Have you ever heard the Master say something very difficult to you? If you haven’t, I question whether you have ever heard Him say anything at all.Jesus says a tremendous amount to us that we listen to, but do not actually hear. And once we do hear Him, His words are harsh and unyielding.

Jesus did not show the least concern that this rich young ruler should do what He told him, nor did Jesus make any attempt to keep this man with Him. He simply said to him, “Sell all that you have . . . and come, follow Me.” Our Lord never pleaded with him; He never tried to lure him— He simply spoke the strictest words that human ears have ever heard, and then left him alone.

Have I ever heard Jesus say something difficult and unyielding to me? Has He said something personally to me to which I have deliberately listened— not something I can explain for the sake of others, but something I have heard Him say directly to me? This man understood what Jesus said. He heard it clearly, realizing the full impact of its meaning, and it broke his heart. He did not go away as a defiant person, but as one who was sorrowful and discouraged.He had come to Jesus on fire with zeal and determination, but the words of Jesus simply froze him. Instead of producing enthusiastic devotion to Jesus, they produced heartbreaking discouragement. And Jesus did not go after him, but let him go. Our Lord knows perfectly well that once His word is truly heard, it will bear fruit sooner or later. What is so terrible is that some of us prevent His words from bearing fruit in our present life.I wonder what we will say when we finally make up our minds to be devoted to Him on that particular point? One thing is certain— He will never throw our past failures back in our faces.

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Journal Entry for Today-JDV

August 17, 2010

I think I understand a bit more about taking life and trusting God one day at a time. It just occurred to me that I may only have the capacity for enough faith to carry me one day at a time.

And God says…”I carry you with My love every day. I give you the faith and hope and courage in the form of the Holy Spirit, to live one day at a time. You find the love, faith, hope, trust, courage and connection in prayer, the word and fellowship. And I give you the capacity to capture these daily strengths one day at a time. Like manna from heaven you cannot store them up. Begin to pray without ceasing every morning; seek Me in the word and in fellowship and look for me in everything and every place of your day.

Knock and the doors will open, ask and you shall receive. You will receive all you need, one day at a time.

DJR Journal

Good morning Lord,   Thanks for the reminder today that we chose our name because Manna only lasts one day and we’ll need another daily dose tomorrow.   As JD said, we “might as well use up the fuel for today cause it ain’t going to keep”    I see that you  spoke to people matter of factly about their sin and their needs as to the rich young ruler.  Kind of like, here’s the deal,  it is what it is, take it or leave it, but it is what it is.   You didn’t beg people nor did you scream at them to stop.   (except maybe a few religeous leaders)   So thank you for that and your longsuffering and patience with me.   I have a question.  What if I didn’t obey on  a nudge from a long time ago and it’s not possible to go back and do it now?  Sometimes I think that.  But then I think that the adversary is at least happy if I’m all wound up in a guilt trip…..

You are right.  Dont let him win.   There is no condemnation.  And it is good to live like there is only today.   It is what it is and you get to choose to make the best of the situation.   Grieving over spilt milk will not bring the milk back and it damages MY reputation , (as well as yours) So get up, dry your eyes and choose.   Choose you this day….   Joshua