He went out, not knowing where he was going. —Hebrews 11:8

Have you ever “gone out” in this way? If so, there is no logical answer possible when anyone asks you what you are doing. One of the most difficult questions to answer in Christian work is, “What do you expect to do?” You don’t know what you are going to do. The only thing you know is that God knows what He is doing. Continually examine your attitude toward God to see if you are willing to “go out” in every area of your life, trusting in God entirely. It is this attitude that keeps you in constant wonder, because you don’t know what God is going to do next. Each morning as you wake, there is a new opportunity to “go out,” building your confidence in God. “…do not worry about your life…nor about the body…” (Luke 12:22). In other words, don’t worry about the things that concerned you before you did “go out.”

Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do— He reveals to you who He is. Do you believe in a miracle-working God, and will you “go out” in complete surrender to Him until you are not surprised one iota by anything He does?

Believe God is always the God you know Him to be when you are nearest to Him. Then think how unnecessary and disrespectful worry is! Let the attitude of your life be a continual willingness to “go out” in dependence upon God, and your life will have a sacred and inexpressible charm about it that is very satisfying to Jesus. You must learn to “go out” through your convictions, creeds, or experiences until you come to the point in your faith where there is nothing between yourself and God.

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January 2, 2017

Journal Entry for Today-JDV.

Good morning God and thank you for the devotionals and Your direction this New Year. David and I have been exploring the “iron sharpening iron” results of Oswald Chambers and Richard Rohr. https://cac.org/richard-rohr/richard-rohr-ofm/. The comparisons are interesting, especially as we begin to sense You leading us into a space where we begin, like many others to reject doctrine and dogma in favor of faith. We have been learning that Christianity is meant to be a loving way of life that heightens, through the Spirit, our desire for spiritual intimacy with You and others; in and outside our own churches, faith and doctrines.

Thank You for showing us that our faith is so much more than sin management or “trying harder” to be a better Christian. We are learning that we are to rest, run, relax and achieve as we are surrendered, connected, and curious about how You live through us. When we are living in this way, it often seems like we are “surfing” through life, excited and totally engaged as Your waves of love and energy carry us. We are learning more about your grace as we fail mightily and live our lives more fully. Thank You for this past year and the teaching You have given us. Thank You for Oswald Chambers and Richard Rohr.

And God says…”The teachers will arrive when the students are ready”. This phrase, erroneously attributed to Buddha, speaks to your faith, and your readiness to surrender and connect with Me daily. This early morning surrender, connection, curiosity, study and prayer puts you in the frame of mind to hear My voice. As My word says; seek and you shall find, knock and the door will be opened. And your willingness to let go of your preconceived notions of how My love is manifest allows Me to show you more and more love: This love, personified by the sacrifice of Jesus, lights up areas of your life that were heretofore dark. And with this light you begin to understand that discipleship is much more, and interestingly enough much less, than offering your testimony or sharing the four spiritual laws with others. Clothed in the all-consuming love of Jesus, you now live the love of Jesus, touching others without effort as you simply live out of surrender, connection and curiosity. Occasionally it will feel as if you are “surfing” through life; excited, engaged and filled up with love that overflows to others and carries you happily to the next “life wave”. And when you fail mightily, and you will; you discover My grace, like My love, is full, fresh and sufficient.”

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