We too often think of the Cross of Christ as something we have to get through, yet we get through for the purpose of getting into it. The Cross represents only one thing for us— complete, entire, absolute identification with the Lord Jesus Christ— and there is nothing in which this identification is more real to us than in prayer.“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Then why should we ask? The point of prayer is not to get answers from God, but to have perfect and complete oneness with Him. If we pray only because we want answers, we will become irritated and angry with God. We receive an answer every time we pray, but it does not always come in the way we expect, and our spiritual irritation shows our refusal to identify ourselves truly with our Lord in prayer. We are not here to prove that God answers prayer, but to be living trophies of God’s grace.

“…I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you…” (John 16:26-27). Have you reached such a level of intimacy with God that the only thing that can account for your prayer life is that it has become one with the prayer life of Jesus Christ? Has our Lord exchanged your life with His vital life? If so, then “in that day” you will be so closely identified with Jesus that there will be no distinction.

When prayer seems to be unanswered, beware of trying to place the blame on someone else. That is always a trap of Satan. When you seem to have no answer, there is always a reason— God uses these times to give you deep personal instruction, and it is not for anyone else but you.

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August 6 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, this devotional reminds me of the visual surrender and connection process You have given me. When I know it is time to surrender and be connected (usually just before writing this journal), I always start with the vision of me bringing my issues, opportunities and ultimately myself to the foot of the cross. In my mind’s eye I carry a box wrapped and labeled fear, and others labeled family, self, work, new business, finances, and then a box called peace, joy and happiness. In my mind’s eye I carry my concerns, hurts, fears and problems to the cross and then I carry my hopes and dreams as well, and place them all at the foot of Your cross. This visual process helps me “see” and believe that I have surrendered myself to You. Is this the right way to surrender and be connected to You in the morning?

And God says…”If this visual process helps you surrender yourself and your issues and opportunities, and be connected to Me, then it is a good thing. And as long as it serves you in your quest for surrender and connection, and you do not begin to serve it, please continue. However like a number of worship activities humans have used over time, be certain you do not begin to serve this process. It only works if it serves the purpose of bringing us into an intimate relationship based on your surrender then connection to and with Me. When you are surrendered and connected, all your fears, concerns, hopes and dreams feel like an easy yoke, your burdens light, because you have surrendered them to Me. And remember I always answer your prayers; however it may best serve you and yours if I do not always give you an update or status report. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, things not seen. It is impossible to please God without faith. Give me your issues and opportunities daily and let Me give you the peace that passes all understanding. And as long as this visual process serves you, and your surrender and connection, with Me, I will bless it.”