Our Solitude with Him. Jesus doesn’t take us aside and explain things to us all the time; He explains things to us as we are able to understand them. The lives of others are examples for us, but God requires us to examine our own souls. It is slow work— so slow that it takes God all of time and eternity to make a man or woman conform to His purpose. We can only be used by God after we allow Him to show us the deep, hidden areas of our own character. It is astounding how ignorant we are about ourselves! We don’t even recognize the envy, laziness, or pride within us when we see it. But Jesus will reveal to us everything we have held within ourselves before His grace began to work. How many of us have learned to look inwardly with courage?

We have to get rid of the idea that we understand ourselves. That is always the last bit of pride to go. The only One who understands us is God. The greatest curse in our spiritual life is pride. If we have ever had a glimpse of what we are like in the sight of God, we will never say, “Oh, I’m so unworthy.” We will understand that this goes without saying. But as long as there is any doubt that we are unworthy, God will continue to close us in until He gets us alone. Whenever there is any element of pride or conceit remaining, Jesus can’t teach us anything. He will allow us to experience heartbreak or the disappointment we feel when our intellectual pride is wounded. He will reveal numerous misplaced affections or desires— things over which we never thought He would have to get us alone. Many things are shown to us, often without effect. But when God gets us alone over them, they will be clear.

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January 12, 2010

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

I agree with Chambers when he says it is difficult work to look at ourselves on the inside. It is hard to see the man I can become on the other side of my connection with God. It is difficult to look at myself and take in the depths of my selfishness, pride and fear. I want to be full of courage, humility and faith. And then I begin to understand that courage, humility and faith are a few of the characteristics that become a part of me as I am connected to God. Disconnected, I rely on my own characteristics. Intimate with Him I have the fruits of the Spirit.

And God says…” You have experienced the transformation taking in place inside of you. You have observed new emotions and behaviors…..and sometimes you are ….proud of the new you…and then you fall back into your own character and traits. Stay connected and praise God that it is the Holy Spirit living in you that is transforming you, until it is no longer you that live, but Christ inside of you.”

 Galatians 5:22-23 (The Message)

 ^22-23But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

 ^23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.