God’s command is, “Take now,” not later. It is incredible how we debate! We know something is right, but we try to find excuses for not doing it immediately. If we are to climb to the height God reveals, it can never be done later— it must be done now. And the sacrifice must be worked through our will before we actually perform it.“So Abraham rose early in the morning…and went to the place of which God had told him” (Genesis 22:3). Oh, the wonderful simplicity of Abraham! When God spoke, he did not “confer with flesh and blood” (Galatians 1:16). Beware when you want to “confer with flesh and blood” or even your own thoughts, insights, or understandings— anything that is not based on your personal relationship with God. These are all things that compete with and hinder obedience to God.

Abraham did not choose what the sacrifice would be. Always guard against self-chosen service for God. Self-sacrifice may be a disease that impairs your service. If God has made your cup sweet, drink it with grace; or even if He has made it bitter, drink it in communion with Him. If the providential will of God means a hard and difficult time for you, go through it. But never decide the place of your own martyrdom, as if to say, “I will only go to there, but no farther.” God chose the test for Abraham, and Abraham neither delayed nor protested, but steadily obeyed. If you are not living in touch with God, it is easy to blame Him or pass judgment on Him. You must go through the trial before you have any right to pronounce a verdict, because by going through the trial you learn to know God better. God is working in us to reach His highest goals until His purpose and our purpose become one.

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November 11 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. I was wrong the other morning; it has been over 1300 mornings and journal entries for David and me. Thank You for bringing us back day after day to teach and reinforce the primary lesson; namely that regardless of our circumstances, status, blessings or trials, we are to meet you daily, and continually, with our surrender. This lesson reminds us that Abraham surrendered and left it to God to fill in the blanks. Lord, I pray for that capability; the ability step out in faith knowing that You have it all under control.  Unfortunately my need to look good, feel good, be right and be in control seems to get in the way a lot of the time.

And God says…”Clearly you are not born with the inclination to surrender your needs to Me. And when you pray you often pray for Me to help you look good, feel good, be right and be in control. However, you are learning more and more about surrender and how a life of surrender can be a most rewarding and joyous way of life.  You have allowed your trials to have a perfect result. And you are practicing surrender even in midst of turbulent and trying circumstances. You have been learning how to seek first the kingdom of God, and then allowing Me to live through you. You have experienced the “peace that passes all understanding” even as your circumstances became more and more difficult.  There is a knowing that occurs when you live in surrender, connection and curiosity as you do begin to truly let go and let Me live through you as you experientially comprehend that all things work for good for those that love the lord.”