The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God’s perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, “Oh, I shouldn’t claim to be sanctified; I’m not a saint.” But to say that before God means, “No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn’t possible.” That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.

Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, “Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified,” is in God’s eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.

There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life.

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November 30, 2016

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning God and thank You for the devotional and the presence of the Holy Spirit and our Savior, Jesus. As I look around my office, I can sense your presence. As I write this journal entry I can feel Your love and grace. Thank you for demonstrating both through the cross. This line from the devotional caught my eye and heart on my first read through this morning….”There is only one relationship that really matters, and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life.” This sounds a great deal like surrendering everything to Jesus.

And God says…”That is exactly the way. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding and He will make your paths straight. Focus on Me , the cross, and the measures to which I have gone to demonstrate My love. You will be transformed over time as you surrender your right to yourself; your need to look good, be right, to feel good and to be in control. When you let everything else go, you will be treated to an amazing reality; I provide everything else you need for living day to day, while also fulfilling My purpose through your life.”