Between these two times Peter denied Jesus with oaths and curses (see Matthew 26:69-75). But then he came completely to the end of himself and all of his self-sufficiency. There was no part of himself he would ever rely on again. In his state of destitution, he was finally ready to receive all that the risen Lord had for him. “. . . He breathed on them, and said to them, ’Receive the Holy Spirit’ ” (John 20:22). No matter what changes God has performed in you, never rely on them. Build only on a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Spirit He gives.

All our promises and resolutions end in denial because we have no power to accomplish them. When we come to the end of ourselves, not just mentally but completely, we are able to “receive the Holy Spirit.” “Receive the Holy Spirit “— the idea is that of invasion. There is now only One who directs the course of your life, the Lord Jesus Christ.

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January 5, 2011

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

I seem to keep learning the same lesson over and over… about getting to the end of myself….actually letting go of a particular area or concern or issue. I go through this process over and over until I realize I should have truly given you all of the issue,  and or circumstance in that area of my life.

Don’t try to get out of your trials too early because you have a great deal to learn inside of them. Unfortunately you often do not turn over an area or issue or circumstance of your life until you discover you cannot handle it. And often you do not do this until you have exhausted every option available to you. You are learning to come to the end of yourself earlier after many lessons. But they are lessons you learn through experience.

 It would be much, much easier if you were able to immediately turn your entire life over to Me and allow the Holy Spirit to live every moment through you. But easier is not necessarily better, and that is not your nature, nor do I want you to be a preprogrammed follower. I want you to choose to have a relationship with Me in every area of your life. I want you to understand and know that you will always arrive at the end of yourself, as long as you trust your own devices, and you will continue to trust your own devices as long as they work for you. I give you my peace and joy in the midst of your life, trials and all, as you no longer rely on yourself. Trust in Me with all your heart and do not rely on your own devices and I will make your paths straight. Do not worry about anything but pray about everything…..and you shall have peace that passes all understanding.