The golden rule to follow to obtain spiritual understanding is not one of intellectual pursuit, but one of obedience. If a person wants scientific knowledge, then intellectual curiosity must be his guide. But if he desires knowledge and insight into the teachings of Jesus Christ, he can only obtain it through obedience. If spiritual things seem dark and hidden to me, then I can be sure that there is a point of disobedience somewhere in my life. Intellectual darkness is the result of ignorance, but spiritual darkness is the result of something that I do not intend to obey.No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it. We disobey and then wonder why we are not growing spiritually. Jesus said, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). He is saying, in essence, “Don’t say another word to me; first be obedient by making things right.” The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before.When Jesus drives something home to you through His Word, don’t try to evade it. If you do, you will become a religious impostor. Examine the things you tend simply to shrug your shoulders about, and where you have refused to be obedient, and you will know why you are not growing spiritually. As Jesus said, “First…go….” Even at the risk of being thought of as fanatical, you must obey what God tells you.

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July 27 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, once again it seems like Chambers is using his place to teach and leverage scripture to get his students to be and do what he believes. This line he writes; “No one ever receives a word from God without instantly being put to the test regarding it” seems at odds with your teaching. You already know that I do not have the capacity to “pass the test” daily. You already know my condition. I try to do the right thing, to instantly obey, and then I don’t. You already know that when I want to do the right thing, I do not. You already know that with the best of intentions, my faith often fails me. And then I remember that Paul said the same thing. Who will save me from this predicament? I want to obey, I want to do the right thing, but it seems I am at war within myself. Who will save me from this dilemma? Thanks be to God Jesus Christ has already saved me from this circumstance. (Romans 7:21-25)

And God says…”Since the beginning of time, humans have thought they could improve on the plans I have made for you. From the Garden to the present, history is full of examples of where and how good Christians have tried to remind other Christians about how to live and how to grow and prosper. Many times you confuse cultural imperatives with spiritual directives. And good teachers will try to leverage their experiences to help others “get it” more quickly. Of course you are supposed to be immediately obedient, of course you should have volumes of faith, of course you are to love your neighbor, of course you are to reject and deny your father and mother and entire family in favor of Me. But it takes what it takes for you to “get it”. It takes time, difficult circumstances and My grace. It takes enough failure in your own power for you to surrender, be connected, curious and obedient. “

“Apart from Me you can do nothing. But do not worry about anything, pray about everything. And I will give you the grace, faith and peace that passes all understanding as you surrender, and are connected and curious.”