The Death Side. In sanctification God has to deal with us on the death side as well as on the life side. Sanctification requires our coming to the place of death, but many of us spend so much time there that we become morbid. There is always a tremendous battle before sanctification is realized— something within us pushing with resentment against the demands of Christ. When the Holy Spirit begins to show us what sanctification means, the struggle starts immediately. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate…his own life…he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26).In the process of sanctification, the Spirit of God will strip me down until there is nothing left but myself, and that is the place of death. Am I willing to be myself and nothing more? Am I willing to have no friends, no father, no brother, and no self-interest— simply to be ready for death? That is the condition required for sanctification. No wonder Jesus said, “I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). This is where the battle comes, and where so many of us falter. We refuse to be identified with the death of Jesus Christ on this point. We say, “But this is so strict. Surely He does not require that of me.” Our Lord is strict, and He does require that of us.Am I willing to reduce myself down to simply “me”? Am I determined enough to strip myself of all that my friends think of me, and all that I think of myself? Am I willing and determined to hand over my simple naked self to God? Once I am, He will immediately sanctify me completely, and my life will be free from being determined and persistent toward anything except God (see 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

When I pray, “Lord, show me what sanctification means for me,” He will show me. It means being made one with Jesus. Sanctification is not something Jesus puts in me— it is Himself in me (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).

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July 22 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, when I first read this devotional, I immediately started to reject Chambers polarizing position; Chambers writes…”Am I willing to have no friends, no father, no brother, and no self-interest— simply to be ready for death? We say, “But this is so strict. Surely He does not require that of me.” Our Lord is strict, and He does require that of us.“ Then I read in Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

So which is it Lord? Are You that strict? Do I give up my friends, family and my self interest in order to be sanctified? Or is it as you say in Matthew; if I keep company with You will I learn to live freely and lightly?

And God says…”The easy part of being sanctified is the actual living it out once you have surrendered and are connected, allowing the Holy Spirit to live through you. The hard part is to put away your human priorities of family, work, church duties, service activities, chasing wealth and any and everything else that can and does get in the way of your surrender to Me.”

“Before you know it you are involved in so many things every morning, you have not found time to consciously surrender and be connected with Me, allowing the Holy Spirit to take over your living. You get so caught up in chasing your goals, executing on objectives, and making a way for you and your family, that our relationship comes second, or third in your life. And as you chase your life goals and objectives, you ask Me to bless them. That cannot result in living an abundant life. I cannot always bless your ways, as your ways are not My ways.”

“Seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and I will provide everything else you need, including an abundant life. Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. I began the good work in you, and it is My role and opportunity to finish the work that I began. Surrender, be connected daily, and watch your transformation. Wait on Me, be curious, and you can walk and not get weary. You will rise up with the wings of eagles.”