A person’s will is embodied in the actions of the whole person. I cannot give up my will— I must exercise it, putting it into action. I must will to obey, and I must will to receive God’s Spirit. When God gives me a vision of truth, there is never a question of what He will do, but only of what I will do. The Lord has been placing in front of each of us some big proposals and plans. The best thing to do is to remember what you did before when you were touched by God. Recall the moment when you were saved, or first recognized Jesus, or realized some truth. It was easy then to yield your allegiance to God. Immediately recall those moments each time the Spirit of God brings some new proposal before you.“…choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….” Your choice must be a deliberate determination— it is not something into which you will automatically drift. And everything else in your life will be held in temporary suspension until you make a decision. The proposal is between you and God— do not “confer with flesh and blood” about it (Galatians 1:16). With every new proposal, the people around us seem to become more and more isolated, and that is where the tension develops. God allows the opinion of His other saints to matter to you, and yet you become less and less certain that others really understand the step you are taking. You have no business trying to find out where God is leading— the only thing God will explain to you is Himself.Openly declare to Him, “I will be faithful.” But remember that as soon as you choose to be faithful to Jesus Christ, “You are witnesses against yourselves…” (Joshua 24:22). Don’t consult with other Christians, but simply and freely declare before Him, “I will serve You.” Will to be faithful— and give other people credit for being faithful too.

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July 8, 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. As I read this popular and often quoted and repeated scripture for today’s devotional, I also noticed that Israel’s response to Joshua’s statement was agreement. Israel agreed that the God that brought them out of bondage would be the God they worshiped.

This seems like the right and proper prayer and consideration for me as well, Lord. I too will worship the God that brought (and brings) me out of bondage. Lord, please help me serve You, being ever mindful of the work You have done and continue to do in my life. How can I be mindful of this and keep my eyes on You and not bondage nor the blessings.

And God says…”When times and circumstances are difficult, you must seek Me as I am often the only path open to you.  When I pour out my blessings, you thank Me because I have poured out good things to and for you and yours. But what about the day to day coming and going? What about the regular day to day, hour by hour rudimentary workings of everyday life? Do you connect to Me as a matter of course? Are you connected and living out of My power and grace just because you want to know me and have an intimate relationship with Me?  The way you start and stay connected to Me, is to make our time together; your surrender, connection and your curiosity, an every day, every morning activity. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will provide everything else you need for your day and life. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own capabilities, circumstances or blessings, and I will make your paths straight. All I have ever wanted for us is an intimate relationship. And you know how far I have reached to bring this about. Knock and the door shall be opened, seek and you will find. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. All I ever wanted was your heart.”