“You shall be witnesses to Me…” (Acts 1:8). How many of us are willing to spend every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus Christ? That is what God means when He uses the word witness. But it takes time, so be patient with yourself. Why has God left us on the earth? Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him? Am I willing to be of no value to this age or this life except for one purpose and one alone— to be used to disciple men and women to the Lord Jesus Christ. My life of service to God is the way I say “thank you” to Him for His inexpressibly wonderful salvation. Remember, it is quite possible for God to set any of us aside if we refuse to be of service to Him— “…lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27).

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February 15, 2016

Journal Entry for 2-15-2916

Lord, once again thank You for this day and devotional. And once again it appears that Chambers and I will be at odds on a couple of issues. However, I suspect this “iron sharpening iron” is a very good tool for learning and relying on the Holy Spirit. If I am opposed to issues and premises brought forth by a great writer and Christian such as Oswald Chambers, You must be leading me. When Chambers says…”How many of us are willing to spend every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus Christ; I suspect most of us would say we cannot imagine being able to invest every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus; even if we worked very hard at it. It feels like the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus raises the bar so high that there is no way we can reach it in our own power, or with our own effort. And when Chambers says… it is quite possible for God to set any of us aside if we refuse to be of service to Him— “, it feels like one more Christian guilt hook. Are we to be motivated to by guilt and fear? Is this the way to daily sanctification?

And God says…”Do not be concerned with what other people say about your life, how you live it or how and where you serve, The question will always be, are you surrendered to Jesus in all you do? Are you surrendered, connected, and curious about how Jesus will lead you day by day and minute by minute? When you surrender your life to Jesus, your energy will be directed just as it should be by the Holy Spirit. And when you live out of your surrender, connection, curiosity and obedience, you will be right in the center of My will. Seek first the kingdom of God and I will furnish, everything else you require, including the vision, strength and power to properly invest your energy. And when you live out of this, there is no worry or concern about being of service to Me. You know, just KNOW that I am God and I will work all things out for your good. Acknowledge Me in all your ways, do not rely on your own understanding, discipline, or effort, and I will make all your paths straight. Continue to live in surrender, connection, curiosity and the ability to obey and serve as I intend will flow supernaturally into and from your life.”