It is possible to know all about doctrine and still not know Jesus. A person’s soul is in grave danger when the knowledge of doctrine surpasses Jesus, avoiding intimate touch with Him. Why was Mary weeping? Doctrine meant no more to her than the grass under her feet.
In fact, any Pharisee could have made a fool of Mary doctrinally, but one thing they could never ridicule was the fact that Jesus had cast seven demons out of her (see Luke 8:2 ); yet His blessings were nothing to her in comparison with knowing Jesus Himself. “. . . she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. . . . Jesus said to her, ’Mary!’ ” ( John 20:14, 16 ). Once He called Mary by her name, she immediately knew that she had a personal history with the One who spoke. “She turned and said to Him, ’Rabboni!’ ” ( John 20:16 ).
When I have stubbornly doubted? (see John 20:24-29 ). Have I been doubting something about Jesus— maybe an experience to which others testify, but which I have not yet experienced? The other disciples said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord” ( John 20:25 ). 
But Thomas doubted, saying, “Unless I see . . . I will not believe” ( John 20:25 ). Thomas needed the personal touch of Jesus. When His touches will come we never know, but when they do come they are indescribably precious. “Thomas . . . said to Him, ’My Lord and my God!’ ” ( John 20:28 ).
When I have selfishly denied Him? (see John 21:15-17 ). Peter denied Jesus Christ with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75 ), and yet after His resurrection Jesus appeared to Peter alone. Jesus restored Peter in private, and then He restored him publicly before the others. And Peter said to Him, “Lord . . . You know that I love You” ( John 21:17 ).
Do I have a personal history with Jesus Christ? The one true sign of discipleship is intimate oneness with Him— a knowledge of Jesus that nothing can shake.
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Journal Entry for Today-JDV
August 16, 2010
A book by Joyce Meyer, a song, a new lesson, and then I “get it”. I was praying for answers I already had. Somewhere, somehow I moved from “receiving” blessings from God to trying to “get” blessings from God. There is a difference.
And God says…”I bless you and give you blessings not because of anything you do or do not do. I bless you not because you are holy or righteous. I bless you because I love you. My love transcends anything you could ever accomplish. It was all accomplished on the cross by Jesus.”
“Instead of “begging” or repeatedly requesting an answer to your prayers, or a change in your circumstances, simply thank me for my blessings and receive them. Know that I will answer your prayers and meet your needs; I have already promised this. And your unworthiness, and or your disobedience? You are covered in the righteousness of Jesus and as a result of Jesus, all your unworthiness, shame and perhaps even pride, are covered with My grace and mercy. “
“Come to Me just as you are knowing you are acceptable in Jesus, and I will meet all your needs according to My riches in glory. Simply receive my love and blessings.”
DJR Journal … Thank your lord for the good times we’ve had with friends lately, saying good bye and wrapping up this chapter of our lives that are decades long with lots of people. You have blessed us indeed. Please lead us to finish well here in our home of the last 50-60 years. And guide us in the new Journey-Adventure. I would like to know more about what this move is about, since I sense it is more than just following grandbabies….
It is more. It is about US. You have been in a rut, albeit an expansive one, still the length of time in one place has restricted your vision. There is a time for everything, consistency, structure, persistance. You have been there and done that. It is a new time. A time for you to step out and trust me. It will be an adventure, I have new and different things for you that you know not and have only begun to think about some of them. You must stay open and stay connected to me or you will miss some of the best that I have planned for you. Come up here with me. Stay with me. Look down from here and you will see what breaks my heart. Let it break yours too and you will be ready for what I have for you.
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