I am delighted to obey You in this.” Instantly, the Son of God will move to the forefront of my life, and will manifest in my body that which glorifies Him.You must not debate. The moment you obey the light of God, His Son shines through you in that very adversity; but if you debate with God, you grieve His Spirit (see Ephesians 4:30). You must keep yourself in the proper condition to allow the life of the Son of God to be manifested in you, and you cannot keep yourself fit if you give way to self-pity. Our circumstances are the means God uses to exhibit just how wonderfully perfect and extraordinarily pure His Son is. Discovering a new way of manifesting the Son of God should make our heart beat with renewed excitement. It is one thing to choose adversity, and quite another to enter into adversity through the orchestrating of our circumstances by God’s sovereignty. And if God puts you into adversity, He is adequately sufficient to “supply all your need” (Philippians 4:19).Keep your soul properly conditioned to manifest the life of the Son of God. Never live on your memories of past experiences, but let the Word of God always be living and active in you._________________________________________________________________ 

May 14 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, the most recent devotionals by Oswald Chambers seem to reflect a pattern of eager self-denial as a trait for demonstrating our membership and growth in the family of God. Chambers seems to be teaching that I must face (and embrace) adversity and difficult times. He says I must eagerly face difficult circumstances. And he says we must immediately obey when placed in adverse circumstances otherwise we grieve the Holy Spirit. Well Lord that does not seem to be the way that I roll. I have studied, obeyed, and prayed that my loved ones and I NOT encounter difficult times. I pray for healing, blessings and prosperity.  And while I understand the scripture in James that says I am not to get out of difficult circumstances too soon … (let them have their perfect result), I look to You for healing, blessings and prosperity. Is that wrong?  I want the abundant life You promised, the plans for good not evil, I want to be able to say to the mountain, jump into the sea and have it happen. Is this wrong?

And God says…”The abundant life becomes clear when you are not moved by your circumstances; good or difficult. When you surrender your life and are connected to Me you are molded in the image of Jesus over time. All things work for your good in this respect, and you are not moved by your changing circumstances, because when you are surrendered and connected to Me you know, really know, deep down that I am good all the time, and I love you beyond measure. When you acknowledge Me in all your ways, and give up your own ideas of healing, blessings, health and prosperity, I can make your paths straight. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will meet all your needs. Delight yourself in the Lord and I will give you the desires of your heart. You are not to necessarily embrace difficult times…but when you are surrendered, connected and curious about how I will respond to your needs you are transformed to a level of understanding and faith to supernaturally and joyously let Me be the God of your life.”