The Sermon on the Mount indicates that when we are on a mission for Jesus Christ, there is no time to stand up for ourselves. Jesus says, in effect, “Don’t worry about whether or not you are being treated justly.” Looking for justice is actually a sign that we have been diverted from our devotion to Him. Never look for justice in this world, but never cease to give it. If we look for justice, we will only begin to complain and to indulge ourselves in the discontent of self-pity, as if to say, “Why should I be treated like this?” If we are devoted to Jesus Christ, we have nothing to do with what we encounter, whether it is just or unjust. In essence, Jesus says, “Continue steadily on with what I have told you to do, and I will guard your life. If you try to guard it yourself, you remove yourself from My deliverance.” Even the most devout among us become atheistic in this regard— we do not believe Him. We put our common sense on the throne and then attach God’s name to it. We do lean to our own understanding, instead of trusting God with all our hearts (see Proverbs 3:5-6).

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June 27, 2016

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning God and thank you for this devotional; a reminder to me to live in the moment knowing that all things work together for good; and that I am to seek first the kingdom of God, which is Jesus, and You will take care of everything else.

I saw a quote the other day that I modified a bit…” worry is fear of the future, depression is fear of the past; live in the present, surrendered, connected and curious about how God will unfold your day. This seems like a fine way to live out the song for today as well.

And God says…”Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding, awareness, planning, intellect, or control; and I will make your paths straight. When you abandon the “big four”; to look good, feel good, be right and to be in control, you can trust me to be God, and to make all things work together for your good.

When you worry about the future, (yours or the future of those you love), you are living out your lack of faith. When you are depressed about your past, you are living out your lack of belief in my forgiveness and grace. You are, in effect, says that the atonement of Jesus did not address your past, present and future.

Take a moment and think about placing all your worries about the future, past and present at the foot of the cross every day, then ask Me to help you surrender and be connected, and live out of that. Check in a couple of times today and let me know how that is working for you. But then you already know that answer. I love you.