As servants of God, we must learn to make room for Him— to give God “elbow room.” We plan and figure and predict that this or that will happen, but we forget to make room for God to come in as He chooses. Would we be surprised if God came into our meeting or into our preaching in a way we had never expected Him to come? Do not look for God to come in a particular way, but do look for Him. The way to make room for Him is to expect Him to come, but not in a certain way.

No matter how well we may know God, the great lesson to learn is that He may break in at any minute. We tend to overlook this element of surprise, yet God never works in any other way. Suddenly—God meets our life “…when it pleased God….”Keep your life so constantly in touch with God that His surprising power can break through at any point. Live in a constant state of expectancy, and leave room for God to come in as He decides.

_____________________________________________________

January 25, 2017

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Good morning Lord. It’s been a while since we communicated in this way. Over the past several weeks and months, David and I have been exploring some compelling spiritual issues and even some basic tenants of Christendom. As a result, we have been a bit hesitant to write and talk about our exploration because You have led us to conclusions with caveats that shout….”You cannot share this idea with others right now”!

Our history of reading a great spiritual devotional, book or hearing a great sermon, or learning a lesson, and then running out and sharing the message and “new” insight with other believers is over You said. What were we thinking anyway? You showed us that You are teaching and reaching out to all of us in different ways, with different messages and circumstances that fit our unique person, place and time. And You have been showing us that all manner of spiritual learning and growth is good, when it is surrendered and connected to Jesus, via the Holy Spirit. You also have been teaching us that many, many times we will connect and communicate with others, with the most impact, when we are not even aware; simply available.

You are showing us an ongoing lesson of surrender, connection, curiosity, expectation, and obedience while also showing us how to live in a surrendered state and quickly identify our “human big four”; to look good, feel good, to be right and be in control.

So Jesus, we come to You once again this morning like every other CO2 morning asking You to help us live in surrender, connection, curiosity , expectation and obedience as we invite the Spirit of God to live through us this day, touching people and situations, many of which we may never even be aware. Help us to show restraint while being available, open to Your truths and teaching, while waiting on Your invitation to share or not share our lessons with others.

And God says…”You two come to Me every morning seeking spiritual teaching and truth. Knock, and the door will be opened, seek and you shall find. When you are ready to learn, the lesson will be made available. You come to Me open and ready to listen and learn from the Holy Spirit, holding each other accountable in ways you cannot share with “casual” friends and church member acquaintances. They have a different history and learning profile. No better, no worse than yours, just different.

So let the Spirit of God continue to flow over and around, and through you with only one expectation; that you live this day surrendered to Me. Everything else will take care of itself. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. Seek first the kingdom of God and everything else you require for daily living will be provided. If You live by the Spirit, also walk by the Spirit. Let go of your preconceived notions and allow Me to live through you, reaching others through you even and especially when you may not even be aware.