Paul was overwhelmed with the sense of his indebtedness to Jesus Christ, and he spent his life to express it. The greatest inspiration in Paul’s life was his view of Jesus Christ as his spiritual creditor. Do I feel that same sense of indebtedness to Christ regarding every unsaved soul? As a saint, my life’s spiritual honor and duty is to fulfill my debt to Christ in relation to these lost souls. Every tiny bit of my life that has value I owe to the redemption of Jesus Christ. Am I doing anything to enable Him to bring His redemption into evident reality in the lives of others? I will only be able to do this as the Spirit of God works into me this sense of indebtedness. I am not a superior person among other people— I am a bondservant of the Lord Jesus. Paul said, “…you are not your own…you were bought at a price…” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul sold himself to Jesus Christ and he said, in effect, “I am a debtor to everyone on the face of the earth because of the gospel of Jesus; I am free only that I may be an absolute bondservant of His.” That is the characteristic of a Christian’s life once this level of spiritual honor and duty becomes real. Quit praying about yourself and spend your life for the sake of others as the bondservant of Jesus. That is the true meaning of being broken bread and poured-out wine in real life.

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July 15 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, once again, Chambers seems to offer up guilt and emotional and spiritual “hooks and leverage” as vehicles for motivating us to evangelize and help others…. Am I doing anything to enable Him to bring His redemption into evident reality in the lives of others? I will only be able to do this as the Spirit of God works into me this sense of indebtedness. Lord, You have been working on me and this issue for some time and have been clear that I should not do anything out of guilt or obligation. You have been clear that everything I do for You or for others should come out of love. And You have taught us that the love and faith necessary for serving You and others can only come from the surrender of our own abilities and motivations to You and then our connection that allows us to simply live it out daily. Should we feel indebted? Should we feel obligated to serve You and others?

And God says…”Read 1 Corinthians 13 and then answer your question. When you use your own discipline and power to serve Me, I cannot look upon it and give it any value. And the most impact you will ever make as my disciple, will occur when you are not even aware you are impacting others. When you are operating out of the love, faith and grace provided by the Holy Spirit, I can use you in many, many ways. When you operate out of your strength, you will quickly be used up. Acknowledge Me in all your ways, and do not rely on your own strength, discipline or devices, and I will make your paths straight. Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will give you everything else you require for your life, including the discipline, focus, faith and love necessary for our intimate relationship and your work and service.”