I cannot save and sanctify myself; I cannot make atonement for sin; I cannot redeem the world; I cannot right what is wrong, purify what is impure, or make holy what is unholy. That is all the sovereign work of God. Do I have faith in what Jesus Christ has done? He has made the perfect atonement for sin. Am I in the habit of constantly realizing it? The greatest need we have is not to do things, but to believe things. The redemption of Christ is not an experience, it is the great act of God which He has performed through Christ, and I have to build my faith on it.

If I construct my faith on my own experience, I produce the most unscriptural kind of life— an isolated life, with my eyes focused solely on my own holiness. Beware of that human holiness that is not based on the atonement of the Lord. It has no value for anything except a life of isolation— it is useless to God and a nuisance to man. Measure every kind of experience you have by our Lord Himself.

We cannot do anything pleasing to God unless we deliberately build on the foundation of the atonement by the Cross of Christ.

The atonement of Jesus must be exhibited in practical, unassuming ways in my life. Every time I obey, the absolute deity of God is on my side, so that the grace of God and my natural obedience are in perfect agreement.

Obedience means that I have completely placed my trust in the atonement, and my obedience is immediately met by the delight of the supernatural grace of God.

Beware of the human holiness that denies the reality of the natural life— it is a fraud. Continually bring yourself to the trial or test of the atonement and ask, “Where is the discernment of the atonement in this, and in that?”

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October 9, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

This devotional spoke to me about obedience and how important it is to be obedient to the Spirit of God. Even in the smallest of decisions and issues, there can be no rationalization or wavering if I want to be in the center of God’s grace and will. And it is only in His grace and will that I find hope, faith,  peace and happiness.

And God says…”I have a plan for your life, a hope and a dream that is at the very core of who you are. I put that hope and dream inside of you. It is right inside my will for your life. However, your view of my plan for your life will get cloudy when you seek your own designs and desires. When you chose to step outside of my will and choose your own way, you disconnect from Me and My plans for your life.”

“Stay connected, stay obedient, and rest in knowing you are in My will that includes your highest hopes and dreams and service.”

DJR Journal 10 9 10

It occurs that several things conspire against simple obedience for me.   Being an American … We started with a Declaration of INDEPENDENCE,  Being my father’s son, to strive and excel.    And the nature from Adam.    …   But if and when I do submit and obey, the results are really great.    I’m finally beginning to learn that.

It’s true, you have a lot pulling you to independence and rebellion.   But you can overcome.  As I overcame,   The rewards are great.

I am seeing that and thank you for lessons like this from Oswald and the music and my brother.   With all of that we’ll see if we cant start winning more than we are losing.    Thank you Lord.