Jesus did not say, “He who believes in Me will realize all the blessings of the fullness of God,” but, in essence, “He who believes in Me will have everything he receives escape out of him.” Our Lord’s teaching was always anti-self-realization. His purpose is not the development of a person— His purpose is to make a person exactly like Himself, and the Son of God is characterized by self-expenditure. If we believe in Jesus, it is not what we gain but what He pours through us that really counts. God’s purpose is not simply to make us beautiful, plump grapes, but to make us grapes so that He may squeeze the sweetness out of us. Our spiritual life cannot be measured by success as the world measures it, but only by what God pours through us— and we cannot measure that at all.When Mary of Bethany “broke the flask…of very costly oil…and poured it on [Jesus’] head,” it was an act for which no one else saw any special occasion; in fact, “…there were some who…said, ‘Why was this fragrant oil wasted?’ ” (Mark 14:3-4). But Jesus commended Mary for her extravagant act of devotion, and said, “…wherever this gospel is preached…what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her” (Mark 14:9). Our Lord is filled with overflowing joy whenever He sees any of us doing what Mary did— not being bound by a particular set of rules, but being totally surrendered to Him. God poured out the life of His Son “that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17). Are we prepared to pour out our lives for Him?“He who believes in Me…out of his heart will flow rivers of living water”— and hundreds of other lives will be continually refreshed. Now is the time for us to break “the flask” of our lives, to stop seeking our own satisfaction, and to pour out our lives before Him. Our Lord is asking who of us will do it for Him?

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September 2 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning God . Thank You for this devotional about being surrendered and connected; about self-expenditure. David and I talked and prayed today that we might be more aware of our state of surrender and connectedness today, and that we enjoy just “being with You”. We talked about using our minds eye to visualize You more frequently in our day, and to give less thought to our needs, or tasks at hand, and like Mary of Bethany, simply be available to be poured out in our relationship. Is it right and proper to ask Your help in being poured out with and to You, and simply be in relationship, not thinking about doing anything?

And God says…”When you are surrendered and connected to Me it is right and proper, and natural to simply “be with Me”; with no purpose or request. But to simply be with Me. You can know that I have met all your needs, regardless of what your senses may tell you….seek first the kingdom of God and I will provide everything else you require. And once you know, in your spirit, that all your needs are being met, your heart and mind are free to concentrate on our relationship. Trust that when you acknowledge Me in all your ways, I will make your paths straight. When you let go of requests, petitions, and tasks, and are simply with Me first, as the song says, your ability to trust and believe grows and you know, just know, that I work all things together for your good. Practice just being in relationship, pour yourself out to Me, walking, talking and being with Me this day, then look back and see how I have met all your needs. Do not be consumed by the cares of the world, be surrendered and connected and allow Me to be God. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not relay on your own devices, and I will make your paths straight.“