It is easy for us to imagine that we will suddenly come to a point in our lives where we are fully prepared, but preparation is not suddenly accomplished. In fact, it is a process that must be steadily maintained. It is dangerous to become settled and complacent in our present level of experience. The Christian life requires preparationand more preparation.

The sense of sacrifice in the Christian life is readily appealing to a new Christian. From a human standpoint, the one thing that attracts us to Jesus Christ is our sense of the heroic, and a close examination of us by our Lord’s words suddenly puts this tide of enthusiasm to the test. “. . . go your way. First be reconciled to your brother. . . .” The “go” of preparation is to allow the Word of God to examine you closely. Your sense of heroic sacrifice is not good enough. The thing the Holy Spirit will detect in you is your nature that can never work in His service. And no one but God can detect that nature in you. Do you have anything to hide from God? If you do, then let God search you with His light. If there is sin in your life, don’t just admit it—confess it. Are you willing to obey your Lord and Master, whatever the humiliation to your right to yourself may be?

Never disregard a conviction that the Holy Spirit brings to you. If it is important enough for the Spirit of God to bring it to your mind, it is the very thing He is detecting in you. You were looking for some big thing to give up, while God is telling you of some tiny thing that must go. But behind that tiny thing lies the stronghold of obstinacy, and you say, “I will not give up my right to myself”— the very thing that God intends you to give up if you are to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

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September 23, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

I often struggle with the thoughts about how and when will I allow Jesus to live through me….all the time, without failing over and over? When and how will I be able to trust all the time, hope all the time, and love all the time? How can I do this? I seem to fail all too often.

And God says…”It is not something to learn, or something you learn. Allowing Jesus to live through you is not natural, but you can become a reflection of Jesus as you pray without ceasing. When you pray without ceasing, and focus on Jesus, you find you can trust, hope, and love all the time. This occurs supernaturally as you focus on Jesus.”

 “You will reflect Jesus all the time when you leave this life and live eternally. Here in this life, you are being shaped and molded by the Holy Spirit so that there is always less of you and more of Me. Your nature will always be there in this life, but Jesus saves you from this nature as you trust and obey. And even the ability to trust and obey are gifts from me. Pray without ceasing and you will find hope, faith, love and direction.”

”And when you fail as you surely will? Reflect on the grace and mercy from Jesus that covers you even as the rain.”