If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17 . It will explain exactly why you are where you are— because Jesus has prayed that you “may be one” with the Father as He is. Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer our prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22). Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that?God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn’t ask, “Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?” No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, “Your will be done” (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best. When we understand God’s purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him— because Jesus prayed, “…that they all may be one….”

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May 22 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, thank you for Chamber’s devotional today. It reminded me of the prayer Dave and I frequently pray together…”Please make us men after your own heart….please make us more like Jesus.”  The lines in the first paragraph give me pause…”He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way. The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. Are my trials and difficult circumstances making me a better, sweeter, nobler man, or as Chambers asks, are they making me more critical, fault finding and insistent in my own way?

And God says…”When you are in an intimate relationship with Jesus, you are connected to the vine and the vine sends life, love, understanding, knowledge and strength to you.  You know this, and experience it daily; when you are surrendered and connected to Jesus you can remain curious about how God will address your circumstances. Difficult circumstances do not frighten you. You know that ALL THINGS work for the good of those that love the Lord. You know that I am good all the time and all the time I am good.  When you are surrendered and connected, you know that I love you immeasurably and keep my promises. It is only when you want your outcome, and want to arrive at the destination of your own agenda to avoid uncertainty,  hurt, pain or difficulties that you feel disconnected and often feel as if I do not care. But I did not change…and the uncertainty, hurt, pain and difficulties of this life are there to help mold and shape you into a man after my own heart.”

“Trust Me, in all your ways; do not rely on your own ideas of what should happen, or what is fair and not fair. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and everything else you require will be provided.”